Michelle Loy

Biography and Expertise of Michelle Loy

Dr. Michelle Loy is a pioneering figure integrating conventional medicine with evidence-based therapies. As an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine with joint appointments in Medicine and Pediatrics, dedicated to transforming patient care through a holistic lens. Her expertise is not confined to a single specialty; instead, she navigates the complex clinical needs of patients across their entire lifespan. This unique focus directly aligns with Thematic Axis 4 of the congress, “TCIM Across the Lifespan,” as she applies integrative principles to both pediatric and adult medicine.

Her work is deeply rooted in the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, emphasizing science and evidence to validate traditional and complementary practices. Dr. Loy champions the integration of modalities like acupuncture, yoga, and culinary medicine into mainstream healthcare settings. Therefore, her clinical practice and research provide a powerful model for Thematic Axis 2, “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” By developing programs that blend lifestyle interventions with standard medical treatment, she helps build the “Well-being Societies” envisioned by the congress motto, promoting health resilience and patient empowerment.

Furthermore, Dr. Michelle Loy is a passionate educator shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her leadership in medical education at Weill Cornell and national organizations supports Thematic Axis 5, “TCIM Education and Training.” She develops curricula that equip future doctors with the skills to practice comprehensive, patient-centered medicine. Her approach, which combines rigorous science with the “Knowledge Diversity” from traditions like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is essential for advancing a truly integrative global public health agenda.

Professional Career

Dr. Michelle Loy‘s professional trajectory is anchored at Weill Cornell Medicine-New York Presbyterian Hospital, one of the world’s leading academic medical centers. Her career reflects a consistent progression of leadership and innovation in the field of integrative medicine. After establishing her foundational expertise, she has focused on building programs, educating peers, and providing specialized patient care that bridges medical disciplines. This journey demonstrates a profound commitment to embedding integrative health within the structure of modern medicine.

Her roles have evolved from clinical training to faculty leadership, where she now influences institutional and national standards of care. Dr. Loy’s career is a testament to her dedication to creating a healthcare paradigm that is both scientifically rigorous and compassionately holistic.

• Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics: At Weill Cornell Medicine, she holds joint appointments, providing integrative medicine consultations for complex cases in both adult and pediatric populations and leading program development in lifestyle and culinary medicine.
• Associate Editor: Serving on the editorial board of Global Advances in Health and Medicine, she helps shape the scholarly discourse and advance the evidence base for integrative practices worldwide.
• Fellowship Training: She completed a prestigious Integrative Medicine Fellowship at Columbia University/Stamford Hospital, where she deepened her expertise in a multidisciplinary clinical environment.
• Residency Training: Dr. Loy completed her pediatrics residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, gaining comprehensive experience in pediatric care in a high-acuity setting.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Michelle Loy‘s academic foundation stems from training at highly respected U.S. institutions. Her education combines psychology, medicine, and specialized integrative disciplines. This background offers a multifaceted health perspective, enabling her to address patient wellness from biological, psychological, and social standpoints, underpinning her evidence-based clinical approach.

Beyond core medical training, she pursued multiple board certifications, distinguishing her as a leader. This commitment to continuous learning ensures care meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

• Board Certification in Pediatrics: Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP).
• Board Certification in Integrative Medicine (DipABOIM): Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Medicine, signifying top-tier expertise in the specialty.
• Board Certification in Lifestyle Medicine (DipABLM): Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, reflecting proficiency in using lifestyle interventions to treat chronic disease.
• Board Certification in Medical Acupuncture (DABMA): Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, indicating specialized skill in this ancient and effective therapy.
• Medical Acupuncture Certification: Completed advanced certification at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College.
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, providing a strong foundation in behavioral science.

