Stephen Dahmer

Interests

Research

Integrative Medicine, Narrative Medicine, Patient-Centered Care, Medical Education Research, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Integrative Medicine Outcomes, Botanical Medicine Research, Ethnobotany and Ethnomedicine, Clinical Decision-Making, Medical Informatics and Telemedicine, Global Health Education, Resident Wellness and Burnout, Leadership Development in Healthcare, Patient Engagement and Activation, Personalized Medicine and Genomics, Wellness and Integrative Therapies

Teaching

Integrative Medicine, Botanical Medicine, Ethnobotany, Medical Education Research, Healthcare Communication, Professionalism in Medicine, Evidence-Based Medicine, Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Patient Safety, Interprofessional Education, Narrative Medicine, Medical Ethics, Resident Wellness, Leadership Development, Clinical Decision-Making, Medical Informatics, Global Health Education, Mentorship in Medicine

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Chapters

• Dahmer, S., & Kligler, B. (2018). HIV Disease and AIDS. In Integrative Medicine, 4th Edition. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-35868-2.00019-0
• Dahmer, S., & Kligler, B. (2012). HIV Disease and AIDS. In Integrative Medicine, 3rd Edition. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4377-1793-8.00017-0
• Kligler, B., & Dahmer, S. (2007). HIV Disease and AIDS. In Integrative Medicine, 2nd Edition. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-2954-0.50025-9

Journals/Publications

• Cronin, S. P., Cruz, J., Cameron, E., Azemar, S., Dudley, S., Largent-Milnes, T. M., Brady, B. R., Wallace, J. S., Arnett, M. R., Dahmer, S. M., Ibrahim, M. M., Padilla, A. R., Vanderah, T. W., & De La Rosa, J. S. (2025). "It's legal, now what?" development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary cannabis education for healthcare trainees. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 68.
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  Healthcare professionals are motivated to improve their cannabis knowledge-yet few training opportunities exist. The unique legal status of cannabis, lack of rigorous research, and rapid expansion of consumer demand present challenges to the development and implementation of cannabis education for healthcare professionals and trainees. As a result, an alarming gap in quality of care is developing: health care professionals across disciplines lack the knowledge needed to counsel their patients, even as cannabis use rapidly accelerates.
• Cronin, S. P., Cruz, J., Cameron, E., Azemar, S., Dudley, S., Largent-Milnes, T. M., Brady, B. R., Wallace, J. S., Arnett, M. R., Dahmer, S. M., Ibrahim, M. M., Padilla, A. R., Vanderah, T. W., & De La Rosa, J. S. (2025). “It’s legal, now what?” development, implementation, and evaluation of interdisciplinary cannabis education for healthcare trainees. Journal of Cannabis Research, 7(Issue 1). doi:10.1186/s42238-025-00321-8
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  Background: Healthcare professionals are motivated to improve their cannabis knowledge—yet few training opportunities exist. The unique legal status of cannabis, lack of rigorous research, and rapid expansion of consumer demand present challenges to the development and implementation of cannabis education for healthcare professionals and trainees. As a result, an alarming gap in quality of care is developing: health care professionals across disciplines lack the knowledge needed to counsel their patients, even as cannabis use rapidly accelerates. Methods: We aimed to address the gap by developing and implementing an interprofessional cannabis training for healthcare trainees. Considering the challenges to development and implementation of cannabis training, we identified 4 implementation strategies to maximize training quality, uptake, and utility: 1) incorporating a diverse array of scientific expertise and perspectives in curriculum development; 2) offering a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment of potential risks and potential benefits; 3) using an interprofessional training format; 4) adopting a person-centered lens with special emphasis on patient-provider communication. A post-survey evaluated implementation success and intermediate outcomes in trainee attitudes and behavioral intentions that would suggest high potential to deliver healthcare improvements at scale. Results: The virtual training “It's Legal, Now What? Cannabis Epidemiology, Treatment, and Safety Recommendations” was successfully implemented; since 2023 a total of 345 trainees in Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine have earned certificates. Evaluation results are encouraging: 90% agree the training addressed a training need in their current role, 83% agree it should be required for trainees in their profession, 98% and 96% agree it comprehensively addressed potential risks and benefits, respectively, 94% agree it was inclusive of diverse perspectives, 94% agree it improved their knowledge of community resources, 96% report improved ability to respond to patients interested in cannabis, 96% report greater likelihood of providing information on cannabis to others, and 97% of trainees agree they learned information that would help them in their work or community. Conclusions: We present our training development process, implementation strategy, and evaluation as an adaptable model for contexts where both recreational and medical use of cannabis are legal.
• Slawek, D. E., Zhang, C., Dahmer, S., Sohler, N., Zolotov, Y., Starrels, J. L., Deng, Y., Calderon DiFrancesca, G., Levin, F. R., Ross, J., Minami, H., Cunningham, C. O., & Arnsten, J. H. (2025). Medical Cannabis and Opioid Receipt Among Adults With Chronic Pain. JAMA internal medicine.
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  Medical cannabis is increasingly considered a substitute for prescription opioid medications for chronic pain, driven by the urgent need for opioid alternatives to combat the ongoing epidemic.
• Zolotov, Y., Mendoza Temple, L., Isralowitz, R., Gorelick, D. A., Abraham, R., Abrams, D. I., Barich, K., Boehnke, K. F., Dahmer, S., Friedman, J., Frye, P., Haramati, A., Isaac, J., Mathre, M. L., McNabb, M. E., Ring, M., Russo, E. B., Slawek, D. E., Temple, B. R., , Wilson-King, G. S., et al. (2025).

  Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement

  . JAMA network open, 8(10), e2535049.
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  The use of medical cannabis continues to expand rapidly across the US, yet most health care practitioners and trainees report feeling unprepared to counsel patients or integrate cannabis into care. Despite its clinical relevance, standardized education on medical cannabis remains absent from most medical school curricula.
• Zolotov, Y., Mendoza Temple, L., Isralowitz, R., Gorelick, D. A., Abraham, R., Abrams, D. I., Barich, K., Boehnke, K. F., Dahmer, S., Friedman, J., Frye, P., Haramati, A., Isaac, J., Mathre, M. L., McNabb, M. E., Ring, M., Russo, E. B., Slawek, D. E., Temple, B. R., , Wilson-King, G. S., et al. (2025). Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement. JAMA Network Open. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.35049
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  Importance: The use of medical cannabis continues to expand rapidly across the US, yet most health care practitioners and trainees report feeling unprepared to counsel patients or integrate cannabis into care. Despite its clinical relevance, standardized education on medical cannabis remains absent from most medical school curricula. Objective: To develop a consensus-based set of core competencies for educating medical students about medical cannabis, including its clinical utility, risks, legal landscape, and evidence base. Evidence Review: Between February and October 2023, a modified Delphi process was conducted with 23 experts representing a broad range of clinical and academic expertise. Through 2 rounds of anonymous, web-based surveys, panelists provided quantitative ratings and qualitative feedback on draft competencies. Competencies and subcompetencies were iteratively revised by the research team and re-evaluated by the panel. Final inclusion of competencies required a mean score of 4 or higher (on a 1 to 5 scale) on both importance and wording appropriateness. Subcompetencies were reviewed for comprehensiveness and educational value. Findings: The expert panel included 14 physicians across multiple specialties, along with nurses, a pharmacist, and individuals with leadership roles in academic medicine. An initial list of 9 competencies was refined and consolidated into 6 core competencies: (1) understand the basics of the endocannabinoid system; (2) describe the main components of the cannabis plant and their biological effects; (3) review the legal and regulatory landscape of cannabis in the US; (4) describe the evidence base for health conditions that are commonly managed with cannabis; (5) understand the potential risks of medical cannabis use; and (6) understand basic clinical management with medical cannabis. Each competency is supported by 2 to 7 subcompetencies, resulting in 26 subcompetencies reflecting granular topics, such as patient safety, vulnerable populations, structural inequities, and interdisciplinary care. Conclusions and Relevance: These consensus-derived competencies provide a structured, evidence-informed foundation to guide the integration of medical cannabis into undergraduate medical education. Aligned with competency-based education principles, the implementation of the proposed framework can help ensure that future clinicians are equipped to provide informed, evidence-based, and patient-centered guidance on medical cannabis use.
• Zylla, D., Idossa, D., Borrero, M., Napurski, C., Dahmer, S., Cowger, J., Gilmore, G., Luo, X., Birnbaum, A., & Blaes, A. H. (2025). A Randomized, Open-Label Trial to Assess Feasibility and Tolerability of Topical Cannabis Balms for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Syndrome (AIMSS). Cannabis and cannabinoid research.
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  Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are commonly used for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Nearly two-thirds of women on AIs have arthralgias, joint stiffness, and/or bone pains referred to as aromatase inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS), leading to poor adherence. Preclinical and clinical data suggest topical cannabinoids can reduce inflammation in arthritis. We conducted a randomized trial assessing feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of topical cannabis for women with stage 1-3 breast cancer experiencing AIMSS. Women were randomized 1:1 to cannabidiol (CBD) vs. delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) balms. The balm was applied three times daily to hands for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week extension with the balm of their choice. Modified Score for the Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affectations of the Hands (M-SACRAH), brief pain inventory, and skin toxicity measures were captured weekly. A total of 21 women completed the study over 14 months. The mean age was 54, 86% White, 43% received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 48% reported no lifetime cannabis use. Compliance was high, with 71% continuing an additional 2 weeks and 86% of weekly surveys completed. We found 86% of participants reported improvement in M-SACRAH from baseline to week 2 with a higher percentage of the THC balm group reporting a >50% improvement (50% vs. 18%). Minor skin irritation was reported by 24%, and one patient discontinued balm due to "greasy" texture. Conducting a randomized trial of topical cannabis using state-approved dispensaries is feasible. Both THC and CBD balms are well tolerated. Placebo-controlled trials are needed to determine if balms can reduce AIMSS severity in breast cancer survivors.
