The Importance of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education in Medical School

The authors investigated the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine usage among medical students and assessed their knowledge and attitude. A survey was conducted, and the following results were obtained: the response rate was 91% (408/450), 61% were female and 67% were 22 years old or younger, 66% had used complementary and alternative medicine, and 17% were using complementary and alternative medicine currently. Most commonly mentioned complementary and alternative medicine include echinacea, cod liver oil, and aloevera. More than half were not sure about complementary and alternative medicine's efficacy and safety, but 88% would recommend it to others. Only 16% had informed their general practitioner about complementary and alternative medicine use. With respect to formal teaching on complementary and alternative medicine, 56% of the students had not received any and 28% expressed an interest in receiving some. complementary and alternative medicine use among medical students is common despite most being unaware of potential side effects and drug-herb interactions. Such information is vital in enabling them to counsel future patients. Education on complementary and alternative medicine should be standardized and compulsory in all UK medical schools.