tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 News and information about schools and continuing education. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32543 2012-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Most professions have discourse about the "professional." Merriam Webster's dictionary defines professions as "a: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b: a principal calling, vocation, or employment c: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling." Professions define themselves in part by excluding others. I would like to briefly explore professionalism in Chinese medicine. These ideas are presented as points of dialogue and consideration for graduate courses and continuing education programs on these subjects.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc Most professions have discourse about the "professional." Merriam Webster's dictionary defines professions as "a: a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation b: a principal calling, vocation, or employment c: the whole body of persons engaged in a calling." Professions define themselves in part by excluding others. I would like to briefly explore professionalism in Chinese medicine. These ideas are presented as points of dialogue and consideration for graduate courses and continuing education programs on these subjects. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32514 2012-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2012-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

I would like to explore the title of doctor, its historical use and impact upon programs and policy. It is time that people entering the AOM field, putting in four years of effort and often times the better part of $100,000 earn the title of doctor. So, let's take a closer look at what exactly that title means and whether doctorates fit into the world of AOM.

By William Morris, DAOM, PhD, LAc I would like to explore the title of doctor, its historical use and impact upon programs and policy. It is time that people entering the AOM field, putting in four years of effort and often times the better part of $100,000 earn the title of doctor. So, let's take a closer look at what exactly that title means and whether doctorates fit into the world of AOM. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32487 2011-10-26T12:00:32-07:00 2011-10-26T12:00:07-07:00

Lombard - This week marked an historic ceremony, with acupuncture and oriental medicine students each receiving a caduceus pin for their white coat. The caduceus is a traditional symbol for the healing professions, and dates back to the time of Hippocrates.

Editorial Staff Lombard - This week marked an historic ceremony, with acupuncture and oriental medicine students each receiving a caduceus pin for their white coat. The caduceus is a traditional symbol for the healing professions, and dates back to the time of Hippocrates. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32445 2011-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced the first dual Master's degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine this month. Students can earn the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree awarded by the school and also the Master of Acupuncture and Tui Na degree from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China, the college sister school.

By Joseph T. McMillan Jr., EdD The Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced the first dual Master's degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine this month. Students can earn the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree awarded by the school and also the Master of Acupuncture and Tui Na degree from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China, the college sister school. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32430 2011-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

Building new relationships to better serve patients of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the future was the focus of the annual AAAOM Conference and Expo held May 12-15 in Baltimore, Md.

By Editorial Staff Building new relationships to better serve patients of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the future was the focus of the annual AAAOM Conference and Expo held May 12-15 in Baltimore, Md. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32391 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

In 1982, the National Council of Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture (NCSCA, now CCAOM) was established by former members of the education committee of the American Association of Acupuncture (AAA, now AAAOM).

By Mark D. Seem, PhD, LAc In 1982, the National Council of Schools and Colleges of Acupuncture (NCSCA, now CCAOM) was established by former members of the education committee of the American Association of Acupuncture (AAA, now AAAOM). tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32379 2011-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

To accommodate a rapidly growing student population, officials at one of the leading graduate schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine opened the doors of a larger state-of-the-art campus this month.

By Brenda Thompson To accommodate a rapidly growing student population, officials at one of the leading graduate schools of acupuncture and Chinese medicine opened the doors of a larger state-of-the-art campus this month. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32336 2011-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2011-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

A good practitioner-patient relationship is vital to effective healthcare. The quality of the relationship affects the quality and quantity of information that patients are willing to provide about themselves and their condition. It also determines the extent to which they are free to ask questions and be candid about their concerns, the value and credibility they attach to information and advice provided by their physicians.

