President’s Message: First Professional Doctorate Degree Will Upgrade the TCM Profession

It was just about two months ago that our accrediting agency, the Accrediting Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), released its guidelines for programs seeking accreditation for the first professional doctorate (FPD) degree.   At least some of the motivation for the initiation of transition of TCM education to the FPD is to facilitate an overall upgrade of the TCM profession, a move that will open the door for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to achieve enhanced parity with other healthcare professions whose practitioners’ degrees and titles are at the doctoral level.  Among those practitioners for which parity is sought includ allopathic & osteopathic physicians (MDs and DOs), homeopathic practitioners, chiropractors, physical therapists and clinical psychologists. The upgrade is also likely aimed at expanding participation in third party payment for health care services rendered by TCM practitioners including possibility of the participation of the TCM profession in the national healthcare plan.   Shortly after ACAOM made its announcement regarding the FPD guidelines, the Yo San University administration appointed a study group to explore the feasibility of offering the FPD program at Yo San University.  That study group headed by MATCM Dean Dr. Lawrence Lau has engaged the task diligently, exploring all possible formats and implications of Yo San University offering the First Professional Doctorate Program.

Here is what we know:

·         There are some differences between the current ACAOM standards and the new FPD standards.   However, because of the thoroughness, rigor and length (a minimum of four academic years) of our current YSU MATCM Program, we will require only minor additions in content and clinical hours to upgrade to a PFD Program.

·         Because of the likely complexities of regulatory approval, the transition to the First Professional Doctorate as the required entry level degree for the TCM Profession is likely to take a number of years (at least three to five years).

·         As per ACAOM’s current guidelines, practitioners who have earned MATCM degrees and who want to upgrade to a FPD degree will likely have to be enrolled in an approved FPD program for at least two years.

·         The FPD program will ultimately raise the cost of an education in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

·         The DAOM will continue to be an advanced specialized degree program.

Here is what we do not know:

·         Will the State of California be ready for the change to the First Professional  Doctorate?  The California Acupuncture Board will have to change or amend its laws to allow for individuals to enter the profession with the FPD.

·         Current state regulations make it difficult to obtain approval for doctoral level programs, and thereby could inhibit the eligibility of students in such program to participate in Federal financial aid programs to fund their education in FPD programs.

What should you do?

·         Keep moving and complete the MATCM program in which you are currently enrolled – you are on a positive and productive path, and you are in a program that provides you with the knowledge and skills that you will need to qualify for licensure and thereby enter the TCM profession as a competent practitioner.

·         If and when a FPD is fully authorized by the state of California as the entry level requirement for the TCM profession, you will likely be finished with your MATCM Program, licensed and well into your practice.   There will be options for you to either ’upgrade’ your degree qualification, or to undertake a DAOM program that will include significant advanced and specialized training, practice and research.

Larry Ryan, President

Dance to Wellness: A Star Studded and Spectacular Evening!

Debbie Allen Moves Audience With More Than Dance, and Legendary Singers, James Ingram and Freda Payne, Serenade Their Long-time Friend

Daoshing Ni, Larry Ryan, Freda Payne, Debbie Allen, James Ingram and Mao Shing Ni

The theme of the evening was “Dance to Wellness,” and that theme was carried through with considerable panache, as the energetic ensemble of 19 dancers from the Debbie Allen Dance Academy took to the floor and impressed an enthusiastic audience of 125 Yo San University supporters at the Pacific Design Center (PDC) on Saturday May 18, 2013. With their flowing, gymnastic and emotionally metaphoric rendition of the “Earth Dance” the youthful troupe set the stage for the conferral of the Yo San University 2013 Robert Graham Visionary Award. The dancers epitomized the positive energy and healthy spirit cultivated by choreographer, producer and director, Debbie Allen. These young people represented the thousands of others who have been the benefactors of instruction at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, an institution which has facilitated the health and wellness of young Southern Californians for the past twelve years It was precisely that work in founding and developing the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and her dedicated advocacy to Traditional Chinese Medicine that motivated the Yo San University Board of Trustees to name Debbie Allen as the recipient of the 2013 Robert Graham Visionary Award.

