(Note: This program is structured on the basis of Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Program)
This is a full-time four-year program - approximately 5,000 hours of class and preceptor time. Four-Year program includes approximately 1,400 hours of clinical training and culminates in the professional "Doctor of Ayurveda” (DA) designation.
World Class Faculty We are committed to attracting and keeping outstanding faculty. Health-sciences and professional development courses are taught by instructors with terminal degrees in their subject area. Ayurvedic therapeutic modalities, diagnosis and assessment and clinical science courses are taught by Ayurvedic physicians or other fully-qualified health-care professionals. Clinical practice and integration courses are taught primarily by licensed, practicing Ayurvedic physicians.
Innovative Curriculum Design Our curriculum design reflects our academic philosophy. We incorporate principles of proven conventional academic wisdom with mentorship and hands-on experience to offer students the best possible learning environment. Our commitment to small classes means flexibility and plenty of opportunities for student-instructor interaction.
Principles of Learning While we offer students the highest standard of education, we also strive to preserve a community that is founded on principles of inclusion, integrity, safety, respect, academic freedom, self-responsibility, innovation and sustainability. In short, we strive to be a community in which each member feels heard, valued and supported on their journey of self-discovery and academic exploration.
An Integrative Curriculum We emphasize integration throughout the curriculum, impressing a holistic world view, embedding the philosophy of Ayurvedic medicine throughout the educational experience and reinforcing the application of basic medical sciences to clinical realities. Ayurvedic therapeutic modalities are also commonly delivered within a general-practice framework to ensure students recognize the principles of their applications.
Situational and Systems-Based Learning Situational learning uses simulations, case studies and role playing (among other methodologies) to place students into situations where they face real-life problems. To solve these, students must make decisions - both individually and as a group - and deal with the consequences as they strive toward an ideal answer or outcome.
Clinical and Academic Mentorship Mentorship is about people learning from each other. It is a process that allows more experienced students and instructors to share their professional knowledge and expertise with those who are less experienced. Faculty and student mentors help students to reach their learning potential by guiding and encouraging them to excel and grow. Through mentorship, students gain insight into new skills and knowledge through example and support.
Biomedicine: an Integrative Educational Experience Basic sciences are offered simultaneously as an integrative course, which is unique to the Ayurveda Institute. The biomedicine course is taught six to nine hours per week over the first two years and encompasses physiology; biochemistry; pathology; histology; embryology; pharmacology and laboratory diagnosis.
As a synthesis of several fields of study, this series of courses promotes an integrative and clinically relevant view of the basic medical sciences. Biomedicine is designed to present the physiological and biochemical functioning of the human body as the basis to understanding relevant pathology and the application of appropriate lab diagnostic tests and pharmacological interventions. As such, it facilitates the learning process while upholding the holistic stance of Ayurvedic medicine. The blended basic sciences course is presented following a systems approach, which is complimented and reinforced by the surrounding curriculum.
Comprehensive Learning There are no electives at the Ayurveda Institute, as the six modalities (botanical medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, psychology and counseling and traditional Asian medicine) are taught to ensure graduates are equally strong in all current standard Ayurvedic modalities. We offer traditional Asian medicine as part of the curriculum, and our students accumulate sufficient classroom and clinical practice hours to be eligible to practice acupuncture upon graduation.
DA Curriculum & Synopsis Academic Calendar For a full course outline and credits please download and refer to the Academic Calendar.
The academic philosophy as evidenced based curriculum design strives to incorporate principles of both proven conventional academic wisdom and a mentorship program. Our commitment to small class size allows maximum flexibility in the incorporation of various educational methodologies including hands-on situational learning.
