Interview with Fedosia Masaligin, Community Health Education major, class of 2012.

1. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

2. FEDOSIA MASALIGIN, LAC.
Western Oregon University, 2012
B.S. in Community Health Education
Minor in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, 2016
Master ofAcupuncture and Oriental Medicine

3. I am currently employed as an acupuncturist at the amazing
White OakWellness clinic in Silverton, Oregon.
I specifically choseWOU for their program and professors after
researching other universities that would prepare me best for
OCOM curriculum, which is rigorous. So yes, I would say I
absolutely envisioned doing this while attendingWOU!
Did you envision doing this while you were at WOU?
What is your current position?

4. My typical day involves seeing patients that are looking for
relief from any number of ailments.With it being the winter
season, a typical day right now is anything from treating colds
and flu, shingles, achy joints from old injuries or arthritis that
worsen with weather changes, seasonal affective disorders,
insomnia, muscle pain from overuse, digestive issues like IBS,
constipation, and diarrhea, and we also have a high number of
patients coming in for menstrual dysfunctions.This is a small
portion of the things treated by acupuncture, believe it or not!
What does a typical day at work look like?

5. I love that I get to work with people. Each session is an hour
long, so I can spend time understanding my patient’s concerns
without rushing to the next person. I also appreciate that this
work fits well with my personality – someone who enjoys nature
and is always striving for wellness. Lastly, I have to throw in that
I do love a good cup of tea at work; and my employer is just
wonderful at keeping her staff happy in little ways that add a
smile to my day.
What do you enjoy most about your job?

6. The professors atWOU were instrumental to my success, particularly Warren Allen and Patricia
Flatt, who are both knowledgeable about a variety of health topics, including East Asian medicine.
While attendingWOU, I worked in several in outreach clinics that served populations in addiction
recovery. Additionally, I volunteered in Nepal for 2 months post-graduation, serving residents
whose nearest hospital was several hours away. I also studied for a few weeks in a Beijing hospital –
it was amazing to see the acupuncture wing next to a physical therapy wing, all upstairs from a
dental and allopathic medicine wing.
I also got plenty of experience through the OCOM program, which involved internships in
herbalism, bodywork (massage), and on-campus clinic rotations.The most influential experience I
had was job shadowing acupuncturists because it led me to where I work today! I recommend job
shadowing to anyone looking for more information about a career.
What experiences helped prepare you for your
professional life?

7. Follow your gut! If this is something that appeals to you, then
pursue it. If you don’t like being bored, trust me this field will
have you fascinated and learning for the rest of your life.
What advice do you have for students interested in
this field?

8. www.wou.edu/hexs