EDUCATION RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
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Salons 10-12.
THURSDAY, 5:30-6:15 PM
Nedrow A, Haas M, Salveson C, Hammerschlag R, Barrett
R, Istvan J.
Comparative entry attitudes toward complementary and
alternative medicine in students of naturopathic, Oriental, chiropractic
and allopathic medical schools.
Oregon Health & Science University nedrowa@ohsu.edu
PURPOSE: Between 2000-2002, fifteen institutions
received NIH funding to develop curriculum for allopathic medical students
in complementary and alternative medicine. Part of the evaluation process
of the developed curriculum for one program included comparative entry
assessment of attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine
for students beginning study in chiropractic, naturopathic, Oriental
and allopathic medicine in academic institutions in Portland Oregon
in 2004.
METHODS: Entering students took a written survey
within the first week of study at Oregon Health & Science University
School of Medicine, University of Nebraska School of Medicine, National
College of Naturopathic Medicine, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
and Western States Chiropractic College. This survey was a compilation
of elements of several pre-existing surveys of physician attitudes toward
complementary and alternative medicine as well as questions regarding
tolerance to ambiguity and a personality measurement of adventurousness.
Questions were previously piloted to load on the factor of ÔCAM acceptance'.
RESULTS: ÔCAM acceptance' was least in entering
students from University of Nebraska. Moderate ÔCAM acceptance' was
seen from students entering Western States Chiropractic College and
Oregon Health & Science University, and most ÔCAM accepting' responses
were found from entering students at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
and National College of Naturopathic Medicine. Students at the latter
two schools likewise were more tolerant of ambiguity and more adventuresome
than the other three schools. Female students appeared more ÔCAM accepting'
in all schools.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, students entering health
professional schools listed above have high levels of interest in complementary
and alternative medicine upon entering their various schools. Factors
other than health professional discipline appear, such as geographical
location, personality qualities and gender appear to influence ÔCAM
acceptance' as well as chosen health field.
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