In 2015, The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine is seeking contributions to directly support these areas:
Clinical/Research Collaborations with Northwestern Medicine Departments
- Expanding existing collaborations with Northwestern Medicine’s oncology, cardiology, and women’s health departments to include other divisions such as gastroenterology and psychiatry.
- Supporting pilot research studies into the use of complementary treatments such as acupuncture and dietary supplements to ease heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and a variety of other digestive and psychiatric conditions.
General Integrative Medicine Research
- Demonstrating the unique and additive therapeutic roles of integrative medicine treatment approaches infighting and preventing disease and promoting lifelong health and well being.
- Focusing on traditions such as acupuncture, bodywork and life-force energy; nutraceuticals and functional integrative nutrition; and mindfulness strategies for enhancing health and vitality.
Integrative Medicine Fellowship
- Nurturing the next generation of integrative medicine physicians at The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine by funding a one-year, post-graduate fellowship for individuals who have completed a residency in family medicine or internal medicine.
- Expanding the Osher Center faculty with physicians who are knowledgeable in holistic approaches to patient treatment, and increasing access in both downtown and community locations to patients across socio-economic groups.
Community Initiatives
- Community Cares, offering a program that subsidizes integrative medicine services to financially needy Northwestern Medicine patients.
- Food as Medicine Health Day, creating a community event designed to raise awareness about the role of food in healing.