Significance and role of apprenticeship education in Traditional Chinese Medicine curriculum of western medical institutions

The apprenticeship education of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is an important pathway for the cultivation of talents in TCM education. The combination of institutional education and apprenticeship education is considered to be the most suitable educational model that aligns with the inherent characteristics of TCM education. The current status of TCM education in western medical institutions and the main challenges include the difficulty in transitioning between western and Chinese medical reasoning and limited clinical internship hours for TCM. The strengths and features of TCM apprenticeship education lie in cultural heritage, classical teachings, mentorship, practice orientation and personalized education. Therefore, integration of TCM apprenticeship education and clinical internships for western medical students represents a new educational model for medical undergraduates.