 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Adam Burke, PhD, MPH, LAc, Katherine Aparicio, BS, Kenn Burrows, MPH, and Erik Peper. Health Education/Institute for Holistic Healing Studies, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132, 415-440-8553, aburke@sfsu.edu
The US is witnessing dramatic growth in the use of complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM). One downside of rapid assimilation of CAM is a lack of sufficient knowledge of safety, efficacy and optimal use. Greater knowledge requires additional research and training. Currently the majority of MD programs in the US offer CAM courses in the curriculum, as do several nursing and public health programs. One challenge with the existing educational infrastructure, however, is that the integration occurs at the graduate level, which is arguably much too late. To assess the status of undergraduate CAM or holistically-oriented programs in the US a search was conducted.
Methods Appropriate databases were searched using key terms. A major internet search engine was also employed. The search was restricted by a number of criteria focusing on accredited, US, undergraduate programs, terminating in a minor, degree or certificate.
Results A search of databases produced marginal results. Internet searches were very productive in locating CAM-related programs generally and undergraduate programs specifically. The most effective search terms included: “holistic” “certificate” “undergraduate”. Using these terms 8 programs were found in the United States that met the selection criteria.
Discussion Out of this search 8 schools were located that met the selection criteria. One of these programs, the Institute for Holistic Healing Studies at San Francisco State University is examined as a model.
Conclusion There is a significant lack of undergraduate educational programs in the US that are specifically oriented to CAM or holistic health content. Support would be prudent.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Education, Alternative Medicine/Therapies
Related Web page: www.sfsu.edu/~ihhs/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an assistant professor at San Francisco State University, which is mentioned in the paper as a school offering a comprehensive CAM undergraduate program.