The goal of biomedical department is to prepare future graduates to deal with issues of Western Medicine in their future practice. We have three objectives in mind:
1. To teach students to think clinically and critically, to identify the connections between cells, organs and systems in normal and pathological states, and to develop practical skills of diagnostics, in compliance with the 37 credit hours required for the program.
2. To improve and enhance student performance on the Biomedical section of the national Board Examination
3. To involve students and alumni in scientific research.
Twelve Biomedical courses provide students with a basic working knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, the pathophysiology of major diseases, the role of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa in infectious diseases, therapeutics, obstetrics, gynecology, laboratory diagnostics, imaging modalities, history and terminology of Western Medicine. The majority of our lectures are presented in the form of multi-media presentations, with hard copies of notes provided to all students. Five biomedical courses have web support, with greater support and online resources for all classes available in the near future.
Considerations of complementary and alternative theories (homeopathy, naturopathy, chiropractics, Ayurveda, etc.) are interwoven in lectures and presentations, helping to familiarize our students with modern Western health care practices, thus laying the foundation for a truly integrated approach to patient wellness and care. Upon completion of these courses, students will be prepared to pass Board Examinations in Western Medicine for acupuncture licensure, and will be prepared to understand Western diagnoses, lab tests and to freely communicate with other healthcare practitioners.
As active learners, and as part of the College's unique educational practices, students are encouraged to make oral presentations in class, making direct contributions to their peers' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter while sharpening and refining their own learning. Additionally, students enjoy the rare opportunity to participate directly in the College's ongoing scientific and scholarly research projects. Alumni and students are welcomed and encouraged to submit their articles for our College's newest publication, "The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine."
Because of the content, presentation, and rigor of our biomedical sciences courses, our students are at a distinct advantage over their peers from other institutions when they take their national examinations in biomedicine. While our students' passing rate has always exceeded the national average, we are proud to report that our pass-rate for the biomedical sciences component of the NCCAOM examinations for 2005 is an amazing 100%!
Maoyi Cai, M.D., M.S., R.Ac.
Director of Biomedical Science
Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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