CAM Research Training Program

As one of the original 10 centers funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (known as Office of Alternative Medicine in 1995), the University of Virginia and its CAM cohort centers, as well as individual researchers, have been researching selected CAM practices and products. During this time it has become increasingly evident that an additional cohort of researchers is required. There is a clear need for the preparation of a diverse multidisciplinary group of trainees who hold degrees in naturopathy, pharmacology, osteopathy, medicine, dentistry, psychology, nursing, chiropractic, and other clinical areas, who are interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in this emerging field.

Our CAM research training fosters trainees' development in content and skills that are germane to evaluating fully the efficacy, mechanisms of action, safety, and cost effectiveness of CAM. Through this training program, trainees from diverse, multidisciplinary backgrounds can acquire the scientific foundation needed for:

  1. future definitive randomized clinical trials for determining the efficacy of CAM; or,

  2. investigating the basic mechanisms of action of selected CAM practices and products.
The overall goal of our CAM research training program is to recruit and train outstanding nurses, physicians, dentists, osteopaths, naturopaths, pharmacists, and other doctoral-prepared health professionals in patient or human subject-oriented research designed to elucidate the efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action and safety of CAM. The research training provides investigators with the encouragement, knowledge, and skills to conduct independent investigations as a substantial component of their careers, thus making a significant impact toward the nation's research agenda.