By Teri Powers, DAOM, LAc A good practitioner-patient relationship is vital to effective healthcare. The quality of the relationship affects the quality and quantity of information that patients are willing to provide about themselves and their condition. It also determines the extent to which they are free to ask questions and be candid about their concerns, the value and credibility they attach to information and advice provided by their physicians. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32314 2010-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

There was something wonderfully warm about this year's "Five Element Acupuncture Symposium: Continuing the Journey," and it wasn't just the perfect California weather. I think what moved me was the sense of camaraderie that the group created almost immediately upon entering the room.

By Alan Chang, LAc There was something wonderfully warm about this year's "Five Element Acupuncture Symposium: Continuing the Journey," and it wasn't just the perfect California weather. I think what moved me was the sense of camaraderie that the group created almost immediately upon entering the room. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32294 2010-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

Hardly a month goes by that a current or prospective student doesn't ask me, "Why don't you have courses on medical palmistry? Why don't you teach external qi gong? Where can I learn more about Reiki?" and other similar questions. My answer is always the same: "We teach traditional Chinese medicine. These topics are not part of our curriculum."

By Lisa PH Lin, LAc, EMBA Hardly a month goes by that a current or prospective student doesn't ask me, "Why don't you have courses on medical palmistry? Why don't you teach external qi gong? Where can I learn more about Reiki?" and other similar questions. My answer is always the same: "We teach traditional Chinese medicine. These topics are not part of our curriculum." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32279 2010-10-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-10-01T12:00:07-07:00

Approximately 20,000 attendees from 193 countries convened on July 18-23 for the XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010). The week-long program featured 248 sessions covering scientific research, community and leadership.

By Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc and Beth Sommers, PhD, MPH, LAc Approximately 20,000 attendees from 193 countries convened on July 18-23 for the XVIII International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010). The week-long program featured 248 sessions covering scientific research, community and leadership. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32264 2010-09-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-09-01T12:00:07-07:00

In his July column, Will Morris asks "What's In A Name?" Rather more than Shakespeare's Juliet would imagine; indeed, more things than are dreamt of in her philosophy, to invoke Hamlet. Confucius teaches us the importance of names. One of the central tenets of his teachings is zheng ming, the "rectification of names." He says: "If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried on to success." Consequently, the naming or renaming of a thing is a grave and serious matter, and not one to be undertaken lightly or for trivial reasons.

By Lisa PH Lin, LAc, EMBA In his July column, Will Morris asks "What's In A Name?" Rather more than Shakespeare's Juliet would imagine; indeed, more things than are dreamt of in her philosophy, to invoke Hamlet. Confucius teaches us the importance of names. One of the central tenets of his teachings is zheng ming, the "rectification of names." He says: "If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth of things, affairs cannot be carried on to success." Consequently, the naming or renaming of a thing is a grave and serious matter, and not one to be undertaken lightly or for trivial reasons. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32245 2010-08-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-08-01T12:00:07-07:00

In an effort to foster better collaboration between the AOM communities in China and the United States, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS) will be hosting an international conference on Nov. 6-7, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. This event will be co-sponsored by the American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Center for Integrative Medicine, the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Society for Acupuncture Research.

By Editorial Staff In an effort to foster better collaboration between the AOM communities in China and the United States, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS) will be hosting an international conference on Nov. 6-7, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport. This event will be co-sponsored by the American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the Center for Integrative Medicine, the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Society for Acupuncture Research. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32240 2010-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

The traditional method for teaching Oriental medicine is one-way; faculty present the material through slide presentations or handouts. This method is be pretty common in Asia, but do we in the U.S. really evaluate the effectiveness of this teaching method? Do we ever try to find out the characteristics of our current students and what their learning styles? In this article, I would like to discuss the "Millennial Learners" who started to enroll into our AOM programs.

By Wen-Shuo Wu, MPH, MSAOM, LAc; guest author for Guest Author The traditional method for teaching Oriental medicine is one-way; faculty present the material through slide presentations or handouts. This method is be pretty common in Asia, but do we in the U.S. really evaluate the effectiveness of this teaching method? Do we ever try to find out the characteristics of our current students and what their learning styles? In this article, I would like to discuss the "Millennial Learners" who started to enroll into our AOM programs. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32209 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

On April 2, the Community Acupuncture Network (CAN) filed a formal complaint letter with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) regarding its February decision to move forward with developing standards for the first professional doctorate.

