Lillian Manship received her Master’s Degree in TCM from Five Branches and earned a Certificate for clinical internships from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China. She is both a graduate of the Lerner Education Acupuncture Orthopedics Program at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Beverly Hills, California, and a Diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics. She earned two certificates from the Acupuncture Association of America in Master Tung’s Magic Points.
Lillian received her DAOM degree from Five Branches University. Her doctoral studies and research have enhanced her keen interest in pre-diabetes/metabolic syndrome and weight control. Lillian is a doctoral program member of the TCM Diabetes Team which is writing a book on the care and prevention of diabetes as a cooperative effort between Five Branches University and Zhejiang Chinese Medical University. Lillian feels honored for her part in both the research and writing of this informative publication. Her lifelong studies in nutrition and preventative health care are gratefully drawn together by this experience. Lillian has also worked as a Life Coach for over 18 years. She enjoys snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and walking on the beach. Dr. Manship teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Jill Marino
Instructor
Faculty Since 2007
After completing her B.F.A. degree from Southern Oregon University in 1986, Jill began her education in energy medicine. She studied for 3 years with a Brazilian healer and was instrumental in forming a non-profit organization that focused on energetic balancing, addressing the subtle channels of the body. She also obtained certification in acupressure from the Berkeley Acupressure Institute. Jill received her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. Her private practice has expanded to include Functional Medicine, a holistic view of viewing western medicine and lab reports to better provide preventive care for her patients. She uses Chinese herbs and acupuncture, as well as nutraceuticals to bring the body back into homeostasis. Her areas of interest are chronic diseases such as Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, Down syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and autoimmune disorders. When she is not practicing Chinese medicine, Jill enjoys painting, writing and gardening. Jill Marino teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Jaime Marquez
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 1995
Jaime began his martial arts training in 1965, studying Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu and Karate. He is a second-degree (Nidan) Black Belt in Judo, and is one of the highest-ranking and recognized Sifus in the world-renowned Plum Blossom International Federation. In 1972, Jaime began his TCM studies with the famous Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong, Ph.D., O.M.D. in San Francisco, California, who represents direct second-generation lineage to Yang Cheng-Fu. He earned his M.T.C.M. from Five Branches University and is a California state certified Traditional Physical Therapist.
Sifu Marquez has been training champions in Yang-style Tai Chi Chuan and Choy Li Fut Kung Fu for over 30 years. He was president and head instructor for San Francisco City College’s Martial Arts program and a Tai Chi Instructor at the San Francisco Medical College of Acupuncture. As an active member of the Santa Cruz Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention Commission, Jaime was instrumental in bringing acupuncture into the juvenile hall for the treatment of incarcerated youth. He also provides instruction, educational counseling, and physical fitness programs for at-risk youth. He is on the advisory committee for the Santa Cruz County Office of Alternative Schools where he introduced martial arts into the physical education curriculum and helped to establish physical fitness standards.
Jaime is currently a professor and clinician specializing in Traditional Body and Movement Therapy for health, rehabilitation and injury recovery. He is the founder and director of the Golden Dragon Health and Physical Fitness Programs and maintains a private practice in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Big Sur, California. Professor Marquez teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Doc Mitchell
Professor
Faculty Since 1995
Doc Mitchell received his undergraduate degree from Pacific University in 1981 and his MTCM degree from Five Branches in 1988. He has maintained a private clinical practice of Chinese medicine in Los Gatos, California, since 1989. In addition to maintaining a busy clinical practice, he has been an associate professor of Chinese medical theory and clinical internship, and a member of the Five Branches board of directors. Doc has spoken widely in the Bay area on a number of topics over the years. He is currently a fellow in the Doctoral program at Five Branches University. Professor Mitchell teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.
John Nieters
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2007
John Nieters completed his MSTCM at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in 1998 and his DAOM at Five Branches University in March 2009, and is currently a doctoral fellow at Zhejiang University. John is a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for the State of California and is Board Certified (DNBAO) in orthopedics and pain management. John has a background in adult and professional education and has created and managed training programs for several major franchise real estate corporations. John has been a speaker to local and national convention audiences in real estate, personal training and coaching.
