National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is proud to announce its partnership with Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Chicago, Ill. This collaboration offers clinical preceptorship opportunities for acupuncture and herbal medicine students, providing hands-on clinical experience and training. Students will develop practical skills while working in a dynamic, integrative health care setting, preparing them for real-world applications in their field.
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center is a 220-bed facility that delivers quality health care to over 55,000 veteran patients annually. Beyond primary care, the medical center provides a broad range of specialty services, including acupuncture. The VA takes a whole-health treatment approach, combining complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies with self-care and conventional medicine to deliver optimal patient care. This comprehensive approach ensures veterans receive the support they need for both physical and mental well-being.
The clinical preceptorship gives students exposure to diverse treatment methods and patient care scenarios in an integrative environment. Dr. Hyundo Kim, Assistant Dean of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at NUHS, highlighted the value of this partnership for students, stating, “Practitioners will mentor and prepare our student interns for successful careers in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Interns will gain invaluable hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment, learning to quickly assess patient needs and determine effective treatment options.”
This collaboration comes at a critical time, as demand for acupuncturists at VA hospitals continues to grow. At Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, experienced acupuncturists on staff provide exceptional training, equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in VA job opportunities. This gives students a competitive edge when seeking positions at VA hospitals and, in some cases, may lead to direct employment opportunities.
“This partnership highlights NUHS’s commitment to providing students with top-tier training in integrative health care. Few acupuncture programs offer clinical training opportunities of this caliber, underscoring the superior education and preparation NUHS students receive,” said Dr. Theodore Johnson, Dean of Clinics.
The first group of NUHS students is set to begin their clinical preceptorship at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in May 2025.
