Individuals vs. Institutions
A cultural barrier exists between the hands-on medical science community–those who do the research and treat the patients–and institutionalized medicine–universities, pharmaceutical corporations, and grant providers. This conclusion was supported by a survey project presented at the 2005 convention of the Society for Integrative Oncology. The “Survey of Cancer Researchers and Practitioners Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine” by Dr. Oluwadamilola Olaku and others included 321 respondents from a wide spectrum of oncology labs and clinics. Ironically, the survey was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute which does relatively little in the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) arena. Generally, the researchers and practitioners agreed that there was great promise in the following areas of CAM: pharmacologic and biologic treatment, nutritional therapeutics, mind-body interventions, and alternative medical systems.
Of the researchers surveyed, 83% expressed interest in collaborating with CAM practitioners. Ninety-six percent of the CAM practitioners were interested in collaborating with cancer researchers. Evidently, there is a groundswell of interest among hands-on researchers and practitioners to charge forward in exploring the vast potential of integrative oncology.
When asked what they saw as the most significant obstacle to CAM research and practice, the single factor most frequently identified was lack of funds. Lack of time was also given as a significant obstacle. Time allotted to projects and services is, of course, determined by priorities which are determined by funds. The funds are going to the large medical institutions in the form of private and government grants. These institutions are almost entirely focused on research and development of conventional medicine with little regard for CAM or integrative practices. Until this changes, we will continue in the circular, closed system of medical science. Keep your Congressional delegation informed of the need to fund integrative medical research and support foundations that fund such research exclusively.