3500 hours of instruction are divided among the five basic categories of courses which constitute the Ayurvedic Medical Program academic curriculum: Category I: Biomedical Sciences Category II: Professional Development Category III: Ayurvedic Therapeutic Modalities Category IV: Clinical Science Category V: Clinical Practice and Integration
Program Synopsis: 4-year track
1st Year
Term 1 Biomedical Sciences I Anatomy I Ayurvedic Counseling I Botanical Medicine I Mineral Medicine I Ayurvedic Ethics History and Philosophy I
Term 2 Biomedical Sciences II Anatomy II Ayurvedic Counseling II Ayurvedic Medicine I Nutrition I Public Health History and Philosophy II
Term 3 Biomedical Sciences III Anatomy III Neuroanatomy Mineral Medicine II Botanical Medicine II Panchakarma I Microbiology I History and Philosophy III
2nd Year
Term 4 Biomedical Sciences IV Ayurvedic Counseling III Ayurvedic Medicine II Nutrition II Physical Medicine I Professional Development Clinical Diagnosis I Research
Term 5 Biomedical Sciences V Ayurvedic Counseling IV Botanical Medicine III Mineral Medicine III Physical Medicine II Microbiology II Clinical Diagnosis II Panchakarma II
Term 6 Biomedical Sciences VI Dermatology Genetics Ayurvedic Medicine III Physical Medicine III Nutrition III Intro to Clinical Education Clinical Diagnosis III
3rd Year
Term 7 Clinical Diagnosis IV Gynecology Panchakarma III Mineral Medicine IV Ayurvedic Counseling V Herbal Medicine IV Ayurvedic Clinic I
Term 8 Clinical Diagnosis V Obstetrics Panchakarma IV Ayurvedic Medicine IV Emergency Medicine Nutrition IV Ayurvedic Clinic Arts & Sciences II Exercise and Rehabilitation
Term 9 Clinical Diagnosis VI Oncology Pediatrics Ayurvedic Medicine V Ayurvedic Panchakarma V Botanical Medicine V Ayurvedic Clinic Arts & Sciences III
4th Year
Term 10 Master Class I Panchakarma VI Ayurvedic Counseling VI Ayurvedic Clinic IV
Term 11 Master Class II Geriatrics Professional Development Clinical Ecology Ayurvedic Clinic V
Term 12 Master Class III Medical Procedures Jurisprudence Ayurvedic Clinic VI Professional Development
*Note: This schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Periodic Courses The following courses are delivered periodically throughout the 4 years of study: Leadership (1.5 Credits) Practice Management (3 Credits) Research and Critical Thinking (3 Credits)
Anatomy Dissection Lab The anatomy dissection lab is a six-day intensive course held immediately following the end of Term 6.
Clinic Hours Clinic hours are interspersed with academic courses throughout years 3 - 4 beginning in Term 7.
Category I - Biomedical Sciences Biomedicine - Pharmacology
Anatomy Anatomy provides a detailed study of the anatomical structures and systems of the human body, with special attention to clinically relevant surface and palpative anatomy. The musculoskeletal, vascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems are studied in depth in order to appreciate the relevance of landmarks and how physical relationships affect function.
Anatomy - Dissection Lab There will be a six-day intensive cadaver dissection component to the anatomy course, allowing a hands-on opportunity to study the underlying structures of the human body. This vehicle of study of gross anatomy is completed through dissection under the supervision of highly qualified instructors. It is a unique experience that involves the “unwrapping” of the cadaver in whole layers progressing from the skin through to the superficial fascia, muscle and internal organs. This process allows the intricacies of the body as a single inter-related unit to be appreciated.
Biomedicine The biomedicine courses within the biomedical sciences program integrate physiology (including histology and embryology), biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and laboratory diagnosis in their content. They are taught over the first two years of study.
Biomedicine provides a common framework for describing the structure and functioning of the human body. The rigor of science has, through inquiry based on the scientific method, produced a valuable representation of occurrences in the body. While this science is reductionist, under revision, always disputable and incomplete, it allows detailed insight into processes and relationships that are otherwise invisible to the unaided eye. It thus reframes and provides a descriptive quality to our mental imaging of how the body works.
As a synthesis of several fields of study, the biomedicine courses set out to promote an integrative and holistic view of the basic medical sciences. They provide a comprehensive description of the structure, organization, function and dysfunction of the human body, and ways in which we measure and manipulate these parameters. Increasing levels of complexity are explored as the courses progress from the lives of cells to the dependent relationships found in systems. After reviewing the biochemical nature of molecular building blocks, the cellular incorporation and metabolism of these molecules is followed, providing for the cellular creation of tissues which enable the body to develop, grow and sustain life. Next is an examination of how these tissues are consolidated into organs, which participate in complex interrelated systems that support and allow a body to thrive. A great deal of emphasis is placed on cellular metabolism, as this is where our vitality is defended as homeostatic organisms, and it is usually here that pathology begins.
