Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research
Integrative medicine research utilizes the principles of the biomedical research field and applies them to nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, yoga, mind-body and other complementary therapies.
Master of Science in
Integrative Medicine Research Integrative medicine involves using the best parts of different medical systems to create optimal health and wellness for patients. As people face significant health challenges worldwide, the need for additional approaches to health care is increasingly evident. The Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research (MSiMR) program allows students to explore natural medicine while gaining a skill set that can be applied to basic science, clinical research or public health. Integrative medicine includes a diverse set of modalities, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, massage, yoga, mindfulness and many others. Faculty members in this unique program are experts in these integrative medicine modalities. Medical students who concurrently pursue the MSiMR along with a clinical degree may go on to careers as physician-researchers or specialize in a clinical area.
Program Outcomes The MSiMR is one of the few programs in the country that allows students to study integrative medicine using rigorous research methods derived from basic science and public health. Courses include clinical research design, epidemiology, biostatistics and bioethics. Students tailor the program to their interests through a variety of elective courses and practical experience working on a research project. Graduates of this program will have: • Research Skills Expertise—Apply research processes including literature review, critical thinking, research study design, selection of appropriate outcomes, data collection, data analysis and statistics. • Natural Medicine Research Methodology—Develop, use and evaluate methodologies and technology applicable to natural medicine. • Communication—Be able to communicate professionally and articulate integrative medicine research concepts verbally and in writing for scientific, political and lay audiences. • Professional Relationships—Create and sustain a network of collaborative and collegial relationships with all types of researchers and healthcare providers. • Integrity—Utilize the legal and ethical framework of research and scientific integrity. • Professional Growth—Establish a foundation of learning skills that promote a career in a continually evolving profession.
Estimated Program Cost Current tuition for the MSiMR program is $402 per credit. Tuition is subject to change. Please visit ncnm.edu or contact the Office of Admissions for current tuition information. Students concurrently enrolled in an additional degree program at NCNM may transfer in applicable course credits. Estimated total program cost: $26,934
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ALBERT EINSTEIN
Admissions Requirements Personal Statement: Describe your background in research, research-related interests or career goals. (800 words or less)
GPA: 3.2 or higher Science GPA: 3.0 or higher Course Prerequisites: •
General Chemistry
two courses
•
General Biology with lab one course
•
Math two courses Pre-calculus, calculus or math-based statistics
•
Psychology
one course
•
Humanities English composition
one course
Recommended additional courses: Statistics, Cell Biology, Ethics Essay: What interests you about integrative medicine research? (800 words or less) Resume: Please include internships, extracurricular activities and publications.
GRE Scores: Verbal minimum score: 150; quantitative minimum score: 160; writing: 4.0. Subject test not required. Will accept MCAT score of 25 or higher, or a PCAT score at the 60th percentile rank or higher in place of the GRE. TOEFL: Required for international students. Minimum computer test score: 213; minimum paper test score: 550; IBT: 80. Applicants outside the recommended GPA or GRE test score will be considered based on their demonstrated research capacity and commitment to integrative medicine, and are encouraged to apply.
Required courses Introduction to Integrative Medicine
The field of integrative medicine involves many complex disciplines. This course explains the basic philosophies and practices of Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, naturopathy, homeopathy, shamanic healing and other integrative medicine practices.
Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Familiarizes students with the methodology and instruments employed in common laboratory techniques. Students rotate through the basic science, clinical, psychophysiology and food/nutrition laboratories. This class prepares students to conduct the research for their master’s project.
Anatomy and Physiology
A systems approach to gross and microscopic anatomy, physiology, and internal organ, endocrine and central nervous systems. This course provides basic descriptions and functions of the body, with emphasis on how biological outcomes are collected to measure function of different organs.
Integrative Immunology
The basic functions of the immune system, with emphasis on using immunological outcomes to track health outcomes. Students learn basic immunology and how to measure white blood cells, antibodies and cytokines.
Research Practicum
Work with your mentor on an integrative medicine research study. This class is taken every quarter upon mentor assignment. Students propose an independent research project, design and implement the study, analyze data, and synthesize the results for presentation or publication.
