Higher Diploma in Clinical Integrative Medicine

As this is a graduate programme, at an advanced level, teaching is based on case studies that are focused on understanding the reasons why a particular approach is undertaken in the evaluation of a patient's presenting condition. It concentrates on ensuring that you understand the many facets of herbal therapeutics and the rationale underlying them. Material relating to biology, plant science, disease processes, pathophysiology, materia medica, therapeutics, nutrition, biochemistry, pharmacy, and pharmacognosy will be incorporated into each case study where it is relevant.

As a student, you will be expected to demonstrate that you can use your knowledge, not just learn from facts. Knowledge may be assessed through MCQs but knowing how to use the knowledge is more accurately assessed through oral assessments and essay assignments. Tutorials will not be in lecture format but will, instead, involve a case study and the relevant case history. This is precisely the situation you will meet when you qualify, so this method, though difficult to begin with, will help build your confidence, expertise, knowledge, and professionalism.

Each module comprises a webinar, self-study, online tutorial, and assignment. Each section takes approximately eight weeks but may be adjusted depending on holidays and other circumstances.

CORE SUBJECTS (21 Credits)

• Musculoskeletal
• Integumentary
• Gastrointestinal
• Respiratory
• Cardiovascular
• Genito and urinary
• Gynecological

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (15 Credits)

• Endocrine
• Immune
• Nervous

SPECIALIST SYSTEMS (12 Credits)

• Geriatric
• Paediatric
• Psychiatric
• Oncology

PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ETHICS (3 Credits)

Each student is required to develop both personally and professionally throughout their clinical training. It is this development that forms the cornerstone of a successful and financially rewarding career. This maturity does not come automatically but requires self-evaluation, reflection, discussion, advice, and encouragement. A reflective journal wherein students reflect on their progress as practitioners and their experience in training is required throughout the programme. A personal mentor is assigned to each student to help them understand this process of reflection and evaluation. This will entail formal contact, assignments, and discussion in relation to the role and professional career of a traditional and integrative practitioner using plant medicine as their primary therapeutic choice. You will also be required to develop and maintain your own ePortfolio where your insights, reflections, grades, and anything else you consider pertinent and relevant to your ongoing knowledge and professionalism will be collated. This ePortfolio will be assessed as part of your final exams.

CLINICAL SKILLS: GMP from Field to Bottle (5 Credits)

There will be compulsory clinical skills, GMP(Good Manufacturing Practices), and dispensary seminars held as part of your training.

RESEARCH (10 Credits)

It is absolutely necessary for graduates of this programme to be able to discuss developments in health care with their colleagues in conventional medicine. It is also vital to understand the paradigm within which modern biochemical medicine works. It is also a fundamental requirement to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of plant-based medicine. Each of these aspects of practice requires an understanding of research. Therefore, before you are permitted to graduate, you will be required to undertake a body of research that is of publication standard (peer-reviewed).

CLINICAL PLACEMENT (50 Credits)

As herbalists come from very many different traditions, ICTIM considers it important that you have the freedom to undertake your placement in a clinic of your choice. Typically, 10 euros per hour is paid directly to the practice where you are undertaking your placement. You will be given a list of requirements before you start, clarifying what competencies you will need to have acquired during your placement to ensure a successful outcome in your Clinical Viva.
Workshops on clinical examination skills are organized on a regular basis by ICTIM and count towards clinical placement hours.

Your final viva examination will take place before a panel of health professionals. It will also include an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) as well as any other examinations the examining board deem necessary.