The Integrative Medicine (IM) curriculum at MDFMR is organized longitudinally and includes online learning, a structured block experience, and opportunities to apply knowledge to clinical practice. Residents interested in IM are also encouraged to gain additional exposure to this facet of medicine through an elective experience. Throughout the curriculum, well-being and balance in residency is emphasized.
Web-based Curriculum
MDFMR was a pilot site for the innovative Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR) program launched by the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and continues to participate in this 200-hour competency-based online curriculum. All residents are required to complete a minimum of 80% of the learning modules by graduation.
The curriculum is evidence-based and includes conventional and complementary approaches to the management of the medical problems presented. All courses have interactive core content and contain case studies allowing residents to apply the new knowledge to patients encountered in family medicine. An outline of the online curriculum is presented below.
The entire online curriculum is available in the first year of residency and can be completed in any order.
Year 1 Content
- Introduction to Integrative Medicine
- Prevention and Wellness: US Preventive Services, Nutrition and Diet, Supplements for Prevention, Physical Activity, Sleep, Stress and Mind-Body Medicine, Spirituality
- Tools in Integrative Medicine: Motivational Interviewing for Behavioral Change
Year 2 Content
- Pediatric Topics: ADD/ADHD, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Asthma and Allergies
- Women’s Health Topics: Depression, Eating Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Menopause, Osteoporosis, Prenatal Care, PMS
- Acute Care Topics: Acute Back Pain, Ankle Sprain, Chest Pain, Gastroenteritis, GERD, Otitis Media, Upper Respiratory Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Vaginitis
- Tools in Integrative Medicine: Integrative Medicine Intake Process, Botanicals, Mind-Body Medicine
Year 3 Content
- Chronic Illness: Cardiovascular Disease (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease), Chronic Back Pain, Diabetes Mellitus II, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Obesity, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Special Topics: HIV, Cancer Survivorship
- Tools in Integrative Medicine: Integrative Medicine Care Plan Process, Manual Medicine, Energy Medicine, Practice Management ,Whole Systems
Structured block
During the first year of residency, there is a series of more in-depth learning opportunities with integrative practitioners during a block rotation shared with Community Medicine and Critical Thinking in Medicine curricula. Experiences have included:
- An introduction to shamanism
- Mindfulness meditation training
- An introduction to homeopathy
- Study of botanical plants and edible mushrooms
Elective opportunities
Those who wish to explore areas of IM in more depth are encouraged to design an elective rotation in the third year. Residents have designed a variety of electives, for example:
- Worked with local naturopathic physicians, homeopathic clinicians, acupuncturists and herbalists
- Attended yoga training certification courses
- Participated in IM consultations for supportive cancer therapy, the treatment of chronic disease, and medical marijuana certification
Clinical application
Residents are encouraged to apply their knowledge clinically under the guidance of faculty attendings. For more information on the Integrative Medicine program at the Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency, please contact:
Alyssa Finn MD, Director of Integrative Medicine
Email