Integrative Health Case Presentations to Promote Education and Community

The dramatic increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the US has been a consumer-driven movement. The evidence base supporting effective and safe CAM treatments and products is growing yet research demonstrates that many patients are not discussing CAM use with their primary care physician. Additionally, many allopathic health care providers are unfamiliar with the benefits and risks of CAM services and products. With dismal health outcomes when compared to our international counterparts and an unsustainable health care system, integrative medicine offers the opportunity to promote healthy self-care behaviors, expand primary medical care and potentially improve cost effectiveness in the US. The ultimate success of this integration relies upon inter-professional research, education and communication. Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Western States Chiropractic College and National College of Natural Medicine through the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine have shared efforts in education, research and clinical care over the past two decades. One endeavor of this collaborative has been the highly successful Integrative Health Grand Rounds in educating health care providers and health professional students from all healing modalities as well as community members over the past six years. This session will present data from these case-based presentations and describe how organizations of all budgets can feasibly implement low cost educational events that have a high impact on the integrative health literacy and knowledge of their audience. In addition to education, these lectures allow professionals to identify opportunities for collaboration and build community.