Latest views, polls and opinions on orthopaedic and musculoskeletal health topics from members of the Orthogate Community.
By Randale Sechrest I have just returned from Hollyhock on Cortes Island, British Columbia where I was attending the annual summer retreat on integrative medicine developed by Drs. Andrew Weil, Victoria Maizes and graduates of the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. The trip to Cortes Island itself was memorable since this was my first trip to Vancouver Island and the northern gulf islands of the Canadian Pacific coast. Hollyhock is a fabulous place to spend a few days. We met many interesting new friends. I am sure we will return to Hollyhock and become regulars. The food was excellent - organic vegetarian fair much of which was grown in the island all served in a community dining area that encouraged mingling and discussion for hours. The scenery was astounding.
The conference itself proved to be quite enlightening. The information provided was useful both on a personal health level and applicable to use in practice. I have already made significant changes in how I think about my own health and my practice with chronic pain patients. The conference illustrated just how far the concept of integrative medicine has come in the last few years - driven in a large part by the efforts of Dr. Weil and his colleagues at the University of Arizona. For anyone interested in exploring this field, start with the website at the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine. Not only is this program on the cutting edge of the integrative medicine revolution, but are also redefining the concept of distance education in healthcare utilizing the Internet to full advantage. I suspect we will see many more academic centers moving in this direction. Interesting stuff.
By Randale Sechrest Cindi Laukes, MA is the Clinical Research Manager for both the Montana Neuroscience Institute and the Montana Cancer Institute. Cindi dropped by to discuss clinical research and clinical trials.
She also provided me with some tips to post for those of you considering participating in a clinical trial.
TIPS FOR RESEARCH PATIENTS: BEING INFORMED
CAREFULLY READ THE INFORMED CONSENT FOR ANY STUDY. As a potential participant, you have the right and the responsibility to ask questions and make sure you fully understand the risks and potential benefits of participation in a study. If necessary, ask to take a copy of the consent form home to read it and discuss it with your family or regular doctor before signing.
Ask the study coordinator or nurse up front about any tests or scheduling that will need to be done in association with the study. You may need to schedule things in your life differently for a period of time to accommodate your participation in a study.
Ask the study coordinator what will or will not be paid for by the study.
If it is a medication study, make sure you fully understand how to take the medication, and ask for written instructions if you have not received them. Get a contact number for emergencies. Ask about any possible side effects and what you should be aware of. Make sure your study doctor or nurse knows ALL the medications and supplements you are currently taking in addition to the study medication.
Make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction. As a patient, you always have the right to know about your own medical care. You also have the right to withdraw from a research study at any time after you have discussed your reasons with the study doctor. It is very important to talk to the study doctor before discontinuing any research treatment on your own.
Cindi Laukes, MA
Download 7_17_06_Laukes_Clinical_Research.mp3
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