Research History

One of the First in the Country

When it opened in 1993, the Alternative Medicine Clinic, under the direction of Patricia Culliton, M.A., L.A.C., was one of the first in the U.S. to open within a traditional health care organization. Through its post-doctoral fellowship program, it also became the first in the nation to train medical doctors in alternative therapies.

Culliton, who began at HFA in 1987, further developed the research program and performed clinical work throughout various departments until the clinic opened. "Our vision, from day one, has been to expand the range of health care options for our patients," says Culliton.

Alternative Therapies for Addiction

In 1983, long before the clinic opened, MMRF researchers began to look at acupuncture for substance abuse. Along with medical director Milton Bullock, M.D., Culliton published a study in 1988 that showed positive results in the use of ear acupuncture for treating chronic alcoholism. This landmark study contributed to the establishment nationwide of acupuncture treatment clinics in substance abuse centers, as well as in mainstream health care clinics.

Outcomes Measures Research

From the outset, data has been collected on patients through the clinic's affiliated Alternative Medicine Research Program of the MMRF to determine the safety and effectiveness of alternative treatments.

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