In accordance with the thoughts of Chairman Mao's instructions on advocating Western practitioners to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and advance the development of TCM, the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), entrusted by the Ministry of Health (MOH), launched the first "Western Practitioners Learning TCM" program at Xiyuan Hospital in 1955. This program has cultivated a cohort of high-level talents in integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, including Tu Youyou, Chen Keji, Lyu Weibo, and Zhou Aixiang. Since its resumption in 1984, the program has trained over 1,000 participants from Xiyuan Hospital and across the country, laying a solid talent foundation for the development of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in China. Some graduates have engaged in the TCM practice overseas, earning international recognition and acclaim. Their work has promoted traditional Chinese culture, and expanded the global influence of TCM.

Xiyuan Hospital of CACMS is the first large-scale TCM hospital established by the central government after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, integrating medical treatment, scientific research, education and health care. With a strong faculty and extensive teaching experience, the hospital has developed a unique teaching model, and received high praise from participants and the society in its teaching outcomes. To adapt to the development of TCM and meet the needs of numerous scholars, the 26th “Western Practitioners Learning TCM” program is now open for enrollment.

I. Training Objectives: Through systematic study and clinical practice, participants will gain a deep understanding of the TCM theory, develop clinical competence across TCM specialties, and be prepared to serve as key personnel in TCM research and clinical practice of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

II. Target Participants: Medical professionals with a background in Western medicine education. Admission is rolling and will close once the quota is filled.

III. Program Duration: Two years (one year for theoretical TCM study and one year for clinical internship).

IV. Curriculum: Courses include TCM Fundamentals, Chinese Materia Medica, TCM Formulary, TCM Diagnostics, Selected Readings from the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), Jingui Yaolüe (Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber), Warm Diseases, Internal Medicine of TCM, Gynecology, Surgery, Pediatrics, Acupuncture & Moxibustion, etc. Most courses are taught by chief physicians and professors who have been engaged in clinical practice for years and have rich teaching experience. Renowned TCM experts from across the country are invited to teach key courses and deliver thematic lectures.

V. Examination and Assessment: Participants must pass examinations and assessments in all courses. The graduation thesis must be completed during the internship. Those whose theses are approved will be awarded a graduation certificate from the “Western Practitioners Learning TCM” program at Xiyuan Hospital of CACMS. Outstanding theses may be recommended for publication.

VI. Application Requirements:

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding valid foreign passports and must abide by the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China;

2. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, academic integrity, and good physical health;

3. For non-native Chinese speakers, Level 6 is required in the new HSK.

Prospective students interested in the 26th program are required to submit the following documents by August 30, 2026: 

1. An application form (downloaded from our hospital's official website) and a photocopy of your HSK score report; 

2. Original official transcripts and academic qualification certificates (for foreign academic degrees, the original and a copy of the degree authentication certificate from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE); 

3. Two recent 2-inch ID photos; 

4. A copy of your passport and a copy of your physician qualification certificate. All these documents should be mailed to the Education Department of Xiyuan Hospital. Simultaneously, please scan all the above documents into PDF files and send the electronic version to xyyyjyc@126.com. Admission notices will be issued upon review and approval of applications.

VII. Tuition Fee: RMB 45,000 per academic year per participant. The total tuition fee is RMB 90,000.

The full two-year tuition fee must be paid in a single installment at the start of the program, either in cash or by card (no withdrawals or refunds will be accepted one week after the start of the program).

VIII. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and meals.

IX. Program Start Date: The program is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

X. Contact Information:

Ms. Ji, Room 215, Education Department, Xiyuan Hospital of CACMS, No.1 Xiyuan Playground, Haidian District, Beijing

Postal Code: 100091

Tel: (010)62835089

Email:xyyytraining@163.com