CAM Program

The first program of its kind, the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Program places Georgetown University at the forefront of graduate education in this field.

We believe this educational initiative will serve both the public interest in complementary and alternative medicine, and the need for greater scientific research into these areas.

Features of this program include:

• An excellent science-based MS curriculum that may be completed in 11 months
• Student interactions with nationally-recognized leaders in CAM
• Participation in the development of an exciting, new academic field
• Research and publication opportunities
• Summer practicum placement with top CAM-related organizations
• Excellent student-faculty ratio and interactions
• Strong individual academic advising and job and graduate school placement

In Fall 2003, we introduced the first CAM-oriented, science-based MS program at a US Medical Center. The 2004 graduates from the first class are now working in education, research, or are in medical school. While in the Program, several of the students also participated in CAM-related research (see Publication link below) and present CAM MS students are also taking advantage of this and other opportunities.

In August 2005, the Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) launched a 5-year MD/MS track, with the CAM MS followed by the 4-year medical curriculum. Another totally unique experience, this innovative program is the first to accomplish the national initiative to integrate the critical scientific evaluation of CAM modalities and CAM research with conventional medical education. Admission to the joint MD/MS program is through the GUSOM.

The CAM MS in Physiology is designed for students who fit into any of several categories in terms of background and eventual career placement:

• Those interested in a research career (often with further training at the doctoral level) in a CAM-related area
• Students wishing to pursue a career within the CAM industry
• Those interested in administrative or regulatory affairs careers related to CAM within the public sector
• Practioners or potential practitioners of CAM modalities seeking basic science education relevant to their practices
  
• Those who wish to have a strong understanding of CAM modalities while pursuing a career in medicine

We encourage applications from students who fit the following criteria:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
• Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, math and physics.
• Experience or interest in a CAM-related career
• Overall credentials suitable for acceptance to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the graduate programs of the Department of Physiology & Biophysics.
  

Recent CAM-related publications by students and faculty

Applications will be accepted beginning December 1, 2009 for Fall, 2010 (Class of 2011). Application deadline is June 1, 2010.