Introducing integrative East-West medicine to medical students and residents

J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Aug;8(4):507-15. doi: 10.1089/107555302760253711.

Abstract

Over the last several years, many medical schools and residencies have introduced complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their curricula, prompting a discussion as to how CAM should be taught. In this paper, we share our experiences teaching medical trainees integrative East-West medicine, an approach to health and disease that brings together modern Western and Chinese medicine. A 2-week clinical rotation that is intimately tied to our busy clinical program is described in detail as we explore some of the challenges and opportunities involved in teaching a CAM-related field to medical trainees. We also demonstrate how such a clinical experience offers an opportunity to impart on our students a broad view of medicine and to discuss novel approaches to clinical problem-solving.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • California
  • Clinical Clerkship / organization & administration
  • Complementary Therapies / education*
  • Complementary Therapies / standards*
  • Curriculum / standards
  • Education, Medical / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / organization & administration
  • Program Evaluation
  • Teaching / methods*