Developing a National Vision for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Undergraduate Medical Education: Report on an Invitational Workshop

Abstract

The increasing use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among Canadians has led to exploring the potential role of CAM in undergraduate medical education (UME). As part of a multi-phased project to begin developing CAM curriculum for UME, representatives of 14 Canadian medical schools attended a two day workshop in September 2003 in Saskatoon, SK. Workshop outcomes included developing (1) a rationale for CAM in UME, (2) draft student learning objectives, (3) a list of potential CAM curriculum topics, and (4) a list of factors affecting curriculum implementation. Much of the discussions centred on what Canada’s future physicians need to know about CAM. Broad curricular categories included (1) general CAM topics (e.g., definitions, utilization, reasons for use, evidence, implications for practice, bridging paradigms), and (2) specific CAM products and practices. The top rated practice areas for physicians to know about were Natural Health Products, Traditional Chinese Medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy and homeopathy. Participants identified that for each of these practices/products a descriptive overview, information about evidence, safety and regulation, and clinical implications needs to be discussed. Using the workshop recommendations as a foundation, the CAM in UME project team continues to develop a national, consensus-based CAM curriculum for Canadian medical schools.