试论古代中医师承制的特点及其价值

A perspective on characteristics and modern value of the apprentice system of ancient Chinese medicine

师承制是古代中医药学的主要传承方式，既有口传心授、言传身教、潜移默化、耳濡目染等优势，又有拘于一家之言，一才一艺的劣势。古代中医师承制的现代价值，不在其形，而在其义。应注重医德修养，纯正习医动机；注重经典学习，扎牢基础功底；注重临证实践，重在因材施教。

The apprentice system is the principal succession method of ancient Chinese medicine. Masters pass down knowledge via verbal instructions as well as personal deeds, and apprentices are unconsciously influenced deeply within by what they see and hear from masters. That is where the strong point of the system. However, at the same time, apprentices are confined by their master’s instructions and learn only a part of the knowledge. It is the profound meaning rather than the form, that truly represents the modern value of the system. Traditional Chinese medicine stresses the cultivation of medical ethics, purification of learning motivation, study of classic works, solid foundation of basic skills and clinical practice. It also advocates that apprentices should be led and taught in accordance to his aptitude.