An Approach to Teaching Primary Care Physicians How to Integrate Complementary Medicine into Their Daily Practices: A Pilot Study

The researchers found that providing a short course in advanced integrative medicine improves physician ability to better formulate an individualized treatment plan.

Abstract

This paper describes a pilot educational approach to integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into the daily routine of primary care practice. Twelve (12) family practice residents and specialists were assigned to develop an integrative treatment program geared to address the needs of their own patients. In the process, participants were asked to formulate treatment plans by searching resources to find appropriate CAM modalities and consult with CAM practitioners. The effectiveness of the educational process was assessed by questionnaires. The researchers found that providing a short course in advanced integrative medicine improves physician ability to better formulate an individualized treatment plan. This approach of teaching has long-standing results, as noted with a 2-year follow-up evaluation.