Benjamin Saez on the Future of TCM Education in Europe: Reflections from Rothenburg 2026

Last week, Benjamin Saez, Dean of Administration and Co-Founder of the European Institute of Integrative Health Sciences (EIIHS), participated in the 2026 TCM Kongress Rothenburg in Germany in his capacity as Head of the Education Committee for the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA).

Benjamin Saez, far left, with the current board of the European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA). Image courtesy of the ETCMA.

As part of this role, Benjamin presided over the 2026 European School Leaders Day, a full-day gathering focused on the theme:

“Accreditation and Recognition: Strengthening TCM Education & Growing Student Numbers.”

The event brought together educational leaders, accreditation stakeholders, and representatives from across the international TCM community to discuss some of the most pressing questions facing the profession today: educational standards, institutional recognition, professional sustainability, and the future growth of Traditional Chinese Medicine within Europe.

Following the event, we asked Benjamin to share some reflections on the current state of TCM education and the broader work being undertaken through the ETCMA.

For readers unfamiliar with the ETCMA, what role does the organisation play within the European TCM landscape?

The ETCMA serves as one of the leading professional organisations advocating for Traditional Chinese Medicine across Europe. It brings together national associations, educational institutions, and practitioners from multiple countries with the shared goal of strengthening professional standards, supporting educational development, and advancing recognition for the field.

One of the most important aspects of the ETCMA’s work is that it creates dialogue across borders. Healthcare systems, educational frameworks, and regulatory environments vary significantly throughout Europe, so organisations like the ETCMA help create continuity and professional cohesion within a very diverse landscape.

Why are accreditation and educational recognition such important topics right now in TCM education?

I think there is a growing recognition that the future of TCM in Europe depends heavily on educational integrity and clarity of standards.

Students today are making serious investments of time, finances, and personal commitment into their education. At the same time, patients are increasingly seeking qualified practitioners capable of integrating traditional knowledge with modern clinical professionalism. Educational institutions therefore carry a significant responsibility.

Accreditation and recognition are not simply bureaucratic issues. They directly affect public trust, practitioner mobility, institutional sustainability, and ultimately the long-term credibility of the profession itself.

What were some of the most important conversations that emerged during this year’s European School Leaders Day?

There was a strong emphasis on collaboration and shared challenges.

Benjamin Saez moderates the discussion at the 2026 European School Leaders Day. Image courtesy of the ETCMA.

Many institutions across Europe are navigating questions related to student recruitment, regulatory complexity, educational modernisation, and maintaining high clinical standards while adapting to changing healthcare environments.

At the same time, there was also a very constructive spirit throughout the discussions. People are increasingly interested in building stronger educational networks, sharing experiences with accreditation processes, and finding ways to preserve the depth of Traditional Chinese Medicine while continuing to evolve professionally.

The conversations reflected a profession that is actively thinking about its future in a serious and responsible way.

Rothenburg remains one of the most recognised international TCM gatherings. Why do events like this continue to matter?

Gatherings like Rothenburg create opportunities that simply cannot happen in isolation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has always evolved through mentorship, dialogue, observation, and exchange between practitioners and educators. Conferences like this allow people from very different systems and backgrounds to come together and engage in meaningful professional conversation.

They also remind us that TCM is part of a much larger international community. That perspective is important, particularly for educational leaders working to strengthen institutions and training standards within their own countries.

What gives you optimism about the future of TCM education in Europe?

What gives me optimism is the level of commitment I continue to see from both educators and students.

There are many people across Europe working very seriously to preserve the integrity of the medicine while also building educational models capable of meeting contemporary professional standards. That balance is not always easy, but it is essential.

I also think there is growing interest in integrative approaches to healthcare more broadly, particularly approaches that emphasise prevention, individualised care, and long-term health. TCM has an important contribution to make within those conversations.

The future of the profession depends on thoughtful education, strong institutions, and continued collaboration — and I believe there are many people currently doing that work with great care and dedication.

About the ETCMA

The European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association (ETCMA) is a major pan-European organisation dedicated to supporting Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, educational institutions, and professional associations throughout Europe through advocacy, collaboration, educational initiatives, and professional development.