Anthroposophic medicine is a holistic approach to the art and science of medical practice. "Anthroposophy" literally means wisdom of the human being. All anthroposophic medical doctors are licensed by the states in which they practice. Each is guided by the premise that the human organism in its totality contains all that is to be found in the surrounding world. The practitioner views the patient as an individual human being who is striving to balance physical substance, life processes and psychological dynamics. The physician offers or prescribes " a help " consistent with the individual's spiritual intention, recognizing its wisdom. In this way, anthroposophic medicine extends conventional medicine. Rudolf Steiner, PhD.,collaborated with Ita Wegman, MD to initiate this medical specialty.