Abstract
The number of people that use Natural Health Products (NHP), not only as a complementary medical treatment, but also for disease prevention and health maintenance, has increased considerably in recent years. Although classified as a food, NHPs can have various pharmacological effects, leading to situations that cannot be ignored by healthcare administrators. However, the level of knowledge and awareness of NHPs are inadequate among healthcare professionals. The Medical Supplement Advisor (MSA) Certification Course that is introduced here is an advanced level course intended for medical professionals only, which examine NHPs, categorized by specific diseases, based on EBM. The contents and arrangement of this course allow clinical physicians and pharmacists to learn and acquire more effectively the knowledge and tools of NHPs and has also been designed with special attention to the clinical application of that knowledge. In order to maximize convenience, the entire course is offered on-line and a CBT system is utilized for the qualification exam. It is essential for healthcare administrators in the future to be able to critically assess information about NHPs and to play a guiding role in health management programs and comprehensive medical care that incorporate Natural Health Products.