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar I & II
Inspires and informs students about integrative medicine research ideas and the people in the field by attending a local research conference.
Journal Club I & II
Students present and discuss recently published articles in natural medicine.
Integrative Research Fundamentals I
This course covers landmark studies in integrative medicine, and foundational complementary and alternative medicine research concepts. Students learn about researchers, mentors and projects at NCNM; and community groups and doctors present potential research topics.
Integrative Research Fundamentals II
This course focuses on critical appraisal of research, including research ethics, blinding and consent. Students also learn about assessment and evaluation of current research publications, and begin literature searches to establish a gap in knowledge where they may focus their own thesis project.
Integrative Research Fundamentals III
Students explore the diversity of research happening locally and globally in integrative health. This course also highlight scholars currently involved in integrative medicine research, funding mechanisms for researchers, networking and career planning.
Integrative Microbiology
An overview of the major infectious bacteria and viruses, as well as normal microflora. The course also includes the etiology, epidemiology, prevention and control of communicable diseases from a public health point of view.
Technical Writing
General writing skills and strategies; with tips to writing the abstract, introduction, background, hypothesis and aims, methods, results and discussion sections of an IRB application or a peer-reviewed article.
Required courses Research Methodology
An introduction to research design, including how to formulate a research question, identify primary and secondary hypotheses, and distinguish between types of experimental designs and methods to identify bias and flaws in study designs. Students develop a study proposal as they learn to develop inclusion and exclusion criteria, identify outcome measures, and provide rationale for choices. Participant recruitment, screening, retention and adherence are addressed.
Biostatistics I
Basic concepts in probability, estimation and hypothesis testing, as well as statistical methods frequently used in clinical research. Provides familiarity with basic statistical concepts, issues in clinical research, and teaches simple data analysis.
Biostatistics II
Learn techniques appropriate for handling a single outcome variable and multiple predictors. Develop skills in the use of appropriate statistical procedures for estimation and inference, according to underlying assumptions and type of study design. Interpretation of statistical analysis and understanding the limitations of data and its consequences are also discussed.
Principles of Epidemiology
Concepts in epidemiology such as multivariate causality, relative risk, odds ratio, sampling error and different types of bias (selection, information, definition biases), and confounding factors are introduced and applied to integrative medicine. Students discuss study designs, survey and sample selection, cross-sectional, cohort, case-control; prospective and retrospective designs are discussed from the epidemiological and integrative medicine perspective.
Bioethics
The ethical issues in research, with special attention to vulnerable subjects. Discussion of concepts related to study regulation, study design, reporting data, and ethics in clinical and biomedical research. Students will review common problems encountered in protocols and informed consent, and discuss the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the conduct of human research.
Nutrition
Explores diet and its relationship to health and disease with an emphasis on the health effects of different foods and specialized diets. The course covers recommended daily allowance, food labels and hidden ingredients, as well as topics like organic foods and GMO foods. Each week, students cook healthy whole-foods meals.
Public Health Policy
Learn about the important role policy plays in public health and governmental responses to public health issues. Social justice and health access are discussed, as well as integrative medicine strategies to address these concerns. Guest lecturers provide perspective on the issues facing public health, including addiction, mental health, vaccination, obesity and tobacco use.
Capstone
Students complete the capstone credit during the quarter that they finalize and defend their master’s thesis. Students work with their graduating peers, sharing and editing each other’s theses, and practicing their thesis defense presentations.
Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. CARL SAGAN
Elective courses – this is a sample list, additional electives are available. Grant Writing
Learn skills in communication, problem solving and critical thinking in order to write successful grant proposals. The course covers types of grants, as well as the process of submitting a grant to NIH and other potential funding sources.
Botanicals: Bench to Bedside
Botanical research papers, including basic science, translational and clinical studies are studied. Students discuss the challenges and limitations to conducting botanical research, work in a botanical lab, and develop the skills to conduct research on botanicals.
