Suggested curriculum guidelines on complementary and alternative medicine: recommendations of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Group on Alternative Medicine

Abstract

Background and objectives: The widespread use of alternative and complementary therapies by the public provides a new challenge to medical education. No standardized curriculum is available for medical educators in this field. Providing an adequate background on these therapies and reliable, useful information to our learners was a task addressed by the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Group on Alternative Medicine over the past 2 years.

Methods: The group met at conferences and communicated via e-mail to develop a consensus of recommended knowledge, skills, and attitudes in complementary and alternative medicine for incorporation into the family practice residency training curriculum.

Conclusion: This article suggests guidelines as developed by this STFM group to assist programs wishing to include formal training in complementary and alternative medicine in residency training.