John has studied Taijiquan and Qigong since 1972 and has been teaching these disciplines for over 25 years. Since 1998, John has taught Master’s level courses and CEU courses on many TCM topics. John is an Associate Professor at both ACCHS and Five Branches. With his long background in training, John believes it is critical for new acupuncturists to have employment opportunities and has two acupuncturists employed on staff at his Alameda clinic. John is probably best known for his weekly call-in radio show about TCM and health, "The Balancing Point". John is a singer/songwriter whose favorite activity is singing with his 6 year old son, Johnny. John Nieters teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Sharon Ornellas
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Sharon received her B.A .in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her MTCM degree from Five Branches University. Her areas of specialty include: emotional disorders, pain syndromes, and systemic disorders including digestive complaints, insomnia and menstrual difficulties. She has been in private practice in Santa Cruz since 2003, accumulating a wide variety of experience. Sharon Ornellas teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Nicholas Pan
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Nicholas Pan’s dedication to TCM originated from his love of martial arts, Qigong, and Chinese culture. He received his medical degree from the Guangzhou University of TCM where he studied with Professor Rui Jin and Professor Jingshan Peng, prominent acupuncturists in China. He was the leader of interns and an honored graduate of the school. Dr. Pan practiced in the Guilin Hospital of TCM, one of China’s model hospitals, for 10 years and was a director of the Guilin Acupuncture Association. There he worked with Dr. Huanran Li and Dr. Zouyao Qian, noted M.D.s of Western medicine and TCM, and developed his unique acupuncture techniques and specialty in pain management, soft tissue injury, paralysis, gastric diseases, low energy, and acne.
He has published many research papers in the area and has been a guest scholar in the U.S. and Japan. In 2006, he earned his DOM from South Baylo University. Nicholas also teaches at the American College of TCM and has his private practice in San Bruno, CA. Professor Pan teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Heerei Park
Instructor
Faculty Since 2006
Heerei Park graduated from Seoul National University College of Nursing in 1977. She worked at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz on the oncology and med-surgical units. She graduated from Five Branches University and specializes in pain management, women’s health and internal medicine. In her free time she enjoys traveling, cooking and gardening. Heerei Park teaches in the Department of TCM Herbology.
Byung-Gook Park
Professor
Byung -Gook Park completed his Western Medicine training in South Korea in 1978, followed by 3 years of service in the Army. In 2000, he moved to Pennsylvania and completed a 3-year residency in Family Practice Medicine at Wyoming General Hospital. His areas of specialty include gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. In his free time he enjoys being an amateur ham radio operator. Professor Park teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Kate Perkins
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Kate Perkins graduated San Francisco State University in 2000 with a degree in creative writing and a minor in holistic medicine. During her time there she met and studied with Angela Wu, a licensed acupuncturist who taught classes in Chinese Medicine privately in her home. As a student of Mrs. Wu, she became inspired to become an acupuncturist herself and enrolled at Five Branches University, concentrating her studies in the department of Five Element Acupuncture. Kate studied with Khosrow Khalighi in San Francisco, California, completing a two-year course of study in Five Element theory, diagnosis and treatment. She continues to meet with an advanced group of Five Element practitioners twice a year to discuss case studies, bring patients and deepen her knowledge of this system.
Kate has a part -time practice in downtown Santa Cruz, California where she practices Five Element acupuncture, treating the spirit as the root of illness. Through her life’s work of continuing to uncover the mysteries of the human spirit and its relationship to wellness she conveys her passion for the Five Element system through the theory classes and clinical internships she teaches. Kate enjoys going for walks in the redwoods, studying foreign languages, traveling and spending time with her young son. Kate’s website is http://www.locuststreetacupuncture.com. Kate Perkins teaches in the departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.