Biomedicine provides us with an ability to predict potential underlying causes of disease in patients, to create and justify treatment rationale, to learn a common language for use in communicating with other medical professionals, and to hypothesize and potentially research theories on the mechanisms behind Ayurvedic treatments.
Biomedicine - Biochemistry The biochemistry component forms the basic language and mechanism of the sciences of physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nutrition and laboratory diagnosis, and addresses the application of biochemistry to Ayurvedic knowledge and practice. Topics examined in this context include the energetic relationship of molecules; the nature and function of enzymes; cellular regulatory mechanism; metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates; common metabolic pathways; detoxification reactions; acid / alkali balance; vitamin mechanisms and nucleic acids and DNA.
Biomedicine - Laboratory Diagnosis The laboratory diagnosis component enables students to critically evaluate and apply the results of commonly-used laboratory tests. Tests covered by this section of the course include serological chemistry and hematology, urinalysis, endocrine panels and other analyses that can be used for the purpose of ascertaining body function and disease diagnosis. Related laboratory parameters and disease states are covered in conjunction with each other throughout the biomedicine courses in order to best integrate the information and to facilitate the learning process.
Biomedicine - Pathology The pathology component affords a scientific study of disease. It examines the etiology and pathophysiology of diseases and the potential for progression and sequelae. Beginning with the study of general pathology, the genetic basis of disease, cellular and tissue responses to injury, inflammation, healing and repair and neoplasia, it then progresses to a systematic discussion of specific diseases of the various organs and organ systems of the body (with greatest emphasis on the most common and clinically relevant disease processes). The pathophysiology of local and systemic changes occurring in the body during illness is discussed to better understand the rationale for methods of diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.
Biomedicine - Pharmacology The pharmacology component examines the major groups of allopathic pharmaceuticals, including select nervous system medications (such as those used for depression, mania, epilepsy, sedation etc.,), antihistamines, anti-asthmatics, analgesics, local anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, cardiovascular drugs, gastrointestinal drugs, topical drugs and endocrine agents.
Prior to addressing the actions of specific pharmaceuticals, the general principles behind the administration, metabolism, withdrawal and excretion of pharmaceutical agents are discussed. For each specific pharmaceutical studied, the mechanism of action is detailed and used to determine the therapeutic effects, adverse effects and contra-indications of the drug. In addition, selected unique adverse events that cannot be linked to the mechanism of action are highlighted, as well as selected interactions with other pharmaceutical agents.
Related pharmaceutical agents and disease states are covered in conjunction with each other throughout the biomedicine courses in order to best integrate the information and to facilitate the learning process.
Biomedicine - Physiology The physiology component provides a comprehensive coverage of the structure, organization and functioning of the human body explored at progressively more complex levels. Beginning at the chemical level of organization, it progresses through the cellular, histological, organic and systemic levels to characterize the body as an interrelated and holistic entity. Systems are covered in a sequence that describes relevant histology, followed by physiological models of function and homeostatic contribution and finally a look at the embryological development of that system. The subject matter of the physiology component is echoed topically by the content of the other components of the Biomedicine courses.
Clinical Diagnosis I-IV (Didactic with Lab) The clinical diagnosis courses provide an in-depth study of the significance and interpretation of clinical signs and symptoms for the development of diagnostic skills appropriate to the primary care provider. Emphasis is placed on the collection and interpretation of physical/clinical data to arrive at a medical/Ayurvedic diagnosis. The physical clinical diagnostic components teach the mechanics of the physical examination, introducing the techniques and practices of auscultation, palpation, and observation using appropriate diagnostic tools to identify the physical expression of disease processes. Understanding the underlying factors which contribute to the development and the early detection of disease are examined. Through lecture, practice and the study of numerous case histories, students develop history taking and physical examination skills, learn to develop diagnostic acumen, cultivate clinical judgment and problem solving abilities, and develop competency in differential diagnosis and assessment.
Microbiology I Microbiology I examines constructive organization and wholeness in open systems, introducing the Gaia view of the natural world as a whole, organized and self-regulating "super-organism", and looking at the concept of "deep ecology" and its relevance to Ayurvedic philosophy. A general overview of the biosphere cycles including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and water are covered. The general health effects of pollution (air, water, soil, electromagnetic etc.), species extinction, climate change, bio-technology and the re-making of nature are discussed.
