CONTACT:
Marilynn Considine
Ofc: (503) 552-1504
Cell: (503) 896-6487
mconsidine@ncnm.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NCNM to Introduce New Doctoral Program in Chinese Medicine in Fall 2015
The Medical School Continues its Growth Trajectory with Latest Programmatic Offering
PORTLAND, Ore. (May 14, 2015)—The National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) will introduce its newest
degree program in fall 2015, the Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM). The DSOM is an accredited, fouryear 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 U.S. 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 unique 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
—more—
NCNM is fanning the embers of passion once again for the ancient practice of Chinese medicine—to the benefit of
patients throughout the U.S.”
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 healthcare.
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 to
see a short video about its School of Classical Chinese Medicine.
ABOUT NCNM
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1956, NCNM 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 fouryear 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.
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