Investigating Causes and Conditions in Clinical Practice

In this episode we reflect on the burden and privilege of a clinical practice. How we grow into it by using a blend of our objectivity and subjectivity. And how mindfulness and a curiosity about our own internal landscape all help to inform our clinical work and development as a practitioner. We look at how learning the medicine not only helps the patients we see, but provides a deep benefit for our lives as well. And how to stay present in the moments of failure in such a way that we can gain a deeper clarity about our work. Listen in for a discussion of how to gain a balanced sensitivity that helps us to navigate the challenges of learning from clinical experience, and support us in moving beyond the comfort of reliable skills when they don't prove so reliable. “I have long admired a medical philosophy, a worldview, that is of practical use to ease suffering. It has been a way of helping people, not just with physical suffering, but it can be applied to all our suffering. In 1982 I spent half the year in a Zen monastery in Japan and half in studying medicine in Beijing. I was deciding whether a doctor and teacher, or full time monk might suit me best. I decided near the end of the year, that I would make my clinic and classroom my Zen practice. It has been a way for me to help, hopefully more than I have hindered. It has also been a way to see my own limitations and to maybe soften them up a little. It has been a difficult, challenging and liberating journey.” Greg Bantick, B.Ac., M.T.O.M. In 1975 he started studying Chinese medicine in Sydney, Australia. In the late 70’s he was part of a small group that started the first Acupuncture college in Brisbane, while maintaining an active private practice. In 1982 he spent the year studying in China and Japan. On his return he arranged trips by several leading Chinese and Japanese scholar practitioners to Brisbane. In 1986 he moved to San Diego, where he began teaching at the new Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Greg served in curriculum advisory roles and as a senior faculty member and clinical supervisor for over 14 years. He helped develop the Masters Degree program. In 2001 he was invited to be Academic Dean and Clinical Director of the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine. He returned to Brisbane in early 2005 where he maintains a clinical practice and teaches to the profession.