AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine 2014 Commencement

AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine’s 18^th annual commencement ceremony took place on Sunday September 14, 2014. Thirty-eight graduates of the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Degree program attended the exercises at the Omni Hotel at Southpark in Austin, Texas.

Lesley Hamilton, the Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Degree Program Director was the master of ceremonies. The procession of graduates was led by Dr. Qianzhi (Jamie) Wu, Vice President of Faculty.

Dr. William Morris, AOMA President made the opening remarks and introduced Victor S. Sierpina, MD who delivered the keynote address. Dr. Sierpina spoke to the graduates about seeing acupuncture as a way of life and the need and opportunity for integrative approaches in our current healthcare system. “Be active in advocating for health insurance reform to cover what you bring to the system. You can make a difference in shaping the health care system of the future.”

Anne Province, VP of Student Services, presented the Calvin Key Wilson Community Leadership Award to Tara Lattimore for her commitment to leadership for the student body through the student association and beyond. Additional proceedings included faculty speakers, awarding of degrees, and a healer's oath, followed by a reception in the lobby.

Completing a rigorous four-year master’s degree program which includes more than 900 hours of clinical internship, AOMA graduates are at the forefront of their field, integrating Eastern and Western medicine in clinics and hospitals. Upon graduation, these thirty-eight professionals will work in independent private practice, multi-disciplinary clinics, substance abuse treatment facilities, hospice programs, oncology centers, community acupuncture clinics, military/veterans facilities, and corporate wellness programs.