Recent Graduates Support Group

Why Join a Support Group?

For the last four years, I have taught Practice Management at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture, a course, ostensibly, about obtaining licensure and creating a practice post-graduation.

In reality, the experience of talking about our dreams and visions activates motivation (Kidney yang) that connects us to the true north (Kidney yin) that inspired us to study acupuncture in the first place.

Graduating acupuncture school and starting clinical practice can be challenging.

My commitment to this work is unwavering, not because I am superhuman, but because I have built for myself systems of mentorship and support.

In January 2024, I started leading monthly group meetings for recent graduates and beginning acupuncturists interested in receiving ongoing support. These sessions help graduates clarify their next steps and re-orient towards their true vision.

How It Works

Monthly calls

We meet for monthly calls (1.5 to 2 hours) for 6 months.

Each participant takes a turn sharing what they are working on (exams, licensure, business ideation, implementation, research, etc.)

Together, we workshop ideas, strategize, problem solve, and leave with action tasks to move that person’s business and practice forward until the next call.

Depending on what is most resonant for the group, we take time to delve deeper into topics covered in the Practice Management classes:

• Taking the boards and licensure

• Vision for practice

• Designing offerings— prototyping in small iterations

• Market research and analysis

• Website copy and design

• Writing intake paperwork

• Thinking about systems and service design

• Nervous system health: negotiating fear, imposter syndrome, analysis paralysis

• The ethics of practice management and building a healthy patient base

Cohort sizes

Because the cohort sizes are small, each participant receives one-on-one time to brainstorm ideas and strategize business plans. They leave each session feeling inspired to take steps forward on their unique tasks and goals.

WhatsApp Group

In between monthly calls, we stay in conversation over a shared WhatsApp group. Participants ask questions (“what do you think of this business card design?” “what about this flyer layout?” “I received the following question from an insurance patient...”) As facilitator, I monitor the chat and answer questions or direct participants to the appropriate resources. Participants are also free to answer and offer collaborative support if desired.

The Fine Print

Participation in the program is by application only for AFEA students and graduates. The fee is $240 for the 6 month program (or $40/month). If you are interested, fill out the interest form linked below.