M.T.C.M. students also take specialized courses in herbal studies foundations, therapeutics, and clinical problem-solving. An optional China Internship Program, following the academic studies, is available for both degree programs. Throughout their training, students are provided with unique and diversified opportunities to learn in a wide variety of clinical settings. The Institute's commitment to community service and partnerships is reflected in its extensive network of satellite clinics. Students have the opportunity to provide acupuncture and Oriental medicine within Western-oriented medical hospitals, community health clinics, area nursing homes, and the criminal justice system, while treating populations of elderly, refugees, homeless youth, and patients with HIV or chronic fatigue.
Students learn to become integral members of the larger health-care team.
The community-based satellite clinics treat more than 13,000 patients annually. The Institute has recently added research to its institutional mission. Current endeavors include the development of a computerized clinic database. A community practitioners' network is being developed to gather information about specific conditions treated by acupuncture, and a safety monitoring system has already been implemented. The Institute is collaborating with local health-care facilities on several larger studies and is pursuing funding on additional pilot studies.