Did you see yourself in your current position while you were at WOU?

I specifically chose WOU for their program and professors after researching other universities that would prepare me best for OCOM curriculum, which is rigorous. So yes, I would say I absolutely envisioned doing this while attending WOU!

What does a typical day at work look like?

My typical day involves seeing patients that are looking for relief from any number of ailments. With it being the winter season, a typical day right now is anything from treating colds and flu, shingles, achy joints from old injuries or arthritis that worsen with weather changes, seasonal affective disorders, insomnia, muscle pain from overuse, digestive issues like IBS, constipation, and diarrhea, and we also have a high number of patients coming in for menstrual dysfunctions. This is a small portion of the things treated by acupuncture, believe it or not!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love that I get to work with people. Each session is an hour long, so I can spend time understanding my patient’s concerns without rushing to the next person. I also appreciate that this work fits well with my personality – someone who enjoys nature and is always striving for wellness. Lastly, I have to throw in that I do love a good cup of tea at work; and my employer is just wonderful at keeping her staff happy in little ways that add a smile to my day.

What experiences helped prepare you for your professional life?

The professors at WOU were instrumental to my success, particularly Warren Allen and Patricia Flatt, who are both knowledgeable about a variety of health topics, including East Asian medicine. While attending WOU, I worked in several in outreach clinics that served populations in addiction recovery.

Additionally, I volunteered in Nepal for 2 months post-graduation, serving residents whose nearest hospital was several hours away. I also studied for a few weeks in a Beijing hospital – it was amazing to see the acupuncture wing next to a physical therapy wing, all upstairs from a dental and allopathic medicine wing.

I also got plenty of experience through the OCOM program, which involved internships in herbalism, bodywork (massage), and on-campus clinic rotations. The most influential experience I had was job shadowing acupuncturists because it led me to where I work today! I recommend job shadowing to anyone looking for more information about a career.

What advice do you have for students?

Follow your gut! If you find something that appeals to you, then pursue it. If you don’t like being bored, trust me this field will have you fascinated and learning for the rest of your life.