Judy Pruzinsky
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Judy Pruzinsky is a graduate of Five Branches University. She specializes in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, having studied with JR and JB Worsley and Khosrow Khalighi. Judy holds a Masters in Medical Qigong through the International Institute of Medical Qigong, directed by Jerry Alan Johnson. She has several teaching certificates in the Wu Style of Chi Gung from BK Frantzis. Her spiritual practice is rooted in her long-term Zen meditation practice. She received lay ordination with Tenshin Reb Anderson.
Classical Five Element practice addresses patients' spiritual and emotional imbalances in addition to their physical discomforts and diseases. Her Medical Qigong practice enables her to treat deeply without the use of needles. In her Chi Gung classes people learn how to help themselves with practices they can do at home. Judy currently has a Chinese Medical practice in Aptos and in Half Moon Bay. Professor Pruzinsky teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Clinical Training.
Chris Rasmussen
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Dr. Chris Rasmussen graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Chemistry from Arizona State University with additional studies in philosophy, dance, and art metals. He is a member of Phi Lambda Upsilon honorary chemistry society and was awarded the Merck Index Award for the outstanding chemistry student of the year. He received his M.D. degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, and completed an additional year at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona studying internal medicine. Following his internship, he successfully completed a residency in anesthesiology at Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center. He completed his fellowship training in cardio-thoracic anesthesia from Good Samaritan Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Declining an assistant professorship position at LAC-USC Medical Center, Dr Rasmussen spent the next eight years in private practice with an emphasis on trauma anesthesia. After traveling the world and seeing first-hand the effectiveness of Chinese medicine, he decided to investigate this ancient healing art more completely. In 2003, he completed his Master’s degree in TCM from Five Branches University. He runs a successful TCM-based practice in the East Bay focusing on difficult, chronic multi-system diseases and is currently working on a textbook of integrative medicine. His past endeavors include a jewelry import business, being co-owner of a restaurant with his brother, and advanced training in several martial arts. Dr. Rasmussen teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Maureen Rozenn
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2005
After graduating from Five Branches University, Maureen worked in community clinics, developing protocols for hepatitis C treatment. In 2005, she founded the Hepatitis C Treatment Clinic at Five Branches University. As an assistant professor, she enjoys teaching students to assess and treat both hepatitis C symptoms and Western antiviral drug side effects. Maureen is the director of Cedar Street Healing Arts, home to both her private Chinese medical practice and the Santa Cruz Primary Care Hepatitis C Center, a Western medical approach to Hepatitis C treatment. Maureen is a member of the Hepatitis C Task Force of Santa Cruz County, where she works in conjunction with community leaders, county health workers, nurses and doctors to manage this epidemic. She is a community lecturer, researcher and is on the advisory board of the local non-profit HELP! (Help & Education for Liver Patients).
In addition to liver disease, Maureen specializes in treating male and female infertility. She offers joint Chinese medicine and Naturopathic medicine fertility enhancement programs through her clinic. In conjunction with the Fertility Physicians of Northern California she is conducting research on acupuncture and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Additionally, she is coauthoring a book on Chinese medicine and fertility enhancement and is the lead acupuncturist and co-author of a research project examining the effects of acupuncture and Western treatment on unexplained infertility.
Maureen teaches classes on treating Hepatitis C with an integrated Chinese and Western medical model. She offers externships to students who want to study with her in the intensive setting of her private practice. She is currently attaining her PhD in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine through Zhejiang University, China. Maureen balances her busy professional life with sculpture, martial arts and dancing. Maureen has a black belt in Aikido, and enjoys practicing and teaching this martial art. Dr. Rozenn teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Bill Schoenbart
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Bill Schoenbart graduated from Five Branches in 1991. His specialty is in herbal medicine, working with both Chinese and Western herbs. Bill has practiced TCM in California, Hawaii, and North Carolina. He was the Clinical Director and taught herbal medicine at the Hawaii College of Traditional Oriental Medicine on Maui, and has taught cross-cultural herbal medicine at the American School of Botanical Medicine in Santa Cruz. He is a contributing author to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and he wrote two books on Chinese medicine: Pocket Guide to Chinese Patent Medicines and Chinese Healing Secrets.
