The philosophy of the Center includes a firm belief in evidence-based medicine, the concept that all treatments should be based on well-conducted studies that show their effectiveness and safety. To further this goal of medicine, the Center has made a significant commitment to the conduct of research in complementary and integrative medicine through its Department of Research. The goal of the department is to develop high quality research projects evaluating both treatments available through the Center as well as other promising therapies. The Center is thus not only helping patients by offering state-of-the-art integrative and complementary therapies; it is also actively seeking to strengthen the field from a scientific perspective.

One advantage of having studies conducted at the Center is that the therapies being studied for particular health conditions are potentially available to our patients and others with those conditions, without cost to them. All studies are fully explained to potential participants before they are enrolled, and participants always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time and for any reason.

The following is a list of studies currently under way at the Center or in which the Center is collaborating:

COLD SORE STUDY: A Multi-Center Clinical Trial
Do You Suffer From Painful cold sores or fever blisters?

The Continuum Center for Health and Healing of Beth Israel Medical Center is conducting a placebo controlled trial to test the effects of a topical medication on the healing time and symptoms of cold sores. Participants who qualify for the study will be given either the active medication or a placebo substance for no more than 14 days while they have a cold sore.

You may be eligible if you are:
1. Between the ages of 18 and 65
2. Have a past history of Cold Sores
3. Willing to come to our Clinic within 36 hours after any sign of a new sore
4. And have not applied any medication to your new cold sore.

If you feel you may be eligible and available to participate in our study PLEASE CONTACT:
Hanniel Levenson
Continuum Center for Health and Healing
(646) 935-2296

Content last modified on Oct 6, 2009