Michael Akong, MPH, MSTOM, L.Ac.
Michael Akong received his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of California, San Diego. He later completed his Master’s in Public Health from San Diego State University. He has three clinics for the treatment of spinal cord injury, stroke/brain injury, and general/internal medicine. For the last year, Akong has had medical staff privileges at UCSD for continued research using acupuncture. He is also the first practicing physician in Oriental medicine for Paradise Valley Hospital in San Diego.
Matt Alavi, L.Ac., Dipl., OM, MSTOM
With specialized training in orthopedics, neurology, endocrinology, immune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and pain management, Matt Alavi has successfully treated numerous sports related injuries of collegiate athletes and coaches, at the RIMAC center at the University of California, San Diego. He is co-owner and founder of Natural Cures,LLC., a nutraceutical company, and maintains a practice in San Diego.
Dr. Belinda (Beau) Anderson, Ph.D., L.Ac.
Dr. Belinda Anderson earned her Ph.D. in molecular Biology from the University of Sydney (Australia) and her Master’s degree in Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture. She has over 20 years of teaching, academic administrative, and research experience. Anderson is widely published, serves as an editor for several complementary and alternative medical journals, and regularly participates on National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) expert panels to determine research funding allocation.
Robert Bonakdar, M.D.
Dr. Robert Bonakdar is director of Pain Management at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Bonakdar completed his medical training at the University of Nevada School of Medicine and has additional training in complementary medicine from the UCLA Acupuncture Course for Physicians. He studied acupuncture, tai ji, qi gong, and Eastern spirituality in Southeast Asia. In his clinical practice he
combines modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and stress reduction with conventional allopathic care to treat pain and related disorders.
Paul Brenner, M.D. Ph.D.
Dr. Paul Brenner is a physician and counseling psychologist. He is the author of many books and has lectured throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia on the psychology of health and illness and the unconscious patterns that run our lives. Corporations such as Wal-Mart and Microsoft have used Brenner’s “Family Triangle Process” for team building. Brenner has also reached national audiences as moderator of the PBS Series “Healing Through Communication.”
Adam Burke, Ph.D., MPH, L.Ac.
Adam Burke is an associate professor in the Department of Health Education and the director of the Institute of Holistic Health Studiesat San Francisco State University (SFSU) and has served as the co-chair of the Alternative and Complementary Health Practices section of the American Public Health Association (APHA). In 2006, he was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve a four-year term as a professional member of the California Acupuncture Board (CAB), and was elected chairman in 2007. He recently completed his tenure as editor-in-chief of the American Acupuncturist, and was appointed to the Education Working Group of Academic Consortium for Complementary and Alternative Health Care.
Isaac Cohen, OMD, L.Ac.
Isaac Cohen is a guest scientist at the University of California, San Francisco and has been involved with the UCSF Cancer Research Center and UCSF Center for Reproductive Endocrinology for the past 12 years. Cohen specializes in the treatment of breast cancer and is an international leader in the study and application of natural products for cancer and women’s health. Cohen developed a number of products for clinical testing that have been awarded an FDA IND, as well as pipeline of over 50 candidate drugs.
Bob Cooley
Bob Cooley is the founder and president of the Meridian Stretching Centers and the developer of Resistance Flexibility and Strength Training (RFST). He is internationally known as an expert on biomechanical flexibility and its relation to physiological and psychological health. His theories unite human biomechanical analysis, classical hatha yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and his original theory on genetic personality types. Cooley is the world’s leading expert on rehabilitative therapy for removing dense fascia and scar tissue resulting from athletic training and injuries, and repetitive performance stresses.
Nigel Dawes, M.A., L.Ac.
Nigel Dawes has been involved in the field of East Asian medicine for over 25 years. He is known for his work in the field of Zen Shiatsu, founding and directing the London College of Shiatsu, lecturing internationally, and publishing two books on the subject. Recently, Dawes dedicated his teaching and practice to Kanpo, Sino-Japanese herbal medicine, and has lectured widely on the subject, publishing numerous journal articles and a translation of a modern Kanpo classic due in print in Spring 2010.
Felice Dunas, Ph.D., L.Ac.
An international lecturer and educator, Felice Dunas holds a Doctorate degree in Clinical Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology and recently won the coveted “Acupuncturist of the Year” award for her clinical and teaching skills. Dunas is the author of Passion Play: Ancient Secrets For A Lifetime Of Health And Happiness Through Sensational Sex, now published in five languages. She also serves as a consultant to corporations and hospitals seeking to lower health care costs with acupuncture and alternative medicine.
