WELL OF INDIGENOUS WISDOM Advanced Clinical Mentorship Program
Greetings and Welcome to the Advanced Clinical Mentorship Program (ACMP)!
My clinical experience is extensive, spanning over 15 years and involving hundreds of people worldwide. I have worked with clients in the USA, Puerto Rico, and now Kenya. I have clinically supported clients with a variety of pathophysiological challenges, including HIV/AIDS, diabetes, immune compromises, and especially mental health-related related such as depression and insomnia, to name a few. I also have over 20 years of experience in birthwork and use plant medicines extensively during birth work. Over time, I have developed and managed successful free clinics in both Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the island of Puerto Rico in collaboration with Herbalists without Borders. These have shifted accessibility and healthcare for populations with low income or in need of integrative care. My vision with ACMP is to develop a program to assist many advanced herbalists who want to improve in their clinical skills by working with the community in roundtables, student clinics, as well as their community at large. The last part of the program takes place in Kenya's free clinics. Finally, your application to this program is because you want to be a student who wants to receive and seek mentorship on decolonization of wellness, and indigenous wisdom concepts to support your practice.
Thank you for your interest and application to this life-changing program.
Sincerely,
Olatokunboh Obasi MSc., CNS, RH (AHG)
THE ADVANCED CLINICAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Purpose:
ACMP is for herbalists who have completed a full herbal medicine program (2 years or more) and already have some or little experience in clinics and want to improve their skills. This is not a program for the beginner student. Please sign up for our level 1 course if you are a beginner.
Mentorship is an important part of my career as a clinical herbalist. With an increase of professional herbalists, I see myself placed in serving the herbal community, by guiding the profession into the mainstream with highly qualified practitioners. My goal for herbalism is that it enters the mainstream to assist in the reformation and integration of overall healthcare. Therefore, the importance and uniqueness of a program such as this cannot be stated enough.
Length of Program:
1-year-long online live integration. Last 2 weeks, expect to stay in a modest home, in Kenya, for 14 days (think 16 days to allow time to travel, depending on flights). In the first few days, there will be an introductory orientation and discussion on Advanced Clinical Skills. The rest of our time will include clinical work, with 1 day off per week. Weekends may include clinics, and clinical hours could be up to 8 hours at a time.
Number of Students:
There will only be a limit of 7 students admitted into the program. There may be local students participating in the free clinics as well.
Logistics and Cost:
Sliding scale $5000 to $10,000 includes theoretical, personal mentorship, monthly presentations, roundtable clients through WOIW listings, room and board, and a meal a day (dinner) and the program (although this may change depending on supportive funding from the sliding scale). A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space before the program. Travel expenses should be managed by students, to and from the airport, as well as with movement during free days. An assistant will coordinate further to ensure a smooth and clear understanding during the students’ stay. Transportation from the airport to the apartment will include a $50 transportation fee.
Rooms and Board:
There are 2 bedrooms (shared space) and 2 and a half baths available. Amenities include a washer, a small stove, and a refrigerator. Wifi will be available, and the house is located in a rustic and modest setting. During your stay, we encourage connection with nature, an almost-acre backyard filled with tropical plants to explore and planting projects to incorporate.
Preparing for the Program:
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Mandatory ZOOM call about 3 weeks before the beginning of the program to cover things and discuss expectations.
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Required and recommended books :
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Community Herbalism
Required: Transforming Communities: How People Like You are Healing Their Neighborhoods by Sandhya Rani Jha
Required: Herbal Clinician I and II by Plant Healer
The Consultation in Phytotherapy: The Herbal Practitioner’s Approach to the Patient by Peter Conway
What you will receive:
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Increased knowledge of tropical plants
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Added information on experience with plants already common in the US
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Skills for quick clinical assessment
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Intake forms and styles for clinical assessment
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Ways to approach the diversity of clients by learning cultural appreciation
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Understand the diversity of clients and learn to cross language lines of Western culture and influence
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International experience
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Personal 1:1 mentorship
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Personal project for 1 year
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