In July 2026, health ministers from the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and partner countries) adopted a landmark declaration establishing a dedicated Expert Working Group for Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine (TCIM). The declaration aligns with the World Health Organization’s Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, signalling growing international interest in integrating evidence-informed traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems.
While this announcement does not immediately change how healthcare is delivered, it reflects an important global trend. Governments, researchers, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions are increasingly investing in traditional and integrative medicine through research, regulation, education, and collaboration.
For anyone considering a career in natural health, this is encouraging news. The future is increasingly favouring practitioners who combine traditional healing knowledge with rigorous education, clinical experience, and an evidence-informed approach.
At Pacific Rim College, this is a future we have been preparing students for 20 years.
A Global Shift Toward Integrative Healthcare
Across the world, healthcare systems are facing growing challenges, including chronic disease, aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and increasing interest in preventative and lifestyle-based care. As a result, many countries are exploring how traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine can responsibly contribute alongside conventional healthcare.
The BRICS declaration highlights several important priorities that are shaping the future of the profession:
- Evidence-informed integration through expanded clinical research and evaluation.
- Greater collaboration between healthcare professions and healthcare systems.
- Improved quality standards for education, research, and practitioner training.
- International knowledge sharing through digital registries, research networks, and collaborative initiatives.
Rather than viewing traditional medicine as an “alternative,” policymakers are increasingly recognizing its potential role as part of a more comprehensive healthcare system.
What Does This Mean for Future Practitioners?
Although policy changes take time, the direction is becoming increasingly clear.
Around the world, qualified practitioners may benefit from:
- Growing recognition of traditional and integrative healthcare.
- Increased investment in research and clinical evidence.
- Expanded opportunities within private practice, wellness organizations, education, and collaborative healthcare settings.
- Greater public awareness of preventative and lifestyle-focused healthcare.
- Increased demand for practitioners with comprehensive, accredited education.
As healthcare evolves, practitioners with strong clinical training, professional ethics, and a scientific understanding of traditional medicine will be well positioned to contribute meaningfully.
Why High-Quality Education Matters More Than Ever
As interest in traditional medicine grows, so do expectations.
Patients, employers, regulators, and professional organizations increasingly expect practitioners to demonstrate strong clinical reasoning, evidence-informed decision-making, professional communication, and a thorough understanding of safety and ethics.
Short introductory courses can be valuable for personal learning, but those planning to build a professional career benefit from comprehensive education that includes:
- Extensive classroom instruction
- Supervised clinical experience
- Rigourous biomedical training
- Professional ethics
- Research literacy
- Critical thinking
- Practical clinical skills
A rigorous education prepares graduates not only to serve clients safely and effectively but also to adapt as the profession continues to evolve.
Why Pacific Rim College?
For 20 years, Pacific Rim College has been one of Canada’s leading institutions for integrative health education.
Long before global organizations began discussing the future of traditional medicine, our faculty and graduates were helping shape it through education, clinical practice, community service, and professional leadership.
Our approach combines the wisdom of traditional healing systems with contemporary scientific understanding, producing graduates who are confident, compassionate, and practice-ready.
Pacific Rim College offers Ministry-approved diploma and certificate programs in areas including:
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Students receive extensive education in traditional diagnostic methods, acupuncture techniques, biomedical sciences, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates enter a regulated healthcare profession with strong practical experience.
Diploma of Phytotherapy (Western Herbal Medicine)
Our phytotherapy program combines traditional herbal knowledge with modern phytochemistry, botany, herbal formulation, materia medica and more than 500 hours of supervised clinical training, preparing graduates to safely prescribe evidence-informed herbal medicine.
Students explore nutritional science alongside functional and holistic approaches to health, learning how food, lifestyle, and therapeutic nutrition can support long-term wellbeing.
Our doula education prepares students to provide compassionate physical, emotional, and educational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period while working collaboratively with healthcare providers.
Learning Through Real Clinical Experience
Education extends well beyond the classroom.
Each year, Pacific Rim College’s teaching clinic provides more than 7,000 patient visits, giving students the opportunity to develop confidence while working under the supervision of experienced practitioners.
This hands-on clinical experience helps graduates develop the communication skills, professionalism, and clinical judgement that employers and clients value.
A Truly Global Learning Community
Pacific Rim College welcomes students from more than 50 countries and is proud to be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI #019304067532).
Depending on the program, students may study:
- On campus in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia
- Through live synchronous online learning
- Through flexible educational pathways both full time and part time that fit a variety of lifestyles
Our diverse student body creates a rich learning environment where perspectives, traditions, and experiences are shared across cultures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the BRICS declaration mean there will immediately be more jobs?
Not immediately. However, it reflects growing international recognition of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine. Over time, increased research, education, and healthcare integration may create additional opportunities for qualified practitioners.
Do I need previous healthcare experience?
No. All of our diploma programs are designed for students entering the field for the first time. Our structured curriculum guides students from foundational knowledge to supervised clinical practice.
Can international students study at Pacific Rim College?
Yes. As a Designated Learning Institution, Pacific Rim College welcomes students from around the world. Several programs also offer live synchronous online learning, providing additional flexibility.
Why choose Pacific Rim College?
Students choose Pacific Rim College because of our experienced faculty, Ministry-approved programs, extensive clinical training, vibrant learning community, and more than two decades of leadership in integrative health education.
Looking Ahead
Healthcare continues to evolve, and traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine is becoming an increasingly important part of the global conversation.
The recent BRICS declaration and the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy reflect a broader movement toward evidence-informed, patient-centred healthcare that values prevention, collaboration, and whole-person wellbeing.
For 20 years, Pacific Rim College has been preparing students to contribute thoughtfully and professionally to this evolving landscape. Whether your goal is to become an acupuncturist, herbalist, holistic nutritionist, doula, or another natural health practitioner, investing in a comprehensive education today can help prepare you for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Please explore our programs and take the first step by visiting our request information page to connect with our admissions team.
We’d be honoured to help you take the next step.