Who we are:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) represents Regulated Health Professionals providing diagnosis, prescription and treatment of injuries and ailments using traditional Chinese medicines (“TCM”) and techniques including acupuncture.
Currently there are about 2,800 TCM practitioners managing upward of 600,000 patient visits annually across Ontario.
Association Position:
Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) supports the efforts of the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) in developing and regulating a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) title in the Province of Ontario.
TCMO believes the addition of title to the TCM profession in Ontario will yield numerous benefits for both practitioners and patients.
TCMO is committed to advancing the standards and recognition of TCM practitioners.
TCMO will work with all regulated practitioners, schools and regulating bodies to foster excellence and professionalism within the TCM community in Ontario.
Background:
Regulated professionals providing TCM services are, in many ways, similar to physicians practising western medicine in Ontario. Licenced TCM practitioners have completed a minimum 2,200 hours of study for an Acupuncturist (3 years full time education) and 3,150 hours of study for TCM Practitioner (4 years full time education/ 4200 hours for advanced TCMP, equivalent to doctoral degree, 5 years full time education) and clinical practice in order to be licenced.
A general practitioner (family physician) trained in western disciplines studies about 3,900 hours including internship. A period of paid residency is an additional requirement.
Through their respective disciplines, both medical doctors and TCM practitioners can diagnose injury and illness and prescribe medicines and treatments.