This longitudinal course module provides students with a foundation in complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAIM). Through readings, field visit experiences and lecture/small group discussion, students will explore the diversity of medical practices, key issues facing researchers and practitioners, and principles of information gathering by undertaking preliminary overviews of research evidence.

KNOWLEDGE OUTCOMES
Understanding of:

1. The distinction between integrative and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

2. How personal, cultural, ethnic, and spiritual beliefs shape an individual’s interpretation of his/her disease and to treatment.

3. Various conceptualizations of illness, healing, and curing.

4. The prevalence and patterns of CAM use by patients.

5. Basic definitions, theory, philosophy, history of the most commonly used CAM modalities.

6. Common clinical applications of the most commonly used alternatives.

7. Potentially adverse effects of the most commonly used alternative therapies.

8. Current research evidence for efficacy of the most commonly used alternative approaches.

9. Reputable resources for in-depth information related to the most commonly used alternatives.

10. Status of training and credentialing standards for complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAIM)practitioners.

SKILLS OUTCOMES
Ability to:

1. Locate reputable information resources for integrative medicine in order to support patient care and life-long learning.

2. Encourage doctor-patient communication by creating collaborative relationships based on mutual respect.

3. Design a personal self-care program that includes assessment of personal stress level and implementation of a self-care strategy.

4. Develop focused questions regarding the application of integrative medicine principles or practices for an individual patient.

a. Utilize databases, peer-reviewed publications, authoritative textbooks, web-based resources, experiential knowledge of practitioners, and participatory observation to gather relevant information on alternative therapies.

b. Evaluate information for scientific quality and clinical relevance.

c. Consider the possible outcomes of integrating alternatives into the care plan of an individual patient.

PROFESSIONALISM OUTCOMES: ATTITUDES, BEHAVIORS AND CHARACTERISTICS
Demonstration of:

1. Openness to paradigms and traditions outside of conventional medicine that can drive the clinical decision-making process for both physician and patient.

2. A willingness to engage in critical inquiry about current approaches to health and disease taken by both CAM and conventional health care providers.

3. Openness to a self-examination of personal beliefs and values that may influence the physician’s choice of recommendations regarding patients’ treatment decisions.

4. Respect for the influence of patients’ personal, cultural, ethnic, and spiritual beliefs on their experience of health and illness and on patients’ clinical decision-making process.

5. Respect for patients’ decisions to use complementary and alternative therapies, and/or other self-care strategies.

6. Respect for the role that CAM providers play in the delivery of health care to diverse patient constituencies.

Introduction to Integrative Medicine
October 1, 2007

CAM Field Experience
October 1, 2007
October 2, 2007
October 3, 2007

CAM Small Group Discussions
October 5, 2007

Alternative Approaches to Musculoskeletal Pain
March 7, 2008

Mind-Body Medicine
April 1, 2008

Bibliographic Resources

CAM Research Centers

Web Resources