Integrative General Practice in the Dandenong Ranges
At Thryve Family Practice we wish to bring a paradigm-shift in healthcare, where health challenges are addressed at their roots, not their symptoms. We want people to realise and embrace the power they have over their wellbeing.
Working in partnership with you, guiding and supporting you in your health journey towards a well you.
Our intent is to raise awareness that our food matters. Our environment matters. Using those foundational principals, we are committed to improving individual and community health, by providing education, encouragement and ongoing support.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative medicine is a philosophy of healthcare that combines the knowledge and evidence-based practices of both conventional and complementary medicine. It reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient, focuses on the whole person and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Lifestyle factors such as diet, movement, sleep, stress and environmental exposures are explored and discussed, as they form the foundation of health and wellbeing.
Dr Marina McPherson
Dr Marina McPherson is the founder and Principal GP at Thryve Family Practice. Dr Marina has been a general practitioner for over 15 years, incorporating integrative medicine for most of her years of practice.
Why Choose Thryve Family Practice?
As a leading integrative health practitioner in Melbourne, Thryve Family Practice has built a reputation for providing personalised care that helps patients achieve optimal health and wellbeing at any stage of life.
Dr Marina’s mission is to inspire and empower individuals and families to take charge of their health by taking a proactive, preventative approach to wellness, focusing on comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. Dr Marina’s evidence-based and holistic integrative health practice aims to educate patients on improving their lives and health through more nutritious food, regular movement and a better understanding of their unique healthcare needs.
Our Integrative Health Services
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Gut & Digestive Health
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Menstrual Disorders
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Preventative Healthcare
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Chronic Disease Management
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Thyroid Conditions
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Women's Health
Integrative Healthcare FAQs
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Integrative medicine focuses on the whole person, paying particular attention to a person’s environment, diet, lifestyle and psychological/spiritual factors and assessing how those may be contributing to their illness or suboptimal health
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It incorporates Western medicine but pays attention to seeing the person as a whole and finding commonalities that could be contributing to disease.
Looking for root causes of issues, not just addressing symptoms
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Optimisation of foundation pillars (diet, lifestyle, stress, sleep, exercise) are addressed and optimised
Treatment is tailored to the individual
we work by meeting the patient where they are and taking into consideration what they are prepared to do
Advice and management include dietary and lifestyle modification as appropriate and is guided by the patient’s capabilities. Nutritional supplements and medication is prescribed if deemed appropriate
Referrals are made to other modalities if this is thought to be beneficial, ie acupuncture, exercise physiologist, other medical specialists
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Yes, integrative medicine has a strong evidence-based approach. Integrative health practitioners are always updating their knowledge based on newly available studies and information
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Integrative medicine can be helpful in almost all medical conditions.
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Dr Marina will take the time to become familiar with your past medical history, your medications, your diet and your lifestyle. You and the doctor discuss your health concerns. The doctor will usually request you to have some further tests, which may include blood tests, radiology tests, stool tests, and others. Where appropriate, and if time allows, the doctor may perform a body composition assessment. We come up with a treatment plan and may be able to initiate some of the plans during the first consult.
Some conditions and consults are extremely complicated and often require several visits as it may not be possible to address all issues in one consult
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Yes. A Medicare rebate applies, depending on the time and complexity of the consultation. This is listed in the fee section of my website
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Depending on the condition and implementation, this can be days to months
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No, you will have to see your regular GP to get your vaccinations as we do not stock vaccinations on site. These have specific storage conditions and use-by dates, and we do not have a significant demand for this service
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Absolutely!! Integrative medicine is the bomb for disease prevention!!
Over 80% of chronic diseases are driven by lifestyle factors. If we optimise those, we can significantly reduce our risk of chronic diseases and optimise or health and wellbeing
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Yes, but general advice only; not menu planning; more about education about principals of food and diet for individual cases. If more assistance is required, I refer to nutritionist.
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Please note that we are not a bulk billing practice.
Integrative Medicine is slow medicine. It allows the doctor to spend time speaking with you to understand your story and symptoms and determine the underlying factors contributing to your problems. An integrative health practitioner has undertaken extensive postgraduate training and specialisation in their area of interest.
General Fees:
Initial appt - 60min - $440 (Medicare rebate $122.15 - $197.90)
Follow-up appt - 45min - $330 (Medicare rebate $122.15)
Follow-up appt - 30min - $220 (Medicare rebate $82.90)
Follow-up - 15min - $110 (Medicare rebate $42.85)
Concession / HCC holders:
Initial appt - 60min - $380 (Medicare rebate $122.15 - $197.90)
Follow-up appt - 45min - $285 (Medicare rebate $122.15)
Follow-up appt - 30min - $185 (Medicare rebate $82.90)
Follow-up - 15min - $99 (Medicare rebate $42.85)
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Yes, this may be appropriate for follow-up appointments, but not initial consults. It is important to meet the person, and often, a physical assessment is necessary.
We always prefer face-to-face consultation where possible.
We’re here to guide, support and empower you in your health journey. Take ownership of your health and thrive.
Your Trusted Integrative Health Practitioner
For a fresh approach to holistic medicine and integrative health for you and your family, contact Dr Marina McPherson at Thryve Family Practice today.