Student ResearchThe Student Research Program was created to offer naturopathic and Chinese medicine students the opportunity to receive research training while earning their clinical degree. Physician-scientists are key to developing programs of research that are not only scientifically sound, but that are relevant to clinical practice.
Some NCNM students seek a career in complementary and alternative medicine research, whereas others will do research in their clinical practice. The student research program allows students to choose the length and breadth of their research education. Over 300 students have participated in the program since its inception in 2003.
Student Researchers:
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Conduct pilot studies
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Work in the laboratory
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Assist with funded research studies
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Write research papers
In response to the great demand for further research training, NCNM has launched a new degree program - the Master of Science in Integrative Medicine Research Degree (MSIMR). This program is currently open only to existing NCNM students, but external students may apply to start the program in fall 2012.
Student Spotlight:
Andrew Litchy
Andrew Litchy is a fourth year ND student who has been investigating the physiological effects of meditation training and energetic bodywork with Helfgott Investigator Agatha Colbert, MD. Andrew recently completed a study to determine if meditation training can alter heart rate variability patterns (a measure of the heart’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances). He also investigated heart rate dynamics in a healing session, comparing the simultaneous interactions of healer and the healee during energetic bodywork sessions conducted by Joan Hamilton, PhD.
Andrew is currently developing a 12-week meditation training program focusing on development of insight and tranquility as described in classical Buddhist meditation texts. This program will be implemented in an upcoming study that will include personality measures to gain understanding into individual differences in training response. Andrew is also preparing for a larger investigation into the heart rate dynamics of energetic bodywork involving multiple healers and a larger population of participants.
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