"Earth Dance" by Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) dancers

The gala evening opened with cocktails and hors’ dourves in Wolfgang Puck’s Spectra Room on the third level of the impressive PDC Blue Building, the original structure in a complex of five architecturally significant buildings that include a branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art, and which constitute the largest collection of interior design and art studios and showrooms in the country. As the Yo San University guests gathered, the iconic YSU logo provided the backdrop for “red carpet” photo ops with the variety of celebrities who came out to honor Debbie at the evening’s festivities.

Debbie Allen, Daoshing Ni and Brenda Strong

After a delicious buffet dinner, Yo San University President, Dr. Larry Ryan, opened the program by welcoming and thanking all in attendance for their support of Yo San University and its mission to educate exceptional TCM healers/practitioners and for the enormous difference that the University makes with its Community Clinic and outreach services that provide more than 21,000 treatments each year. Ryan introduced the evening’s mistress of ceremonies, television star, Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives, Dallas) whose warmth, personality and humor extended further welcome to all. Yo San University Founder Dr. Daoshing Ni highlighted the history of the Robert Graham Visionary Award, which is named for the late artist and sculptor, Board Member and University supporter, who was also the late spouse of actress Anjelica Huston. Prior award winners have included, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Sela Ward, and Robert Downey, Jr.

Debbie Allen urged the members of audience to "follow your passions."

Just before conferring the 2013 Robert Graham Visionary Award, University Co-Founder Dr. Mao Shing Ni recounted the numerous accomplishments of Debbie Allen ‘s impressive professional and philanthropic careers. Allen has risen to the top in the arts and performing, producing and directing communities, and has simultaneously given back generously to the greater community to promote the health and wellness of others. As Dr. Mao stated in his conferral of the award, “Debbie Allen is the epitome of what the Robert Graham Visionary Award is about.” In her acceptance address, Debbie Allen was gracious, eloquent and impassioned. She humorously recalled her first encounters with Traditional Chinese Medicine during an episode of sciatica, which left the famous dancer completely immobilized. When she experienced quick relief from the insertion of the shinny steel acupuncture needles, Allen remembered that she stated “I’ll gladly wear those as jewelry!” Allen gratefully reflected on her husband, former Laker and Clippers hoopster, Norm Nixon, her own children and her extended family of the thousands of dancers for who she has served as an instructor and role model. As she expressed appreciation for the award, Debbie Allen urged the members of audience to "follow your passions." A well deserved standing ovation honored the star, the TCM advocate and the person—Debbie Allen. Immediately after the conferral of the award, legendary singer James Ingram serenaded Debbie with an the smooth tones of his hit song, Find One Hundred Ways. The awed audience again rose to their feet in honor of both Allen and Ingram.

James Ingrams sure knows more than One Hundred Ways to dance!

As the program progressed, Emcee, Brenda Strong appealed to the audience to support the Yo San University cause by bidding on the four unique auction items, which included a Goodyear Blimp adventure, a private basketball lesson with veteran NBA start Norm Nixon, a directorial shadowing experience with Debbie Allen and a unique bronze “Freedom” sculpture by Danielle Anjou. The audience was most generous, and each item sold quickly to discerning bidders. At the end of the basketball lesson auction, Norm Nixon rose to his feet and whispered in the ear of auctioneer Brenda Strong. Brenda revealed that Nixon would provide four private lessons for each of the bidding parties thus increasing the funds generated to support the outreach services of Yo San University.

Norm Nixon rose to his feet and whispered in the ear of auctioneer Brenda Strong...

The energy and professionalism that Freda Payne invests in the art of singing proved to be infectious.

