Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
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-Stephen Goo, 2008 TCM Program Participant |
Overview
VIA offers a 4-week course and medical-culture exchange in Hangzhou, China in conjunction with the Center for Education in Family and Community Medicine (Stanford School of Medicine).
Participants are introduced to TCM through lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and hospital rounds with doctors. They also partner with Chinese medical students to share and compare perspectives of health and healing in Western medicine and Chinese traditional medicine. One of the most valued aspects of this program is the access it gives participants to Chinese doctors, patients, and medical students.
Eligibility
The program is open to everyone--ages 18 to 80. Stanford undergraduates and medical students may take this program for credit (see Course Information below). Non-Stanford students should inquire at their universities about course credit. Most students are able to receive course credit from their universities.
Knowledge of Chinese language NOT required.
Program Content
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine Course: Classes are held at the Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University in Hangzhou. For the first two weeks, participants attend classes on a variety of topics related to TCM. The last two weeks consist primarily of clinic visits where participants have the opportunity to shadow doctors and see how what they learned in the classroom is applied with respect to patient diagnosis and treatment. Topics include:
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2. Medical Culture Exchange: A unique component of this program is the opportunity to meet and get to know medical students from China with similar professional interests. Each US participant is partnered with a Chinese medical student from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Together they:
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Location and Housing
Participants live and take classes on the campus of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China. Surrounded by rivers and canals and famous for its West Lake, the city has always been considered one of China's most beautiful. Participants have opportunities to visit tea plantations, temples, museums and mausoleums in the area. Shanghai and Suzhou are a short bus-ride away.
Other Program Logistics
Dates
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Course runs for four weeks during the summer. At the conclusion of the program, participants may travel independently before returning home. All participants are required to attend a two day training session prior to departure for China. The training focuses on Chinese culture, practical tips for getting around China, and a very broad overview of the field of TCM. For more information about training and course dates, please visit our Application and Important Dates page.
How To Apply
Please download the TCM Application , taking care to note application deadlines and interview dates.
Program Cost
See the Program Fees page for costs. VIA is committed to making this unique opportunity available to all eligible participants, including those with financial need. Traditionally, 40% of volunteers have received scholarship money from VIA. TCM participants may be able to receive grants from their univerisities for participation in this program.
Stanford Students' Course Information
- Number: INDE183I/283I
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Name: Early Clinical Experience in International Family & Community Medicine
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Units: Grads: 6 units, Undergrads: 4 units
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