Integrative Medicine Program

Program Objectives

The objectives of our M.D. program in Integrative Medicine are based on the Common Program Requirements of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), including the 6 competencies:

• Patient Care
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement
• Inter-personal and Communication Skills
• Professionalism
• Health Care Systems-based Practice.

Program Structure

UMLAC’s Medical Doctor in Integrative Medicine program offers a unique integration of the Modern Medicine and the Ayurvedic approach to health care, following the US structure including two phases:

• Basic Sciences (± 2 years): biological, social and behavioral sciences;
• Clinical Rotations (± 2 years): core and advanced clinical clerkships and sciences.

During the first phase emphasis is placed upon the biological sciences, which are closely correlated with the social and behavioral sciences in order for the students to become competent in the basic knowledge, skills and attitude of modern science integrated with Ayurvedic approach to medicine. During this phase, the students are being trained mainly at the university.

As the students are progressing, the clinical sciences take over for the following 2 years, in order to prepare the students to become competent in the integrative clinical knowledge, assessment and planning of patients. The education transfers from the School to local and international hospitals, clinics, and medical care facilities affiliated with UMLAC, of both nature, based on modern and integrative medicine.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program provides systematic and advanced practical training in the many natural, time-tested modalities of Maharishi Ayurveda. Based on the eight major organ systems of the body, the students will gain an understanding of the main disorders of that system from both modern medicine and Ayurveda perspectives. Specifically, students will learn:

• Maharishi Ayurveda anatomy and physiology in context of the eight major organ systems.
• Comprehensive Ayurvedic health assessment techniques, including traditional pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis, Ayurvedic health history, assessment of mind-body type.
• Individualized diet and lifestyle recommendations for mind-body types and disorders.
• Therapeutics for mind, body and environment from Maharishi Ayurveda to prevent and treat common and chronic disorders, including:
• Herbal supplements especially beneficial for specific imbalances and organ systems.
  • Traditional purification therapies (Panchakarma).
  • Five sense therapies (touch, smell, sight, taste, sound).
  • Principles of Vedic Architecture.
  • Principles of biological rhythms and their effects on health – Maharishi Jyotish.
  • Principles of Vedic exercise, including Maharishi Yoga asanas.
• An introduction to the clinical applications of Traditional Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, Osteopathic manipulative therapy, Chiropractic, other natural medical systems and modern integrative medicine