History of SocSciCAM-IM
Who We Are
The initiative for forming a Society for Medical Anthropology (SMA) special interest group dedicated to studies of what is commonly called ‘Complementary and Alternative Medicine’ (CAM) and Integrative (IM) Medicine, arose from the collaborative efforts of Dr. Mark Nichter (University of Arizona), Dr. David Hess (Renessalear Polytechnic Institute) and Dr. Ellen J. Salkeld (Visiting Scholar, University of Arizona). All three have researched the field extensively and became interested in creating a forum for other social scientists with similar interests to collaborate and contribute to a social science interest group that paralleled the growing clinical practice of CAM and IM.
We established the group the Society for the Social Studies of CAM and IM, or SocSciCAM-IM, in 2005, through application to the SMA consisting of more than 50 signatures of colleagues in Anthropology willing to support the formation of such a group.
In the past two or so years since we ‘went public’ with a website and began holding meetings at the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) and hosting a list-serve, our membership has grown from a handful of members to almost 60 professional and student Anthropologists, as well as other members of the CAM-IM interest community who happened across our site.
What We Do
Our list-serve provides a forum for communication among members, and provides a space for announcements, news, conference proceedings, and publications of interest or queries about research or other topics of interest. The website consists of an original bibliography of social science research in CAM and related fields prior to 2000, compiled and contributed by David Hess. An updated bibliography containing over 6000 citations followed later, developed by Ellen Salkeld. There is space for members to contribute their own ‘topic specific’ bibliographies to the site, using and expanding upon the existing resources. We currently have 2 contributed bibliographies and expect more shortly. Members of SocSciCAM-IM are also listed on the site, along with email contact information.
What’s Next….
Fall of 2007 brought a website revision and re-launching. Currently underway is a ‘contest’ to select a logo for SocSciCAM-IM that allows members to vote for their favorite logo from four options. We have added a Statement of Purpose (working version) developed by Mark Nichter, and provide space for member input on the statement. Other updates to the website include the addition of a section to allow posting of conference paper abstracts and posters along with ppt. presentations if desired, a blog section to allow members easier access to a communication forum. We’ve also improved funding information and other resources section.