Jake Fratkin
Jake Paul Fratkin, OMD, Dipl.Ac., Dipl. CH, has studied Korean and Japanese acupuncture since 1975, and Chinese herbal medicine since 1982. He is the author of Chinese Herbal Patent Medicines, The Clinical Desk Reference, a compendium of 1,250 Chinese herbal products available in the United States. He was the recipient of the Acupuncture of the Year 1999 AAAOM award, and the Teacher of the Year 2006 American Association of Teachers of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AATAOM) award. Currently, Fratkin practices in Boulder, Colorado, and specializes in internal disorders, infections, and pediatrics.
Erminia M. “Mimi” Guarneri, M.D., FACC
Board-certified in cardiology, internal medicine, nuclear medicine, and holistic medicine, Dr. Mimi Guarneri is the founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and holistic approach to cardiovascular disease, she pioneered the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, where she uses state-of-the-art cardiac imaging technology and lifestyle change programs to aggressively diagnose, prevent, and treat cardiovascular disease. She was featured in a two-part PBS documentary, The New Medicine. She recently served on an advisory panel for the Instituteof Medicine to explore the science and practice of integrative medicine for promoting the nation’s health.
Bill Helm
Bill Helm is an ordained Taoist priest and has been studying Chinese martial and healing arts since 1965. He specializes in tai ji quan, tui na,Chinese bodywork, qi gong, and herbal medicine. Helm is a 20th-generation inner disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiaowan. He studied traditional Chinese medicine in China at the Shanghai College of Medicineand the Beijing Olympic Training Center. Helm’s studies in the United States continued with Taoist Master Share K. Lew and Dr. Yu Da Fang. Helm is the director of the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego and the deanof Allied Arts at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego.
Roger Jahnke
Roger Jahnke has practiced Chinese medicine clinically for over 25 years and penetrated the secrets of the qi masters for medicine, healing, empowerment, and enlightenment – qi gong. He has published two best sellers in qi gong and tai ji – The Healer Within and The Healing Promise of Qi. He is the founder and director of the Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi and has been working with the NIH on initiatives to promote the widespread practice of Mind-Body Energetics.
Brian D. Lawenda, M.D.
Dr. Brian Lawenda is a board certified radiation oncologist and currently the department head of the Breast Health Center and the clinical director of Radiation Oncology at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He has been featured in many medical journals and publications including the The Cancer Journal, The International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, and in a soon to be released textbook on Integrative Oncology by Dr. Andrew Weil.
Giovanni Maciocia
Giovanni Maciocia has practiced acupuncture in England since 1974, and has presented at numerous workshops at the post-graduate level for colleges of Chinese medicine in the U.S., England, Australia, and Europe. He is also a practicing Chinese herbalist, having studied with Dr. Ted Kaptchuk. Maciocia has been a regular contributor to the Journal of Chinese Medicine, and also authored several Chinese medicine textbooks. In 2006, the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China appointed Maciocia as honorary professor.
Kiiko Matsumoto
Kiiko Matsumoto is internationally known for her scholarly work on acupuncture, and the interpretation of Chinese classic texts. She has published three fundamental texts on acupuncture in the United States, and has another in press. Matsumoto regularly publishes articles in the Ido-No-Nippon acupuncture magazine in Japan, and has made two video series for the company. She is best known for her ability to integrate the work of very important Japanese Masters such as Master Nagano, Master Kawai, and Dr. Manaka, into a coherent and clinically effective style. Matsumoto routinely teaches acupuncturists around the world, including the United States.
Robert Nations
Robert Nations began his study of self-cultivation, herbs, and energetic healing in 1983 under the tutelage of Warren Gold. He furthered his education at the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego, where he earned his tui na massage certificate, and was trained in the philosophy and practices of Taoism. This included learning from Grand Master Abraham Liu (Yang Style Tai ji quan), Grand Master Chen Xiao Want (Chen Family Tai ji quan), Taoist Priest Sifu Share K Lew (Taoist Elixir System), and Ted Kardash, Ph.D., MFT. In 1995, Nations received the honorable title of Tao Shi. He currently teaches at Pacific College, is a member of the National Qi Gong Association, and maintains a private practice in San Diego.
Jerry Rand, M.D.
