P05.12. The formation of scholars: doctoral education in the field of acupuncture and Asian medicine

Purpose Practitioners of acupuncture and Asian medicine have begun to engage in doctoral education, however the impact of doctoral level education on this medicinal discipline is yet to be fully evaluated. This research examines three graduated cohorts and assesses the impact of doctoral education on clinical practice, employment, integrated health care settings and professionalism. This research surveys and interviews Asian Medicine practitioners that completed the doctoral program at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Franciso, CA. ACTCM began its first doctoral cohort in fall 2006. The 2.5 year Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) program is offered 4 days a month (Friday through Monday), in an intensive format basis. It is a case-based program, focusing on practical and advanced knowledge and skills, collaboration with other health care practitioners, and scholarly activities. So far ACTCM has graduated three cohorts: 2009, 2010 and 2011 with a total of 36 alumni.