FIRST YEAR CLINIC

The assisting of experienced practitioners in the first and second year is the cornerstone of the SIOM program. Students observe and assist faculty in the treatment and care of patients. Through this experience, students learn methods of assessment, diagnosis and treatment. This real-life setting provides the student the rare opportunity to see different styles of Oriental medicine in practice and how different faculty approach the care of their patients. Part of the time is spent working in the school herbal dispensary and assisting in patient follow-up. Time is allotted for in-depth discussion of patients’ conditions and consideration of different treatment approaches. In all, students work in small groups with at least five different practitioners in these "apprentice-like" settings in their first two years. 

TUI-NA CLINIC

Tui-Na is a system of traditional Chinese massage that focuses on stimulating the flow of qì and blood in the body, as well as releasing muscular tension. Students will learn a basic protocol, which can be applied to most patients, as well as specific techniques applicable to specific injuries. Students perform Chinese medical massage treatments on patients throughout the first year of their instruction.

SECOND YEAR CLINIC

Students begin to provide treatment of patients in the school teaching clinic during the second year. Second-year students work in two-person teams through the year under close supervision by the school's clinical faculty. As interns, students interview, assess, diagnose and treat patients utilizing acupuncture, acupressure and herbs. Clinical supervisors watch closely as students take this next step in clinical practice. Working in Chinese medicine and Japanese acupuncture clinics, students continue to improve their diagnostic acumen, technical skills and clinical judgment.

THIRD YEAR CLINIC

In the third year, student interns transition into working one-on-one with patients, with the clinical supervisors providing them consultant expertise, in an atmosphere which supports more independent judgment and practice. All treatment plans must be approved by the supervisor. The intern is encouraged to explore the development of a personal approach to Oriental medicine based on the various approaches learned in school and what works best for each patient.

SPECIALTY CLINICS

The Specialty clinics provide experiences in off-site clinics that care for populations not reached by the school's teaching clinic. These sites are located in various parts of Seattle. The clinics provide care to low-income individuals, the homeless, immigrants and those with chemical dependency concerns. 

ADVANCED OBSERVATION

Students in the second and third year of the program have the opportunity to assist, one-on-one, senior practitioners in the field.  Part of this observation is in a western medical clinic.  Students choose the practitioners and kind of practice they would like to observe in order to get more experience in ways of treating patients and setting up a private practice.