Med Students Say Conventional Medicine Would Benefit by Integrating Alternative Therapies

The findings of a new study published January 20, 2010, in the online issue of Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that three-quarters of medical students asked felt that conventional, Western medicine would benefit from integrating more CAM therapies and ideas.

This study is reportedly the largest national survey of its kind. Researchers from UCLA and UC San Diego, including experts in the fields of CAM, integrative medicine, Western medicine, medical education, and survey development, assessed their results based on 1,770 surveys.

Though researchers found that medical students supported the importance of CAM and alternative medicine, some obstacles that could prevent future doctors from recommending these treatments were also identified. According to the findings (as reported on esciencenews):

• 77 percent of participants agreed to some extent that patients whose doctors know about complementary and alternative medicine in addition to conventional medicine, benefit more than those whose doctors are only familiar with Western medicine.
• 74 percent of participants agreed to some extent that a system of medicine that integrates therapies of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine would be more effective than either type of medicine provided independently.
• 84 percent of participants agreed to some extent that the field contains beliefs, ideas, and therapies from which conventional medicine could benefit.
• 49 percent of participating medical students indicated that they have used complementary and alternative treatments however few would recommend or use these treatments in their practice until more scientific assessment has occurred.

To read the full-length article with commentary from the researchers involved, visit: http://ow.ly/Z1ue

ACHS launches seven new career-oriented credential programs

The Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS) has launched seven new career-oriented credential programs beginning January 2009.

The College developed these one-of-a-kind programs to meet growing industry demand for accessible, holistic health career training. Specially designed to meet the needs of higher education’s fast-growing population—non-traditional students—ACHS now offers greater access to viable CAM-based careers and businesses. As alternative holistic health continues to increase in visibility and desirability, the College will continue to develop course offerings and programs that service the needs of a growing profession.

History tells us that in times of national economic uncertainty, higher education is the go-to solution for professional re-tooling and development. Yet, today, many non-traditional students are unable to attend traditional, daytime classes. The increasingly viable solution is accredited, online education. Students who enroll in one of the Australasian College’s career-oriented credential programs: 1) receive accredited education for a sustainable career in the growing holistic health industry; 2) save money by minimizing transportation costs; 3) and can continue to work while completing their studies, because ACHS courses are available from any computer, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The College’s new career-oriented credential programs include: Certificate in Herbal Retail Management, Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing, Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting, Certificate in Iridology Consulting, Certificate in Homeopathy Consulting, Certificate in Dynamic Phytotherapy Consulting, and Certificate in Wellness Consulting.

Program graduates will prepare for careers in: holistic health consulting, health food retailing and management, herbal and aromatherapy product manufacturing, wellness and community education, holistic nutrition, professional health care continuing education, and more.
Credential programs range from three to five courses, and can be completed in a minimal investment of one term with full-time, concurrent enrollment.

VA funding is available as of January 2009, which makes it easy for U.S. Armed Forces servicemembers, military spouses, and veterans to maximize their education benefits and invest in their future with a career in holistic health.

Additional course descriptions, registration requirements, and funding information are available through the ACHS Admissions Department. Visit www.achs.edu or call (800) 487-8839, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time.

Or, visit achs.edu and click on a specific Department: Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Dynamic Phytotherapy, or Holistic Medicine.

New Master of Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine Accredited

Holistic Tip of the Week: Earn a Graduate Degree in CAM.
We are delighted to announce that our new Master of Science degree program has received accreditation through the DETC. ACHS was approved to offer and confer this degree by the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization in December 2007, but has waited until accreditation was received to admit students. Applicants must hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution and receive recommendation for admission to the Program.

Classes for this Graduate degree program begin this fall and we are accepting applications now, so don't delay and be one of the first in the United States to earn this exciting degree. Call admissions at 800 487 8839 to schedule your admissions interview and see if you qualify for admission. www.achs.edu