Mind as Medicine: Mind-Body Therapies
Experience and read research papers on a variety of different mind-body modalities, such as meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and guided imagery. Students become familiar with the breadth and depth of diseases and conditions for which they are used, discuss the challenges and limitations to conducting mind-body research, and practice different mind-body techniques.
Psychology and Behavior Change
This course reviews literature of landmark papers in health behavior research, and teaches students how to conduct health behavior research. Students learn how to employ behavior change strategies to help with participant compliance, and assist with patients making behavioral changes.
Health Disparities and Diversity
Partners from worldwide nonprofits lecture on their experience and discuss how research can target diverse populations most effectively. Students visit clinics that serve low income and underserved populations.
Environmental Impact on Health and Disease
Current topics in environmental medicine are covered, including toxicology, air and water quality, food standards and other issues. The course provides evidence for environmental influences on health outcomes such as obesity, chronic disease and stress.
Essentials of Integrative Oncology
This evidence-based course familiarizes students with the basics of cancer diagnosis, gives an overview of conventional therapies, and evidence that supports natural therapies for cancer. Students read landmark studies and cutting-edge oncology research; and discuss scientific validity, clinical benefits, toxicities, and limitations of state-of-the-art integrative therapies when applied to oncology patients.
Clinical Trial Design and Conduct
This course is designed for students who intend to conduct a clinical trial as part of their master’s thesis and those who want to understand the inner workings of proposal creation, IRB approval, and clinical trial implementation. Key aspects of clinical trial design and conduct are covered. Students will actively create their own study documents in class and, with the support of their mentor, could have a proposal that is ready for submission to the NCNM Scientific Review Committee by the end of the term.
Vaccinations
This course discusses new vaccine strategies; current vaccines, components and schedules; and vaccine safety. Students will be able to identify types of vaccines, ingredients of each vaccine, predicted immune responses to those vaccines, and potential side-effects of each vaccine.
Gut Immunology
A comprehensive overview of the immunology of the gut; how natural therapies and diet affect the gut; and how the immune response in the gut then has systemic effects on health. The course also studies food allergies and hypersensitivities, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s disease and colon cancer, and nutritional influences on immunity.
WEEKEND COURSE
Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought. ALBERT SZENT-GYĂ–RGYI
Frequently Asked Questions 1. How will this program prepare me for medical or graduate school? The core courses in the MSiMR program provide a foundation in both integrative medicine and research. The curriculum is experience-based, students gain experience working with study participants, in the lab and analyzing data. Students will have the opportunity to conduct and publish their own research study. These publications will make graduates competitive for medical and graduate programs. 2. Will I have to write a thesis? Yes, a thesis is required for graduation from the MSiMR program. 3.
Will I be able to get financial aid? Yes, financial aid is available for the program. Please contact the Office of Admissions for details.
4. What kind of job could I get with a degree in integrative medicine research? Of course, each individual’s prospects vary with their particular skills and background, as well as their geographic area and experience before and during graduate school. A recent review of open positions throughout the U.S. indicates that a graduate in this field with 0-5 years relevant experience would meet at least the minimum qualifications for these jobs: Public and Private Research Institutes • Research Assistant, Associate or Analyst • Healthcare Policy Research Aide • Infectious Disease Biologist Hospitals and Clinics • Research Technician • Program Coordinator • Research Center Program Manager Colleges and Universities • Project Manager • Instructor or Faculty Member • Institutional Researcher Private Industry • Clinical Trial Coordinator • Science Writer • Research and Development Associate Government and Nonprofit • Public Health Policy Analyst • Project Coordinator • Program Manager
