Student Testimonial - Khaoula A

Name: Khaoula A
Program: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Graduate: 2021

Why did you choose Humber College?

Humber College is the only government-funded institution that offers Traditional Chinese Medicine education in the province. That was one of the biggest reasons for me to opt for Humber. Humber also has a well known reputation for high quality education for their healthcare programs, so I knew I would be in good hands. The biomedical and ethics part of Humber's TCM program are one of the best in the country. Students have access to a cadaver lab to assist in the learning, plus many of the biomedical courses are taught by teachers who also teach other health practitioners. Humber is also the only institution that emphasizes interprofessional collaboration which prepares us to work in multidisciplinary clinics, rehabs or hospitals.

What are your career aspirations?

Thanks to the higher education I got at Humber, my hard work and the guidance of my teachers, I was able to work at two well known clinics by the time I graduated from Humber, as part of my clinical hours.

My goal is to get as much experience as I can to be able to appreciate the power of this medicine and help more people with different health challenges and goals. I also plan to take any opportunity to further my studies on TCM, and hopefully contribute to empowering this medicine through academic research.

How have the faculty helped you on your road to reaching your goals?

My education journey was really tough personally and full of challenges. During my second year I had to go through a high risk pregnancy. Between being sick, becoming a mother of two, breastfeeding, handling the course load, clinics, and a pandemic – without the support of my teachers, faculty members and my classmates, I would have not been able to succeed!

What would you say has been the single best learning experience in the program you are in?

Prior to Humber, I studied medicine. I was amazed and really enjoyed the biomedical aspect of TCM program at Humber College.

The Cadaver Lab for instance was one of the best experiences I had at Humber. We were so fortunate to have this opportunity. Our first time in the cadaver lab was for anatomy course work, just like many other health programs at Humber. The second time using the lab was for a course fully dedicated to acupuncture. Humber’s program introduces acupuncture within the cadaver lab. This opportunity built my confidence, enhanced my ability to use high risk acupuncture points safely, deepened my knowledge for anatomy and prepared me to help my patient efficiently and safely.

What elements of the program are best preparing you for your career?

In my opinion the interprofessional collaboration element of the program was one of the most important parts that introduced me to the market and helped shape my practice. It actually prepares us for reality. Most Registered TCMPs are part of a team of practitioners within multidisciplinary clinics, fertility clinics or rehabs.

Would you recommend this program to others, and why?

If you are someone who is passionate about Chinese medicine, have an interest or have previous education in health sciences, organized, dedicated, and you want to build an evidence based practice to help many patients who suffer from chronic disease, pain or other conditions … then this program is for you.