The theme of constructive organization in the natural world is extended to an introduction to microbiology. Major groups of micro-organisms are identified; archaebacteria, prokaryotes and eukaryotes are explored. Gram-stain and the basic physical elements which differentiate gram positive and gram negative are covered including their antigenic determinants. The major groups which make up gram-positive and gram-negative are covered. An overview of prions and viruses is also included.
The normal resident and transient flora of the skin, conjunctiva, mouth and upper respiratory passages, intestinal tract, urethra and vagina are then examined in relation to their beneficial roles in health and normal function. This is contrasted with some illustrative causes and general effects of abnormal microbial transfer to other localities. The special microbial environments of food and water are considered in relation to infection, pathogenicity, virulence and the role of natural barriers and general immunity in host resistance. The holistic perspective is thus expanded to include the environment and the interface between the individual and the environment as living, dynamic components with both positive and negative health impacts. The course concludes with an exploration of requirements for environmentally sustainable health care and physician-based contributions to environmental health.
Microbiology II Microbiology II involves the study of various infectious agents and their role in disease in the human body. Transmission, virulence, laboratory identification and diagnosis, pathological presentation and pharmacology of treatment are investigated.
Neuroanatomy A detailed study of the structure and function of the nervous system. This course expands on the nervous system anatomy covered by the Anatomy courses, and includes the physiology and selected pathologies of the nervous system. Special attention is given to the ascending and descending nerve tracts. The complexities of consciousness, memory, learning and emotion are explored.
Oncology Oncology provides an in-depth study into the biology of cancer. It describes the cellular mechanisms involved in the development of cancer and the metabolism of neoplastic tissues. It surveys the clinical investigation, staging, grading, epidemiology and tropism of specific cancers.
Integrative supports for standard chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are detailed. Ayurvedic medicine for cancer prevention, therapy, complications and emergencies are given, with a focus on translating science into clinical practice.
Category II - Professional Development Jurisprudence Jurisprudence prepares the student for the provincial licensing jurisprudence board exam. The course provides detailed instruction in the legislation governing health-care practice in general and Ayurvedic medicine in particular.
The focus of this course is on the administrative law called the Health Professions Act as applied to Ayurvedic Doctors in the United States of America. The concept of Natural Justice and Jurisdictional Rules are discussed.
The bylaws for the College of Ayurvedic Physicians are discussed in detail as well as ethical aspects and considerations of clinical practice, including duties of the doctor, liability, negligence, standards of care, consent to treatment and confidentiality.
Leadership The leadership course provides students with the ability to enhance and display the qualities of leadership. Students will be facilitated through an appraisal of their own leadership, management, communication and entrepreneurial skills and will develop a learning action plan that supports their growth and success as clinicians/managers and future professionals. This course will also assist students in the development of personal vision and mission statements, as well as a professional biography.
As the leadership course is designed to help students develop their personal abilities over the duration of their studies at the Ayurveda Institute, it is delivered periodically throughout the entirety of the program. Leadership classes offered in the first year focus on creating a “signature presence” and developing strategies for success that include goal planning, time management, productivity and efficiency. In the second year, the focus is on appreciative inquiry and communication, including applied management theory and public speaking. The third year will continue with an inventory of leadership skills and includes a business center tour, while the fourth year will move into systems thinking, strategic planning and creative/innovative marketing.
Ayurvedic Ethics Ayurvedic ethics focuses on developing students’ ability to analyze many of the ethical issues that will arise throughout their professional careers. The course begins with an introduction to the professional role and responsibilities of the Ayurvedic physician as a health-care professional. It starts from the premise that responsibility to others invariably presupposes responsibility to self and focuses on the integral “owning” of the professional promise to serve the well-being and best interests of the patients and society. Students will be introduced to philosophical traditions that ground Western moral and ethical thought. They will then learn to use a model for decision-making that will facilitate their efforts to work through ethical issues and dilemmas in the context of health-care practice. This framework will guide students in working through topics and issues such as informed consent, right to refuse treatment, patient privacy and confidentiality, cultural issues, respect for persons of difference, ageism, maintaining professional relationships and boundaries, providing equity in the delivery of health-care services, abortion and life and death decision making.
