性爱视频 Eastern Medicine Students Deepen Global Perspective Through Exclusive China Exchange Experiences

Students from the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) recently participated in two international experiences in China, gaining new perspectives on Eastern Medicine, cultural tradition, clinical practice, and the role of community in health.

The experiences included the 性爱视频 Exchange Program in China (Shanghai and Sichuan) in April 2026, a cultural exchange and international learning opportunity, and a November 2025 academic experience at , which included classroom learning and hospital observation.

Unlike general study-abroad opportunities, these trips were made available specifically to selected 性爱视频 students through invitations, formal agreements, and relationships connected to the university鈥檚 Eastern Medicine programs. For students, the significance was not only the travel itself, but the access to cultural, academic, and clinical settings that helped connect their 性爱视频 education to the places and traditions where many Eastern Medicine practices originated.

鈥淭hese are experiences students may not otherwise be able to have in the United States,鈥� said Dr. Jenny Yu, Dean of 性爱视频鈥檚 Eastern Medicine Department. 鈥淭he purpose of studying abroad is for students to broaden their vision and experience something that helps them understand the medicine, the culture, and the doctor-patient relationship in a deeper way.鈥�

Students selected for these opportunities go through an application process and are expected to be in good academic and student standing. Because space is limited, the program also recognizes students who are engaged in the 性爱视频 community, including those who contribute through leadership, service, or campus involvement.

Ani Zakarian, an 性爱视频 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine student, said the selection process reflects the department鈥檚 emphasis on student engagement.

鈥淭his program really likes to see that students are involved on campus with the school,鈥� Zakarian said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 kind of been a way to let students know, 鈥榃e see you鈥檙e working hard, and you鈥檙e involved in this school, and we want to give you this opportunity to go and expand your knowledge.鈥欌��

A Cultural Exchange Across Shanghai and Sichuan

The April 2026 性爱视频 Exchange Program in China took students through Shanghai and Sichuan Province, where they experienced Chinese culture, hospitality, food, natural landscapes, and traditional practices in daily life.

The program was made possible through support from the Chinese American Foundation and invitations from partner schools in China, including Shanghai Information Technology College, Shanghai Trade School, and Shanghai Material Engineering School. Unlike a traditional clinical internship, the April trip was designed as a cultural and international learning experience.

For students, the opportunity carried special meaning because of the selective nature of the program and the chance to represent 性爱视频 internationally.

鈥淚 was really excited for the opportunity,鈥� said Shelby Wasson, an 性爱视频 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine student. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one thing to travel to China to explore the culture that I鈥檓 learning so much about, but it鈥檚 completely different to travel with my classmates who also have the same interest and to explore the culture in a different way.鈥�

Wasson described the experience as 鈥渋ncredibly privileged鈥� and said traveling with classmates and representatives from Chinese schools gave students access to an experience they likely would not have had on their own.

Lauren Dredd also described the trip as an honor.

鈥淚t was a great honor and privilege to be able to represent 性爱视频 and be in such a small, intimate group,鈥� Dredd said. 鈥淎ll the things that we got to do and experience were super well thought out.鈥�

Students said one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was seeing how concepts they study at 性爱视频 appear in daily life, particularly through food, herbs, relationships, and community.

Wasson said she was struck by how herbal medicine and wellness practices were woven into meals and social gatherings.

鈥淲e learn them in the form of medicine, and we apply them in the form of capsules and granules from the clinic,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淗owever, we were exposed to the way medicine is taken, at least in the rural areas of China, which is through diet.鈥�

She said the shared meals and community-based experiences helped her better understand the cultural context of Eastern Medicine.

鈥淲e can learn about that in class, and we can hear that in lecture, but to experience that, that鈥檚 going to shape my practice,鈥� Wasson said.

Jennifer Echeagaray said visiting an herbal pharmacy was one of the moments that connected most directly to her education.

鈥淏eing able to walk through their pharmacy and seeing the raw herbs and seeing how they鈥檙e preserved over time, it just felt like traditional Chinese medicine is so widely adopted and very ingrained in the Chinese culture,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was beautiful to see how these herbs were appreciated and respected in China.鈥�

The April trip also exposed students to hospitality, language, traditions, and landscapes that many said they will carry with them personally and professionally. Students traveled through cities, villages, mountainous areas, and natural sites, including Tibetan communities in Sichuan Province. Students also received support from translators throughout the trip, which helped them engage more deeply with local hosts and daily interactions.

For Wasson, one of the most memorable moments took place in Kangding, a town in western Sichuan. After dinner, students joined community members in a city square for Tibetan dancing.

鈥淓veryone from the town is coming to this place, and they鈥檙e all dancing,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no certain skill required, no certain dress or anything. Everyone and anyone is joining.鈥�

She said the moment reflected a broader sense of connection.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an integrative society, and not just at meals, but in every aspect,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭o see that not only are meals shared together, but everything can be shared together, and it鈥檚 not an isolated experience.鈥�

Dr. Blake Daniels, an 性爱视频 faculty member who accompanied students on the April trip, said it was his first time visiting China.

