[Naturopathic methods as part of the academic curriculum and the role of general practice].

Background: With the implementation of the last 'Arztliche Approbationsordnung' in 2003, complementary medicine (CAM) became a required subject for all German medical schools. CAM will be taught together with rehabilitation and physical treatment in a compound as a cross sectional subject.

Objectives: As CAM has rarely been represented at German universities before,the question arose who would give the classes. Previously, CAM had often been taught within the curriculum of academic General Practice.

Methods and results: According to the replies from 27 departments of general practice at German universities, we show effects of the required additional curriculum on academic General Practice, which faculties are involved beyond General Practice, what kind of contents are taught and what type of examinations are considered. Descriptive statistical results will be given.