In a groundbreaking development, Costa Rica has inaugurated its first-ever university specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This milestone comes as the result of 16 years of unwavering effort led by Dr. Oleg Soukhoverkhov M.D., the project's founder. The initiative promises to not only train a new generation of TCM professionals but also deepen cultural and academic ties between China and Latin America.
For the project's team, the university's approval represents the fruition of more than a decade and a half of diligent work. Dr. Soukhoverkhov, who initiated the project in 1998, has been the driving force behind its planning, promotion, and eventual realization.
One of the enthusiastic advocates for the project is Hyder Alawi, a Canadian currently pursuing a master's degree at Tianjin University in China. As the only representative of the Costa Rican project team in China, Alawi’s commitment to TCM is deeply personal.
"My mother suffered from knee discomfort, and although Western medicine offered some relief, it came with significant side effects," said Alawi. "When she tried Chinese acupuncture after just six or seven sessions, her symptoms eased considerably."
This transformative experience inspired Alawi to promote TCM, fostering his involvement in the university project. "TCM has incredible potential to benefit people worldwide, and I wanted to be a part of making that happen," he added.
In a strategic move, Alawi recently facilitated a partnership with the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS). This formalizes a relationship initiated in 2019 when both entities signed a memorandum of cooperation at a WFAS event in Costa Rica, under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The new university stands as a beacon for future collaboration between China and Costa Rica. According to Alawi, the institution will contribute to multiple sectors, from education and healthcare technology to medical tourism and foreign investment. "This project is more than just a university; it's a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for mutual growth," said Dr. Soukhoverkhov.
With its doors now open, the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Costa Rica aims to be a hub for TCM education and research in the region. It will offer specialized training for healthcare professionals, promote academic inquiry, and serve as a platform for cultural exchange.
In the years to come, the university aspires to make a lasting impact not just in Costa Rica but throughout Latin America, echoing Alawi's vision: "TCM can, and should, benefit people across the globe."