Bill works as a research consultant in the dietary supplement industry. He was a member of the board of trustees of the American Herbal Products Association, where he worked to protect the public’s access to herbs, as well as to maintain quality standards for herbal medicine. Bill has given presentations on herbal medicine at various international conferences, such as the International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine (Hong Kong) and the World Congress on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Thailand). Bill Schoenbart teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Herbology.
June L. Sheldon
Professor
Faculty since 2008
June Sheldon received her B.A. degree in Biology and her M.A .degree in Molecular Biology from San Jose State University. She completed research on the effects of Chlordane on flesh fly cardiac muscle and provided data for an NSF- SBIR Phase II Proposal, requiring computer science students in a classroom setting to use the Taxonomize Automatic Classifier (TAC). This system reads and categorizes technical articles, saving students an average of 16 hours each semester in upload time. June has several years of teaching experience at the college and university levels, in the disciplines of: math, chemistry, biology, microbiology, and technical writing.
Professor Sheldon's professional interests focus on how nutrition can be used to treat disease, especially cancer and diabetes. She has attended professional workshops and has written two unpublished papers on "Diet and Cancer" and "Diet and Diabetes." Her personal interests include home schooling her children and traveling. Professor Sheldon teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Susanna Xiaofen Shen
Professor
Faculty Since 1995
Susanna Xiaofen Shen graduated from the Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the People’s Republic of China in 1986, where she trained in both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine. After graduation, she worked as a TCM doctor in a Chinese hospital, supervising interns and teaching TCM Theory. When she came to the U.S., Susanna worked at the Pain Management Center in Los Angeles and later taught at the American College of TCM in the Bay Area. Since 1996, Susanna has returned to China every summer to work and train in hospitals and clinics, sharpening her skills in needling techniques, TCM gynecology, facial rejuvenation and aging prevention, and the treatment of rare and difficult diseases using TCM and herbs. Her specialties include chronic fatigue, GI disorders, stress, facial rejuvenation, gynecology and internal medicine. Susanna enjoys photography, travel, and cooking. Professor Shen teaches in the Departments of TCM Herbology and TCM Clinical Training.
Sally Sheriff
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Sally Sherriff studied Chinese language at Taipei Normal University in 1981. Six years later, she graduated from San Francisco State University, Magna Cum Laude, with a BA in Chinese Language and Culture. Returning to Asia in 1993, she lived in Japan for 6 years where she was certified in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Sally received her Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 1999. She maintains a private practice in Santa Cruz, specializing in pediatrics, women's health and pain relief. When she is not in her clinic or teaching, she enjoys gardening, studying, singing, African drumming and cooking. She also enjoys family time with her husband and their 2 children. Sally Sheriff teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training.
Po-Lin Shyu
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
As a child Po-Lin spent many weekends working in a relative’s herb shop in Taiwan, observing the treatment of patients and the preparation of herbal formulas. Po-Lin Shyu graduated from San Francisco State University with a Pre-Physical Therapy degree in the late 1980s. He received his Masters of Science degree in TCM from the Academy of Chinese Cultural and Health Science in 1993. Po-Lin interned at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai, China, studying Internal Medicine and Gynecology. While in China, he received training in Tuina with Dr. Wei Shu-Yin. He owned his first herb shop in 1989 in San Francisco and opened an acupuncture clinic in Cupertino in 1995.
