Record Number of Medical Students Visit Northwestern Health Sciences University to Learn More About Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — More than 180 students from the University of Minnesota medical school met with students and faculty from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MCAOM) for an interactive seminar on the campus of Northwestern Health Sciences University on Jan. 25. This is the sixth year for the seminar, and had the highest attendance rate ever. The field trip was designed to introduce medical students to other modalities in health care.

The event gave medical students an opportunity to ask questions and see Oriental medicine in action. MCAOM students and faculty offered demonstrations of acupuncture, herbal medicine, pulse and tongue diagnosis, as well as techniques like moxibustion, tui na and cupping.

“It’s been a fabulous experience,” said Karen Lawson, MD, who helped organize the U of M student field trip. Dr. Lawson is also a lecturer for the U of M Center for Spirituality and Healing. “This is usually the top-rated rotation, with 95 percent of our students participating, which is unheard of. It’s been very well received, and students have the realization that Northwestern students are their peers. They gain a whole new level of understanding and respect for them.”

Dr. Lawson said U of M students who become interested in Oriental medicine have the opportunity in their third year to have a more in-depth experience with practitioners.

“Five to 10 percent do more intensive training, and two have actually taken a specialty acupuncture course,” Lawson said.

Sarah Weaver, a T7 MCAOM student and Corrie Vihstadt, a T8 MCAOM student, were two of the volunteers at the event. “I think this is really fun,” Vihstadt said. “The U of M students are pretty open-minded when they visit. Last year they had lots of questions.”

Weaver agreed, saying she thinks allopathic and Oriental medicine are beginning to complement one another more and more, as instructors and students on all sides begin to work together. “The medical doctors are very encouraging and excited about this opportunity and the relationships it can form,” Weaver said.

Mark McKenzie, MOm, LAc, dean of MCAOM, said it is a great opportunity for his students as well. “We engage almost our entire student body, from T2 to T9 students,” McKenzie said. “This gives them an opportunity to share their excitement and knowledge; I think it’s a transformative experience for them.”

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, human biology, and integrative health and wellness. The University has more than 900 full-time students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.