Paid off your student loan yet? If average student-loan debt for graduates of AOM programs in this state is an indication of the nationwide reality, you're not even close.
An analysis of 500+ programs at 57 institutions in Oregon reveals that graduates of Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM, which offers a Master of Acupuncture, Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine) carry an average student-loan debt of $159,504. Graduates of National University of Natural Medicine (NUHM; originally a naturopathic college, but now also offering a Doctor of Science and Master of Science in Oriental Medicine) carry average debt of $231,702.
Here are the state's top 10 debt-generating programs based on the analysis of U.S. Dept. of Education data:
#1: Oregon Health & Science University (dentistry, first professional degree) – $276,675
#2: NUNM (alternative and complementary medicine and medical systems, first professional degree) – $231,702
#3: Oregon Health & Science University (medicine, first professional degree) – $221,089
#4: Pacific University (clinical counseling and applied psychology, doctoral degree) – $209,599
#5: Pacific University (pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and administration, doctoral degree) – $199,228
#6: Pacific University (optometry, doctoral degree) – $180,654
#7: University of Western States (chiropractic, first professional degree) – $169,703
#8: Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (alternative and complementary medicine and medical systems, master's degree) – $159,504
#9: Oregon State University (veterinary medicine, first professional degree) – $155,786
#10: Willamette University (law, first professional degree) – $154,190
Whether you accept it, avoid it or live somewhere in between, insurance coverage has become a defining issue for our profession. Patients increasingly expect to use their benefits, practitioners want to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and the system itself remains – at best – fragmented. The encouraging news is that coverage has expanded in meaningful ways. The challenging news is that reimbursement, across the board, remains inadequate.
While the formation of erythema and ecchymosis is an anticipated skin response to cupping therapy, the appearance of post-treatment vesicles remains less discussed in clinical literature. This article presents a case study of vesicle formation following cupping therapy, explores underlying pathophysiology, and offers management guidelines to support practitioners in addressing this phenomenon safely and effectively.
Facial movements are essential for communication, expression and function. But when these movements become involuntary, they can lead to conditions that are not only physically uncomfortable, but also socially and emotionally distressing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at three common facial motor disorders – blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and facial tics – and how both Western medicine and TCM view and treat them.
