Director’s Message
From Dr. Benny Xu R.Ac
Welcome to the Alberta College of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACATCM), a place where your educational journey transforms into a fulfilling career in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At ACATCM, we’re privileged to share with you the profound wisdom and healing practices that have been nurtured through millennia of Eastern traditions. Enrolling with us means embarking on a path to discover the profound healing powers of TCM—a practice that is much more than a method of healthcare. It is a philosophy, an art form, and a system of values deeply embedded within the Eastern cultural fabric. Here, TCM is not just taught; it is lived as a testament to a balanced, harmonious way of life.
The appeal of TCM is rapidly expanding globally as more patients, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers are advocating for its integration into mainstream healthcare systems. Esteemed institutions in the United States, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins, have recognized the significance of TCM and integrative medicine. They have fostered evidence-based approaches through educational collaborations, clinical practices, and pioneering research for decades. The effectiveness of TCM modalities is increasingly acknowledged, leading to their adoption by leading healthcare centers across Canada and the United States, including but not limited to the University Health Network, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, and internationally renowned universities and hospitals. This integration has opened up new avenues for TCM practitioners, highlighting a growing demand for well-educated professionals in the field.
For more than 27 years, ACATCM has been a pillar of excellence and innovation within the acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) community in Alberta. Our graduates stand as a proud testament to our educational quality, consistently surpassing their peers with their remarkable success rates on the Pan-Canadian Licensing Exams. Our curriculum is meticulously designed to bridge the ancient wisdom of TCM with the scientific rigor of Western medicine, providing you with the comprehensive expertise necessary to thrive as a skilled practitioner in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
We firmly believe in the pivotal role TCM will continue to play within the evolving tapestry of global healthcare. ACATCM is a pioneer in evidence-based research in integrative medicine within Canada. Our collaborative efforts, particularly with the University of Calgary, have led to groundbreaking initiatives such as the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project (ABCHIP) in 2021, the Alberta Societal Health Integration program (ABSHIP) in April 2023, and the Alberta Innovative Disabilities Program (AIDP) launching in Spring 2024. These initiatives, focusing on providing TCM services to communities dealing with pain and mental health issues, underscore our commitment to leading TCM academic research in Canada.
At ACATCM, we don’t just anticipate the future; we shape it. Leadership and innovation are in our DNA. As you consider joining our community, know that you’re not just choosing a place of learning; you’re stepping into a role where you can genuinely make a difference in the world of healthcare. We invite you to start this thrilling journey with us, forging a future where traditional and modern medicine unite to create healthier, more vibrant communities. Welcome to ACATCM.