Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the didactic course work required under the CAM research training program, trainees should be able to:


  1. demonstrate the fundamental skills, methodology, theories, and knowledge base needed for well prepared, independent, CAM researchers that include abilities to:

    1. formulate research questions for CAM projects;

    2. develop testable hypotheses for the question/s to which answers are being sought; and

    3. demonstrate fundamental knowledge in health statistics, including basic analysis, descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, and sample size calculation;

  2. demonstrate skill in data input, inspection, and computations;

  3. apply modern biostatistical modeling techniques to uncover shape and strength of the relationship between variables and outcomes;

  4. demonstrate knowledge of the steps in research project development and the importance of sound planning for clinical trials or basic science studies investigating mechanisms of action;

  5. critique study results reported in the literature to determine which results come from sound studies;

  6. discuss techniques for the evaluation of health outcomes from CAM therapies from the perspectives of consumers/patients, physicians, nurses, and other health care providers, and society;

  7. demonstrate knowledge of the legal, cultural, ethical, and social issues related to CAM research;

  8. discuss federal policies and regulations that address research with human subjects or animals;

  9. demonstrate evidence of skills in using the Internet to locate reliable CAM evidence, to share or access data and technologies;

  10. demonstrate through discussion and written documentation knowledge of CAM-related pharmacology; and

  11. demonstrate skill in scientific writing through the development of a competitive CAM-related research proposal.