Traditional and complementary medicine professionals examine patients; prevent and treat illness, disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments; and maintain general health in humans by applying knowledge, skills and practices acquired through extensive study of  the theories, beliefs and experiences originating in specific cultures.

Tasks performed usually include: conducting physical examinations of patients and interviewing them and their families to determine their health status; developing and implementing treatment plans for physical, mental and psychosocial ailments using applications such as acupuncture, ayurvedic, homoeopathic and herbal medicine; evaluating and documenting patients’ progress through treatment plans; providing health, nutrition and lifestyle advice to individuals, families and communities;  prescribing and preparing traditional medicines, such as herbal, plant, mineral and animal extracts, to stimulate the body’s capacity for self-healing; exchanging  information about patients with other health care workers as needed to ensure continuing and comprehensive health care; conducting research into traditional and complementary medicines and treatments and disseminating findings such as through scientific papers and reports.