I decided to wait a couple of years to offer a well-informed opinion on the program. Now past the…read morehalfway mark, I can say without a doubt that choosing Daoist Traditions was the best decision I could have made. I am receiving a jam-packed, high-quality, classically infused Chinese medicine education. I have a lot to say, so the review is long and organized into sections if you are looking for something in particular.
Classical Training
The program is rooted in Classical Chinese Medicine. While we are well prepared for the TCM-based board exams, the curriculum goes far beyond the standard requirements.
We study:
Advanced pulse diagnosis, including communications and 8 extraordinary meridian assessments
Five Elements diagnosis and treatments
in-depth treatments for the 8-extra meridians, sinew, luo, and divergent channels
Jeffrey Yuen workshops at the school plus extensive archives of past lectures, etc.
The Clinic
The college clinic is large and busy. We began there as 3rd years over the summer. It's been an incredible experience applying what we learned with supervision from a group of experienced practitioners. The clinic is well known and loved here in Asheville and we see a wide variety of patients.
The Program Structure
At the start of each semester, we are given detailed schedules and clear instructions. Having previously managed my own business, I find the well-laid-out structure relaxing to follow. I've often felt like I was in an academic "summer camp" because of how fun, interesting, and organized everything is. Certainly, not everyone feels that way- some find it more challenging. From what I gather, the academic demands are higher than at other similar schools, and some may find the workload intense. However, for anyone with a strong desire to deeply understand this ancient medical art, the high standards are exactly what you want. If you are fascinated by the medicine and comfortable with diligent study and testing, you would do well. If your goal is to graduate ready to pass board exams, confidently begin practicing, and learn as much as possible in the span of four years, I definitely recommend this program.
Teachers and Administration
The faculty and administration are among the most interesting, intelligent, and deeply invested people I have ever met. While some teachers have left or retired in the last couple of years and others have recently arrived, the caliber of instruction and the core teaching staff overall remains high. Additionally, we have frequent access to visiting and affiliated experts like Jeffrey Yuen, Elizabeth Rochat de la Vallée, and Evan Rabinowitz, as well as exceptional core faculty like Dr. Majebe, Dr. Peter Shea, and Dr. Autum Kirgan, each with their own clinical specialties. As part of the curriculum we shadow experienced practitioner and for those who are interested there are opportunities to do so far beyond the program requirements.
Resources
The school provides many tools to support learning, including a well-stocked, staffed library with access to online study and research databases. The school also has an arrangement with the UNC library system, allowing us to utilize their vast academic resources. The main office is open daily year-round, and it is very easy to get administrative help when needed.
Inner Practice
The school emphasizes the importance of inner development. Meditation and Qigong are encouraged and practiced regularly by students and faculty.
Highly recommend!
