Educational Partnerships
For acupuncture schools and programs committed to training the next generation of oncology-informed practitioners.
The best acupuncture programs don't just train practitioners — they prepare them for the full complexity of real-world clinical care.
If your institution is ready to make oncology part of that commitment, this partnership was designed for you.
Imagine sending your graduates into clinical practice with the knowledge, confidence, and clinical foundation needed to care for people affected by cancer. Not simply familiar with the concepts — prepared to navigate the unique considerations, complexities, and responsibilities that oncology-informed care requires.
Drawing on nearly two decades of experience developing oncology acupuncture services, training practitioners, and building clinical education pathways within a major academic cancer center, the Oncology Acupuncture Collective partners with schools and programs to strengthen oncology education and expand meaningful clinical learning opportunities.
Together, we can explore curriculum development, faculty education, supervised clinical training experiences, and other strategies that help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world oncology care.
The result is a stronger educational experience, greater practitioner confidence, and a meaningful opportunity to distinguish your program in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Interested in exploring what's possible? Let's start a conversation.
Anonymous Testimonials:
From Pacific College of Health & Science
Acupuncture Interns“I LOVED this. Being your intern was the absolute highlight of my entire internship experience.
I, now, in my current practice, have several patients going through chemo and radiation and I am able to connect with them at a much deeper level and can practice and treat with confidence and competence. I wouldn't have been able to do that as well if it hadn't been for my time on this internship.
I learned so much about oncology, how to support those dealing with the side effects of their treatments, and I learned a great deal about myself and the kind of practitioner I want to be because of this experience and I'll be grateful forever.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns
“…being able to learn from and practice with Dr. Lorbeck helped me find my confidence and I learned how incredibly helpful acupuncture can be for patients whose entire lives have been flipped upside down by their diagnosis.
I learned to be a better doctor, provider, listener, and caretaker.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“This was the most fulfilling experience of my journey in acupuncture.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“I just want to say how grateful I am for the experience. The support, the space to learn, and the trust you gave the other interns and myself made a huge difference.
The combination of the group meditations, the intention-setting, case reviews, and getting to watch you interact with patients really shaped how I think about this work.
Thank you for creating an environment where I felt both challenged and cared for. It's something I'll carry with me.
I also just want to say how much I appreciated Dr. Lorbeck. Her presence is incredible. She is grounded and so genuinely caring. She clearly loves the work and her patients feel that. She was super approachable as well, and her way of teaching really helped me understand and grow. I always felt comfortable asking questions and I learned a great deal from her.”
“The internship helped me with how to approach cancer treatments - not just from a clinical perspective but from a personal one. It also helped me realize that people are seeking support and guide through their treatments, not a cure. It has also offered me the opportunity to help more cancer patients in the area I practice as none of the other acupuncturists have Oncology-specific training.
It set me apart from a lot of competition.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“My experience was profoundly transformative. Dr. Lorbeck modeled a masterful blend of clinical excellence, modern professionalism, and warm, human connection. She created a space where both patients and practitioners were allowed to feel and process the wide range of emotions that accompany cancer treatment and supportive care.
What influenced me most was her ability to elevate our ancient medicine within a contemporary medical environment while maintaining exceptional patient-centered communication and compassion. The example she set deeply shaped the practitioner I am today, and I continue to strive to carry those same values into my own practice.
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns
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“The time spent with cancer patients is invaluable, and having someone supervising the treatments made me much more confident when I started treating in my own clinic.”
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“Overall, I felt good about my experience … and felt much more confident after leaving my internship.”
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“The mentorship and case review of patients we were treating during the internship gave me the tools and confidence to feel competent to practice acupuncture in a medical setting.”
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Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“Every time I finished [my shift], I felt that even just being there made a meaningful difference. I could see how patients responded to being heard and supported. Even small interactions such as listening to their concerns, offering reassurance, or just showing genuine care seemed to lighten their stress and make their experience a little easier.
I'm grateful for the experience and for the guidance I received throughout the internship. It pushed me to grow clinically and personally, and it reinforced the kind of provider I want to be.
Thank you for creating a supportive space to learn.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“Working with Dr. Lorbeck showed me what compassionate, patient-centered care is like. Her passion for her patients and the way she interacted with them shaped how I communicate, how I stay grounded, and how I approach care.”
Anonymous Testimonials:
From The Interns“My internship prepared me to deliver safe, patient centered acupuncture for oncology patients. This experience strengthened my clinical confidence, my ability to foster a calm, supportive, and understanding environment rooted in careful judgement and compassion.”
Thank you Interns!
Teaching you has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.
Thank you for your curiosity, your courage, and your commitment to learning.
May the knowledge, compassion, and clinical judgment you've developed here continue to shape the care you provide and the lives you touch.
- Dr. Lorbeck
What Partnership Opportunities Might Include
You're already building exceptional practitioners.
These are some of the ways we can work together to expand oncology education and clinical learning opportunities for your students.
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
Support for integrating oncology-informed content into existing coursework, helping students build a strong foundation in cancer care, safety considerations, and evidence-informed practice.
Faculty Education
Educational sessions and consultation designed to strengthen faculty confidence in teaching oncology-related topics and supporting student learning.
the human side of cancer care
Caring for people affected by cancer extends beyond symptom management. Students benefit from learning how to navigate difficult conversations, support changing patient needs, and provide care that is both clinically sound and deeply compassionate.
clinical LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Guidance on creating meaningful exposure to oncology care through observation experiences, case-based learning, simulations, or other institution-specific approaches.