Oct. 22, 2018:

Applications are now open for a nationwide integrative oncology training program. The Integrative Oncology (IO) Scholars program brings together oncology professionals in a free year-long course. Designed for the full spectrum of oncology care professionals, the program equips oncologists, nurses, physicians assistants, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and psychologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and evidence-based integration of complementary therapies in conventional oncology care. The course is funded by the National Cancer Institute and developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School.

The program is delivered in a blend of in-person and online learning sessions, as well as through individual community projects.

As an IO Scholar, you will also analyze the negative interactions and adverse effects of complementary and alternative therapies, gain critical knowledge about popular alternative treatments currently chosen by patients, and learn how to communicate with patients about the potential harms of using unproven treatments.

Complementary and alternative treatments often vary by community. The IO Scholars program will enable you to identify, evaluate, and create evidence-based integrative oncology services within your patient community.

Licensed physicians, nurses, physician assistants, social workers, and psychologists working in clinical oncology environments are encouraged to apply. Financial assistance is available for travel to the three in-person sessions in Ann Arbor, Mich.

For more information and to apply online, go to: https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/ioscholars/. Applications are due January 15, 2019. Contact the IO Scholars program directly at 1-888-603-2533 or ioscholars@umich.edu.

About the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium: The Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium was created in 2013 to transform the conduct of cancer research through collaborative, hypothesis-driven, highly translational oncology trials that leverage the scientific and clinical expertise of Big Ten universities. The goal of the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium is to create a unique team-research culture to drive science rapidly from ideas to new approaches to cancer treatment. Within this innovative environment, today’s research leaders collaborate with and mentor the research leaders of tomorrow with the unified goal of improving the lives of all patients with cancer.

About the Big Ten Conference: The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The broad-based programs of the 14 Big Ten institutions will provide over $200 million in direct financial support to almost 9,500 students for more than 11,000 participation opportunities on 350 teams in 42 different sports. The Big Ten sponsors 28 official conference sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, including the addition of men’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s lacrosse since 2013. For more information, visit www.bigten.org.