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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
College of Pharmacy Students Study in China
(Photo caption): NSU College of Pharmacy students stand in front of the Great Wall of China during their study abroad in Beijing.
As part of NSU’s College of Pharmacy’s Study Abroad Program, pharmacy students completed an exciting and information-filled study abroad to Beijing, Tokyo, and other Japanese cities in July. The students gained firsthand knowledge of the basics of traditional Chinese medicine and experienced cultural explorations during their trip. The coursework segment of the program covered a basic appreciation of a variety of topics, including acupuncture, qigong (tai chi), tuina (massage), and medicated diets. Students were exposed to complex medical techniques used in these countries, which are gaining a following in the United States. “The reality in this country and especially South Florida, is that there are many people using nontraditional medicines,” said Andres Malavé, Ph.D., College of Pharmacy (COP) dean. “We need to know what our patients are doing.”
COP student Craig MacDonald, class of 2013, explained that with Florida being such a melting pot of diversity, there are many families that can benefit from a practitioner that has a basic understanding of more traditional ways of practicing health care. He added: “The practices of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine are very different, and with the knowledge of both, one can better treat a patient.”
Pharmacy students participate in tai chi – an ancient Chinese martial art used for self-defense and health benefits.
The trip’s cultural exploration gave pharmacy students the opportunity to learn about the culture of both China and Japan. The students were able to experience the sheer awe of the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square in China. During their time in Japan, the class explored Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and various Shinto and Buddhist Shrines. These excursions helped the students learn about Japanese customs and traditions as well as provided insight into the people’s daily lives, which will increase their ability to provide pharmacy-related health care to not only previous Chinese medicine users, but to new ones as well.