Since 1987, he has been working at Wu’s Healing Center under Angela C. Wu, L.Ac. Po-Lin has been working intensely with Dr. Wu in fertility treatment since 2000. He is also well-known for his expertise in treating injuries with TCM. In his free time he enjoys traveling, hiking, eating, skiing and reading. To learn more about Professor Shyu please visit: http://www.nurtureacupuncture.com. Professor Shyu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Anthony Su
Professor
Faculty Since 2002
Dr. Anthony Su became a medical doctor in China in 1965. He received a Ph.D. in Medicine and Pathology from the University of London in 1987. Dr. Su followed his Ph.D. with postdoctoral work at the Bristol University Medical School in England. He has taught and researched in biomedical sciences in China, Sweden (Uppsala University), Denmark (Aarhus University), Austria (Pathological Anatomy Institute in Salzburg), Antigua (Antigua Medical School), and the United States (Texas University). He is the former President of The Chinese Histochemistry and Cytochemistry Society. Dr. Su teaches in the Department of Western Medicine and is a faculty member of the Five Branches DAOM program.
Cai Ping Tang
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Cai Ping Tang received her Ph.D from Guangzhou TCM University in China in 1984. She spent many years at a hospital affiliated with the Guangzhou TCM University, working in internal medicine. She specializes in common internal medicine diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, neurologic disease, endocrine disease, respiratory disease, women’s health and has a particular interest in diabetes. Cai Ping has worked at renowned schools such as Emperor’s College and Dongguk Royal University. She moved to California in 2001. Since 2004, Cai Ping has been working on the development of the Five Branches doctoral program. In her free time she enjoys Qi Gong, reading, cooking and music. Her website is caipingtang.lattiss.com. Professor Tang teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a member of the faculty of Five Branches DAOM program.
Arnold Tayam
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
As director and founder of The Longevity Center, Arnold Tayam conducts a clinical practice and teaches Medical Qigong, Taijiquan, Bagua Zhang, and the Taoist arts. He began his studies over three decades ago, and offers programs integrating the three major schools of Qigong: medical, martial, and spiritual. Professor Tayam has designed and currently teaches courses at Stanford University hospital and clinics. His work is also featured in several Qigong and Taiji video and book publications. He has served as director of the National Qigong Association. Professor Tayam teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Heather Thomsen
Assistant Professor
Faculty since 2008
Dr. Heather Thomsen received her B.S. in Biopsychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2000. Her professional work experience includes research in the academic setting at UCSF Department of Neurology, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center as well as in the private sector, at Rinat Neuroscience Inc., now acquired by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. She continued her studies at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute where she completed her Ph.D. in Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology in 2008. Upon completion of her degree, Dr. Thomsen worked at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center where she conducted an infant nutrition study with over 427 mother-infant pairs. When she is not teaching or conducting research, she enjoys cooking, reading and hiking. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and her seventeen-month old son. Dr. Thomsen teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Phu Tran
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Having studied at Five Branches University, Phu Tran maintains his private practice in chiropractic and acupuncture in San Jose. He specializes in musculo-skeletal problems and sports injuries.
Dr. Tran teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Camille Vardy
Associate Professor
Faculty Since 1995
Camille Vardy completed her Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Five Branches University in 1992. Following graduation, she studied at the Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, China, specializing in herbal medicine with emphasis on immunology. She has been a licensed acupuncturist since 1994.
In 1995, Camille completed the Lerner Orthopedics program and received her Diplomate from the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics. She studied with the phenomenal neurologist, Zhu Ming-Qing, working with him in the U.S., Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Camille has studied extensively with Jeffrey Yuen, 88th generation lineage holder of the Jade Purity Tradition of Classical Chinese Medicine, 26th generation lineage holder of the Quan Zhen Long Men Pai School and Master Student of Imperial Physician Jiang Song Liu. She is currently teaching introductory classes in this tradition as well as creating DVDs of her classes. Camille has also studied extensively with Harvard acupuncturist, Kiiko Matsumoto, and taught introductory classes in this unique style; has studied Cranial-Sacral therapy with the Upledger Institute; has completed a 2-_ year certification in Medical Qi Gong; and has taught at Arnold Tayam’s Longevity Center.