• Bierman, S. F., Weil, A., & Dahmer, S. (2024). Placebo and the law of identification. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 15(Issue). doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1474558
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  Thousands of essays and studies have been published on placebo and nocebo. Yet, despite this plethora of information, we are not much closer to a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanism producing placebo and nocebo effects than we were in 1946, when participants in the Cornell Conferences on Therapy speculated on the roles of authority, belief and expectancy. In this paper, we examine the weaknesses in current placebo and nocebo definitions and theories. We also propose a more concise and comprehensive definition and theory of placebo and nocebo by introducing the Law of Identification and the Generic Placebo Instruction (GPI). The latter being the placebo/nocebo information expressed or implied in virtually every clinical encounter and trial; the former (i.e., the Law of Identification), being what drives the GPI to actualization. Further, we demonstrate the explanatory power of this new theory and suggest clinical studies that test predictions arising from it - studies whose results, if positive, would translate universally into clinical practice.
• Bierman, S. F., Weil, A., & Dahmer, S. (2024). Placebo and the law of identification. Frontiers in psychiatry, 15, 1474558.
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  Thousands of essays and studies have been published on placebo and nocebo. Yet, despite this plethora of information, we are not much closer to a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental mechanism producing placebo and nocebo effects than we were in 1946, when participants in the Cornell Conferences on Therapy speculated on the roles of authority, belief and expectancy. In this paper, we examine the weaknesses in current placebo and nocebo definitions and theories. We also propose a more concise and comprehensive definition and theory of placebo and nocebo by introducing the Law of Identification and the Generic Placebo Instruction (GPI). The latter being the placebo/nocebo information expressed or implied in virtually every clinical encounter and trial; the former (i.e., the Law of Identification), being what drives the GPI to actualization. Further, we demonstrate the explanatory power of this new theory and suggest clinical studies that test predictions arising from it - studies whose results, if positive, would translate universally into clinical practice.
• Kirk, R., Uhley, O., Lehfeldtorcid, P., Shieldsorcid, C., Garretsonorcid, M., Collins, A., Wahbehorcid, H., & Dahmer, S. (2023). Willingness to participate in entheogen use research in naturalistic settings. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. doi:10.1556/2054.2022.00238
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  Background: Entheogen use is becoming increasingly popular and a potential option for treatment or adjuvant treatment for various medical conditions. Clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy, safety, and possible role of these traditional medicines in the context of modern society and the Western medicine paradigm. The willingness of patients to participate in such studies is currently unknown. Materials and Methods: In September 2021 we implemented an anonymous, observational pilot survey to determine the general public's willingness to participate in future entheogen research. All participants were English-speaking adults and had participated in therapy or a retreat utilizing entheogens in a naturalistic setting in the last five (5) years. Participants were recruited through community outreach via email. Results: The response rate for this data set was estimated to be 48.3% (n = 84/174). Nearly all (95.5%) participants believed this research should be done and 86.9% said they would participate in entheogen research that lasted longer than one year. A greater proportion of participants were willing to participate in remote interviews (73.5%) rather than in-person surveys (64.7%). A majority of participants (78%) also noted the importance of financial compensation for their time influencing the willingness to participate in future entheogen studies. Conclusions: The willingness to participate in research involving traditional entheogens is not the limiting factor in facilitating further studies. Participants held overwhelmingly positive perceptions indicating that they believed this research should be done. Future longitudinal clinical studies with financial compensation and controlled set and settings will be necessary to expand the evidence base for naturalistic entheogen use.
