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 our teachers. On the page Teachers and internship supervisors you will find an extensive introduction of all the teaching team .
Susan Liu
Susan Liu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master’s Degree in Criminology from National Chung Cheng University. With a strong background in psychology, she has worked in academic research, focusing on topics such as postpartum depression and juvenile offender rehabilitation. In addition to her corporate leadership experience in global sales and business development, Mrs. Liu has continued her passion for healthcare by graduating in Acupuncture from Shenzhou Open University of TCM (SOU) in 2022. Since 2023, she has been teaching the Psychology modules at SOU, where she integrates her extensive academic and practical experience to enrich the students’ understanding of patient-centered care. Her cross-disciplinary expertise bridges Western psychology and Traditional Chinese Medicine, providing a unique perspective to her students and clients.
Toine Korthout
Studied natural medicine at the “Nederlandse Akademie voor Natuurgeneeskunde” in Hilversum, medicine at the Rijksuniversiteit Limburg in Maastricht (Msc 1988, MD 1991), acupuncture education at Stichting NAAV Education with specialization auriculo (1996) and Pedagogic Didactical skills for HBO teachers at Interstudie NDO van Hogeschool Arnhem en Nijmegen (2013). He is a NRR-ERC-certified instructor Basic reanimation and Pediatric reanimation. In 1983 he started his practice in natural medicine in Sleeuwijk. He has worked as a teacher at the Stichting NAAV Onderwijs and its successor the NAAV Research and Education Foundation with topics in auriculo and basic life support. In 2008 he started teaching medical basic knowledge (MBK) at HvNA and Shenzhou.
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 schedule
Time 10.00 – 17.00 hr.
Please note that this schedule is subject
to change and Shenzhou reserves the right to make adjustments where necessary.
2026
- September 25+26
- October 16+17
- November 13+14
- December 11+12
2027
- January 8+9
- February 12+13 (Midterm Exam)
- March 5+6
- April 2+3; 23+24
- May 21+22
- June 18+19+20
- June-July: Final Exam
Practice and Internship
Study requirements
- E-learning
- Homework
- Study group (practice and/or theory)
- Clinical apprenticeship
- Portfolio assignments particulars for each specific course
Accreditation
All our English TCM-programs 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 course 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 platform.
Below, some of the mandatory study books are listed. After registration you will receive the list with all the required books.
Please do not purchase any books from this list before your registration is completed. After you have registered, our study coordinators will provide you with the most up-to-date information, including editions 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
