I don’t think there is an actual Acupuncturist Appreciation Day, and I’m not trying to pat myself on the back. I just wanted you all to know how much I personally appreciate our team at Hemma, and everyone who chooses to become an acupuncturist.
The profession of acupuncture is a challenging one and very much a labor of love. To become a licensed acupuncturist in BC, you need an associate’s degree and a minimum of three years of acupuncture school – a minimum of five years post secondary education. Once that is completed, you are required to take and pass a board exam, and then apply for a license. The latter process can sometimes take a year or more to complete. When your license arrives in the mail, you are then finally entitled to practice acupuncture five to six years from your start.
An acupuncturist’s path is similar to that of other helping professions, like a care-aid, or preschool teacher – relatively low pay, no benefits package and no pension. Despite the importance of these jobs – in terms of what they contribute to our society – this has been the case for as long as I have been working in the care profession.
I personally have always chosen this type of work regardless of the compensation. Over the years I have been a teacher, a farmer, an acupuncturist, to name a few of my care roles. Some of my elders encouraged me to think more about my future and retirement days, but I’ve always been drawn to work in the helping field. Despite the lack of a “safety net”, I would not trade these life experiences for anything.
I’m sharing this because I want you to know (in case it was not already apparent) that all of us here at Hemma have chosen this profession because we care deeply about people, community, and affordable healthcare. Our reward is the offering we provide to countless people who visit the clinic every day.
Our newest team member, Katherine is one of those amazing humans who has chosen to become a community acupuncturist. Seeing her enthusiasm and professionalism is inspiring to me. Her commitment to this practice gives me hope that community acupuncture can continue to flourish long into the future.
Unfortunately Katherine’s license application has been held up in the bureaucratic maze despite having long since finished her training and passing her board exams. As a result, we are a little uncertain as to when she will be able to start practicing. Given that, I have one bit of news, and one request I would like to make.
The delay for Katherine means that for the month of August, our weekend schedule may be a bit sporadic at best – we apologize if this makes it harder for you to access care on Saturdays and Sundays. When Katherine is able to join us please come visit her when she starts up at the clinic. Offer her some support and appreciation for choosing to help carry the torch of community acupuncture and for devoting herself to this practice. I know it would mean a lot to her, and would mean a lot to me.
Every day I feel so grateful to you all for the support you have provided to us with your participation and ongoing referrals. The fact is that we would not still be around after 17 years if it were not for you, and for that I am so very thankful. Please help us to continue our mission of bringing affordable health-care to our community by spreading the word about our amazing team of dedicated practitioners and the amazing work they do.