Author: Caitlin Tsai

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, 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.
University News

Five Branches Students Pave the Way for Integrative Medicine: Insights from the TCM Residency at Sutter Health

Sutter Bay Hospitals and the International Center for Integrative Medicine (ICIM) in Oakland and Berkeley, California, offer a two-year or one trimester hospital based clinical training program to Five Branches University students.

The curriculum teaches the necessary skills and competencies to practice Integrative Medicine in an acute care setting or Integrative Medicine clinic. TCM graduates receive a certification of the hospital training.

In a groundbreaking collaboration with the International Center for Integrative Medicine (ICIM) at the Sutter/Alta Bates Medical Center, Five Branches University students are actively participating in a transformative Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) residency. This pioneering program demonstrates the profound impact of integrating ancient healing traditions into modern healthcare practices.  The program structure involves presentations from diverse healthcare professionals, case study discussions, participation in rounds, and patient care. 

Kerry Glendening, a senior student at Five Branches University (FBU) with a background in art history and massage therapy, applauds the program’s efficacy. Witnessing the seamless integration of acupuncture into acute care, Kerry expressed her amazement at how often acupuncture serves as a perfect healing modality, addressing a spectrum of symptoms from pain management to emotional well-being. Kerry notes, “I’ve been so impressed by the connections made by Dr. Matecki and the confidence with which attending physicians refer their patients for acupuncture within in-patient acute care.”

Jessica Sanchez, another FBU student transitioning from environmental nonprofit work to TCM, echoes Kerry’s sentiments. Jessica emphasizes the positive reception from medical professionals, highlighting the collaborative spirit that enhances patient care. “Their gratitude reaffirms a place at the table for us and ways we can work together to support patients’ overall care.”

Kevin Tai, a BA in journalism graduate turned Five Branches University student, shares his motivations for enrolling in the residency program. Recognizing the demand for acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the hospital and Western clinical settings, he sought exposure to more complicated cases and aimed to bridge the gap between integrative medicine and conventional healthcare.

Kevin expresses his surprise at the warm welcome and appreciation received from Sutter. Acupuncture is frequently discussed as a treatment option during hospital-wide grand rounds, showcasing its growing recognition. He plans to complete the two-year residency program concurrently with enrollment in the FBU DAOM program and envisions a future as a clinician, educator, and researcher in a hospital setting.

After completing the program, students feel more comfortable working with Western medical providers and develop an increased interest in research. Together, these testimonials paint a vivid picture of how Five Branches students are not just learners but active contributors to the evolution of patient-centric healing, emphasizing the success and importance of innovative programs in shaping the future of healthcare.

Kevin Tai

Join us as Kevin Tai, a student in his last year at Five Branches University, shares his incredible journey through the Sutter Health internship program! Get an inside look at his experiences, insights, and valuable advice for future students interested in this transformative opportunity. From hands-on experiences to the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, discover what sets this program apart.

Jessica Sanchez

Join us as Jessica Sanchez, a student in her last year at Five Branches University, shares her incredible journey through the Sutter Health internship program! Get an inside look at her experiences, insights, and valuable advice for future students interested in this transformative opportunity. From hands-on experiences to the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, discover what sets this program apart.

University News

Celebration of Acupuncture Day on Oct. 22, 2023

At Five Branches University, we proudly uphold a cherished tradition of active participation in the annual Acupuncture Day festivities that take place during the third week of October. This year, under the theme “Celebrating California Acupuncture Day,” we joined forces with a distinguished array of individuals who, like us, harbor a deep-seated passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

This event, co-hosted by the esteemed California Assembly member Evan Low and the American Chinese Medicine Association, played host to a cadre of influential figures. Among them were the deans of major Chinese medicine institutions in the Bay Area and several notable personalities from the realm of politics. Together, we united to celebrate the profound beauty and efficacy of TCM, casting our spotlight on its manifold benefits.

The event’s agenda was a dynamic blend of educational lectures designed for the public’s enlightenment, emphasizing the pivotal role that Traditional Chinese Medicine plays in maintaining optimal health. We also delved into a pressing topic — the burgeoning recognition of acupuncture’s therapeutic prowess in the landscape of contemporary healthcare, including its incorporation into Medi-Cal and Medicare coverage for Acupuncture Services.

One of the standout moments of the event was the screening of the compelling documentary “Acupuncture Fever – The Road to Legalization in California.” This cinematic masterpiece painted a vivid narrative of the steady ascendancy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, notably acupuncture, in the United States. It meticulously chronicled the tireless endeavors of numerous individuals and the remarkable journey leading to the legalization of acupuncture in California since the 1970s. The flourishing of acupuncture and TCM in California stands as an outstanding achievement, and we take immense pride in our role within this legacy.

