A focus on inclusion and diversity will form the cornerstone of Jason Kossowan’s future career. The second-year Acupuncture student is the first recipient of the Red Leaf Wellness Award for Acupuncture Excellence.

“It's important to be able to see things without filters, to listen from different perspectives, and to make sure you’re open and receptive,” says Kossowan. “Without empathy you can't help people, especially in this particular line of work.”

The Red Leaf Wellness Award for Acupuncture Excellence and the Red Leaf Wellness Bursary are each $1,000, and will be given annually to students in the Acupuncture program. The Award for Acupuncture Excellence has a brief essay requirement, which gives students the opportunity to explain their beliefs and goals around inclusivity and diversity.

Kossowan aims to incorporate those principles into his career, and to celebrate the backgrounds and viewpoints of colleagues and clients alike.

He chose to pursue acupuncture as a way of merging his interests in Asian practices like Tai Chi and martial arts with a career in medicine. On campus, he’s hoping to use his knowledge – and part of the funds from his award – to create a Tai Chi program that others might benefit from.

He invested the rest in his own health care and relieving some of the financial stress of being a student. 

“To have organizations like Red Leaf Wellness go to bat and be able to help students get a leg up in this field is really nice, especially with today's stresses,” says Kossowan. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude for people who offer their finances to help students out on our journey.”

As for his post-MacEwan career, Kossowan is hoping to combine his interests and offer physiotherapy through both acupuncture and Tai Chi. The specifics, he says, are still a little up in the air.

“There's room for everybody inside of this type of medicine, and I'm still trying to figure out what it means for me.”

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