Research
One of the stated educational objectives for the master’s program in oriental medicine and acupuncture is to “incorporate evidence and experience based practices” into the education of our students and the clinical practice of both faculty and students. In order to accomplish this, in AOMA’s 2006-2010 strategic plan, the institution has committed itself to establishing a research program in Oriental medicine. To this end a structure is in development to support such a program.
The research department is led by Yuxing Liu, LAc, PhD, MD (China)
One very important element in establishing a program of research is the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The mission of the AOMA Institutional Review Board is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects. The AOMA IRB is dedicated to the following principles:
• Ensuring that the risks of scientific advancement shall never outweigh the value of human life.
• Following our traditions while embracing new technologies and practices.
• Maintaining appropriate ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
• Honoring all persons.
• Engaging in a continuing quest for excellence.
• Maintaining an ‘open book’ policy regarding all studies under consideration.
• Ensuring timely disposition of all studies under consideration.
Any research that involves human subjects conducted by AOMA faculty, staff or students, whether funded or unfunded, is under the jurisdiction of the IRB. The IRB is responsible for determining and assuring that (1) the welfare and rights of human subjects are adequately protected and informed consent given, if necessary; (2) human subjects are not placed at unreasonable physical, mental, or emotional risk as a result of research; (3) the necessity and importance of the research outweighs the risks to the subjects; and (4) the researcher(s) is/are qualified to conduct research involving human subjects.
Many AOMA faculty have rich and varied backgrounds in research and have distinguished records of research productivity both here and abroad. Each faculty member has a designated area of interest/expertise in an area of research. Recent research by AOMA faculty includes:
• the treatment of diabetes mellitus with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
• the use of TCM and Western medical treatment to manage patients with diabetes mellitus
• using acupuncture in the treatment of patients with spinal cord injury,
• managing pedo-dyspepsia with acupuncture,
• examining the mechanism of action of acupuncture induced analgesia,
• alleviating shift syndrome and jet lag with acupuncture, and
• reducing patient anxiety on withdrawal from morphine.
In order to assure that students have a foundation for evidence-based practice, the course WS0302 Research Methodology, was developed and is required for all students. The objectives of this course are three-fold: to provide basic research literacy, develop practitioners who can assess and apply research findings to practice, and appreciate the potential strengths and weaknesses in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western biomedical research approaches and designs. Upon completion of this course students are better able to utilize the clinical information produced by research in TCM and Western biomedicine in their practices and thereby improve the care and treatment of their patients.