Camille has lectured to the general public through a wide variety of organizations including the Stanford Breast Health Project and KKUP radio. She maintains a private practice as owner of the Jade Healing Arts Clinic in Mountain View, California. Her specialties include immunology, neurology, orthopedics, psychology and endocrinology. She uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, biomechanical rebalancing, cranial-sacral therapy and a form of massage that she developed called Muscle Melting ™.
In her spare time, Camille swims, kayaks and lives in the redwoods, as well as enjoying ballet, theatre, music and spending time with family and friends. Camille Vardy teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory, TCM Herbology, and TCM Clinical Training.
Ryan Villegas
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Ryan’s interest in Asian medicine was sparked as a result of living in Southeast Asia and practicing martial arts. He has a background in humanities, neuroscience and is trained as an EMT. His areas of specialty are medical Spanish and Shiatsu. Next year he begins his studies in osteopathy. In his free time he enjoys yoga, Qigong, playing the saxophone and cooking medicinal foods. Ryan teaches in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Anthony Von der Muhll
Assistant Professor
Faculty Since 2003
Anthony Von der Muhll, L.Ac, DNBAO, received his BA degree in History at UC Santa Cruz in 1987. He became interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine while working for Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinics in San Francisco as a community organizer. After studying taiji/qi gong and tuina as well as anatomy and kinesiology for several years, and experiencing TCM to treat a variety of his own health conditions, he decided to pursue his Masters-level training in Chinese Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and at Five Branches University.
Anthony received his Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in 2002, and was licensed by the State of California as an acupuncturist in 2002. He was the first recipient of Five Branches’ Certificate in Integrative Sports Medicine in 2003. He completed his board specialty training in Acupuncture Orthopedics through Lerner Education at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills in 2005, and was certified as a Diplomate of the National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics in 2006. He now specializes in acupuncture orthopedics, sports medicine, and pain management. Anthony has earned certificates as a Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine, and as Sports, Deep Tissue, and Acupressure Massage Therapist. He has worked in sports and physical medicine clinics since 1997 as a physical therapy aide, athletic training assistant, massage therapist, and licensed acupuncturist.
He enjoys working with people from all walks of life for healing and vitality of the integrated body-mind-spirit. He integrates his clinical training and experience in both Eastern and Western sports and physical medicine with his personal, intuitive exploration of self-healing potential. He enjoys blending the best of ancient and modern science to provide optimal patient care. For health and relaxation he enjoys cycling, swimming, racquetball, and backpacking. Information about Anthony Von der Muhll may be found at: http://www.ihcsc.com. Anthony Von der Muhll teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Benjamin Walker
Instructor
Faculty Since 2006
Benjamin Walker received his B.S. in Neurobiology in 2005 from the University of California, Irvine. As an undergraduate, he conducted biomedical research in the molecular biology of Alzheimer’s disease. Benjamin has attended numerous scientific conferences and received multiple awards and scholarships from the University of California. His current research interests are in the neurobiology of learning and memory and he plans to pursue these interests in graduate school. Benjamin Walker teaches in the Department of Western Medicine.
Janice Walton-Hadlock
Professor
Faculty Since 2001
Janice Walton-Hadlock received her B.A. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University.
She is the founder of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project (www.pdrecovery.org), a non-profit organization that provides free information about the latest findings regarding the cause and treatment of Parkinson’s disease from the perspective of Asian medicine. The European branch of the Parkinson’s Recovery Project is the Yin Tui Na Centrum of Amsterdam, also a non-profit, that focuses primarily on treatments for Parkinson’s disease using techniques developed by Janice.
As a founding member of the Santa Cruz-based Parkinson’s Treatment Team, Janice is an active researcher in the field of Parkinson’s disease. She has published her findings in many journals, including the peer-reviewed American Journal of Acupuncture and in the Journal of Chinese Medicine. Her analysis of a Parkinson’s drug study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine’s correspondence section. She is the author of two books: Almost Icarus or Recovering from Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding its Cause and Mastering an Effective Treatment (published by the Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2008, 690 pages) and Medications of Parkinson’s or Once upon a Pill (Parkinson’s Recovery Project, 2003, 650 pages).