During this heartwarming charitable medical event, our dedicated students from Five Branches University, under the nurturing guidance of Dr. Lou, provided invaluable medical consultations and treatments to the event’s participants. Beyond the delivery of these much-needed healthcare services, our students also demonstrated the grace and discipline inherent to TCM through mesmerizing Tai Chi sword presentations.

ChinShin Yang, a senior student at Five Branches University who actively took part in the event, eloquently shared her experience: “Throughout the event, we not only assisted numerous patients in addressing their health concerns, but we were also privileged to interact with established Chinese medicine practitioners, enriching our knowledge with their valuable insights. Furthermore, we engaged in profound academic exchanges with students from other Chinese Medicine institutions who were equally involved in this event. I am genuinely grateful to have been part of this annual celebration of Chinese medicine.”

The event “Celebrating California Acupuncture Day” served as an exceptional platform for us to forge connections, learn from each other, and share the profound heritage of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We eagerly anticipate the continuation of our journey in the realm of TCM, extending our services, knowledge, and hope to all those we are honored to serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who played a part in this magnificent celebration of Chinese medicine.

University News

Clinical Training at Five Branches

Learn what’s vital in a successful treatment, featuring professor at Five Branches University, George Lu, L.Ac., DAOM, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM).

Optimize your TCM learning! Class size matters! Presented by professor at Five Branches University, George Lu, L.Ac., DAOM, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM).

Begin your journey of experiencing a healthier you. Showcasing TCM Healing: Diagnosis and Acupuncture Presented by Dr. Ching Ching Chi

Reach Out to Learn More!
News & Events, University News

A Grateful Recap of Our TCM Showcase Event!

We are immensely thankful for the success of our Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Showcase event on June 25th, 2023, at our San Jose and Santa Cruz campuses. This special day brought together our TCM community in a spirit of unity and learning. Our seasoned faculty members demonstrated TCM diagnosis & treatment, Tuina massage, and Medical Qigong, leaving us inspired and relaxed. Prospective students explored our TCM programs, while our administration provided valuable insights. A captivating TCM Dietetics workshop emphasized the connection between diet and well-being. To all guests, faculty members, and staff who participated, thank you for making this event a success. Your participation fuels our commitment to advancing TCM knowledge and promoting holistic health.
News & Events, Students, University News

Sutter Hospital Residency Open to DAOM, DTCM, and Bridge Students

Sutter Bay Hospitals and the International Center for Integrative Medicine (ICIM) in Oakland and Berkeley, California, offer a two-year or one trimester hospital based clinical training program to Five Branches University students.

The curriculum teaches the necessary skills and competencies to practice Integrative Medicine in an acute care setting or Integrative Medicine clinic. TCM graduates receive a certification of the hospital training.

In addition to working side-by-side with multidisciplinary care teams as an integrative medicine practitioner, students can also participate in clinical research, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Learning activities include clinical observation in various specialties, supervised hands-on patient encounters, didactic training (i.e. attending Grand Rounds, Tumor Boards, Journal Club, etc.), and various research projects and presentations.

Click Here to see scheduling and application details. 

News & Events

Gratitude to Participants of the First On-Campus Event of 2023

An Afternoon Filled with the Opportunity to Learn & Experience

Five Branches University would like to give a big thank you to all who participated in our first on-campus event of the year! We enjoyed various activities with our guests. We would like to thank all of our staff, faculty, and volunteers for bringing this to fruition.

We were grateful for the great questions and interactions from those who participated in our Degree Program Open House and Admissions Q&A.

Besides the general open house, we had passionate faculty such as Dr. Samson Cheung and Dr. Juan Li who gave Mini TCM Lectures, enabling our guests to experience what it is like to be a student at Five Branches.

Of course, our event would not have been complete without our workshop-leading instructors, Thomas Dicklin for our Santa Cruz Campus and Thomas Leichardt for our San Jose Campus. Our guests enjoyed guided medical qi-gong sessions with them and experienced exercise that supports energetic healing. 

Last but certainly not least, our guests received complimentary TCM diagnoses and treatments from our Senior interns and Senior professors, while our interns gained even more hands-on experience through this meaningful opportunity. 

Thank you again to all participants, staff, faculty, and volunteers for coming together to make this event possible. If you have missed this event, we welcome you to join our upcoming online Info Session happening on March 30th. For more information and signup details, click here. 

We will also be having another on-campus event in a few months, so please stay tuned for more announcements!