Despite the lingering chill of early summer in Vancouver, the atmosphere inside the Tzu Chi Canada branch was brimming with warmth. On April 10, 2026, families, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate the first graduation ceremony held at this location for the Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Twenty-two graduates proudly marked the end of their academic journey, preparing to step into their communities as holistic healers.

A legacy of holistic care

The foundation of this educational institution dates back to 1986, when Tsung-Ming Lu (呂聰明) established the Vancouver International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Victoria Island. As the oldest Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) college in Canada, its founding principle has always been to respect life and affirm humanity.

Moved by Tzu Chi's educational philosophy, Lu officially donated and transferred the college to Tzu Chi in May 2016. Now known as the Tzu Chi International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the school seamlessly integrates the spirit of compassion, relief, joy, and giving into its curriculum. The goal is to cultivate practitioners who possess not only exceptional medical skills but also strong ethical values and a genuine desire to serve others.

Joining the celebration via video, Master De Yuan (德淵師父) from the Jing Si Abode in Taiwan offered words of wisdom to the new practitioners.

"Life may not always throw you good pitches, but an experienced batter can swing at any time. Graduation is just a milestone in life. I hope you will step into this new journey with a mindset of continuous learning and a passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine." — Master De Yuan, Jing Si Abode

President of TCICTCM, John Situ, emphasized the profound impact these new graduates will have on local healthcare systems. He noted that over its forty-year history, the school has trained more than 2,000 TCM practitioners.

Our graduates will soon enter community clinical service. If we have 20 to 30 graduates each year, they can treat around 2,000 patients locally, which amounts to roughly 60,000 patient visits annually. This creates a significant contribution to the community. Doctors don't just treat illnesses; they treat patients. This aligns perfectly with the human-centric approach of TCM. — John Situ, President of TCICTCM

Cultivating empathy and skill

Walking down the red carpet, the graduates were radiant. During the ceremony, Dr. Michael Chung (鍾政哲), the convener of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) in Canada, turned their tassels. President Situ presented the diplomas, and Wan-Hui Miao (苗萬輝), CEO of the Tzu Chi Canada branch, handed out thoughtful graduation gifts.

Representing her class, graduate Remy Moon thanked her parents and teachers for their unwavering support. She reflected on how the school provided an environment grounded in love and gratitude, allowing her to grow both personally and professionally. TCM diagnosis heavily relies on observing, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking—practices that demand not only sharp clinical knowledge but also deep empathy and observational skills. Overcome with emotion as she prepared to leave the familiar halls of her campus, Moon teared up, pledging to make the well-being of her future patients her top priority.

Local officials also recognized the graduates' dedication. Teresa Wat, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Richmond Centre, British Columbia, attended the event to deliver a letter of appreciation. She praised the graduates for their perseverance and highlighted their critical role in promoting community health, commending Tzu Chi's ongoing contributions to local education and service.

The diverse backgrounds of the students further enriched the learning environment. Dupree Collins, a graduate from California, shared how his extensive reading of classical literature inspired him to pursue a hands-on profession.

My background is quite interesting. I have read many different books and classic works. Through this experience, I decided to build something I could do myself. I am thankful to my family and those who care about me. I have learned a lot at the college and had many opportunities to study in various clinics. — Dupree Collins, Graduate

Nancy Zhao, originally from China, found her way to TCM through personal experience.

I studied psychology and philosophy in Canada, but after working for years, I felt it was not what I truly wanted. I chose to study Traditional Chinese Medicine because of some changes in my life, and I found it helped my body greatly. My family also became healthier as a result. Learning in an environment full of Tzu Chi's humanistic culture provided me with multifaceted support from teachers and classmates.
— Nancy Zhao, Graduate

A vow to serve

The study of Traditional Chinese Medicine is a lifelong pursuit, requiring continuous dedication to benefit society effectively. To reaffirm their commitment, graduate Nicki Fung led her peers in reciting an oath based on the ancient text On the Absolute Sincerity of Great Physicians by Simiao Sun, promising to uphold the benevolence essential to medical practice.

Surrounded by the gentle melodies of the sign language performance "Give Love" presented by volunteers, the new healers officially concluded their academic chapters. Armed with practical skills and a deeply ingrained sense of compassion, they now step forward to elevate the quality of medical care and bring healing to their communities.

Written by Amy Wu (吳群芳)