• Lyu, X., Illamola, S. M., Marino, S. E., Leppik, I. E., Dahmer, S., Lehfeldt, P., Conway, J. M., Remmel, R. P., Kingsley, K., & Birnbaum, A. K. (2023). Medical Cannabis Received by Patients According to Qualifying Condition in a US State Cannabis Program: Product Choice, Dosing, and Age-Related Trends. Current therapeutic research, clinical and experimental, 99, 100709.
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  Little is known about the distribution of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to patients participating in state medical cannabis programs. The Minnesota cannabis program requires third-party testing of products with limited formulations of cannabis for distribution to patients.
• Lyu, X., Illamola, S., Marino, S., Leppik, I., Dahmer, S., Lehfeldt, P., Conway, J., Remmel, R., Kingsley, K., & Birnbaum, A. (2023). Medical Cannabis Received by Patients According to Qualifying Condition in a US State Cannabis Program: Product Choice, Dosing, and Age-Related Trends. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp, 99. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100709
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  Background: Little is known about the distribution of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to patients participating in state medical cannabis programs. The Minnesota cannabis program requires third-party testing of products with limited formulations of cannabis for distribution to patients. Objective: To characterize the distribution of cannabis products, their CBD/THC content, and dosing among patients with qualifying conditions. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of ∼50% of registered users receiving medical cannabis in Minnesota (June 16, 2016, to November 15, 2019). Data included formulation, CBD/THC prescribed doses, and qualifying conditions. The primary end points were calculated using daily dose and duration of use. Comparisons were made for CBD and THC total daily dose dispensed, patient age, and approved product. Nonparametric statistical tests were used (significance was set at p < 0.05). Results: A total of 11,520 patients were listed with 1 qualifying condition. The most common condition was intractable pain (60.0%). Median dispensation duration varied from 53 days (cancer) to 322 days (muscle spasms). Most (≥62.8%) patients across all qualifying conditions received both CBD and THC. Median THC dose was lower in older (≥65 years) compared with younger adults with intractable pain (p < 0.0001) and cancer patients (p = 0.0152), and the same pattern was found CBD dose with seizure (p = 0.0498) patients. For commercial products with Food and Drug Administration indications, the median CBD total daily dose was 86.9% lower than the recommended doses for patients with seizures (Epidiolex: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Palo Alto CA) and median THC total daily dose was 65.3% (Syndros: Benuvia Manufacturing, Round Rock, TX) or 79.3% lower (Marinol: Banner Pharmacaps, Inc., High Point, NC) for cancer patients. Conclusions: A majority of patients received products containing both CBD and THC. Dosages varied by age group and were lower than recommended for conditions with Food and Drug Administration-approved products. Complex pharmacokinetics of THC and CBD, possible age-related changes in physiology, unknown efficacy, and potential for drug interactions all increase the need for monitoring of patients receiving cannabis products. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2023; 84:XXX–XXX)
• Duarte, R. A., Dahmer, S., Sanguinetti, S. Y., Forde, G., Duarte, D. P., & Kobak, L. F. (2021). Medical Cannabis for Headache Pain: a Primer for Clinicians. Current pain and headache reports, 25(10), 64.
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  Public acceptance of Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) as a therapeutic option grows despite lags in both research and clinician familiarity. Cannabis-whether as a medical, recreational, or illicit substance-is and has been commonly used by patients. With ongoing decriminalization efforts, decreased perception of harms, and increased use of cannabis in the treatment of symptoms and disease, it is critical for clinicians to understand the rationale for specific therapies and their medical and practical implications for patients. In view of the opioid crisis, overall patient dissatisfaction, and lack of adherence to current chronic pain and headache therapies, this review provides up-to-date knowledge on cannabis as a potential treatment option for headache pain.
