Results of a survey on educational and research programs in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine at veterinary medical schools in the United States

Objective-To document educational and research programs in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) at US veterinary schools and to develop recommendations for additional curriculum development and research in these modalities. Design-Mail questionnaire. Sample Population-Deans, curriculum committees and interested faculty at US veterinary schools. Procedures-Questionnaires were mailed to personnel at all 27 US veterinary schools. Nonrespondents received a follow-up letter and telephone contact. Information was used to establish the current status of CAVM. Results-Responses were received for 41 of 120 (34%) questionnaires; Responses were received from 23 of 27 veterinary schools, but number of respondents varied at each institution (range, 1 to 4) and some surveys were not complete. Seven of 27 US veterinary schools had an educational program in CAVM. Thirty-six (87%) respondents believed that acupuncture, nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, and physical therapy should be included in the curriculum, 25 (61%) indicated that botanical (herbal) medicine should be included, and 25 (61%) believed that chiropractic should be included. Only 17 (44%) respondents; believed that homeopathy should be included. The majority of respondents believed that CAVM should be. offered as elective courses; Research in CAVM has been conducted at 6 responding schools. Conclusions-Currently, few veterinary schools offer educational or research programs in CAVM. Veterinary schools are aware of the interest in CAVM and acknowledge a lack of educational and research programs in these areas. More veterinary schools are in the process of developing educational and research programs in various aspects of CAVM.