This paper explores the challenges and opportunities of cultivating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) talents in ethnic minority areas in Western China. It puts forward corresponding strategies for the problems in training TCM students in such areas. In view of the current situation

we should adhere to the student-centered

social needs-oriented

and competency-based education

implement OBE throughout the teaching process

and pay attention to the sustainability of medical students' careers. In recent years

Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine has carried out reform and practice in many aspects such as moral education

cultivation of TCM ways of thinking

practical teaching

self-directed lifelong learning ability

innovation and entrepreneurship

and internationalization

aiming to provide reference for cultivating TCM talents in ethnic minority communities in the west.