J Altern Complement Med. 2001 ; 7 Suppl 1(): S19-21.

Report by David M. Eisenberg, M.D., on complementary and alternative medicine in the United States: overview and patterns of use.

Neal R.

Office of Public Affairs, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. rneal@hms.harvard.edu

In the first of his two presentations, David Eisenberg, M.D., discussed four topics. First he reviewed current complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) terminology and definitions. Then, based on two studies he conducted in 1990 and 1997, he summarized patterns of complementary medicine use in the United States. Next, he raised the implications of his findings on research and policy-making. And, finally, he highlighted opportunities to develop a collaborative international agenda.