Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program

The Complementary and Alternative Medicine Program was created in 2003 by Georgetown University Medical Center in response to a nationwide NIH-funded educational initiative to incorporate CAM into medical and graduate school curricula. This program is focused on training students to objectively assess the safety and efficacy of various CAM modalities such as acupuncture, massage, herbs and supplements, and mind-body interactions and introducing scientific rigor to much needed research in this field.

In Fall 2003, Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) introduced the first CAM-oriented, science-based Master of Science program at a US Medical Center. Over 90% of the 2004 graduates have started their residency programs or are in the process of completing their medical school.

In Fall 2005, the Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) launched a 5-year MD/MS track, with the CAM MS course of study followed by the 4-year medical curriculum. Another unique experience, this innovative program is the first to implement the national initiative to integrate the critical scientific evaluation of CAM modalities and CAM research with medical education. To be admitted to the joint MD/MS program, students must first be accepted to GUSOM and then apply to the CAM MS program.

The American public's use of CAM therapeutic modalities, herbal medicines, and supplements has grown exponentially. Georgetown University Medical Center recognizes the need to train a new generation of healthcare providers that has a grasp of what is called "integrative medicine" (medicine that incorporates beneficial evidence-based practices from CAM as well as mainstream medicine). The faculty of Georgetown University School of Medicine has made this institution one of the leaders in this field, by incorporating CAM into the education of medical students and into the graduate research programs. Physiology is the study of integrated function of the body, and trained physiologists are uniquely able to address, in their research and teaching, issues of biological and health-related effects of new or previously uninvestigated agents or treatments.

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