NCNM Introduces New Doctoral Program in Chinese Medicine

The National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) introduces its newest degree program, the Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM). The DSOM is an accredited, four-year professional doctoral program that integrates modern biomedical science into a comprehensive framework of ancient Chinese medical science and philosophy to achieve enhanced clinical outcomes for practitioners and patients. This is the first doctoral-level classical Chinese medicine degree offered by the college and one of the first of its kind in North America.

The classical approach to Chinese medicine honors the thousands of years of clinical knowledge and experience that in modern times has been standardized into a system called “Traditional Chinese Medicine,” the version taught by most Chinese medical schools in the US and abroad. With its focus on the ancient roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine, classical Chinese medicine presents a highly complex system of knowledge that brings balance and healing to body, mind, and spirit through a highly individualized approach to the medicine.

NCNM has been expanding its programmatic offerings to add to its flagship programs in naturopathic medicine and classical Chinese medicine in recent years by launching two undergraduate degrees and master’s programs in integrative mental health, global health, nutrition, and integrative medicine research – growing its enrollment 33% since 2007. The college’s School of Classical Chinese Medicine has offered a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) program since 1995.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Andrea C. Smith, EdD, observed that NCNM’s new program is one of the most comprehensive and remarkable programs of its type in the world. Said Smith: “NCNM’s School of Classical Chinese Medicine was founded to cultivate Chinese medicine clinicians and scholars steeped in the deep wisdom and knowledge codified in ancient medical texts of revered physicians, such as Sun Simiao and Huangdi – knowledge that was nearly lost to the practitioners of today. We are deeply indebted to the school’s founding professor, Heiner Fruehauf, PhD, and Dean Laurie Regan, PhD, and our renowned faculty, through whose efforts NCNM is fanning the embers of passion once again for the ancient practice of Chinese medicine – to the benefit of patients throughout the US.”

The DSOM is designed to provide students a solid foundation in Chinese medicine theory through an appreciation of the original language of the ancient, classical Chinese medical texts. These texts provide the foundation for training within a broad spectrum of Chinese medicine modalities, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. A strong focus of the DSOM program is the integration of CCM with biomedicine, training practitioners to develop the capacity to communicate, educate and collaborate within the larger system of health care.

Smith noted that the college’s classical Chinese medicine students are mentored by some of the world’s leading scholars. Smith said, “We encourage a deep and sustained exchange of inquiry in the classroom that assists our students as they learn to bridge and communicate Eastern and Western ways of understanding health and disease. Upon completion of the DSOM program, our students are prepared to more fully communicate and collaborate with their Western medical colleagues and achieve successful clinical outcomes for their patients.”

Visit www.ncnm.edu/DSOM to learn more about NCNM’s new Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine program, or watch a short video about its School of Classical Chinese Medicine at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU-xq7T-7ng.

Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1956, the National College of Natural Medicine is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical school in North America and an educational leader in classical Chinese medicine and CAM research. NCNM offers both postgraduate and undergraduate degree programs; these include a four-year graduate medical degree in naturopathic medicine, and two four-year classical Chinese medicine degree programs; four master of science degrees in integrative medicine research, nutrition, global health, and integrative mental health; and two bachelor of science degrees in nutrition, and integrative health sciences. NCNM also provides community education through the NCNM Institutes: Women in Balance, Traditional Roots and Food as Medicine. NCNM’s teaching clinics, including NCNM Clinic, the Beaverton Clinic, and the college’s many community clinics, provide low-cost medical care throughout the Portland metropolitan area. NCNM practitioners, residents, and student interns treat approximately 40,000 patient visits per year. Visit www.ncnm.edu for more information.