Success Story

Conventional Healthcare Interns Integrate Herbal Medicine Into their Practice



The American Botanical Council (ABC; a.k.a., Herbal Medicine Institute; CFC #1220) is a nonprofit organization that educates healthcare professionals and the public about the benefits of herbal medicine. One of ABC's major educational accomplishments is its Internship Program for prospective pharmacists and dieticians. Through the program, integration of herbal medicine into the healthcare system is taking place. After 6 years, patients in community clinics, hospitals, and family practice offices around the country have felt the impact.

Interns learn about herbal medicine and its role in today's society while expanding their awareness of reliable sources of scientific information about herbs and phytomedicines. They also gain greater confidence in their ability to find information on the proper use of herbs.

The University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University, San Marcos currently participate in the program. Both the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have expressed interest in placing interns and medical students in the program. ABC is submitting grant proposals to expand the program to include physicians. Funding is needed for this expansion and for housing, transportation, and stipends.

For information about ABC and the internship program, call or visit our web site.