Spring break is over and boy, it was wild and fast and more then I can ever explain!

Months ago after my training in acupuncture for labor and delivery, I decided I wanted to learn more about women’s health, so I registered for the Integrative Fertility Symposium. It was the first time for me and I didn’t know what to expect. Symposium is an annual gathering (this year it ended up being sold out — with about 400 attendees) and a combination between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Western medicine (mostly functional medicine) and naturopathy.

No matter your license and interest, you can be sure to find something new to learn. It was organized by Healthy Seminars and took place in beautiful Vancouver, Canada.

For four days I got to listen to some of the best in this field: Debra Betts, Claudia Citkovitz, Sharon Weinzebaum, Joseph Pizzorno, and many more.

Some presentations blew my mind — and as always — I was reminded how much knowledge is out there, and how little I know.

Besides the presentations, we were able to meet and network with practitioners from all over the world. We explored companies and products from the exhibitors, played with different software and lasers, and talked with admission counselors for doctorate options. I know that NUHS plans to offer a doctorate program in the future, but I have decided to try a different school and explore what else is out there, and experience different teaching styles.

I haven’t decided yet on any program or school, but I am doing research so I know my options for when I’ll be ready.

Four days went very fast and Vancouver remains one of my favorite places in the world. It reminds me of my previous home Seattle, it reminds me of Japan, because of the large Asian population, and it reminds me of Europe, because of the fashion and all the new trends. In a way, it feels like a perfect place for someone like me who never feels home, because of all my relocations and living in so many places.

Fast forward to back to clinic for another three shifts, then another flight, and another training, but this time in Seattle. Plus, I missed the first three days of school, because of the training, took another flight to Chicago, then it was bright and early back into clinic to take care of my patients.

I always get nostalgic when I’m back in Seattle, and I see I still know all the streets, stores and cafés by heart, and there’s no need for a GPS.

I’ve been entertaining the idea of moving back to the West Coast and practicing there, but rain is still a low down for me, and I don’t know if that would be the right choice. I am actively researching openings in different clinics and locations, and while I’m open to anything, I still have some favorite cities. Until I decide on where and what, I’ll just have to focus on school, boards and the other million things that need to be done in the next three months before graduation.

I hope you all have an amazing summer, and for any questions, you can always email me at [email protected].