With the auction completed and dessert being served, the sensational Freda Payne took the stage and performed a set of songs. Among the numbers rendered by Freda were the powerful and deeply emotional Here’s to Life as well as her spirited and feisty two million record seller, Band of Gold. Freda’s numbers were punctuated by stories she told of the first time that she saw Debbie Allen perform as a chorus line dancer in a New York Broadway production many years ago. Freda shared that she knew that this young women who so eloquently manifested the language of dance in her performance would surely be a success. How right Freda Payne was! The energy and professionalism that Freda Payne invests in the art of singing proved to be infectious. By the time Payne finished her set, the entire room was swaying and clapping to the familiar melodies that emanated from deep in the performer’s soul. Without a doubt the 2013 Yo San University Robert Graham Visionary Award gala was a most entertaining and inspiring event.

“Freedom” sculpture by Danielle Anjou

Special Thanks to Yo San University Student Volunteers

Swiss Interns 2013

Yo San University (YSU) hosted three graduate TCM students from Tao Chi Schulungszentrum Zürich during the Spring 2013 trimester. The Swiss interns spent 4 weeks in YSU attending a variety of classes in acupuncture, TCM internal medicine, Chinese medical herbology, TCM nutrition as well as courses in YSU’s unique Qi-cultivation program. They also spent time observing YSU interns and clinicians in the YSU Clinic, the YSU herbal dispensary and at several of our clinical externship programs.

The Swiss visitors were very impressed with our academic programs here at YSU and unanimously found their 4-week experience at YSU ‘meaningful and enriching’. ‘I wish I could spend more time at Yo San and learn the medicine deeper ’ was the common sentiment shared by these Swiss interns. ’ I would certainly recommend the YSU internship program to other students in Zurich’, they added.

By Lawrence Lau

Virginia House Externship brings Yo San Clinical Services to the Valley

For the first time in the nearly 25 year history of Yo San University the services of the Yo San University Clinic are being offered in the Los Angeles suburban area of the San Fernando Valley.  Starting in February 2013, acupuncture, acupressure and nutritional advisement services have been offered one shift per week to residents of Virginia House, a care facility in Tarzana. The facility is designed for seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living.  Virginia House provides spacious and beautiful homelike accommodations set among lush gardens.  The facility has as its objective the enhancement of the physical and psychological well being of each resident. The program at Virginia House is oriented toward bringing individuals who have encountered mobility limitations and other age related illnesses to a higher level of wellness and fullness of life.  According to Virginia House Manager, Jonathan Dela Paz, the Traditional Chinese Medicine services offered by  Yo San University DAOM candidate, Rochan Olson, have already made a significant contribution to the wellness and health of the residents.  The externship experience of Ms. Olson, who is a licensed acupuncturist and a 23011 graduate of Yo San University, is framed so that specialized learning will be engaged regarding the services, regulations and functions pertaining to the operation of care facilities.

Practice Development Series

 Practice Development Series,  Tuesday afternoons from 5-6pm.

 

The strongest comment from Alumni has always been, “I wish I would have know more about running my clinical practice.”  Yo San University has developed a Practice Development Series to address this deficiency.  Having speakers from varying areas of expertise, we want the student of the series to come away with information that will take away the “what do I do now?” bug.  Herbal companies, TCM supply distributors and marketing professionals are just a few of the specialists that will come to speak at Yo San.  This is open to all students and Alumni looking to propel themselves to greater success as a TCM professional.  Check your email for upcoming classes. 

By Albert Vaca, L.Ac.

Graduation 2013

By Lawrence Lau

Thirty-three joyful and jubilant graduates gathered in the Skirball Cultural Center – Magnin Auditorium on April 21, 2013 to participate in the 2013 Yo San University Commencement Ceremony. Witnessed by family, friends, YSU faculty and staff, the graduates received their diplomas from YSU founders Drs Daoshing Ni and Mao Shing Ni, and were proudly declared ‘Graduates of Yo San University, 2013’. The group comprises 26 graduates from the MATCM program and 7 graduates from the DAOM program.

Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Myles Spar, MD, MPH, director of the Integrative Chronic Pain program at Venice Family Clinic's Simms/Mann Health and Wellness Center. In his address to the graduates, Dr. Spar noted that traditional Chinese medicine is unique in its holistic approach to health and healing, and urged the graduates to continue reaching out to and collaborate with other healthcare practitioners so that more may benefit from the healing powers of traditional Chinese medicine.

Other speakers at the ceremony included elected faculty speakers Professor David Cohen, L.Ac (MATCM program) and Dr. Nurit Winkler, MD (DAOM program), and elected student speakers Ms. Anh Hoang Tran (MATCM program) Dr. Vilas Joseph Keith, DAOM (DAOM program). Ms Tran and Dr. Keith also led the graduates in the recitation of the ‘Healer’s Oath’, a tradition that dates back to the early days of Yo San University 23 years ago.

Several prizes were awarded at the Ceremony. An honorary Doctor of Science degree was conferred on Professor James Skoien from Tao Chi Schulungszentrum Zürich; Professor Skoien was honored for his contributions to his advancement of traditional Chinese medicine in Europe.

Also honored at the ceremony were Adam Cappuccino, recipient of the 2013 Board of Trustees Meritorious Award (MATCM), and Dr. Kumiko Yamamoto, recipient of the 2013 DAOM Distinction Award.

The commencement ceremony was followed by light refreshments served in the beautifully adorned Skirball Center courtyard, with fine balmy weather and glorious sunshine befitting of a very special day.

Stener-Victorin Event Draws National Participation

TCM practitioners from all over the country participated in the April 14, 2013 continuing education event conducted at Yo San University by distinguished fertility researcher Elisabet Stener- Victorin, Ph.D. Thirty five eager acupuncturists from both Northern and Southern California, and from points well beyond including Chicago gathered in the Yo San University Qi studio for the Event. Dr. Stener-Victorin, is credited with conducting ground breaking research that provided the basis for the TCM fertility treatment protocols in use today. Her research publications are credited with providing the necessary evidence that led many reproductive endocrinologists to collaborate with acupuncturists to assist patients through the processes involved with assisted reproductive technology (ART). In addition to the face-to-face participants gathered on the Yo San campus for the event, at least another 80 individuals from all over the United States and beyond were registered and benefited from Dr. Stener-Victorin’s presentation via a live-cast webinar facilitated by ProD seminars. The eight hour session explored topics well beyond fertility issues and covered a range of women’s health factors including overall endocrine regulation, menopause, overactive bladder, and many pain-related conditions.

Dr. Stener-Victorin is a professor at the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at Goteborg University in Sweden. Since 1987 she has collaborated with both TCM and Western Medicine acupuncture practitioners in a number of research projects with primary focus on the use of electro-acupuncture and its effect on the sympathetic nervous system, the endocrine system and immune functioning. The April 2013 featuring Dr. Stener-Victorin event served as a “kick-off” for the initiation of Yo San University’s fourth doctoral program cohort. That cohort has its specialty focus in Reproductive Medicine.

Ask Julie : How can Chinese medicine help with mononucleosis?

Question: How can Chinese medicine help with mononucleosis?

Answer:

Chinese medicine can be really effective! Here’s a case study from my practice:

The patient was a 21-year old male who had been to a Halloween party two nights before, where he partook in pipe-sharing with about 20 other people. He arrived at my office with a severe sore throat, fever, and visibly swollen cervical lymph nodes. His throat was so painfully swollen that he could barely eat. He also had extreme malaise and fatigue. When his mother took him to the family physician, the doctor diagnosed “mononucleosis” on the spot, based on the patient’s age and history. He said for that age group and the severity of the throat symptoms, it could hardly be anything but mononucleosis. He prescribed a 5-day course of Prednisone for the swelling, and advised bed rest and limited sports activity, due to the possibility of an enlarged spleen.