• Loewy, J., Goldsmith, C., Deshpande, S., Sun, A., Harris, J., van Es, C., Zvi, Z. B., & Dahmer, S. (2021). Music therapy in pediatric asthma improves pulmonary function while reducing hospitalizations. The Journal of asthma : official journal of the Association for the Care of Asthma, 58(5), 674-682.
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  The aim of this study was to evaluate music therapy (MT), in conjunction with standard care, as a complementary option for asthma management in pediatric patients. 173 children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Music: a single individualized MT session along with a recorder and journal with instructions for home use; 2) Music Plus: weekly group MT sessions along with a recorder and journal for home use; or 3) Control: standard of care. Primary endpoints included pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, PEF), hospitalizations, ER visits, missed school days, and quality of life (Juniper). Significant intergroup differences relative to Controls were observed for FEV1/FVC (Music and Music Plus,  
• Loewy, J., Goldsmith, C., Deshpande, S., Sun, A., Harris, J., van Es, C., Zvi, Z., & Dahmer, S. (2021). Music therapy in pediatric asthma improves pulmonary function while reducing hospitalizations. J Asthma, 58(5). doi:10.1080/02770903.2020.1712725
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  Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate music therapy (MT), in conjunction with standard care, as a complementary option for asthma management in pediatric patients. Methods: 173 children were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Music: a single individualized MT session along with a recorder and journal with instructions for home use; 2) Music Plus: weekly group MT sessions along with a recorder and journal for home use; or 3) Control: standard of care. Primary endpoints included pulmonary function tests (FEV1, FVC, FEF25-75, PEF), hospitalizations, ER visits, missed school days, and quality of life (Juniper). Results: Significant intergroup differences relative to Controls were observed for FEV1/FVC (Music and Music Plus, p < 0.05) and FEF25-75 (Music Plus; p < 0.01). Music Plus participants experienced fewer hospitalizations compared to Controls (p < 0.001), corresponding to 1.16 fewer hospitalizations per patient-year. Caregivers’ perception of their children's QOL significantly increased in the Music (p = 0.011) and Music Plus (p < 0.001) groups compared to Controls. Conclusion: These results reflect MT’s potential to favorably impact pediatric asthma management as a child-friendly, low-risk intervention. Further research is needed to substantiate the possible benefits of incorporating MT into standard treatment regimens.
• Zylla, D. M., Eklund, J., Gilmore, G., Gavenda, A., Guggisberg, J., VazquezBenitez, G., Pawloski, P. A., Arneson, T., Richter, S., Birnbaum, A. K., Dahmer, S., Tracy, M., & Dudek, A. (2021). A randomized trial of medical cannabis in patients with stage IV cancers to assess feasibility, dose requirements, impact on pain and opioid use, safety, and overall patient satisfaction. Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(12), 7471-7478.
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  The prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use in patients with cancer is growing, but questions about safety, efficacy, and dosing remain. Conducting randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) using state-sponsored MC programs is novel and could provide data needed to guide patients and providers.
• Zylla, D., Eklund, J., Gilmore, G., Gavenda, A., Guggisberg, J., VazquezBenitez, G., Pawloski, P., Arneson, T., Richter, S., Birnbaum, A., Dahmer, S., Tracy, M., & Dudek, A. (2021). A randomized trial of medical cannabis in patients with stage IV cancers to assess feasibility, dose requirements, impact on pain and opioid use, safety, and overall patient satisfaction. Support Care Cancer, 29(12). doi:10.1007/s00520-021-06301-x
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  Purpose: The prevalence of medical cannabis (MC) use in patients with cancer is growing, but questions about safety, efficacy, and dosing remain. Conducting randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) using state-sponsored MC programs is novel and could provide data needed to guide patients and providers. Methods: A pilot RCT of patients with stage IV cancer requiring opioids was conducted. Thirty patients were randomized 1:1 to early cannabis (EC, n = 15) versus delayed start cannabis (DC, n = 15). The EC group obtained 3 months (3 M) of MC through a state program at no charge, while the DC group received standard oncology care without MC for the first 3 M. Patients met with licensed pharmacists at one of two MC dispensaries to determine a suggested MC dosing, formulation, and route. Patients