The International Congress for Integrative Medicine and Health that took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought together a wide range of health professionals, including medical doctors, scientists, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, mindfulness practitioners, nutritionists and pharmacists interested in research, clinical care and education in complementary and alternative medicine.
Five representatives from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) took part, including Executive Director of Research Dr. Dugald Seely ND, Research Fellow Dr. Monique Aucoin ND and three students: Sukriti Bhardwaj, Sherry Purves and Maxwell Crispo. Dr. Aucoin presented two research posters highlighting recently completed CCNM research projects – a meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, and a systematic review of fish oil in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.
Dr. Seely facilitated a valuable interactive session about messaging and communication strategies to address contentious issues in Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM). Participants networked with other researchers and clinicians, viewed research posters and attended oral abstract presentations as well as seminars and presentations on research methodology in the study of CAM, regulatory and policy challenges and advances, inter-professional education and the use of integrative therapeutic approaches. The congress brought together professionals from around the world and participants left feeling inspired about the state and future of high quality, collaborative research in the field. Abstracts from the conference are published in the May issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
