Academics
Greetings from our Dean
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao Tzu
Thank you for considering the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM) to pursue your graduate studies in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
VUIM both honors the past and embraces the future because we believe that they are intricately entwined and offer the greatest capacity to meet the healthcare needs of the general population. Together, modern and past wisdom completes a circle providing for the most comprehensive healthcare possible. In the same manner, our educational approach at VUIM starts with the end in mind. We strive to lead and guide our students to display the CARES approach to their field of lifelong study and life.
Compassion. VUIM believes in and cultivates compassion in our way of interacting with all community members plus in our teaching philosophy. A practitioner of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine is most successful when rooted in compassion.
Affable. We believe that we need to not only develop our medical knowledge and skills but to develop our skills in human interaction. VUIM is a wonderful community where there are plentiful opportunities to interact with peers and supervisors in classes and socially to enjoy others’ company and learn the basic skills of communication.
Rational. The attainment of the highest degree of knowledge and skill allows for practice with focused awareness and intention. VUIM students are challenged and led to achieve their potential and strive for levels higher than information recall. VUIM pledges support to our students in their goals throughout their journey of discovery in this amazing medicine.
Experienced. One is not born a Master. VUIM students learn Integrative Medicine and also gain valuable experience in the clinical portion of VUIM’s educational curriculum. Students are given the opportunity to observe highly-skilled Integrative Medicine Doctors from around the world, witness their book knowledge be explained and demonstrated, and ultimately treat their own patients under the supervision of our exceptional clinical staff. It is important for students to see clinical results. Seeing the effectiveness of this medicine rich in history and philosophy is where one really cultivates the love and passion which carries each student through the challenges of their journey.
Scholarly. VUIM is a leader in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine education in terms of curriculum design as well as our approach to Integrative Medicine. We regard each student as an individual and strive to help them discover their talents and styles of learning so we may support the achievement of their educational and occupational goals. The tools for a lifelong study of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine are developed while in school and students are encouraged to indulge in the rich vastness of the medical giants that have come before us.
Our faculty strive to motivate and inspire our students by setting high standards and meeting those standards through innovative pedagogical methodologies while keeping things fun and interesting. The VUIM clinic staff support and reaffirms didactic learning for interns while serving and treating patients with the utmost care and compassion. Everyone at VUIM, from top to bottom, cares deeply for student development and student life.
Graduates of VUIM are primed and ready to be leaders in the future of healthcare. We know our efforts will help to provide care and comfort for our ailing, and options for those wishing to make the most informed choices about their health. We will make a difference. This is our charge. One healer at a time.
In health,
Dr. Sung Woo, Ph.D.
Academic Dean
