Bastyr University Hosts National Group On Naturopathic Medicine Research; Federal Grant Assists Experts to Decide Where to Put Research Efforts and Resources.

Health, Education & Lifestyle Editors

KENMORE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 4, 2003

Bastyr University is convening a series of meetings that will be critical to the future of research in naturopathic medicine conducted in North America.

With a grant entitled "North American Medical Research Agenda" from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for $250,000, Bastyr University will host naturopathic physicians from the five naturopathic medical schools in North America along with conventional medical research experts to develop a prioritized naturopathic research agenda. Representatives from the University of Washington, Duke University, UCLA, Stanford University and the Kaiser Center for Health Research will attend.

A working group (NMRA) of 20 will meet at two retreats during the next two years to identify both what kind of research will address fundamental health issues for the American public and the appropriate research design methods for each.

"In recent years, a growing number of people have found that naturopathic medicine has improved the quality of their life," said Leanna Standish, ND, PhD, LAc, Senior Research Scientist at Bastyr University and principal investigator on the grant. "This has given rise to the increased need for solid, scientific research to back up the hypothesis that naturopathic medicine is effective. Bastyr University has been a pioneer in complementary and alternative medicine research, including many NIH-funded projects. Along with our colleagues at other medical schools across the country, we're excited to be able to bring these key individuals together to work on an issue that will profoundly impact our health care in the coming years."

"National attention is turning to the increasing number of Americans who suffer from chronic disease and how this impacts health care costs," said Pamela Snider, ND, Associate Dean, Public and Professional Affairs at Bastyr and co-investigator. "Naturopathic medicine could significantly affect this trend and scientific research is a vital component of that possibility."

The first meeting will take place on February 6-7, at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA, with presentations by several naturopathic physicians on aspects ranging from scientific investigation to emerging research in mind/body medicine followed by a panel discussion. Sub-work groups will be assigned and begin discussions. At later meetings, comments will be welcomed from scientists, researchers and other members of the community. NMRA will also produce a final document -- The North American Medical Research Agenda.

"The ultimate goal of this NIH-funded project," explained Dr. Standish, "is to develop a research agenda in naturopathic medicine that will shape public health research policy for the next decade."

Bastyr University, in Kenmore, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in the study of natural healing. It is the leading university for natural health sciences in the United States, encompassing a multidisciplinary curriculum and a world renowned research institute.

NOTE: Members of the media wishing to observe should call Mercedes Lawry at 425/602-3107, cell 206/650-3165 or Kathleen Warren at 425/602-3103 prior to coming to campus.