By Editorial Staff On April 2, the Community Acupuncture Network (CAN) filed a formal complaint letter with the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) regarding its February decision to move forward with developing standards for the first professional doctorate. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32208 2010-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

I received an acupuncture education after I had a health problem and wanted to resolve it with other means. I heard about acupuncture, but was not aware it was a graduate-level education. I did not know the difference between Japanese and Chinese styles. I found all that out, but I also discovered most acupuncturists were solo entrepreneurs having difficulty getting people through their doors.

By Cynthia Pasciuto, JD I received an acupuncture education after I had a health problem and wanted to resolve it with other means. I heard about acupuncture, but was not aware it was a graduate-level education. I did not know the difference between Japanese and Chinese styles. I found all that out, but I also discovered most acupuncturists were solo entrepreneurs having difficulty getting people through their doors. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32203 2010-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

I imagined I could almost smell barbecue in the air as I stepped up to the registration table at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin's (AOMA) Southwest Symposium. A large gathering of 325 Oriental medicine practitioners from North America and Asia makes this symposium truly one of a kind. The Texas hospitality starts with a heartfelt welcome from AOMA staff and volunteers. It's the kind of greeting that sticks with you until you're well on your way home. Symposium participants become part of AOMA's close-knit community. And like all good Texans, this community believes that work should be fun. At what other event does the hosting institution's president go from discussing important medical issues with some of the world's leading experts to holding a jam session with his band "The Flo"? Nowhere that I know of other than Southwest Symposium.

By Ellen Evans, LAc I imagined I could almost smell barbecue in the air as I stepped up to the registration table at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin's (AOMA) Southwest Symposium. A large gathering of 325 Oriental medicine practitioners from North America and Asia makes this symposium truly one of a kind. The Texas hospitality starts with a heartfelt welcome from AOMA staff and volunteers. It's the kind of greeting that sticks with you until you're well on your way home. Symposium participants become part of AOMA's close-knit community. And like all good Texans, this community believes that work should be fun. At what other event does the hosting institution's president go from discussing important medical issues with some of the world's leading experts to holding a jam session with his band "The Flo"? Nowhere that I know of other than Southwest Symposium. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32179 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

As a senior acupuncturist, I often ask the question, "What is the benefit of the first professional doctorate (FPD) and, in truth, who will benefit from this degree?" Or for that matter who needs it? I know that I don't need it; I need insurance companies to handle my charges more than I need a FPD.

By Richard Browne, LMT, Acup. Phys., OMD (Sri Lanka), Homeo. Phys.; guest author for Guest Author As a senior acupuncturist, I often ask the question, "What is the benefit of the first professional doctorate (FPD) and, in truth, who will benefit from this degree?" Or for that matter who needs it? I know that I don't need it; I need insurance companies to handle my charges more than I need a FPD. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32175 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) recently received approval from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and the state of Washington to offer a master of acupuncture degree (MAOM) with an emphasis in public health. This program will prepare graduates to work in public health facilities, community clinics and international settings where medical services are severely limited. The program trains students to employ acupuncture, dietary therapy, qi gong, and bodywork with a focus on applying these skills in locations with few health care resources. More information may be found at the school's Web site (www.siom.edu) for specific program information.