Janice’s specialties include channel theory, scar tissue work, and Yin Tui Na. In her private practice, she primarily treats movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Her other long-term interests include western medicine, modern physics and chaos theory, and raja yoga practice and theory. Professor Walton-Hadlock teaches in the Department of TCM Clinical Training.
Jay Wang
Professor
Faculty Since 2001
Jay Wang began his TCM education through family training, working as a TCM doctor’s assistant for his uncle’s clinic in 1968. He completed his professional training at Huiyang TCM School in his hometown of Guangdong. In 1974 Jay graduated and began work as a TCM doctor at the Sixth Municipal Hospital of Guangzhou. After a five-year study at Guangzhou Medical College, he was hired as a physician by Guangzhou Municipal Red Cross Hospital from 1982 to 1990. During this period, he engaged in advanced study and research in TCM cardiology at Guangdong College of Medicine and Pharmacy.
With a concept of connecting TCM and Western medicine, Jay studied clinical pharmacy at the University of the Pacific in California, receiving his graduate degree in 1990. Possessing degrees and clinical experience in both TCM and Western medicine, Jay has worked as a professor and clinical director at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences since 1996. He has supervised interns at Five Branches University since 2001. He has a private practice in Fremont, CA. Professor Wang teaches in the Departments of TCM Herbology, and TCM Clinical Training.
Douglas Yi Wang
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Douglas Wang received his M.D degree in 1982 from Qinghai University Medical School in China. He continued his medical studies at the International Psychiatrist Training Center offered through the WHO and Shanghai Psychiatry and Hygiene Center where he received the title of Neuro-Psychiatrist. He pioneered the first series of seminars for physicians treating substance abuse, and established the first substance abuse program in Qinghai Province; this program employed a combination of Western medical and TCM treatments for its participants.
Professor Wang earned his Master’s degree in TCM from ACTCM in San Francisco. He has California state licensure, National acupuncture and Chinese herbology certifications, and is also a certified Tuina therapist. Professor Wang has held numerous teaching positions in China and the U.S. including President of Bo-Ai Special Hospital in China and Director of the Chinese Bilingual Program, and Assistant Dean of Academic Studies at ACTCM. Professor Wang specializes in stroke, paralysis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, mental illness, emotional / behaviors disorders, and drug addiction. He is in private practice, and his hobbies include hiking and skiing. Professor Wang teaches in the Departments of TCM Herbology, Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of Five Branches DAOM program.
Guan Wang
Instructor
Faculty since 2008
Guan Wang graduated from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, earning both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She had a clinical acupuncture practice with Professors Li Rui and Wang Juyi, who are among the most distinguished acupuncture physicians in China. She also was the instructor for the visiting western physicians and TCM students at the Guang An Men Hospital and China Academy of TCM as well as Xi Yuan Hospital. She has written a number of publications including Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Diseases and Other Miscellaneous Diseases with Notations, one of the Four Classics of TCM series, and was the project editor for Eczema & Atopic Dermatitis, to be published in The Clinical Practice of Chinese Medicine. Guan Wang teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Acupuncture.
Stephen Woodley
Professor
Faculty Since 2006
Stephen Woodley received his Masters degree from The Academy of Chinese Cultural and Health Science in 1999. He has taught hundreds of students focusing on the areas of TCM Foundations, Diagnosis and TCM herbal medicine. He is the director of Shang Han Lun Seminars and a CEU provider, specializing in Classical Chinese Medicine. Stephen Woodley teaches in the Departments of TCM Theory and TCM Herbology.
Yueru Wu
Professor
Faculty Since 2004
Yueru Wu received her medical degree from the Beijing Second Medical University in Beijing, China in 1970. She continued her studies of TCM and worked as the Chief Resident of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine in the Beijing Hospital of TCM from 1970 to 1984. Professor Wu received two years of advanced training in the OB/GYN Departments at the Peking Union Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, and Beijing First Medical University. Professor Wu became a licensed acupuncturist in California in 1987. Her specialties are gynecology, internal medicine, and dermatology. She has conducted clinical research in endocrine diseases and complications from chemotherapy and radiology with cancer patients. Professor Wu teaches in the Departments of TCM Clinical Medicine and TCM Clinical Training and is a faculty member of Five Branches DAOM program.
