University News

Student Highlight: Yanguang Zhang and Ju Yin (Stacy) Shen

At Five Branches University, our students come from all walks of life, united by a shared passion for healing!

Take Yanguang Zhang and Ju Yin (Stacy) Shen, for example. Yanguang began his journey in business and economics but found his true calling in Chinese medicine through his lifelong practice of Qigong and Taiji and a deep interest in music therapy. This blend of influences sparked a transformative shift in his career, and now, as he approaches graduation, he’s ready to integrate these unique perspectives into his healing practice.

Stacy, who joined us this fall, brings a background in physical therapy. Her recovery from a basketball injury exposed her to the limitations of her field. The rapid and transformative results from acupuncture treatments opened her eyes to an alternative path.

The two crossed paths at our Open House, where Yanguang’s expertise and enthusiasm reinforced Stacy’s decision to embark on her own TCM journey.

Every student’s path is unique, but they all lead to Five Branches University—a place where diverse experiences and a passion for healing come together to create something extraordinary.

University News

Student Highlight: Alex Lintner

Healing Through Nature & Tradition 

  Pictured: Alex & friends in the redwoods of Henry Cowell State Park 

Meet Alex Lintner—a biologist, farmer, and community organizer with a passion for the earth. After years dedicated to Environmental Justice and Climate Solutions in Vermont, Alex’s journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began while seeking relief for her own health issues.

“With my first exposure to TCM, I started connecting it to my work in agroecology and environmental advocacy. I began to see TCM as a form of ecological farming for the human body, grounded in the understanding that human health is inseparable from the health of the biosphere,” Alex shares.

Now, as a first-term student at Five Branches University, Alex is inspired daily by the natural beauty surrounding our Santa Cruz campus, where she immerses herself in the connection between nature and healing. 

University News

Five Branches University Honors Alumni During Celebration of 40 Years of Educational Excellence

As we celebrate 40 years of academic excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine, we wanted to honor our alumni and their success. We are excited to share the stories that have been provided to us from our Alumni.

If you’re an alumni and would like to share your story, please submit it at our Alumni Stories Submission Page

John Struthers

“Well, being part of “the guys” that started FBI (now Five Branches University), I have fond, fond memories of Charles, Ron, Joanna and Jeffrey…as well as Diane, Jill and everyone involved with the nascent beginning. Also, having been COO and Academic Director for 5+ years at Five Branches was a true joy.

Colleen DeLaney and I are still going strong (married for 37 years now) and had a very successful Acupuncture practice for more than 35 years in Chico, CA. We retired in December 2022.”

Laura Paris

“I’m celebrating 20 years as a licensed acupuncturist after graduating from FBU in 2004! This is me in my clinic in Monterey where I’ve practiced for 18 years. Going to Five Branches to study Chinese medicine was the best thing I ever did for my career!

My specialties are functional medicine, women’s health, autoimmunity, and pain management. It’s been an amazing and rewarding career path these past 20 years. And in January 2025, I’m opening a new clinic in Capitola.”

University News

40th Anniversary Celebration!

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.

Photo Gallery
University News

Constitution Day 2024

Where: Five Branches University

When: September 17th, 2024 – All Day

In 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill that moved I Am an American Day from the third Sunday in May to September 17. Truman did so in order for the holiday to coincide with the date of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Congress renamed the holiday Citizenship Day.

A joint resolution passed in 1956 requested that the president proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 each year as Constitution Week. In 2004, Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia entered an amendment to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 to change the name of the September 17 holiday to Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The purpose of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is to commemorate the creation and signing of the s
upreme law of the land and to honor and celebrate the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship for both native-born and naturalized citizens.

Learn more about Constitution Day from the Center for Civic Education! http://www.civiced.org/home

University News

Alumni, Celebrate Our 40th Anniversary by Sharing Your Five Branches Story!

Dear Alumni:

First, thank you for having chosen Five Branches and our faculty to complete your studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This year, we celebrate our 40th Anniversary as a leading university of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and we want to share your stories to commemorate the time and hard work you’ve put into your education and practice. Sharing your stories inspires the next generation of Acupuncture and helps those in your communities learn about you, their local Acupuncturist. We’d greatly appreciate you sharing either a short video or photos accompanied by a written story of your experiences here and your post-graduation journey.

We invite you to participate in all the activities we have prepared.
https://www.fivebranches.edu/40th-anniversary/

Warm Regards,

Joanna Zhao & Ron Zaidman
Founder, Five Branches University

University News

Five Branches University Honored by California State Legislature

Five Branches University Honored by California State Legislature

On July 23rd Five Branches University received a distinguished recognition award from the California State Legislature for its steadfast commitment to excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine and its lasting positive impact on the Santa Cruz community.

John Laird Senator

The ceremony held at the university’s Santa Cruz campus, Senator Join Laird presented a Resolution to the university which he co-signed with Assembly Member Gail Pellerin.. The resolution acknowledges Five Branches University’s ongoing dedication to advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine and its significant contributions to the local community

Senator Laird, in his presentation, highlighted the University’s role in promoting health and wellness through traditional practices and unwavering support for the Santa Cruz community.  This accolade underscores the institution’s impact and the high esteem in which it is held by state legislators. 

To watch his speech, please visit our YouTube Page

University News, University News

2024 Vietnam Externship: An Enriching Experience in Vietnam

This year, under the wonderful guidance of Dr. Phu Tran, our students embarked on an exciting externship journey in Vietnam.

We’re thrilled to have made this opportunity possible and want to extend a big thank you to Dr. Tran, along with the translators, administrators, local doctors, and all the staff and externs who made this trip a success. We can’t wait to offer more experiences like this in the near future!

Click Here to view the full album

University News

Community and Wellness Shine at the February 25th Open House Event

Gratitude Towards All Participants

A big thank you once again to all of our guests, faculty members, staff, students, and alumni for coming together to make our February 25th Open House event a possibility. It was a pleasure to be able to provide wellness services, alumni talks, mini lectures and workshops for everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone once again at our future campus events.