By Editorial Staff The Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) recently received approval from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and the state of Washington to offer a master of acupuncture degree (MAOM) with an emphasis in public health. This program will prepare graduates to work in public health facilities, community clinics and international settings where medical services are severely limited. The program trains students to employ acupuncture, dietary therapy, qi gong, and bodywork with a focus on applying these skills in locations with few health care resources. More information may be found at the school's Web site (www.siom.edu) for specific program information. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32155 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) will be traveling "From Ancient Medicine to New Horizons" with its upcoming Expo 2010. The event will be held April 8-11, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM not far from Albuquerque. Some featured events will include an American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) Certification exam, held Thurs., April 8, and a pre-conference master's course, "Facial Acupuncture Parts I and II," also on April 8, taught by Jeong-Hwa Song, OMD. Sat., April 10 will feature an evening banquet with Michael Taromina as the keynote speaker.

By Editorial Staff The American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) will be traveling "From Ancient Medicine to New Horizons" with its upcoming Expo 2010. The event will be held April 8-11, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM not far from Albuquerque. Some featured events will include an American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) Certification exam, held Thurs., April 8, and a pre-conference master's course, "Facial Acupuncture Parts I and II," also on April 8, taught by Jeong-Hwa Song, OMD. Sat., April 10 will feature an evening banquet with Michael Taromina as the keynote speaker. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32148 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

First, I want to thank you for all that you do for the Chinese medical profession here in the United States. I am a California- and nationally licensed acupuncturist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. As you know, this region has a large number of acupuncturists, and the competition for business is significant.

By Editorial Staff First, I want to thank you for all that you do for the Chinese medical profession here in the United States. I am a California- and nationally licensed acupuncturist practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. As you know, this region has a large number of acupuncturists, and the competition for business is significant. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32143 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

I remember attending my first meeting of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) in 1999. As a newly hired college administrator, I chose to sit in a corner and try to blend into the background. I'm not really good at background-blending, and I found myself captivated by a meeting process that has contributed so substantially to the respected professional status for the medicine I love. When I reflect that this respect has been garnered in the shortest period of time for any profession in US history, I am even more cognizant at how uncharted and remarkable this gain has been.

By Valerie Hobbs, Dipl. Ac., Dipl. CH, LAc I remember attending my first meeting of the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) in 1999. As a newly hired college administrator, I chose to sit in a corner and try to blend into the background. I'm not really good at background-blending, and I found myself captivated by a meeting process that has contributed so substantially to the respected professional status for the medicine I love. When I reflect that this respect has been garnered in the shortest period of time for any profession in US history, I am even more cognizant at how uncharted and remarkable this gain has been. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32136 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Dr. Yun Liu, former executive member of the World Federation of Acupuncture Societies (WFAS), has been elected vice-president for a four-year term. The election was held last November in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, during the 7th World Acupuncture Congress of WFAS. Kabba Anand, LAc, former chairman of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, has been elected as an executive member of WFAS for a four-year term.

By Editorial Staff Dr. Yun Liu, former executive member of the World Federation of Acupuncture Societies (WFAS), has been elected vice-president for a four-year term. The election was held last November in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, during the 7th World Acupuncture Congress of WFAS. Kabba Anand, LAc, former chairman of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, has been elected as an executive member of WFAS for a four-year term. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32133 T12:00:32-07:00 T12:00:07-07:00

You might think that once you have your degree, you can stop learning and just get on with the business of running your practice. The reality, as it is for so many other things in life, is that we can never truly stop learning and growing. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states: "Learning is like rowing upstream. To not advance is to fall back."

By ATPI Staff You might think that once you have your degree, you can stop learning and just get on with the business of running your practice. The reality, as it is for so many other things in life, is that we can never truly stop learning and growing. There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states: "Learning is like rowing upstream. To not advance is to fall back." tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32131 2009-12-15T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-15T12:00:07-07:00

On Dec. 15, 2009, the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) was granted accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), following a rigorous three-year process. AOMA is the first and only stand-alone, single-degree school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the nation to be regionally accredited. It is also the only school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to be accredited by SACS.

