The further I progress in the AOM program I have no idea what area I will specialize in. Some students come in with a clear vision for their future practice. Others decide along the way. In my other life as an educator, I knew right away I did not want to teach English. Grading essays was painful. Math was my niche. It is right or wrong, and I could clearly see and show students where they made mistakes. I am currently teaching a math class at a community college in Chicago. It is an online class, but I can manage that with my course load at NUHS, because I am very comfortable with the content.

This is how I want to feel about my area of specialization in AOM. I want to look forward to helping my future patients. I would also like to feel knowledgeable and comfortable when treating patients who are putting their faith in my skillset. When I started in the clinic, I would see a wide variety of patients. Now I guess through word of mouth my patients often fall under women’s health, mental health and anti-aging. I enjoy seeing patients and I don’t mind in the student clinic if I am not focusing on a certain area, because I am in a learning environment.

When I started teaching in 1993, I was a high school science teacher. I was very green…LOL…I was even asked to go to prom!! From there I bounced around quite a bit trying to find a good fit. It took me about 10 years to find my area: college math. But I was young then, now I am…uhm…more seasoned and I feel like I do not have the luxury of 10 years to decide. Hopefully, it will find me sooner rather than later.

When I look at other AOM practitioners’ websites, they definitely have narrowed down their areas of treatment specialties.  Well, I graduate in August 2024. Then I will need to pass boards. Hmmm…maybe I will have an epiphany. Until then I will keep thinking about it and maybe do a vision board. Or maybe I will make a wish for clarity? If you are contemplating starting your AOM journey at NUHS, do you have an area that you want to specialize in? If so, you are ahead of the game!

Did you know that NUHS offers Doctor of Acupuncture, Doctor of Acupuncture Completion, Master of Acupuncture and Master of Acupuncture with a specialization in Herbal Medicine programs?

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