Dr. Jerry Rand, M.D., has been a physician for over 37 years, building, directing, and changing hospitals, for the more successful treatment of patients. In the past two decades, Rand has successfully treated thousands of alcoholics and drug addicts, and has directed mental hospitals treating individuals with dual diagnosis. Over the past ten years, Rand has become a leading expert in the treatment of chronic pain, chemical dependency, and other co-occurring disorders that originate from
unsuccessfully managed chronic pain.
Z’ev Rosenberg, L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Z’ev Rosenberg has been studying and practicing Oriental medicine since 1971. In addition to teaching at Pacific College since 1989, he has also served as chair of the Department of Herbology. He has been in private practice since 1983 and is a consultant and product developer for Kan Herb Company. In 1999, he was elected as a fellow of the National Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, an organization of scholars and senior practitioner/teachers in the profession.
Greg Sperber, BMBS, DAOM, MBA, L.Ac.
Greg Sperber is author of Integrated Pharmacology, Combining Modern Pharmecology with Chinese Medicine published by Blue Poppy. He received his Master’s and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine degrees from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego. Sperber also holds a medical degree from Flinders University of South Australia, and an MBA from National University. He is a professor and director of clinical services and clinical chair at Pacific College, San Diego and the immediate past president of the California State Oriental Medical Association.
Alex Tiberi
Alex Tiberi has been a student of traditional Asian philosophy, arts, and sciences since he was a teenager. He has now been in clinical practice for 30 years. Tiberi is a founder and vice-president of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and is also on the faculty of the Qing Bai College of Chinese Medicine in the Netherlands. He lectures internationally on various aspects of traditional Chinese medicine including pediatrics, nourishing life (Yang Sheng), orthopedics, treatment during pregnancy, and Korean acupuncture. He regularly leads study groups to China to participate in the “Master’s Classical Studies Program,” and also co-founded the Traditional Chinese Medicine Literature Research and Translation Academy.
Dan Vicario, M.D.
Dr. Dan Vicario is board certified both in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. His research interests at University California, San Diego (UCSD) have focused on the treatment of advanced head and neck cancers with highly selective intra-arterial chemotherapy infusions, immunotherapy of hematological malignancies, comprehensive therapy of GU malignancies, and improving quality of life of patients with the challenge of cancer. He is co-founder and senior partner of the San Diego Cancer Center.
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield
Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, AAOM Educator of the Year, is an internationally recognized author, teacher, Oriental medical practitioner, musician, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, Zen shiatsu and cranio-sacral therapist, and opera singer. An advocate of Oriental medicine, she is a creator of innovative treatment protocols, and a writer for acupuncture periodicals. She has contributed significantly to raising public awareness of facial acupuncture as a viable, holistic treatment modality. Wakefield teaches seminars around the world, and was the only North American acupuncturist invited to present at an international TCM Forum sponsored by Shanghai Shuguang Hospital.
Yuan Wang, L.Ac.
Yuan Wang earned her Bachelor’s of Medicine from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and her Master’s from Tianjin Institute of TCM. During her time at Chengdu, Wang was a lecturer, researcher, and physician-in-charge for the Departments of Medicine, Kidney Diseases, Digestive Diseases, and the Research Institute of Blood Diseases at the Chengdu TCM Hospital. She teaches advanced needle techniques at Pacific College, specializing in difficult acupuncture needle techniques, such as scalp acupuncture, threading techniques, facial acupuncture, and ancient needle methods.
Jeffrey C. Yuen
Jeffrey Yuen comes from two Taoist lineages: the Complete Reality and Jade Purity traditions. He trained at an early age under his grandfather, Taoist Master Yu Wen, in all aspects of Taoism. Mr. Yuen is recognized internationally as a master of classical Chinese medicine, Taoism, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, tai ji chuan, and qi gong. Mr. Yuen has served as a guest lecturer at various colleges and universities, and is the only non-M.D. acupuncturist on the faculty for the American Association of Acupuncture Physicians. He founded the acupuncture program at Swedish Institute’s School of Acupuncture and Oriental Studies, and is currently directing and teaching the Classical Chinese Medicine master’s degree program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
Dr. Janet Zand, OMD, L.Ac.
Janet Zand has over 25 years of clinical experience in acupuncture, botanical medicine, nutrition, and homeopathy. She served as chairman of the board and co-founder and formulator for Zand Herbal Formulas and is the author of Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child, A Parent’s Guide to Medical Emergencies, and Smart Medicine for Healthier Living. Zand is a nationally respected author, lecturer, and clinical practitioner of natural medicine. Her credentials include a Doctorate of Oriental Medicine, herbologist, naturopath, and certified acupuncturist.