By AAAOM Staff On Dec. 15, 2009, the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin (AOMA) was granted accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), following a rigorous three-year process. AOMA is the first and only stand-alone, single-degree school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the nation to be regionally accredited. It is also the only school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine to be accredited by SACS. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32121 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Colleges of Oriental medicine are multifaceted complex institutions that present significant challenges in leadership and management. Organizational structure and mission, when combined with the issues of a specialized professional and service workforce, can create discord to create considerable issues for leadership to resolve.

By Teri Powers, DAOM, LAc; guest author for Guest Author Colleges of Oriental medicine are multifaceted complex institutions that present significant challenges in leadership and management. Organizational structure and mission, when combined with the issues of a specialized professional and service workforce, can create discord to create considerable issues for leadership to resolve. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32095 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

Have you ever said to yourself, "Wow, I really got something out of that," at the end of a symposium? I just returned home from such an event. In early October 2009, the Institute of Classical Five Element Acupuncture hosted an international symposium, "Continuing the Journey." The aim was to bring together practitioners of the Five-Element acupuncture system. Presenters brought more than 200 years of collected acupuncture experience to share with those in attendance, who came from throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.

By Margaret Olmsted, MTOM, LAc, Dipl. Ac. Have you ever said to yourself, "Wow, I really got something out of that," at the end of a symposium? I just returned home from such an event. In early October 2009, the Institute of Classical Five Element Acupuncture hosted an international symposium, "Continuing the Journey." The aim was to bring together practitioners of the Five-Element acupuncture system. Presenters brought more than 200 years of collected acupuncture experience to share with those in attendance, who came from throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32093 2009-12-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-12-01T12:00:07-07:00

There seems to be no doubt that one of the major issues facing the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession is that of first professional doctorate (FPD), which would be a doctorate degree that prepares a graduate for working in the AOM field, by emphasizing competency skills along with theory and analysis. A new survey conducted by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) has found the scales tipping toward favoring the first professional doctorate degree for AOM.

By Tina Beychok, Associate Editor There seems to be no doubt that one of the major issues facing the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession is that of first professional doctorate (FPD), which would be a doctorate degree that prepares a graduate for working in the AOM field, by emphasizing competency skills along with theory and analysis. A new survey conducted by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) has found the scales tipping toward favoring the first professional doctorate degree for AOM. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32077 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) is sponsoring its 2010 research conference Translational Research In Acupuncture: Bridging Science, Practice and Community. The primary goal of translational research is to speed the application of basic and clinical research findings to patient care. The conference will explore some of these strategies. It will be held March 19-21, 2010, at the Sheraton Hotel in Chapel Hill, NC.

By Editorial Staff The Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) is sponsoring its 2010 research conference Translational Research In Acupuncture: Bridging Science, Practice and Community. The primary goal of translational research is to speed the application of basic and clinical research findings to patient care. The conference will explore some of these strategies. It will be held March 19-21, 2010, at the Sheraton Hotel in Chapel Hill, NC. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32075 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

The academic leadership at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) is creating a proposal for a master's of acupuncture degree with an emphasis in public health, qi development, nutrition and bodywork. The program is being considered in order to meet the growing demand for low-cost health care in this country and abroad, and to provide a program that emphasizes hands-on training in modalities that can be useful in successful private acupuncture practice, as well as in environments where little or no medical care is available. The program is also designed to help students proceed through the training while still being able to have part-time work so as to significantly reduce the potential of financial aid debt that could compromise the graduating practitioner in their chosen arena of practice and service.

By Editorial Staff The academic leadership at Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) is creating a proposal for a master's of acupuncture degree with an emphasis in public health, qi development, nutrition and bodywork. The program is being considered in order to meet the growing demand for low-cost health care in this country and abroad, and to provide a program that emphasizes hands-on training in modalities that can be useful in successful private acupuncture practice, as well as in environments where little or no medical care is available. The program is also designed to help students proceed through the training while still being able to have part-time work so as to significantly reduce the potential of financial aid debt that could compromise the graduating practitioner in their chosen arena of practice and service.