• Author
    Tiffany Chen
  • Discovery PI

    Weijun Zhang DrPH, Ka-Kit Hui MD

  • Project Co-Author

    Ed Hui MD

  • Abstract Title

    Advancing Integrative Neurology Education Through Research, Outreach, and Global Exchange

  • Discovery AOC Petal or Dual Degree Program

    Social Science & Medical Humanities

  • Abstract

    Background: Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease place a growing burden on patients and health systems worldwide, while many individuals continue to seek complementary approaches to address mobility, pain, sleep, and mental health symptoms. Despite increasing interest in integrative medicine, exposure to evidence-based non-pharmacologic therapies remains limited in traditional medical education and unevenly accessible across communities. Under the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine (CEWM), a multi-component initiative was developed to expand integrative neurology education through clinical research, community outreach, and global exchange.

    Objective: To advance integrative neurology education through clinical research, community engagement, and international collaboration.

    Design: This initiative was implemented through three complementary strategies. First, clinical rotations at CEWM clinics provided exposure to acupuncture/acupressure and traditional Chinese medicine frameworks, while a concurrent Parkinson’s disease research project explored patient experiences with non-pharmacologic therapies. Second, community-facing educational events introduced patients and community members to integrative health concepts through interactive demonstrations of mind-body practices, lifestyle medicine, and sensory-based wellness approaches. Third, a monthly international webinar series, the “Society for Peer Learning”, created a platform for cross-institutional dialogue among clinicians, researchers, and trainees, supplemented by an academic exchange across integrative medicine departments in Asia.

    Result: Clinical immersion and the Parkinson’s disease research project generated early insights into how patients experience and perceive non-pharmacologic therapies. Community programs increased exposure to integrative health concepts through interactive, patient-centered education. The “Society for Peer Learning” established a recurring platform for international dialogue and cross-cultural exchange among trainees and faculty in integrative medicine. 

    Conclusion: A multi-pronged model combining research, community outreach, and international collaboration can broaden integrative neurology education and promote more holistic, patient-centered approaches to care. Embedding these experiences within medical training may help prepare future physicians to engage more with complementary therapies in neurological disease management.

Back