The Essence of Chinese Medicine: Teaching and Learning from Cases

Interviews with Dr. Yu Guo-Jun, Sharon Weizenbaum, and Valerie Hobbs

Abstract

Leading herbal and acupuncture scholar-clinicians Dr. Yu Guo-Jun, Sharon Weizenbaum, and Valerie Hobbs were interviewed about case studies and case reports in 2019 by Sarah E. Rivkin. In this article, they share their thoughts on how cases are used in the study and teaching of East Asian medicine and the role of the case in clinical settings and research. All of these respected authorities agree that cases are where abstract theory is put into practice. Cases are where students and practitioners can learn what works in the real world and how to treat disease as it develops over time. Dr. Yu stresses the value of reading and writing cases in developing clinical decision-making skills while putting the case into historical context. Both Dr. Yu and Weizenbaum believe cases are the best way to learn the nuances of herbal prescribing. All three interviewees concur on the importance of keeping honest, accurate records so that others might learn from them. Weizenbaum additionally emphasizes how the writing of cases helps the clinician not jump to faulty conclusions in the diagnostic process. Hobbs recounts how she has turned to cases for guidance when treating an obscure condition while being mindful of the limitations of reports that only cover the experience of a single patient. She also notes the value of the case to bring new ideas into the scientific discourse, and provide a spark for further inquiry.