completed surveys on pain levels, opioid/MC use, side effects, and overall satisfaction with the study. Results: Interest in the study was high as 36% of patients who met eligibility criteria ultimately enrolled. The estimated mean daily THC and CBD allotments at 3 M were 34 mg and 17 mg, respectively. A higher proportion of EC patients achieved a reduction in opioid use and improved pain control. No serious safety issues were reported, and patients reported high satisfaction. Conclusion: Conducting RCTs using a state cannabis program is feasible. The addition of MC to standard oncology care was well-tolerated and may lead to improved pain control and lower opioid requirements. Conducting larger RCTs with MC in state-sponsored programs may guide oncology providers on how to safely and effectively incorporate MC for interested patients.
• Dahmer, S., & Scott, E. (2010). Health effects of hawthorn. American family physician, 81(4), 465-8.
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  Hawthorn medicinal extract has long been a favored herbal remedy in Europe. The active components of this slow-acting cardiotonic agent are thought to be flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins. The most studied hawthorn extracts are WS 1442 and LI 132. Reviews of placebo- controlled trials have reported both subjective and objective improvement in patients with mild forms of heart failure (New York Heart Association classes I through III). Other studies of hawthorn in patients with heart failure have revealed improvement in clinical symptoms, pressure-heart rate product, left ventricular ejection fraction, and patients' subjective sense of well-being. However, there is no evidence of a notable reduction in mortality or sudden death. Hawthorn is well tolerated; the most common adverse effects are vertigo and dizziness. Theoretic interactions exist with antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, digoxin, and antihyperlipidemic agents. Proven conventional therapies for heart failure are still recommended until the safety and effectiveness of hawthorn has been proven in long-term studies.
• Teets, R. Y., Dahmer, S., & Scott, E. (2010). Integrative medicine approach to chronic pain. Primary care, 37(2), 407-21.
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  Chronic pain can be a frustrating condition for patient and clinician. The integrative medicine approach to pain can offer hope, adding safe complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies to mitigate pain and suffering. Such CAM therapies include nutrition, supplements and herbs, manual medicine, acupuncture, yoga, and mind-body approaches. The evidence is heterogeneous regarding these approaches, but some evidence suggests efficacy and confirms safety. The integrative medicine approach can be beneficial in a patient with chronic pain.
• Dahmer, S., & Schiller, R. M. (2008). Glucosamine. American family physician, 78(4), 471-6.
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  Glucosamine is one of the most popular dietary supplements sold in the United States. Most clinical trials have focused on its use in osteoarthritis of the knee. The reported adverse effects have been relatively well studied and are generally uncommon and minor. No significant supplement-drug interactions involving glucosamine have been reported. The National Institutes of Health-sponsored Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, the largest randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving the supplement, still has not confirmed whether glucosamine is effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Despite conflicting results in studies, there is no clear evidence to recommend against its use. If physicians have patients who wish to try glucosamine, it would be reasonable to support a 60-day trial of glucosamine sulfate, especially in those at high risk of secondary effects from other accepted treatments. The decision to continue therapy can then be left to patients on an individual basis, while the physician monitors for possible adverse effects. Glucosamine should be used with caution in patients who have shellfish allergies or asthma, and in those taking diabetes medications or warfarin.
• Dahmer, S. (2007). Ask the Experts. Explore, 3(5). doi:10.1016/j.explore.2007.07.013
• Dahmer, S. (2007). Do you have any advice on how to help with this problem of access to CAM therapies for patients without financial resources?. Explore (New York, N.Y.), 3(5), 546.

Presentations

• Ricker, M. A., & Dahmer, S. (2025, March).

  Ricker, M. & Dahmer, S. (2025, March) High Touch, High Tech: Navigating the Balance Between Human Connection, Innovation, and Technology in Integrative Medicine. Presented at Integrative Medicine in Residency, National Faculty Development Conference, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. Tucson, AZ.

  . Integrative Medicine in Residency, National Faculty Development Conference. Tucson, AZ: COM-T AWCIM.