OCL 672 - Herbal Internship II

Credit(s): 2.38

In this portion of internship, a small group of DACM degree program interns and a clinical faculty member diagnose and treat a patient using Chinese herbs exclusively. Ample time is allowed for discussion of cases and herbal treatment options. Interns will participate in two sections of Herbal Internship at some point of their internship at OCOM.

This course focuses on the professional skills needed to provide safe and effective Chinese herbal therapy in a clinical setting. During Herbal Internship, students will combine their classroom knowledge and clinical skills in treating patients with Chinese herbs under the supervision of clinical faculty.

Students in Herbal Internship will see up to 4 patients per shift. For every patient seen, one student serves as the Primary Intern, leading the patient interview, recording findings in the patient’s chart and managing the patient, while remaining students act as Secondary Interns, observing the interview, asking additional questions as necessary and supporting the Primary intern and the supervisor throughout the case. All students work together with the supervisor to assess, devise an appropriate treatment plan and create a custom herbal formula.

As with other facets of internship at OCOM, students in Herbal Internship are expected to develop and demonstrate proficiency in interviewing, charting, physical examination, diagnosis, treatment planning, making prognoses, case management, referral, and basic Western clinical medicine. These are the necessary skills of a competent, entry level practitioner of Oriental medicine. Prerequisite(s): OCL675