March 16, 2004 – The “Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for Complementary & Alternative Medicine Research” (IN-CAM) or Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for Research on Alternative and Complementary Medicines will henceforth bring together researchers, students, practitioners and other stakeholders interested in research into alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) across Canada. The creation of the Network was made possible by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with the Natural Health Products Directorate of Health Canada.
IN-CAM’s mission is to create a Canadian research community in alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) that is autonomous, interrelated and highly qualified, so that its expertise is recognized on the international scene. It is also to support researchers, who study CAM from the perspective of health services, and to promote the transfer of knowledge between these researchers, health professionals, policy makers and the public. Another goal of IN-CAM is to develop an educational program that becomes a recognized career choice for graduate students interested in social policy and health care.
An interactive database, listing researchers and individuals interested in MAC research, is a highlight of the IN-CAM website. It makes it possible to search for information by name of city or province, according to the research interest or the source of Canadian funding, thus facilitating contacts between researchers. Finally, IN-CAM is launching the first issue of its News Bulletin (French-English) on the Web.
Membership in IN-CAM is free and can benefit anyone interested in MAC research, giving them the opportunity to collaborate with other researchers and health professionals in the development of alternative and complementary medicine. You can become a member by completing a short questionnaire in the “member” section of the IN-CAM website: www.incamresearch.ca
Aline Charest – PasseportSanté.net