Research and Publications

Dr. Michelle Loy is a dedicated researcher committed to building a robust evidence base for integrative medicine, a goal that aligns perfectly with the scientific principles of the Gujarat Declaration. Her scholarly work focuses on the practical application and clinical outcomes of integrative therapies, particularly in challenging areas like oncology, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. She investigates a wide range of modalities, including culinary and botanical medicine, acupuncture, yoga, and narrative medicine, to validate their role in contemporary healthcare. Therefore, her research contributes directly to Thematic Axis 3, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).”

A significant focus of her work is on education. For instance, her publication on “The ‘We Are What We Eat’ Seminar and Culinary Medicine Workshop” details an innovative interprofessional curriculum at Weill Cornell. This research showcases a scalable model for integrating nutrition science with practical culinary skills, empowering future health professionals to guide patients effectively. In addition, her call for research in the Pediatric Emergency Department highlights a critical gap and advocates for new, integrative approaches to acute care for children.

Through her role as an Associate Editor for Global Advances in Health and Medicine and as a site representative for the BraveNet practice-based research network, Dr. Michelle Loy actively promotes high-quality research. She facilitates collaborative studies that generate real-world data, helping to translate research findings into clinical practice and inform health policy. Her contributions are vital for demonstrating the value of integrative strategies in improving patient outcomes and creating more resilient healthcare systems.

Leadership and Influence in Integrative Medicine

While formal awards are one measure of success, the most profound recognition of Dr. Michelle Loy‘s impact comes from her appointment to significant leadership positions within the most influential medical organizations in her field. These roles are a direct testament to the respect she commands from her peers and her instrumental role in shaping the future of integrative and lifestyle medicine. Her leadership is crucial for setting standards, guiding policy, and mentoring the next generation of physicians, embodying the spirit of Thematic Axis 5, “TCIM Education and Training.”

Her active involvement in these organizations demonstrates a deep commitment to service and to the advancement of her specialty. Through this work, Dr. Loy influences the certification standards for physicians, the educational content delivered at national conferences, and the strategic direction of integrative pediatrics. This level of influence makes her a pivotal figure in the ongoing effort to integrate TCIM into mainstream healthcare systems, a core mission of the 3rd WCTCIM.

Her international recognition is built upon a foundation of clinical excellence, educational innovation, and a collaborative spirit. By serving in these capacities, Dr. Michelle Loy not only represents the pinnacle of her profession but also actively works to elevate the entire field, ensuring that integrative medicine is practiced with rigor, compassion, and a commitment to evidence.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Michelle Loy contributes her expertise to numerous leading organizations, playing a key role in the governance, standards, and educational direction of integrative medicine in the U.S. and beyond. Her extensive involvement in boards and committees highlights her dedication to advancing the field through collaborative, high-level initiatives, central to TCIM’s professionalization and integration.

These roles allow her to shape policies and practices affecting thousands of clinicians and patients. Her service is a powerful vehicle for implementing change and fostering growth across the medical community.

• Director, American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM): Helps oversee certification standards for physicians specializing in integrative medicine, ensuring high competency and professionalism.
• Program Chair, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section of Integrative Medicine: Leads educational programming for pediatricians, promoting safe and effective use of integrative therapies in child health.
• Secretary, American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) Pediatric Member Interest Group: Guides the agenda for advancing lifestyle medicine as a foundational component of pediatric care, focusing on prevention and treatment of disease in youth.
• Site Representative, BraveNet: Represents Weill Cornell Medicine in this integrative medicine research network, facilitating collaborative research projects that generate crucial real-world evidence.
• Faculty and Mentor, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine: Contributes to education and mentorship of fellows in a renowned integrative medicine fellowship, shaping the next generation of leaders.

Connect with Dr. Loy

Explore the extensive work and professional contributions of Dr. Michelle Loy through the following platforms. These resources provide further insight into her clinical practice, research, and leadership in advancing integrative health and medicine.

Official Profile at Weill Cornell Medicine: View Profile

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/michelle-loy-md-faap-25565a163

Global Advances in Health and Medicine: View Editorial Board