Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Kost.
Hi Cody, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I grew up with my father working in the Healthcare system and always thought about pursuing a career in it as well. I had a little detour and thought about going into law enforcement so I earned my Associate degree in Criminal Justice and joined the Army as an Infantryman.
After serving 1 tour in Iraq and finishing my contract I decided to shift my focus back to Medicine. It took me a few years to think about what path to take in the Healthcare system but I finally decided after moving to Florida in 2016. I saw a lot of veterans in the VA system with pain syndromes and mental health issues and wondered what I could do to help them and other people who had those same problems. I have always been interested in traditional medicine systems from various cultures that focus on a holistic view of the patient.
The systems that see the mind and body as a connected whole and seek to treat not just the symptoms but the underlying root causes of illness as well. This led me to consider Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and look for schools to complete the education to follow that path.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say my struggles have been the same as most people who try to complete an education and start a career in the medical field. In the beginning, it was trying to find the information on what degrees I would need to obtain and deciding what complementary medicine I would learn about.
I had to work long hours and multiple jobs while completing school, clinic hours, and board exams. There are always thoughts that would pop into my head about not being good enough or if I would ever make it through school to start my career. Thinking of ways to find the money to finish school and pay for board exams was always at the forefront of my mind.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kost Acupuncture and Herbal Healing?
I am a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and I treat patients using acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, Chinese medical massage, acupuncture point injection therapy, and nutritional advice.
I help patients suffering from a wide range of disorders but my specialties are pain syndromes, anxiety, depression, and addiction. I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to relate to my patients and listen to what their problems are. I am a veteran and I am a part of the LGBT community so I think I can relate to those communities especially.
I would want anyone who reads this to know that Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine take everything about the patient into account to be able to create a unique and tailored treatment plan for anything to be addressed and for any outcome to be achieved.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
My advice for anyone who is thinking about starting a career in acupuncture and Chinese medicine is to mentally prepare yourself for a good deal of school and training. The Master’s program required to sit for the boards is 10 semesters long in Florida after completing a bachelor’s degree. While you are in school save money when you can to pay for boards once school is done.
There are 4 national boards required for licensure in Florida and they are about $320 each. Don’t be hard on yourself in school if you don’t pick up on something right away, the concepts in acupuncture and Chinese medicine are unlike things you have encountered before and you are learning words in another language.
Internship opportunities to fulfill clinic hours are a good idea in school because it lets you observe and work in an environment that interests you. I chose to intern at a physical rehabilitation hospital while others in my class chose private clinics that specialized in fertility or pain. The choice is yours.
When you finish school and complete boards think about whether you want to work in a hospital setting, work for someone else, or start your practice. This choice isn’t permanent of course but it can help you to know what you are working towards.
At the end of the day, you will find the work fulfilling and you will find a lot of joy in being able to help others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kostacupuncture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kostacupuncture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kost-Acupuncture-and-Herbal-Healing/100095039431107/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cody-kost-dacm-ap-173a041b8
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kost-acupuncture-and-herbal-healing-bradenton
