Barbara Schmidt brings a unique, technical background to PCOM. She is the instructor for basic and advanced needle-technique courses and the Introduction to acupuncture-technique course. She is a certified OSHA General Industry Outreach Trainer and an American Red Cross first aid/CPR instructor. Barbara is the current vice president of the Illinois State Acupuncture Association. She maintains a private practice in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood and holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in engineering