Mononucleosis is an interesting disease for Chinese herbal students to examine, because it can pass through many phases of pathogenic heat disease. At the onset, you could diagnose it as a “wind heat invasion” since it was contracted externally and contagiously. But very soon, it reaches Qi-level heat, toxic heat, possibly damp heat, and then, if not treated effectively, it can sink into the ying, blood and yin-deficient levels of heat.

This particular patient was lucky enough to be treated every day with acupuncture and herbal medicine, and his illness lasted only about 7 days. He never did go into the ying, blood and yin deficient phases, and he avoided the chronic, lingering phase that so many sufferers experience. People have been known to go through many months of fatigue and low-level fevers.

His formula consisted of herbs from Clear Heat from the Qi Level, Clear Heat and Toxin, and Clear Heat and Cool the Blood. I used:

Jin Yin Hua, Lonicera Flos

Lian Qiao, Forsythia Fructus

Pu Gong Ying, Taraxacum Herba

Sheng Di Huang, Rehmannia Radix (raw)

Mu Dan Pi, Moutan Cortex

Xuan Shen, Scrofularia Radix

Ban Lan Gen, Isatis Radix

Niu Bang Zi, Arctium Fructus

Shen Qu, Massa Fermentata

Gan Cao, Glycyrrhiza Radix

The last two were to protect the spleen (the Chinese concept of spleen, not the anatomical one), as this is a very cold formula. The patient recovered within a week, and only suffered after that from not being able to play basketball for a month!

What's up, Doc? "Mononucleosis"

By Ed Shaheen, MD.

A 16-year-old, healthy male presents with a several-day history of fever, sore throat, and malaise. He appears very tired and has a temperature of 102f. A physical examination is remarkable for diffuse pharyngeal erythema (very red throat) with moderately enlarged tonsils covered with exudate (pus) and the presence of several enlarged, tender anterior and posterior cervical lymph nodes. What do you think that this is?

Exudative tonsillitis can be a sign of many entities, both common and less common. The range would include bacterial and viral causes. On the bacterial side, there are strep infection (most common bacterial agent) and less commonly, diphtheria, gonococcal pharyngitis. As for viral causes, there are adenovirus and infectious mononucleosis, primarily.

In the case of “mono”, the above history is fairly typical. Mono is often called “the kissing disease” because it can be transmitted by enthusiastic exchanges of saliva in the heat of passion. However, I have seen many cases that do not have such a history (at least, not admittedly). Also mono may have what is called “kissing tonsils”, which refers to tonsils that are so swollen that they touch each other. Romantic? Not really. These tonsils are usually the ugliest tonsils that you will ever see.



There are several important features about mono that should be remembered. The cause is usually blamed on the EB virus (short for Epstein-Barr) even though CMV (the cytomegalic virus) can also cause a similar picture. Clinically the spleen can be enlarged and very fragile and susceptible to rupture (which can be fatal). This is why we advise that these patients avoid contact sports for at least one month. There is usually an associated period of fatigue that can last from weeks to months before subsiding. In the past, some have suggested that the EB virus is the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. However, most authorities on the subject no longer believe this. By adulthood, 90% of individuals are positive for the EB virus and chronic EBV infections are rare.



Mono is not always a benign disease. Besides ruptured spleen, we also monitor for obstructive tonsillitis that can actually block the airway and require corticosteroids or possible intubation (placing a tube into the airway) to avoid suffocation. Patients are sometimes hospitalized for this reason and because of other less common side effects, such as hepatitis, myocarditis, kidney problems, rare neurological conditions and a few other unusual complications.



How did “mononucleosis” get its name?

An atypical lymphocyte is found on the peripheral smear of the blood of patients with infectious mononucleosis. The first discoverers of this disease thought that they were looking at monocytes instead of atypical lymphocytes. Thus the term "mononucleosis" was adopted, a case of mistaken identity.