Professional Development Program
Practice Management Practice management lays the foundation of a transitional bridge between the structure and the open-ended challenge of building an Ayurvedic practice. It is delivered as a component of the professional development program to allow students to explore business issues and to develop a business sense in tandem with their Ayurvedic education. The inclusion of this course in the curriculum allows the student to graduate not only with the academic and clinical skills required of a Ayurvedic physician, but also with the knowledge and support necessary to put these skills to good use in a viable Ayurvedic practice.
Early in the program practice management will focus on personal financial and life planning, as well as business background planning and professional behavior and the financial aspects of business. Later in the program we will move into marketing and communications, and then explore the issues of the DAM owner, practice management and associate agreements, and culminate in the completion of a business plan.
The courses provide students with the information and basic personal and business skills necessary for dealing with the management aspects of setting up and operating a Ayurvedic medical practice. Topics include professional licensing, practice options, office planning, practice building, referrals, marketing, public relations, fee structures, record maintenance, medical legal reports, taxes, bookkeeping and accounting, the use of computers in business, trouble-shooting, personnel hiring and firing, financial planning, professional liability, insurance requirements and the creation of a business plan.
Activities will vary depending on the instructor, but most will be an interactive, didactic format with lots of opportunity for student participation. Students will be able to request input on issues that are important to them, but not specifically covered in the curriculum.
Research The ability to discern valid or faulty logic while investigating conclusions from research and published articles is an important skill to the practitioner. This course is aimed at developing these abilities in the learner by examining the validity and reliability of research findings, increasing the ability to investigate research, analyzing research design and data collection models, understanding the purpose of using statistics and developing analytical and critical thinking skills.
This course is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of research methods, clinical epidemiology, evidence-based clinical practice and research issues pertaining to Ayurvedic medicine. Its aim is to enable students to identify, interpret, appraise and apply research relating to health-care. Students will gain an understanding of the research literature and its implication for clinical practice, as well as the ability to apply valid information from the medical literature to educate themselves and their patients.
The first two years of the program will focus on research literacy and literature appraisal using periodic lectures and seminars on specific topics, along with regular small group discussions/tutorials. In the third and fourth years of the program, students will participate in various forms of research activity, ranging from writing case reports to conducting projects under the guidance of a mentor.
Category III - Ayurvedic Therapeutic Modalities
Botanical Medicine I–V (Didactic with Lab) This series of courses provides an in-depth study of the botanical materia medica and the clinical use of whole plants and extracts.
There is substantial time devoted to formulating, compounding and pharmacognosy, as well as toxicology and safety issues.
The development of a systematic understanding of the indications and actions of medicinal plants that can be applied practically in the clinical context is emphasized.
Ayurvedic Counseling I-VI Ayurvedic counseling prepares students to work with patients, peers and supervisors. The courses have a workplace focus that includes team building and relationship building. This series of courses support and compliment the integration of personal and professional identity and focuses on how to develop essential clinical rapport with patients, which is the foundation of the doctor-patient relationship.
The course starts with patient-centered principles and then integrates these with the Ayurvedic therapeutic order. From there, motivational interviewing is introduced just before students begin their clinical experience.
In addition to case conceptualization and communication skills, the courses examine the mind - body relationship and the process of death and dying for both patients and the patient’s clinician. Designed to help the Ayurvedic doctor understand mainstream mental health systems, the course also examines at the DSM and then in the latter years, focuses on clinical applications of knowledge and skills when students are working in the clinic.
Mineral Medicine I-IV This is a four-part sequence that prepares the student to prescribe Ayurvedic remedies in an acute and classical manner. Earlier classes define and describe the rationale and use of Ayurvedic Physicians its theories and definitions. Repertory, case-taking, posology, case analysis and case management are covered in detail. Individual remedies are subsequently studied. Students acquire a working knowledge of the Ayurvedic Materia Medica and repertory in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions.
