Mary Pat Wohlford-Wessels, MA, MS, College of Health Sciences, Division of Health Management, Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center, 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312 and Joe D. Goldstrich, MD, practicing physician, 1106 33rd street, West Des Moines, IA 50266, 515 223 1196, vitadoc@hotmail.com.

This session will introduce participants to the results of survey research conducted to assess medical students attitudes, knowledge and perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine. Content includes an assessment of: acupuncture, chakra balancing, feldenkrais, healing touch, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathic manipulative medicine, reflexology tai chi and much more. The session will also address how knowledge and attitudes effects physician/patient communication.

Learning Objectives: At the completion of this session participants will be able to

• State medical students knowledge regarding CAM
• State medical students perceptions about CAM effectiveness
• Describe how perceptions help or hinder physician/patient communication

Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies,

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.