Fellowship pathway launches for Southern Cross Integrative Medicine students

Integrative medicine (IM) is a model of healthcare where practitioners work as interdisciplinary teams to understand and address the matrix of factors that contribute to illness in an individual. Patients with complex and chronic conditions are active participants in co-designing and managing their care.

The AIHM Fellowship pathway includes five AIHM modules – Visionary Medicine, Mind-Body-Spirit Medicine, The Art of Fellowship, The Science of the Fellowship and Integrative Cardiology – that Master of Integrative Medicine students complete in addition to their seven core units.

"We are thrilled to offer this unique pathway to our students," said Dr Andrea Bugarcic, Deputy Director (Education) at NCNM. "This collaboration with AIHM provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain global insights and recognition in the field of integrative medicine."

“AIHM fellows are known for their advanced practice and commitment to integrative medicine, enhancing their professional credibility and opening doors to new career opportunities, including access to a global network of like-minded professionals and ongoing educational resources.”

Dr Bugarcic said that practitioners of IM were skilled collaborators within their respective scopes of practice, and that the IM approach envisioned a patient surrounded by a circle of health professionals, all working together to provide comprehensive care while maintaining their individual expertise.

Dr Erika Cappelluti, Director of Fellowship in Education at AIHM, added, "Our partnership with Southern Cross reflects a shared commitment to advancing the field of integrative medicine. We look forward to welcoming Southern Cross students into our Fellowship program and supporting their professional growth."

The two-year part-time Master of Integrative Medicine at Southern Cross University covers the principles and practices of IM, including models of care, clinical reasoning, self-management, behaviour change, and strategies and interventions for preventing and managing disease.

An observational placement at the end of the degree enables students to consolidate their understanding of IM in a real-life setting.

Learn more about the Master of Integrative Medicine

About the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and innovation in naturopathic medicine and health education, research and practice. NCNM creates, promotes and advocates a strong culture of incorporating evidence-based science into healthcare education and clinical practice.

About the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine

The Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine is a global community of healthcare professionals, researchers and academics dedicated to the transformation of healthcare through integrative medicine. AIHM provides education, certification, and fellowship programs to support the professional development of integrative health practitioners.