Foundation of Western Medicine Education
This intensive training in Western medicine is designed for anyone who is studying physically based complementary medicine in order to gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology and pathology at a professional level.
Modern medical practice
In addition to anatomy and pathology, the curriculum also includes topics such as medical ethics, health law, pharmacology and psychosocial topics which are in line with modern medical practice.
The education here is characterised by a lively, interactive teaching method. After presenting the theory, work is done in subgroups to consolidate the curriculum. Students give presentations on a chosen subject and they practise with diagnostic skills.
The curriculum is set up according to the so-called PLATO standards, drawn up by Dutch health insurers. These standards are regularly updated to keep in line with the requirements of the professional situation. This programme is accredited by SNRO and CPION.
“Students give presentations on a chosen subject and they practice with diagnostic skills”
Meet your teachers
Below is a brief introduction of the teachers. On the page Teachers and internship supervisors you will find an extensive introduction of all teachers.
Susan Liu
Toine Korthout
Practical information about the Western Medicine course
Lesson program
- Medical ethics and the
- Dutch health care system
- Basics: Cytology, Embryology and Body tissues
- Integumentary system; skin
- Skeleton & Muscles
- Blood & Immunity
- Heart & Blood vessels
- Lungs & Respiration
- Digestive system
- Urinary tract
- Nervous system
- Endocrine system & Hormones
- Female and male genital systems, breast diseases, sexually transmitted diseases
- Nutrition, metabolism & temperature regulation
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Anamnesis, inspection and physical examination
- Applied psychology
- Psychopathology
- S.O.L.K.
- Psychopharmaceuticals
- Medical and psychosocial signals, red flags
Class scheldule
Time 10.00 – 17.00 hr.2025
- September 12+13
- October 3+4; 31
- November 1; 28+29
- December 19+20
2026
- January 16+17 (Midterm Exam)
- February 13+14
- March 13+14
- April 10+11
Practice and Internship
After completing the Foundations of Chinese Medicine, during every lecture weekend of the first and second year Acupuncture practice is done in addition to the theory. Getting to know the course of the meridians, locating points and learning to apply needling techniques, moxa and cupping, are mostly trained in the first year. In the second year, the emphasis is mainly on case analyses, diagnosing and live treating of patients. All this is done in class as well as in smaller groups under the supervision of the teachers.
In addition to classes, students attend a number of hours of internship in acupuncture clinics. This is possible both internally at Shenzhou and externally. The total number of hours of clinical internship is 280 hours.
Study requirements
- Teacher contact study
- E-learning
- Interactive practice
- Portfolio
- Self study
- Clinical apprenticeship
- Literature study group
- Examination
Accreditation
All our English and Dutch TCM-programmes have been fully accredited by the independent accreditation organisation SNRO with 200 EC according to the newest higher professional education standards (HBO).
Together with our SNRO accredited Western Medicine courses this leads to a total of 240 EC. This enables our graduates to operate at a similar level as HBO bachelor graduates in the Dutch health care system as well as being able to give VAT-free health treatments.
Study material and study books
Students have to purchase a number of books and for Western Medicine, a mandatory reader. Extended syllabi will be distributed during the course via the student-site.
Below, only the mandatory study books are listed. After registration you will also receive a list of books which are optional.
Please do not purchase books from this list before your registration. After your registration our study coordinators will inform you about the most recent list of mandatory books with additional information such as edition and ISBN numbers!
Anatomy and Physiology:
- Human Anatomy & Physiology, Elaine N. Marieb & Katja Hoehn
- Readers, Shenzhou Open University of TCM
Psychology:
- Reader Psychology, based on the book: Psychology, the Science of Mind and Behaviour (N. Holt, A. Bremner, E. Sutherland, M. Vliek, M. Passer & R. Smith), Shenzhou Open University of TCM
Pathology:
- Readers, A.C.F.M. Korthout
- Underwood’s Pathology; A Clinical Approach, Simon S. Cross
