NYCC Assists on Med School's CAM Curriculum
New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) has been selected by Georgetown University Medical School to train health professionals in complementary and alternative medicine. The training is part of the medical school's innovative Master of Science in Physiology program, which emphasizes CAM while providing instruction in three areas: science (particularly systems and cell biology); introductory exposure and understanding of CAM disciplines and philosophies; and the ability to evaluate evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of CAM therapies.
"We welcome the opportunity to partner with a university the caliber of Georgetown, and are enthused at the prospect of training such capable students with expressed interest in natural healthcare," said Dr. Michael Mestan, executive vice president and provost at NYCC.
Aviad Haramati, PhD, who co-directs at Georgetown with Hakima Amri, PhD, initiated the master's program and believes the academic affiliation can help "break down the silos that hold the disciplines apart and create relationships between the disciplines and the educational institutions that prepare the nation's future healthcare providers."
Palmer Clinics Recognized for Providing Quality Back Care
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has recognized the Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Health Center and Palmer's two on-campus clinics for providing superior care to patients suffering from low back pain. To receive recognition, the two clinics were required to pass a comprehensive review of several key clinical measures demonstrating quality health care delivery and service, including appropriate imaging for acute back pain, recommendations for exercise and attention to health risk factors.
"The Palmer College clinics at each of our three campuses are committed to the delivery of quality, patient-centered care, and to providing a clinical education model that prepares our graduates for today's practice environment," said Kurt Wood, DC, vice chancellor for clinic affairs at Palmer. "This recent NCQA recognition for our Davenport Campus clinics follows NCQA recognition for our West Campus Clinic in San Jose, Calif., in 2008, and we intend to achieve NCQA recognition for our clinics in the Port Orange, Florida, community as well."
The NCQA's Back Pain Recognition Program was developed to improve the overall quality of care for back pain sufferers by motivating health care practitioners to provide the best service and care.
"Needless imaging and procedures provide no real benefit to patients who suffer from back pain," said Margaret E. O'Kane, NCQA president. "By earning recognition, [Palmer's clinics] have demonstrated that they consistently provide proven, evidence-based care."
