Back to: About NCCAM

Director's Corner

Dr. Stephen E. Straus' Message

Stephen E. Straus, M.D., Director, NCCAM

For many Americans, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is synonymous with breakthrough medical research that has decoded the human genome, developed technology to identify new epidemics like SARS, prevented crippling strokes, and contributed to the health and welfare of the public. To have been charged 5 years ago to bring this same level of rigor and integrity to the study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) was both a great challenge and a privilege for me. A challenge, because prior to the creation of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), there was little credible research under way to determine whether popular CAM health practices were as safe and effective as promised. We had to inspire and build a whole new discipline within biomedical research to study CAM. And it was a privilege, because we were being entrusted with public resources to meet the task. Read more >>

Biography

Stephen E. Straus, M.D., was appointed the first director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) in October 1999. Read more >>

Lectures and Media Appearances

		Web Chat Transcript on Washingtonpost.com: Latest Research on Alternative Medicine
		Radio Interview with Diane Rehm: Current Issues in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Research and NCCAM's Strategic Planning
		Distinguished Lectures Series: Exploring the Scientific Basis of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
		Radio Interview: Treatment for Minor Depression Study
		Medicine for the Public Lecture: Exploring the Scientific Basis of CAM
		Web Chat Transcript: Question and Answers about CAM and Cancer

Congressional Testimony

Statement on Fiscal Year 2005 Budget Request

Research

		Dr. Straus' scientific publications, from PubMed
		Dr. Straus' laboratory, the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation at NIAID

NCCAM Marks 5 Years,
Plans for Next 5

February 2004 marked NCCAM's 5th anniversary. Our research portfolio now includes over 300 projects ranging from basic inquiries to large clinical trials of popular dietary supplements. Most importantly, a body of data is emerging from NCCAM's investments in research that is informing public policy and helping guide practices. Our first strategic plan, Expanding Horizons of Healthcare, has helped us to build a solid foundation for rigorous CAM research. Now, NCCAM is developing its next strategic plan to guide efforts over the next 5 years. After gathering input from a vast array of stakeholders and advisors, a draft of the strategic plan was presented to NCCAM's Advisory Council in September. We welcome you to review and provide input on the draft strategic plan through November 15.

Contact Information

Office of the Director
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
31 Center Drive, MSC 2182
Bethesda, MD 20892-2182

E-mail NCCAM: info@nccam.nih.gov