PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate alternative, complementary, or unconventional medical treatments. The following objectives support this goal: (1) Coordinate and facilitate the investigation of alternative medical practices through peer-reviewed grant solicitations; (2) Interface with the Center's National Advisory Council; (3) Conduct technology assessment conferences for the purpose of establishing areas of Clinical and Pre-clinical research that need to be further developed within Alternative Medicine; (4) Maintain a comprehensive bibliographic data base in conjunction with the National Library of Medicine; (5) Develop and continue contacts with international programs in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); and (6) Establish an intra- and extra-mural clinical research fellowship program focusing on broad areas of clinical, scientific, and administrative training in CAM. The major purpose of all of these programs is to foster collaborations between practitioners of CAM and individuals knowledgeable in biomedical research.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. HEALTH;
- Education and Training;
- Health Services Planning and Technical Assistance;
- Specialized Health Research and Training;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- State;
- Local;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans);
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans);
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);