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 in 2008 – 2010 for the innovative Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR) program launched by the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine and continues to participate in this dynamic, self-paced, online curriculum specifically designed for medical residents. All MDFMR residents are required to complete a minimum of 80% of the learning modules by graduation. The total online IMR curriculum is approximately 100 hours and equips physicians to better address the growing prevalence of chronic illnesses and stress-related disorders. It offers 24-hour access and blends online learning with experiential activities, ensuring flexibility for busy schedules. It also includes a healthcare professional wellbeing course and incorporates evaluation tools to monitor progress and assess knowledge acquisition. Upon completion, residents receive a certificate of completion and gain access to over 85 additional hours of advanced, condition-specific content.
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:
- Culinary medicine and nutrition education in MaineGeneral’s teaching kitchen
- Mindfulness meditation and yoga training
- Motivational interviewing workshop
- Herbal medicine and tincture making
- Nature as medicine
- Hypnotherapy
Elective opportunities
Those who wish to explore areas of IM in more depth are encouraged to select an IM elective rotation in the third year. Residents have participated in a variety of experiences during their IM elective, for example:
- Worked with local naturopathic physicians, homeopathic clinicians, acupuncturists, and herbalists
- Participated in IM consultations in the outpatient setting
- Participated in appointments for hypnosis and functional medicine
- Co-facilitated IM shared medical appointments
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