Discuss the choices | Nominate An Innovator | Poll  
The test for any medical treatment is whether it can be shown to be safe, effective and appropriate. That's as true of brain surgery as it is of guided imagery or therapeutic touch. And that's why M.D.s who once scoffed at megavitamins or aromatherapy now comb the latest books and medical journals to learn how to advise patients who are clamoring for alternatives.

The six nontraditional healers on these pages have gone further. They have created new pathways to health while remaining true to the most basic creed of the medical canon: First, do no harm.

 


Will the 21st century produce more important innovations than the last? Who will be the top inventors? Tell us if you agree with TIME's choices.


Which of the following breakthroughs do you think will come first?

The ability to clone humans
A cure for cancer
Extending the average life past 100
Other
Do you know the next Einstein? Is your neighbor working on the next great health breakthrough? If so, e-mail us the name of your nominee, explaining in 50 words or less why we should choose him or her.

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About the Series

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Jeanne Achterberg by MOJGAN B. AZIMI FOR TIME
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Tieraona Low Dog by MICHAEL LEWIS FOR TIME
George Goodheart by STEVE LISS/GAMMA FOR TIME
John Upledger by BRIAN SMITH FOR TIME
Patricia Walden by JONATHAN SAUNDERS FOR TIME
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