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East Meets West: A Cultural Immersion Experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Thursday, 15 July 2010: 4:05 PM

Shelley Conroy, EdD, MS
College of Health Professions, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA
Helen M. Taggart, DSN, RN, ACNS-BC
Nursing, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA

Learning Objective 1: explore the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Western health care practitioners.

Learning Objective 2: describe the process of developing partnerships wtih the Confusius Institute

Nursing students in the United States (US) study a structured curriculum with a focus on Western medicine. Yet, the current state of globalization must be considered. Globalization is a broad term used to refer to international economic expansion as well as interdependent economic, political, and social processes flow of people, goods, information across diffuse boundaries. The impact of China and Chinese philosophy on every aspect of life in the US is evident. Increasing numbers of US residents practice Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is imperative for health care providers to understand these complementary and alternative modalities and the possible interactions with Western medicine. In order to provide first hand knowledge and experiences in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Study Abroad in China for undergraduate and graduate nursing students is offered. The students are immersed in the Chinese culture while learning about Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The purpose of this presentation is to outline the steps in developing the partnership with the Confucius Institute, and the awarding of partial funding and support for a short-term intensive study abroad trip to China hosted by a partner university focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Experiences with the Chinese culture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and the partner university will be discussed. Student perspectives from both the undergraduate and graduate level will be provided.

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