Interview with Donald Lefeber: Exploring His Experience at the Academic Consortium

Student Donald Lefeber (left) pictured with Dr. Helene Langevin from NCCIH.

The UAG School of Medicine is renowned for its unwavering commitment to research, demonstrated its dedication to advancing integrative medicine and health at the recent event hosted by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health and the Society for Acupuncture Research International Research Conference. Dr. Lucia Alvarez, the Director of Research at UAG School of Medicine, expressed great enthusiasm for the university's research program and eagerly looks forward to collaborating with faculty and students to achieve extraordinary success. Accompanied by Dr. Alvarez, student Donald Lefeber attended the conference, where they presented their pioneering research to distinguished top science researchers, resulting in a remarkable achievement.

CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT YOUR RESEARCH WAS ABOUT?
The research I presented was based on a successful patient treatment outcome encounter I had with an individual suffering from a Chronic non-healing ulcer. I also investigated the specific biomechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine formula, Si Miao Yong An Tang for treating ulcers as well as cardiovascular disease and its future possibilities for pharmaceutical production.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE CONFERENCE?
I spoke with the Directors of each of the co-sponsors as well as the Director of the National Institute of Health’s Center for Complementary & Integrative Health, Dr. Helene Langevin, and learned of special internships they offer medical students for periods of 1 & 2 years prior to residency. I was presented with the opportunity of future internships at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Service and also the brand-new UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

At the conference, Lefeber found himself surrounded by luminaries in the field, including Dr. Vitaly Napadow from Harvard Medical School and Dr. Helene Langevin from the National Institute of Health's Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. These distinguished researchers and leaders are at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at addressing critical scientific and public health questions within the context of whole-person health.

“I was exhilarated and honored to be amongst some of the top science researchers in the world to present some of my own research with Dr. Alvarez.”

Donald Lefeber's journey at the Academic Consortium's conference was a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for integrative medicine and health. Through his research and interactions with leaders in the field, Lefeber's experience serves as a shining example of the profound impact that aspiring young minds can have in advancing our understanding of holistic healthcare approaches. As Lefeber's journey continues, it is certain that he will continue to make significant contributions to the field, shaping the future of integrative medicine and health.

Accompanying the interview is a note from the professor who mentored Donald throughout his research journey:

"Donald's research on the healing properties for treating peripheral artery disease in a case report is a testament to his dedication and enthusiasm. We are thrilled to hear that he was able to secure a partial scholarship and present at the meeting, where he had the opportunity to engage with academics and program directors.

Donald is a fantastic example of a student who is willing to not only pursue academic knowledge but also share their knowledge with the scientific community. We could not be more proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing what he achieves in the future.

As the new research program director, I would like to stress the importance of students getting involved in these events for they provide a unique opportunity for students to present their research, engage with other scholars, and gain valuable feedback that can help them improve their work.

Attending scientific meetings can also be a great way for students to network with other researchers and potentially find new collaborators for future projects, as Donald has stated. Furthermore, it can help students build confidence and gain experience in presenting their findings to a broader audience.

On another note, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our newly born research program here at UAG. This program will bring a fresh perspective and new opportunities for collaboration to our university. With the support of our dedicated faculty and staff, I am confident that we can build a program that will make significant contributions to our field.

I am excited about the prospects of this new research program and look forward to working with faculty and students to make it a success.”

To read Donald Lefeber's research, click here.