CAM Program

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

Our program was created in 2003 in response to a nation-wide NIH-funded educational initiative to incorporate CAM into medical and graduate school curricula. This program is focused on training students to objectively assess the safety and efficacy of various CAM modalities such as acupuncture, massage, herbs and supplements, and mind-body interactions and introducing scientific rigor to much needed evidence-based research.

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. Over 90% of the 2004 graduates have started their residency programs or are in the process of completing their medical school.

In Fall 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. Applicants should first be accepted to GUSOM and defer a year to join the CAM MS program. 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.