Scarlett is a second-year BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student at Leeds Beckett University. In this blog, she talks about her experience taking part in our summer school programme in Guiyang, Guizhou province, China.

My trip to China was an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was incredibly lucky to have been one of 14 students selected to immerse myself in a two-week summer school programme about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at the Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Throughout the programme, we explored both clinical applications of TCM and the cultural heritage of Guizhou province, through lectures, practical workshops, hospital visits, pharmaceutical company visits, and cultural excursions.

During this trip, we gained valuable insight into the development of Guizhou ethnic medicine, particularly, Miao medicine. While doing so, we learnt about acupuncture, moxibustion, and other traditional therapies through observation and hands-on-experience. As well as this, we visited Sanli Pharmaceutical Company, where we learnt about the production and development of TCM, and the opportunity to visualise and make medicinal herb specimens.

Beyond medicine, it was essential to learn about the importance of the cultural heritage of Guizhou province. To do this, we took part in Chinese calligraphy, ink fan painting, and tai chi. We watched multiple traditional cultural performances and visited an ecological tea plantation where we picked tea leaves and experienced a traditional tea ceremony. We also visited Guizhou's famous landmarks, such as Wujiangzhai ancient town, Zhijin Cave, Jiaxiu Tower, and Huangguoshu Warerfall.

Equally valuable, I made friends from many different backgrounds and had the opportunity to learn from highly skilled lecturers and practitioners. These connections made this experience even more meaningful and personal.

Because of this experience, I've gained a broader perspective on healthcare. This has been my favourite part of the summer school because it was so interesting to learn about. It's shown me that there are multiple global medical traditions and approaches when treating patients.

I had the opportunity to learn and experience Miao medicine, which is practiced daily by Miao people in Guizhou. One concept that stood out to me was the Yin-Yang theory, which emphasises balance and unity of opposites, and is still used in TCM today.

This journey has highlighted that every patient has different needs and it's important that when practicing on them, their needs are met. On a personal level, a practitioner from the university helped me with a problem that I've been struggling with back home. This unique experience has inspired me to research within this area in the future as part of my career.

Without Leeds Beckett's support and guidance, I wouldn't have been a part of an international exchange programme. I'm proud to say that I represented my university, not only in a different country, but on the other side of the world. I look forward to sharing the knowledge and experiences I gained from this in my future career in biomedical science.