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Phil B. Fontanarosa, MD; George D. Lundberg, MD

JAMA. 1998;280:1618-1619.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

There is no alternative medicine. There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid data or unproven medicine, for which scientific evidence is lacking. Whether a therapeutic practice is "Eastern" or "Western," is unconventional or mainstream, or involves mind-body techniques or molecular genetics is largely irrelevant except for historical purposes and cultural interest. We recognize that there are vastly different types of practitioners and proponents of the various forms of alternative medicine and conventional medicine, and that there are vast differences in the skills, capabilities, and beliefs of individuals within them and the nature of their actual practices. Moreover, the economic and political forces in these fields are large and increasingly complex and have the capability for being highly contentious. Nonetheless, as believers in science and evidence, we must focus on fundamental issues—namely, the patient, the target disease or condition, the . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Dr Fontanarosa is Senior Editor, JAMA, and Dr Lundberg is Editor, JAMA.

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