Section on Complementary and Integrative Medicine

10 year-old Jessica and her mother come to clinic with questions regarding her ongoing headaches. From the Internet, they have read that biofeedback, craniosacral therapy, and the herb butterbur can all be helpful treatments for headaches, and they would like your guidance in using these therapies.

In a 2001 AAP Periodic Survey of Fellows #49, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapies in Pediatric Practices, 87% of the respondents stated they had been asked about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies by a patient or parent. Fewer than 5% felt very knowledgeable about individual CAM therapies about which their patients asked them. Most (66%) believed that CAM therapies could enhance recovery or relieve symptoms, but even more were concerned about possible side effects (75%) or that CAM use might interfere with mainstream care (74%). Over 80% of pediatrician's desired additional information about CAM; the highest priorities were information about herbs, dietary supplements, nutritional therapies and exercise.

The field of complementary and integrative medicine has grown dramatically over the past 10 years, yet little attention has been devoted to education, research, collaboration with other professionals who care for children, for policy-making and advocacy for pediatric patients and families seeking these therapies or for pediatricians who attempt to counsel patients responsibly about them.

In July 2005, the AAP established the Section on Complementary and Integrative Medicine (SOCIM) to address this growing field and these issues surrounding CAM. The mission of the SOCIM is to support the mission of the AAP "to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults" by:

promoting polices to enhance patient-centered care;
integrating evidence-based, safe and effective complementary therapies into high quality pediatric practice;
educating clinicians and families; advocating for appropriated payment for safe and effective services; and
respectfully collaborating with diverse health professionals dedicated to enhancing the health of infants, children, and adolescents.

How to Join?

At this time, the SOCIM is welcoming all Academy Fellows with an interest and commitment to enhancing pediatric care by integrating appropriate CAM therapies into comprehensive care for their patients to join this new section.

Participation in annual section scientific and business meetings at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition
Biannual electronic mailings of the section's newsletter and other education materials
Access to the Section Webpage containing special information for members
Networking opportunities through participation in electronic mailing lists, section subcommittees, section meetings and face to face contact at chapter, district, and national meetings
Access to AAP staff who can help answer questions and provide additional information on Academy activities
Opportunities to participate in educational program and policy development, consultation, and provision of technical assistance

To join the section, please complete the section membership application. Interested AAP members also can apply online via the Member Center by clicking on Member Services. There are no dues during the section's current provisional status.

For further information on the AAP SOCIM or for questions or concerns, please e-mail socim@aap.org or call 847/434-7650.