Specialization Modules
The DAOM Program offers specialization opportunities in four areas:
Psychotherapy and Psychiatry
Women’s Health and Endocrinology
Neuromuscular Medicine and Pain Management
Medical Qigong in Cancer Treatment
These modules are designed to give students the opportunity to have advanced classroom and clinical training in a chosen field of expertise. Emphasis is given to clinical training—application of theory to practice. Students will have the opportunity to observe leading practitioners with decades of experience and then apply their knowledge to patients with the option of consulting with the faculty when dealing with complicated cases. The Five Branches Institute takes pride in its faculty expertise and clinical resources in these specialization areas.We invite the leading clinicians in TCM and Western medicine, to present their in-depth academic and clinical knowledge in their specialties. The extensive training offered in lecture and clinic is taught through an Eastern/Western integrative approach to empower students with the ability to practice TCM as an independent and self-sufficient medical modality.
Upon completion of a specialization module, students will be able to deal with diseases of a specialization field with the necessary professional knowledge, experience, and confidence.
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| DSP 900 9+9.75 Units 144+312 Hours |
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| 9 units/144 hours (Didactic), 9.75 units/312 hours (Clinic) In this specialization module, the application of evidence-based knowledge and critical thinking skills in providing mental health care is discussed. More advanced topics such as psychopathology and pharmacology, applied brief psychotherapy techniques, transpersonal and spiritual techniques, dream therapy and hypnosis, psychology of healing, East/West treatment of psychological diseases, and addiction will be presented. In addition, hours will be devoted to clinical training and demonstration of techniques taught in a classroom setting. Upon completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate the use of appropriate therapeutic techniques and consultation strategies when evaluating and treating patients with psychological complaints while also applying TCM modalities to treatment. |
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| Prerequisite: DFM 810 Case Management and Presentation, DFM 850 TCM Classics and Contemporary Applications, and DCM 840 Psychology and Counsel |
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| DSP 910 9+9.75 Units 144+312 Hours |
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| 9 units/144 hours (Didactic), 9.75 units/312 hours (Clinic) TCM has a unique approach to treating diseases related to women’s health and endocrinology. Although both TCM and Western medicine understand the importance of homeostasis for proper bodily function and health maintenance, they have different ways of reaching that objective. TCM treatments, whether herbal or acupuncture are aimed at restoring the body’s inherent balance, while Western medicine utilizes hormonal replacements therapies. This specialization discusses in-depth the more complicated issues in women’s health and endocrinology from an integrative approach. Topics include infertility, pre/post-menopausal syndromes, gynecological benign tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and men’s health. Leading practitioners specializing in these fields will present their knowledge and experiences. Upon completion of this module students are expected to gain deeper knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological and endocrinal disorders, and gain more confidence when dealing with complex conditions in their clinical practice. |
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| Prerequisite: DFM 810 Case Management and Presentation, DFM 850 TCM Classics and Contemporary Applications, DCM 820 Gynecology and Obstetrics, |
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| DSP 920 9+9.75 Units 144+312 Hours |
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| 9 units/144 hours (Didactic), 9.75 units/312 hours (Clinic) In this module students are introduced to the concept of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Students will learn management of patients with orthopedic and neurological conditions from the diagnosis, handling, support, and treatment points of view. Emphasis is placed on pain management as it relates to post-traumatic orthopedic care, degenerative conditions, and entrapment neuropathies. Students will also be presented with the evaluation and treatment of neurodegenerative and post-stroke conditions. Through clinical training students will gain experience in the delivery of comprehensive care to people with neurological and orthopedic disabilities. Their specialization training will be guided by leading practitioners in this field, from whom they will learn invaluable experience. This will bring their practice in neuromuscular medicine to a higher level. Upon completing this module, students will be able to offer various kinds of treatment modalities aside from acupuncture to patients with these conditions. |
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| Prerequisite: DFM 810 Case Management and Presentation, DFM 850 TCM Classics and Contemporary Applications, DCM 800 Orthopedic Medicine and Pa |
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| DSP 930 9+9.75 Units 144+312 Hours |
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| 9 units/144 hours (Didactic), 9.75 units/312 hours (Clinic) With the core module on Traditional Chinese Medical Qigong as a foundation, this module teaches the specialized practice of using qigong to treat cancer patients. This module gives a comprehensive discussion of clinical protocols for different cancers. Specific therapies, meditations, and exercise prescriptions for cancer patients are reviewed. Students will also have a chance to practice their acquired skills with faculty guidance in a clinical setting, either in our own campus clinic or arranged off-site clinical resources. By the end of this specialization, students will learn to treat cancer patients with a new kind of medical modality other than acupuncture and herbs. |
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| Prerequisite: DFM 810 Case Management and Presentation, DFM 850 TCM Classics and Contemporary Applications, DCM 852 Oncology, and DCM 870 Trad |
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