Balancing act: women and the study of complementary and alternative medicine

While research indicates that women compose the majority of users and practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine, very little is known about their experiences as students of CAM. The following article draws upon ethnographic research conducted at a multidisciplinary institution of CAM education in the United States, which emphasizes an integrated model of medicine, collaboration with allopathic practitioners, and science-based curricula as part of the project of professionalization. Focusing on the first year of a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program, I explore women's motivations for pursuing training in CAM; their experiences of learning; and their visions of future practice. Although female students conceive of themselves as pioneers in the field, they also feel constrained by family and relationship obligations, suggesting that there may be female-specific challenges of learning, and ultimately practicing, complementary medicine.