Nutrition I–IV The Nutrition series examines the physiological functions, metabolism, and requirements for all macro- and micro- nutrients, as well as the pharmacological effects of individual nutrients. Instruction is provided for assessing diet quality and nutritional status. Diet planning, sports nutrition, and special nutritional needs are addressed. The clinical use of dietary management and nutrient supplementation is presented from the standpoint of both prevention and therapeutics. Various diets are investigated, and protocols for supplementation programs relative to specific disease processes and stages of the human life cycle are examined. The psychological meaning behind foods and food habits is also investigated.
Physical Methods and Agents Program The Physical Methods and Agents Program provides hands-on training in physical assessment and physical medicine modalities. Included are the evaluation of soft tissue pathologies, orthopedic testing, structural analysis, gait analysis, and examination and assessment of the vertebral column, pelvis, and peripheral joints. The principles and practice of goniometry and manual muscle-testing are introduced. Various systems of soft-tissue and osseous systems are taught such as Swedish massage, manual lymph drainage, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular technique, muscle energy, strain/counter strain, cranio-sacral therapy, fascial release therapy, and joint mobilization. Training in preventive and therapeutic exercise provides a foundation in the principles, techniques, and therapeutic application of exercise and stretching for improved strength, co-ordination, balance, posture, ergonomics, relaxation, and cardiovascular training.
The following seven courses comprise the physical methods and agents program.
Manual Therapies surveys the electrotherapeutic modalities and their application in a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders and pain management. The hydrotherapy component provides an education in the physiological principles and proper application of various hydrotherapeutic procedures, as hydrotherapy is at the root of Ayurvedic treatment.
Exercise and Rehabilitation focuses on the rehabilitative education of patients with injured tissues, as well as the maintenance of healthy ones.
Soft Tissue Mobilizations describes the various techniques for soft tissue work.
Panchakarma is a four-part series of courses that provides a solid basis of understanding and practice of Ayurveda is a well-established ancient science of holistic healing. Rather than providing medications for every ailment, it focuses on correcting the lifestyle so that the problems do not reoccur. Apart from correcting lifestyle, Ayurveda has a wide range of medications for all major types of ailments. The treatments are discussed in length in ancient Ayurvedic treatise such as Charaka Samhita. One such popular treatment is Panchakarma that is followed by Ayurvedic panchakarma centers worldwide. It employs a 5 step approach to detoxify both body and mind, hence the name. The focus of the procedure is to balance the doshas in the body and restore immunity to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The five pradhana (main) karma's or major panchakarma types are:
Vamana (Therapeutic vomiting): The process is a must for people with Kapha doshas. The patient has to ingest medicines as part of the snehapana (oleation) process for specific days. The medications accumulate the toxins in the upper part of the body. After the doctor is satisfied with the cleansing progress, removing the toxins happens using herbal decoction for emesis.
Virechana (Purgation): The process is a must for people with Pitta doshas. The patient has to ingest medicines as part of the snehapana for specific days. The medications accumulate the toxins in the lower part of the body. After the doctor is satisfied with the cleansing progress, the toxin removal happens by clearing the bowel.
Basti (Herbalized oil enemas): For patients with Vata doshas, Basti plays a useful role in cleaning the same. Injecting herbal decoctions into the rectum helps in quick absorption and removal of toxins from the colon.
Nasya helps in balancing the hormones. It is the process of administration of medicated drugs through the Nasal cavity. Doing so will detoxify the upper respiratory tract. Nasya is said to play a vital role in balancing the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha prakriti's in the body.
Raktamokshan is the process of cleaning impurities from the blood to avoid diseases like ulcers, herpes, tumors, skin disorders, foul odors, and more. The two popular methods commonly used in Raktamokshana (blood letting) and jaloukavacharana (leech therapy) and sira vyadha (venous puncture) are simple to use and perform.
Physical Medicine I provides lecture style and hands-on training in physical assessment and pathology recognition for the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand). Included is the evaluation of common myofascial, articular, osseous, neurologic and vascular pathologies of the upper extremity. A variety of core patient assessment methods are identified, including patient history, postural assessment, detailed palpation, range of motion assessment, orthopedic testing, diagnostic imaging and basic patient management. The principles and practice are also applied with patient simulation exercises and practical clinical examinations. Specifically, this course allows the student to identify pathological dysfunction in the upper extremity, and select appropriate treatment options given the specifics of each individual case.
