Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine

The Department of Research and Clinical Epidemiology

A Culture of Research at CCNM

CCNM's research department is advancing the state of medicine through a better understanding of complementary and alternative medical science.

Research department faculty educate students in their first years in epidemiology, encouraging them to investigate evidence-based medicine throughout their years at the college and to consider a research project of their own. This commitment to evidence-based medicine cultivates research initiatives within the CCNM community, including students and faculty, through teaching, experiential learning and mentorship.

By fostering this culture of research, CCNM has become a leader in naturopathic and complementary medicine worldwide, investigating topics that not only improve naturopathic treatment practices, but also have widespread relevance and international impact.

Results from CCNM research studies help improve treatment options and access to health care, and help to influence policy makers on better international health care policies. This makes CCNM a natural home for The Centre for International Health and Human Rights Studies, the non-profit research organization dedicated to providing evidence to support equal access to health care for all individuals.

CCNM's research department continues to build a research infrastructure through teaching of students and faculty and will offer post-graduate programs in advanced research methodologies. To facilitate continued research partnerships, the department is choosing high-profile issues of interest to both the naturopathic and public health communities.

The research department receives funding from private and government agency grants and through matched contributions, research partnerships and personal and corporate giving programs.

CCNM has collaborated with many major medical research institutions, including McMaster University, University of Oxford, the Hospital for Sick Children, the University of Toronto, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the Ottawa General Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins University.

The department of research and clinical epidemiology is currently involved in seven clinical trials.

Clinical trial to assess the effect of melatonin on lung cancer recurrence and mortality. This study funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation, and with the provision of melatonin by SISU Inc., is expected to be completed by 2012.

Clinical trial to compare the overall effectiveness of naturopathic based treatments to conventional treatments for impact on the risk for cardiovascular disease in workers at Canada Post. This study funded by Canada Post will be completed by Fall 2009.

Clinical trial to test the efficacy of cinnamon as an aid in diabetes to reduce blood sugar levels. This study funded by New Chapter Industries is expected to be completed by the end of 2009.

Clinical trial to compare the impact of a nutritional supplement in children with ADHD. This study funded by SISU with support from the SickKids Foundation will be completed by Fall 2009.

Clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of a topical natural health product for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This study is funded by Origin, Inc. and supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

2 clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of homeopathy to treat lactation insufficiency and chronic whiplash residua respectively. Both studies are funded by HomeoNet and will be completed in the Fall of 2009.

CCNM is exploring the best means of integrating naturopathic care with other health care providers or the delivery of health care with two exploratory studies: one examining integration with traditional Aboriginal healers in Aboriginal health care settings funded by the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, and one in an integrative oncology setting funded by the Lotte and John Hecht Foundation.

Where time permits and where funding initiatives dictate, the department is also involved in conducting and publishing secondary research in the form of systematic reviews. Current work in this area includes a systematic review of the top natural treatments for lung cancer (funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research).

Additionally, CCNM has partnered with another Canadian naturopathic institution to collect observational data on patient outcomes at their teaching clinics.

CCNM, along with the Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins University is the headquarters for this non-profit research organization, which supports the dignity, respect, and right for all individuals, to have equal access to adequate living conditions, with a focus on health care. This is accomplished through the provision of evidence-based evaluations of public and government interventions, ensuring that all parties be held accountable for adequate health care. For more information on this organization, please visit www.cihhrs.org.