Training CAM Investigators
nccam has succeeded in attracting many conventional investigators to cam research but not enough cam-trained professionals. The Center is completing an external evaluation of its research training and career development programs to suggest new, more effective approaches for enlisting cam professionals in research endeavors. The development of mutually beneficial partnerships between cam and conventional training institutions is one strategy that is showing promise.
Goals
- Tailor a portfolio of research training programs reflective of the evolving needs of cam research
- Continue to foster a research culture and the necessary resources to enable both cam-trained and conventionally trained individuals to build successful careers in cam research.
Expanding Outreach
From the outset, nccam recognized the importance of communicating cam research findings to the public and practitioners to help them make better-informed choices. The Center operates an information clearinghouse, partners with the National Library of Medicine to maintain and update cam on PubMed (nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/), and provides an award-winning Web site (www.nccam.nih.gov), rich in information and resources to serve the public, health care providers, and investigators.
Goals
- Help the public and health care professionals make informed health care decisions about cam
- Enrich the pool of multidisciplinary cam researchers.
Advancing Our Organization
Goals
- Promote organizational growth.
- Encourage and empower nccam's staff.
- Optimize effective management of the public's investment in cam research.