Physical Medicine II provides lecture style and hands-on training in physical assessment and pathology recognition for the lower extremity (hip, knee, leg, ankle and foot). Included are the evaluation of common myofascial, articular, osseous, neurologic and vascular pathologies of the lower extremity. A variety of core patient assessment methods are identified, including patient history, postural assessment, detailed anatomy palpation, range of motion assessment, orthopedic testing, diagnostic imaging and basic patient management. The principles and practice are also applied with patient simulation exercises and practical clinical examinations. Specifically, this course allows the student to identify pathological dysfunction in the lower extremity, and select appropriate treatment options given the specifics of each individual case.
Physical Medicine III Lecture style and hands-on training in physical assessment and pathology recognition for the axial body (sacroiliac, lumbar, thoracic, ribs, cervical spine and TMJ). Included is the evaluation of common myofascial, articular, osseous, neurologic and vascular pathologies of the axial body. A variety of core patient assessment methods are identified, including patient history, postural assessment, detailed anatomy palpation, range of motion assessment, orthopedic testing, diagnostic imaging and basic patient management. The principles and practice are also applied with patient simulation exercises and practical clinical examinations. Specifically, this course allows the student to identify pathological dysfunction in the axial body, and select appropriate treatment options given the specifics of each individual case.
Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine I–V This series of courses provides a working knowledge of the philosophy, theories of diagnosis and therapeutic concepts and techniques of Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine. It emphasizes and demonstrates the use of marma, tongue and pulse diagnosis, five-element theory, and the basic use of Ayurvedic botanicals.
Category IV - Clinical Science Clinical Ecology Clinical ecology provides an investigation into the background, history and mechanisms behind chemical and environmental toxicology, strategies for detoxification and various tests and evaluative techniques. An in-depth presentation of allergy and allergy testing and treatment methods is also included.
Dermatology Dermatology examines the etiology, presentation and pathophysiology of various skin conditions encountered by the practicing physician. Identification of the physical presentation is emphasized.
Genetics Genetics develops an understanding of the role of genetic makeup and its contribution to the health of the individual. The rapidly-changing field of genetics and its contribution to medicine is surveyed. The role of genetic counselling is also considered.
General terms, normal karyotype, examples of Mendelian disorders, cytogenetic disorders and single-gene disorders with non-classic inheritance will be discussed. The role of biotechnology in society today as well as possible Ayurvedic roles and applications for the "treatment" of individuals with genetic diseases will also be discussed.
Geriatrics This six-week course will cover clinic considerations when doing a historical intake, physical exam, nutritional assessment and laboratory investigation. Some of the more common abnormal findings that are non-pathological for the geriatric population will be explored. Commonly found pathologies in the geriatric population will be discussed as well as the Ayurvedic considerations. This course will also attempt to cover social constructs the geriatric patient may have to endure and discuss possible solutions.
Gynecology (Didactic with Lab) Gynecology thoroughly examines women’s health, including normal development throughout the life cycle, understanding of hormone balance and effects and differential diagnosis, investigation and treatment of imbalance /disease. Because many factors specifically affect the health and well-being of women, this course takes a holistic, woman-centered perspective on gynecology. In addition to pathologies and allopathic and Ayurvedic treatments, wider factors are examined, including socioeconomic status and cultural behaviors, to develop a broader perspective on how practitioners can best provide women's health-care.
Ayurvedic Clinical Arts and Sciences NCAS I-VI This series of courses uses many approaches, including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), case based collaborative learning, patient research, and case analysis. Specifically, it is designed to prepare future Ayurvedic physicians to apply the knowledge acquired in school to the problems and issues they will confront in clinical practice. This course begins with clinical entrance in the third year, and continues to the end of the Ayurvedic medicine program and serves as an educational core, uniting the curriculum with clinical practice. This provides for the integration of knowledge and current and historical principles presented in every other component of the program. Each course has a different emphasis depending on the specialty of the physician facilitating it.
The courses include a series of projects in each term based on clinical problems or topical issues, and are usually presented as patient cases in a variety of formats. It examines each facet of clinical practice to sharpen clinical, diagnostic and treatment skills, in case management and professional attitudes.
The students are responsible for making the process work. The instructor's function is to facilitate and support the group by both acting as a resource and serving as an unobtrusive educational coach to guide students in reasoning their way through the problem.
