Program Overview

Integrative Health and Applied Research (IHEAR) Summer Training Program

The UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health provides an eight-week summer training program focused on Integrative Health and Applied Research (IHEAR) for an interprofessional cohort of predoctoral health professions students. The goal of the NIH-funded training program is to increase the capacity of the integrative medicine research workforce to address scientifically established differences in health and wellness and make integrative healthcare available to all.

Program Overview

This program offers a robust early-career pathway for predoctoral health professions fellows to study and participate in integrative health research. The curriculum includes instruction on scientifically proven differences in health and healthcare outcomes and mentored research projects based in real-world applications to improve access to integrative health care for all people.

Program Benefits

• Instruction in the science of social health and the role of complementary and integrative health approaches to improve health and wellness for all
• Development of foundational research skills (e.g., formulating research questions, selecting research methods, interpreting evidence)
• Participation in mentored, applied research projects
• Monthly stipend of $2352

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility

• Applicants to the program must be currently enrolled in a health professions doctoral program (such as acupuncture, medicine, naturopathy, nursing, osteopathy, pharmacy, and public health).
• Applicants must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a foreign national possessing a visa permitting permanent U.S. residence.
• The Osher Center welcomes learners with a diversity of lived experiences.

Application Requirements

• Personal Statement (600-word maximum, submitted as PDF):
  • Why are you interested in integrative medicine?
  • What are your academic and career goals?
  • What has inspired or motivated you to pursue these goals? (Expand on community involvement, volunteer experiences, previous research, personal life experiences, etc.)?
  • How will participating in IHEAR help you reach your goals?
  • Any other information about yourself that you would like us to know.
• Resume/CV as a PDF.
• Two letters of recommendation from a professor or other relevant person on official letterhead.

Program Co-Directors

• Shelley R. Adler, PhD: Director, Osher Foundation Distinguished Professor of Integrative Health
• Maria T. Chao, DrPH, MPA: Director of Research, Associate Director for Health Equity and Diversity, Associate Director of Clinical Research and Analytics

Testimonials

• IHEAR is an incredible program that fosters a network of mentors and peers that has fundamentally supported my professional development. IHEAR not only connects you to leaders at the forefront of integrative health research, but allows you to participate in that research.
• The IHEAR program catalyzed my growth as an integrative health equity researcher. I developed new skills, received excellent mentorship, and had many opportunities to learn from peers in discussions and presentations.
• The IHEAR program was an amazing opportunity to explore multidisciplinary and radical approaches to healing and medicine. It gave me dedicated time to learn about care modalities not often taught in medical school, while also providing space for me to connect with like-minded thinkers and mentors striving to create more holistic approaches to healthcare.
• IHEAR solidified my desire to pursue a career in integrative medicine and introduced me to mentors who have built careers that serve as a model for my own.