This presentation will describe a model for integrating Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) into a traditional allopathic medical school curriculum. This curricular innovation will prepare the physician of the future to practice integrative medicine by incorporating the theory, evidence and practice of CAM into each of the undergraduate medical years. It will systematically and sequentially build student competency in CAM from beginning to more in-depth levels across the medical education curriculum.
This curriculum model includes the addition of specific units on CAM within existing courses and clerkships and adds new offerings in clinical and research electives. The delivery of course content involves CAM practitioners in the teaching and education of students and faculty. Case-based instruction, experiential learning, small group reflective practice, field experiences, web-based clinical consultation and lectures are utilized as instructional methods.
Our experiences in building capacity for the delivery of this curriculum will be discussed. Goals for developing new student knowledge, skills and attitudes in CAM in each of the undergraduate medical years will be outlined, along with examples of courses already implemented and those in development. We will present student course evaluation data and proposed plans for overall curriculum evaluation.
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1) define what is meant by an integrative medical curriculum; 2) identify effective strategies to support CAM course development at their university; and 3) design future courses in CAM based on presented models.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Define what is meant by an integrative medical curriculum. 2. Identify effective strategies to support Complementary and Alternative Medicine course development at their university. 3. Design future courses in CAM based on presented models.
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Michigan
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.