Learning is promoted through facilitating students' access to their own prior knowledge, articulation of this knowledge as it relates to the problem and the identification of the limitations of their knowledge. The instructor/facilitator also engages students in reflection on the process and provides feedback and evaluation. As the course progresses through the program, students become more and more responsible for their own learning and become increasingly independent of the instructor for their education.
Obstetrics Obstetrics covers natural childbirth in the home or hospital setting. Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of problems of labor and delivery are addressed. Recognition of high-risk birthing situations and appropriate management are emphasized. Also included is maternal postpartum care, treatment of common lactation problems. The scope of practice of obstetrics for Ayurvedic physicians and indications and contraindications of Ayurvedic treatments in the care of the obstetrical patient will be emphasized.
Pediatrics Pediatrics presents a general overview of pediatric conditions seen in Ayurvedic practice and the differential diagnosis and assessment of the common problems of infancy, childhood and adolescence. This includes health maintenance, disease prevention, the early diagnosis and Ayurvedic treatment of common childhood conditions and diseases, and referral where appropriate. Emphasis is on the development of a healthy lifestyle at an early age.
Public Health Public health will introduce students to concepts of public health, characterized by community development, healthy public policy, ecosystem wholeness and inter-sectoral approaches. This course will emphasize the importance of inter-professional practice and will provide opportunities for students to work with local community health organizations and contribute their Ayurvedic lens to a community health project.
Category V - Clinical Practice and Integration
Emergency Medicine (Didactic and Lab) Emergency medicine provides students with training in a variety of medical procedures including immunization, prescription-writing, intravenous and intramuscular injections.
This course will enable students to assess any emergency situation and respond immediately as a professional first-responder in order to provide basic life support. Emergency medical skills are developed with a focus on the balance between confidence in established competencies and the recognition of limitations in personal knowledge and abilities.
A similarly balanced perspective is cultivated with regard to non-emergency situations through the development of referral skills. The scope of practice and training of other health-care professions is reviewed in the context of conditions and situations where referral to another professional is in the best interests of the patient.
History and Philosophy of Ayurvedic Medicine I-III This course is the fundamental seat of Ayurvedic medical practice. Especially now, in the age of pharmaceutical prescribing rights, it is critical graduates understand and apply Ayurvedic philosophy and principles in case management. The sequences of courses include a thorough description of the historical evolution of the profession, the principles that drive patient care and a survey of past and pivotal literature.
Introduction to Clinical Education This course introduces you to the structure and functioning of the Ayurveda Clinic. It covers the procedures and policies that apply to patient care; looks at proper documentation and patient flow, as well as the role of the overseeing doctor and student clinicians; reviews of the student clinical handbook and engages students in mock patient exercises to reinforce learning.
Master Classes The Master class series welcomes experts from across the spectrum of health-care to share the wealth of experience and insight they have acquired within their particular specialty. These valuable classes allow the student to interact with those making a difference in their communities.
Medical Procedures (Didactic and Lab) Medical procedures provides instruction in the performance of minor surgical procedures such as suturing techniques, lancing, the use of topical anesthetics and bandaging techniques.
Clinical Studies Clinical training provides clinic interns with the opportunity to learn and develop the skills to become proficient and effective Ayurvedic Physicians. This includes integration and application of core principles, clinical problem solving and diagnostic skills, a solid understanding of the history and vision of the profession, as well as expertise in ethical patient care and use of core modalities. By observing, supporting and then managing patient care, clinic interns have the opportunity to build their knowledge and experience under the guidance of experienced clinical faculty. Of the 1,400 clinic hours required to graduate, 1225 are spent in direct patient care- 1100 in the teaching clinic and 125 in preceptoring roles. The remaining hours are spent on assistant shifts in the clinic (75 hours) and in professional development (100 hours).
Integrating what is taught in the classroom and having the opportunity to work with real people is critical in the development of a well-rounded Ayurvedic Clinic intern. At the Ayurveda Institute our Student Clinic interns and Clinical supervisors (licensed DAMs) work together as a patient care team. Interns present their treatment plans to the Clinical supervisor who then offers guidance and suggestions. The team develops a plan for investigation and, diagnosis, and ultimately implements and monitors a treatment plan for each individual patient.
