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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Caroline H. Sparks, PhD1, Susan Silver, Post-MS Hth Adm2, Elyse S. Pegler, BS1, Mary Ann T. McYat, MPH1, Brynn E. Pierce, MPH3, and John C. Pan, MD2. (1) Prevention Research Center, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 2175 K Street, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037, (202) 467-2277, ihochs@gwumc.edu, (2) Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, George Washington University, 908 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., #200, Washington, DC 20037, (3) Central Oregon Community College, 2595 NW Monterey Pines Dr., Bend, OR 97701
The Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University is implementing a program, “Teaching the Unconventional Unconventionally” to introduce Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) to entering medical students. The program is funded by the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Education Department. In the first year of medical school, a randomly assigned group of student volunteers learn CAM by experiencing 12 CAM modalities at the Center for Integrative Medicine. In the second year, students engage in lecture/discussion groups about CAM theory and principles. In subsequent years, participants observe CAM practitioners and take part in case management at the Center for Integrative Medicine. Two cohorts of medical students are now in the program. An annual survey assesses attitudes and knowledge of CAM. Responses among the intervention volunteers, non-intervention volunteers and the rest of the medical class are compared. Both volunteer groups are given annual health assessments and responses are compared.
At the APHA conference, the CIM staff and evaluators will present the results of the first two annual surveys of students. In both surveys, less than half of all students knew about or used a majority of CAM modalities. T-test analyses indicated that changes from Survey 1 to 2 were higher for intervention participants compared to other students. Participants’ use of CAM was significantly higher than non-participants’. Participants showed more positive attitudes toward CAM and intended to use CAM in their future practices more than non-participants.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.