Complementary and alternative medicine in Australia: a contemporary overview

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a thriving sector in Australian health care although it remains largely disconnected from the health mainstream. This article looks at the recent history of CAM in Australia with a particular focus on regulation, education and representation by professional associations. Social forces are coercing the two health systems into relationship but this is occurring in an ad hoc and uncoordinated manner as institutions and professions respond to consumer needs for integration.