Health & Human Services SUZANNE WILLIAMS | STUDENT SUCCESS As a recent graduate of Langara’s Balance System Acupuncture (BSA) Certificate program, Suzanne Williams' path to becoming a Registered Acupuncturist was a winding but exciting journey. Suzanne lived abroad for many years in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Paris. Living overseas has exposed her to easatern medicinal practices and taught her the value of patience and keeping an open mind. Acupuncture involves insertion of fine needles to help alleviate pain and internal disorders. BSA is a special style of Acupuncture that builds on the classical approach from over 2,000 years ago, making it quick, efficient and well suited to modern day. This BSA program also offers an intimate learning environment, clinical hours and competency testing. “The program allowed me to practice with a strong degree of confidence from day one in the clinic. It continues to help shape the acupuncture practitioner I want to be. The program also introduced me to a community of likeminded practitioners and provided me with a network to get my first jobs as an acupuncturist.” The classroom experiences at Langara were both inspiring and engaging for Suzanne. Dr. Sonia Tan, program developer and lead instructor, along with guest lecturers, imparted lasting knowledge on Suzanne. She appreciated the variety of backgrounds and experiences the other students contributed. Suzanne is grateful for the doors that have opened for her since completing the BSA program and beginning her practice. “I have had many meaningful experiences at work – the look of astonishment on a patient’s face when their pain melts away or they gain range of motion with just a few well-placed needles; the trust that patients show when they release emotion, and sometimes tears, in my presence; and simply the sincere ‘thank you’ at the end of their treatment.”
In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys being a student of Qi Gong, Tai Ji and other internal martial arts. She also spends a great deal of time volunteering and can be found exploring nature, likely water skiing or paddling.
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