Five Branches University Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine Education
On Sunday, September 15th, Five Branches University proudly commemorated its 40th anniversary with a day of celebration, and gratitude at its San Jose campus. The milestone event brought together faculty, alumni, board members, and community members, with many attending in person and online, to honor the university’s impact on Traditional Chinese Medicine education.
The celebration began with Continuing Education (CEU) courses for licensed acupuncturists, offering professional development and training opportunities. The day culminated in a heartfelt ceremony featuring speeches by President Ron Zaidman, Dean Joanna Zhao, and several board members, highlighting the university’s achievements and its role in shaping TCM in California and the U.S. since its founding in 1984.
A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on Five Branches University’s pivotal role in advancing TCM in mainstream healthcare. President Ron Zaidman and Academic Dean Joanna Zhao emphasized how the university has been at the forefront of integrating TCM into healthcare systems, notably through its partnerships with hospitals and the creation of externship programs. These externships have allowed more people to access acupuncture treatments, broadening the reach and acceptance of TCM in clinical settings.
In addition to clinical advancements, Five Branches University has played a key role in shaping acupuncture legislation in California, further solidifying the practice’s place within the state’s healthcare landscape.
Honoring Long-Serving Faculty and Staff
As part of the celebration, the university presented certificates of appreciation to board members and faculty who have dedicated over 20 years of service to Five Branches. The recipients expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting the deep sense of community that has sustained the university’s growth over the past four decades.
Dean Zhao spoke of the university’s unwavering commitment to its mission: “For 40 years, Five Branches University has been dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of TCM practitioners. Our impact on the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine has been profound, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”
Looking Toward the Future
As Five Branches University embarks on the next phase of its journey, its leadership remains committed to expanding opportunities for students, alumni, and TCM as a whole. The university plans to continue fostering externship opportunities with hospitals and expanding its efforts to integrate TCM into mainstream healthcare settings, ensuring that more patients have access to acupuncture and related treatments.
The event concluded with a celebratory dinner, where attendees shared memories and discussed the university’s future aspirations. The occasion was both a reflection on the past and a hopeful look toward the future of TCM and Five Branches University.
A Message of Gratitude
The university extended its deepest gratitude to everyone who attended the anniversary celebration. “We are incredibly thankful for the support of our community over the last 40 years,” said Joanna Zhao. “As we move forward, we’re excited to continue our work in advancing TCM and preparing the next generation of practitioners to make a lasting impact in healthcare.”
With 40 years of excellence behind it, Five Branches University is poised to continue leading the way in TCM education, research, and practice, inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.