Sample Student Research Projects Kirsten Wright | PHYTOCHEMICAL SYNERGISM IN CLASSICAL CHINESE HERBAL PAIRS This project used modern scientific methodology to investigate chemical relationships when herbs are prepared in pairs compared to herbs prepared in isolation. The goal of this project was to determine if there is a change in the chemical composition of the formula using high performance liquid chromatography to better understand classical Chinese medicine formulations. Samples were prepared at NCNM and data collection was done at the Pharmacokinetics Core at Oregon Health & Science University. What was observed was an increase and decrease in some chemical constituents and the formation of novel compounds when the herbs were prepared together. Jacob Hill | NATUROPATHIC ONCOLOGY DELPHI PANEL The idea for the Naturopathic Oncology Delphi Panel originated from my desire to support the clinical practice and research development of the emerging field of naturopathic oncology. At the 2014 Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) conference, the Delphi Panel gathered eight experienced naturopathic oncologists to discuss and debate a series of questions regarding ethics, philosophy and research development as they pertain to naturopathic oncology. This project was the first major collaborative effort between the OncANP and Helfgott Research Institute. The summary article and content analysis of the Delphi Panel is intended to provide clarity and education to various audiences, including naturopathic physicians, conventional medical professionals, medical researchers, cancer patients and the general public. Sarah Hourston | MICRONUTRIENT LEVELS IN ADULTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS Currently, there are several research studies looking at nutrient levels and dietary supplements in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Much of this research has shown different micronutrient levels in children with ASD compared to neurotypical children, and that dietary supplements are beneficial for ASD symptoms. The goal of this project is to determine if there is a nutritional difference in adults with ASD compared to neurotypical adults. If so, it will encourage further research on micronutrient supplements in this population. Learn more about our ongoing research projects: ncnm-helfgott.ncnm.edu/projects
Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research Program Course #
COURSE TITLE
Credits
RES 510
Introduction to Integrative Medicine
2
RES 520
Integrative Research Fundamentals I
1
RES 535
Research Practicum
RES 600
Biostatistics I
2
RES 701
Anatomy and Physiology
2
RES 702
Integrative Immunology
3
RES 521
Integrative Research Fundamentals II
1
RES 530
Research Methodology
3
RES 700
Nutrition
2
RES 531
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar
2
RES 533
Integrative Research Fundamentals III
1
RES 601 Biostatistics II -ORGSGH 705 Biostatistics – Secondary Data Analysis
18*
3
RES 703
Integrative Microbiology
2
RES 502
Principles of Epidemiology
3
RES 620
Introduction to Laboratory Methods
2
RES 501
Journal Club
1
RES 505
Bioethics
2
RES 610
Technical Writing
2
RES 630
Public Health Policy
2
RES 501
Journal Club
1
RES 531
Integrative Medicine Research Seminar
2
RES 636
Capstone
2
Total Elective Course Credits
8
Varies
*Total practicum credits dependent on program length
RESEARCH PROJECT STAGE ONE • Brainstorm potential research project topics • Mentor is assigned, regular meetings begin • Start background research STAGE TWO • Narrow research concepts • Complete literature review • Choose research project • Submit one-page proposal for scientific review • Start IRB documents • Continue regular mentor meetings STAGE THREE • Form thesis committee • Complete thesis proposal • Obtain committee approval for thesis proposal • Submit IRB application for scientific review, if applicable STAGE FOUR • Start research project • Data collection • Begin writing thesis STAGE FIVE • Analyze data • Start thesis defense presentation • Submit rough draft of thesis to committee STAGE SIX • Finish and defend thesis • Prepare and present poster
Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research—Elective Classes Course #
ELECTIVES
Credits
RES 500E
History of Medicine
1
RES 538E
Teaching Strategies and Course Development
2
RES 611E
Grant Writing
2
RES 615E
How to Write and Publish Case Studies
2
RES 621E
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Philosophy & Evidence
2
RES 622E
Botanicals: Bench to Bedside
2
RES 623E
Mind as Medicine: Mind-Body Therapies
2
RES 624E
Psychology and Behavior Change
2
RES 625E
Advances in Nutrition
2
RES 801E
Global Health Research
2
RES 802E
Health Disparities and Diversity
2
RES 803E
Advanced Research Methods
2
RES 805E
Environmental Impact on Health and Disease
2
RES 806E
Essentials of Integrative Oncology
2
RES 807E
Research in Sports Medicine
2
RES 809E
Women's Health: Fertility and Beyond
2
RES 820E
Clinical Trial Design and Conduct
2
RES 832E
Vaccinations
2
RES 833E
Gut Immunology
2
The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge. THOMAS BERGER
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11/2015
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