From the Editors
Integration of Conventional and Complementary
Alternative Medicine

magine a medical school curriculum which puts a premium on teaching basic sciences and the fine skills of clinical diagnosis in the context of evidence-based medicine—and also teaches meridians.  As Cuba further integrates proven aspects of natural and traditional medicine (complementary and alternative medicine) into its medical practice and public health system, medicinal plants, acupuncture, moxibustion and other therapies have also made their way into curricula, in both medical schools and post-graduate training.

Cuban public health authorities have taken their time, concern for the scientific basis of alternative treatments paramount in their considerations.  Today, the Ministry of Public Health has a National Division of Natural and Traditional Medicine, charged with carrying out the national Natural and Traditional Medicine Program (see Spotlight On…); and post-graduate opportunities include a Master’s Degree in the field (see MR Interviews… Dr. Romulo Rodríguez Ramos).

This issue of MEDICC Review reflects the widespread use of these therapies throughout Cuba, (see Cuban Medical Research).  In some instances, such as the 10 de Octubre’s Pain Clinic, the articles evaluate the results of over a decade of work—in this case, with 190,000 patients.

We also take this opportunity to publish two fine articles outside the realm of natural and traditional medicine:  Gender and Ischemic Heart Disease, by Dr. Caridad Castañeda, winner of the MEDICC Review Research Award in Women’s Health, and also a MEDICC Review Feature, Vaccination Strategies against Hepatitis B and its Results: Cuba and the United States, 2001, by Dr. Graciela Delgado.

We invite you to open the e-pages of this quarter’s journal, and send us your comments at medic@infomed.sld.cu

Coming up in our next issue:  a look at Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Rehabilitation in Cuba.