FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What exactly does the Division do?

The Division is an organization made up of interested faculty members, administrators, and staff members at Harvard University and 17 healthcare institutions affiliated with Harvard Medical School. The Division’s mission can be divided into three parts – research, education, and investigations of clinical models. The Division manages a portfolio of clinical trials and basic mechanistic investigations. It offers a number of continuing medical education courses for medical professionals through the Department of Continuing Education at HMS, as well as courses for medical and public health students. It supervises a post-graduate research training program for medical doctors and is involved in the development of programs for residents and medical students. Division faculty in conjunction with a team of complementary care providers and other healthcare providers are currently investigating models of integrative care especially in the area of musculo-skeletal pain.

2. What is the HMS Osher Research Center?

The Osher Research Center is the home of the Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies. It was created in recognition of the generous gift made by the Bernard Osher Foundation to support the research and education activities of the Division. The Osher Research Center also administrates the Osher Pilot Research Grant Program, a competitive granting program for members of the Harvard Medical School community. It is located in the Landmark building on the eastern edge of the Longwood Medical Area. The Research Center houses conference rooms, libraries, offices and resources for the creation of educational programs and proper conduct of clinical trials. It hosts a busy schedule of Strategic Interest Group meetings, steering committee meetings and fund-raising events.

3. Can you direct me to physicians who have experience with complementary medicine?

Several of our Faculty and graduates from the Fellowship program see patients under the auspices of Harvard-affiliated medical centers and other facilities. They are:

Don Levy, MD, Marino Center for Progressive Health, Cambridge, MA
Maureen Connelly, MD, Women’s Health Center, Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
Andrew Nierenberg, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
Peter Wolsko, MD, Mind-Body Medical Institute, Brookline
Anne McCaffrey, MD, Marino Center Cambridge
Robert Saper, MD, Boston Medical Center, Boston

Some of the Division Fellows also see patients under the auspices of the Marino Center Cambridge. They are:

Andrew Ahn, MD
Robert Graham, MD
Catherine Buettner, MD
Hilary Tindle, MD

4. Can you refer me to a CAM practitioner (Chiropractor, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapist, etc.)?

The Division is not part of any network of credentialed complementary providers and therefore cannot make referrals. We suggest you consult with the various programs offered by Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals:

• Mind-Body Medical Institute
• Arnold Pain Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

5. How do I invite Dr. Eisenberg or other faculty at the Osher Research Center to present a lecture at a conference or a meeting at my hospital?

Speaker requests are handled by Susan Rodliff, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Eisenberg. Please send the details listed below as your initial request by fax to her attention (617-384-8555). She will respond at her earliest convenience.

• Your name
• Name of meeting, class, or event for which you are requesting a speaker
• Date, place, and approximate length of time for the event
• Your email and telephone contact
• Faculty member(s) to whom you wish to direct your request (if known)

6. May I visit the Research Center ?

The library at the Research Center is available for use by the outside public, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5:30 pm BY APPOINTMENT. Please contact Robert Scholten, Information Officer, to make an appointment. [mailto:rscholten@hms.harvard.edu]

7. How do I arrange an appointment or interview with members of the faculty at the Research Center?

If you are a member of the media wishing to interview faculty members, please contact the Harvard Medical School Public Affairs Office at 617-432-0442 or by email at public_affairs@hms.harvard.edu.

If you wish to speak to any of the Research Center -based faculty members or staff on a private matter, please contact them directly at the email address listed in their profile. If you are not certain to whom to direct your inquiry, please call the main number 617-384-8550, or direct email to: osher_research@hms.harvard.edu.

8. I am a professor, scientist, or healthcare professional who wishes to collaborate with the Division. Who do I contact?

Harvard-based faculty who have a project, proposal, or source of funding that may be of interest to the Division are urged to download this form, complete it and return to us. We will be happy to review your proposal and let you know of our interest in collaborating in return. Researchers outside of Harvard who are seeking a position during a paid leave-of-absence are also encouraged to use this form. Please be aware that proposals that are consonant with the Division's strategic research goals will receive priority attention.

9. Where is the Research Center located?

We are located in Suite 22-A on the second level of the Landmark Center at 401 Park Drive in Boston. The Landmark Center is located at the intersection of Brookline Avenue, Boylston Street and Park Drive. There is an attached garage at the Landmark Center. The closest stop on the T (subway) is Fenway on the Green D Line to Riverside.

Our building is a few blocks from the Harvard Medical School main campus and the Longwood Medical Area. By highway, the simplest access is from Storrow Drive. Take the Route 1, Fenway exit and proceed on Boylston outbound until you reach the intersection of Park Drive where you will turn right. Entrance to the Landmark Center will be on the right one block down.