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Research Fellowship in Complementary & Integrative Healthcare

UNC Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (T-32)

Have you thought about a career as an academic researcher? Are you interested in playing a lead role as a future researcher in complementary and integrative health? If so, you may want to check out our research fellowship in complementary and integrative healthcare!

The UNC Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (CIH), funded since 2007 by the NIH National Center on Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), provides support for two to three years of pre- or post-doctoral research training leading to impactful CIH research careers. Centered in the UNC School of Medicine’s Program on Integrative Medicine, Dept. of Physical Medicine, and Rehabilitation. with a lead partnership from the UNC School of Nursing and substantial contributions from the UNC School of Public Health, the Fellowship provides mentorship from faculty leaders skilled in various methodologies, perspectives, and approaches relevant to CIH research. For additional information about our mentors, see our website: UNC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Medicine | Program on Integrative Medicine

This interdisciplinary program aims to train talented doctoral-level scientists and healthcare providers in research designed to examine the patterns, efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and cost-benefits of complementary and integrative healthcare (CIH). Within the Program of Integrative Medicine and the School of Nursing, the emphasis is on conducting research in mind-body therapies and nutrition for promoting health, mitigating health conditions, and increasing access to culturally accessible CIH for diverse populations. Fellows are trained in research methodology, receive a firm grounding in CIH concepts and research issues, participate in ongoing research of their mentors, and develop research that will provide the foundation for future clinical trials. The Fellowship has produced highly qualified, successful investigators whose careers have contributed substantially to CIH research.

Program Description

The UNC Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare provides the following opportunities:

  • A multidisciplinary research and clinical environment that brings together physicians, nurses, complementary health practitioners, and behavioral, social, nutrition, and health-services researchers in a premier academic health professions environment.
  • Formal coursework in epidemiology, statistics, and other quantitative and qualitative research methods, with an option for a master’s in public health or a master’s in clinical research degree.
  • Application of research methodology via hands-on involvement in faculty-mentored research projects.
  • Formal coursework and seminars in various CIH philosophies, proposed mechanisms of action, and techniques used in health care.

Fellows qualify to apply for the NIH loan repayment program.

Eligibility

The UNC Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare Postdoctoral track is open to individuals with doctoral degrees (e.g., MD, PhD, DO, PharmD, DC, ND, DPT, OTD, DNP, DrPH) and advanced predoctoral students (in their dissertation phase) who are interested in a career in clinical research. Of particular interest are individuals with skills in data science, nutrition, and/or psychological mechanisms of mindfulness.

To qualify for this federally funded grant, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or a foreign national possessing a visa permitting permanent U.S. residence.

Application Process

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024-2025 fiscal years.

Application materials include:

  • Completed Application Form
  • Including personal statement
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation

Direct link to Posting Vacancy ID: PDS004003; (required)

Additional T32 positions may be available through an application for a diversity supplement. Individuals who may qualify for the supplement include those who:

  1. Identify as Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, or Pacific Islander.
  2. Have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
  3. Come from a disadvantaged background.

A second supplement is available for individuals trained as complementary practitioners, including chiropractors, osteopathic doctors, naturopathic doctors, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Susan Gaylord – at gaylords@med.unc.edu, Kim Faurot – at faurot@med.unc.edu, or Kelly Eason – at kelly_eason@med.unc.edu.