Peter H.Y. Yang
Professor
Faculty Since 2002
Peter Yang graduated with a B.A. from Beijing Foreign Languages Institute. He earned an M.A. in sociology from Beijing Foreign Studies University and a second M.A. in American Social Studies from the University of Kansas. He was a professor of English and Chinese for 11 years at Beijing Foreign Languages Institute (Beiwai), China, specializing in the design, teaching and testing of CFL, ESL, EFL, translation and interpretation, and cross-cultural studies. From 1986 to 1993, he was a professor at the University of Kansas, teaching Chinese language, Chinese cultural traditions, and Eastern civilization. He worked as an adjunct professor at Myotherapy Institute, teaching Chinese breathing exercises and acupressure. Professor Yang has also done translation and interpretation for corporations. Professor Yang teaches in the Department of TCM Theory.
Zinan Ye
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Zinan Ye is a faculty member in the graduate School of Translation and Interpretation at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and also teaches Chinese Studies at Foothill College on a part-time basis. He graduated in 1982 with a major in English language and literature from Hangzhou University in China (now Zhejiang University). He later obtained his Master’s degree in language teaching from University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He has been teaching languages for more than 20 years both in China and in the States. Zinan teaches Chinese language and culture at Five Branches Institute. Professor Ye teaches Chinese language and Chinese History and Philosophy in the Department of Complementary Studies.
Danling Zhang
Professor
Faculty Since 2002
Danling Zhang was educated and trained in both Western and Chinese medicine in China. She was deeply influenced by her family who believed in Chinese medicine. After graduating from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1991, she became a physician acupuncturist and instructor at the university’s affiliated hospital. She finished her two-year residency at Dandong Women’s and Children’s Hospital before she entered her three-year Masters program, doing acupuncture research on thyroid diseases. After receiving her Masters degree in Medicine, she was appointed as an instructor and supervisor at the affiliated hospital of the college.
Danling has published numerous papers on eye acupuncture, muscle channel theory and thyroid diseases. In her free time, Danling enjoys cooking, yoga and spending time with her children. Danling is practicing at the Integrative and Sports Medicine Center with Frank He in Sunnyvale. She can be reached at: www.HeCares.net. Professor Zhang teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
Kevin (Yan Zhong) Zhu
Professor
Faculty Since 2001
Kevin Zhu received his degree in 1988 from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, where he studied for six years. He worked as the Physician-in-Charge and a Lecturer for nine years at the Beijing First Teaching Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He served as the chief secretary for the National Academic Symposium and organized four symposiums on male diseases, urology, skin diseases, cancer, gynecology, and gastroenterology. Kevin developed the Acupuncture and Herb Treatment Software with the Qinghua University in China, and participated in the compilation of eight professional books. From January 1999 to May 2001, Kevin worked and taught at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He was the manager of the herbal pharmacy at the school’s clinic, in addition to supervising the clinical training for student interns. He was also a professor at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco.
Kevin specializes in pain management, dermatology and urology. He has years of experience utilizing a wide spectrum of TCM modalities, including herbs, acupuncture, Tuina, and moxibustion to provide an integrated TCM treatment plan for his patients. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys reading, swimming, table tennis and hiking. Professor Zhu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture, TCM Clinical Medicine, and TCM Clinical Training.
Julie (Wenying) Zhu
Professor
Faculty Since 2005
Julie Wenying Zhu is a graduate of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. She has nearly 30 years of experience treating a variety of diseases with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. In addition to teaching at Five Branches University, Julie maintains a private practice in Fremont, California, specializing in women’s health and pain management. Professor Zhu teaches in the Departments of TCM Acupuncture and TCM Clinical Training.