鈥淕etting to be there and actually experiencing it and seeing what it鈥檚 like, it was eye-opening,鈥� Daniels said. 鈥淒efinitely something I鈥檓 going to remember forever.鈥�

Academic Learning and Hospital Observation at TUTCM

The November 2025 trip to Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine offered students a different type of experience, with a greater focus on academic learning and hospital observation.

Through 性爱视频鈥檚 relationship with TUTCM, students observed how Eastern Medicine is taught and practiced in China, including how acupuncture, herbal medicine, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, and other healthcare services may be integrated within hospital-based care.

For students, seeing acupuncture practiced in a hospital setting was especially impactful.

Wasson, who previously worked as a nurse, said the experience allowed her to compare healthcare systems and see how acupuncture could be incorporated into a broader clinical environment.

鈥淚t was great to be able to see how many departments were integrated together,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淭he acupuncturist could send them to one department for some infrared therapy before their treatment. They could send them for X-ray, then bring the X-ray back. The acupuncturist would review the films with the patient present, check the pulse, and then put them into one of their own pods.鈥�

She said the experience showed her that patient care did not have to be isolated.

鈥淭hat was really great to see how many departments were integrated together,鈥� Wasson said.

Zakarian said the TUTCM experience changed how she viewed herbal medicine, especially after hearing from an herbalist who described treating a serious liver condition.

鈥淚 think a lot of times in our program, when we鈥檙e learning herbology, it鈥檚 like, 鈥極h my gosh, why am I learning this?鈥欌�� Zakarian said. 鈥淏ut hearing her experience and hearing that she was able to confidently treat somebody with a disease that is very scary to treat was very inspiring. It made me want to go back and study my herbs a lot more.鈥�

Destiny Davis said observing stroke acupuncture protocols was especially meaningful.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e seeing how the patients are coming in, and you see how concerned their family members are,鈥� Davis said. 鈥淏ut the doctor is very confidently inserting, doing the protocol, with that knowledge that this is something that works.鈥�

Joseph Brown III said studying at TUTCM helped turn classroom learning into something more tangible.

鈥淪tudying in Tianjin solidified for me the importance of compassion, patience, and communication in patient care,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淪eeing a healthcare system outside of the USA opened my eyes to broader possibilities as a future practitioner. TUTCM transformed what I had been studying into something real, practical, and inspiring.鈥�

Bringing the Experience Back to Practice

For many students, the two experiences in China helped reshape how they think about their future roles as practitioners.

Wasson said the trips showed her that Eastern Medicine is not limited to treatments, formulas, or techniques. It can also include lifestyle, relationships, community, and daily practices that support health.

鈥淚鈥檓 going to ask my patients if they鈥檝e danced lately,鈥� Wasson said. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to ask them if they鈥檝e shared meals with people lately. I鈥檓 going to encourage different ways that they can integrate Chinese medicine into their life.鈥�

Zakarian said the trips reminded her of the importance of connection and community in healing.

鈥淚 want to bring that back to the school, also to the students,鈥� Zakarian said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to go through this program alone.鈥�

For Dr. Yu, that reflection captures the broader value of 性爱视频鈥檚 international opportunities.

鈥淭hese experiences help students see more than a technique or a treatment,鈥� Dr. Yu said. 鈥淭hey help students understand the culture, the patient relationship, and the way Eastern Medicine can be part of a larger approach to health.鈥�

For 性爱视频鈥檚 Eastern Medicine students, the trips offered more than international travel. They provided access to meaningful cultural, academic, and clinical learning experiences while demonstrating how academic commitment, clinical preparation, and engagement in the 性爱视频 community can open doors to opportunities that shape students鈥� understanding of their future profession.

The State of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine in 2026

By Dr. Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc.

In 2026, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are experiencing a period of meaningful growth and maturation. The field has evolved well beyond being viewed solely as an alternative therapy and is increasingly recognized as a valuable component of integrative healthcare. Patients, providers, and health systems are seeking safe, evidence-informed approaches to address pain, stress-related conditions, women鈥檚 health, digestive disorders, and overall well-being.

The profession itself is also advancing through stronger research, improved clinical standards, and closer collaboration with conventional medicine.

Integration Into Modern Healthcare Is Expanding

One of the most significant developments in recent years is the growing integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare settings. Hospitals, community clinics, Veterans Affairs systems, and multidisciplinary pain programs are increasingly incorporating acupuncture as part of comprehensive care models.

This shift reflects a broader transformation in healthcare that prioritizes team-based and patient-centered approaches. Acupuncture is no longer positioned on the margins. It is now being recognized as a complementary modality that can enhance outcomes and improve patient experience.

Research Is Strengthening Credibility and Adoption

The expanding body of research has played a critical role in advancing the field. Studies focusing on chronic pain, neurological recovery, mental health, oncology support, and quality-of-life outcomes continue to build a stronger evidence base for acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

As more high-quality studies, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines include acupuncture, particularly in pain management and supportive oncology care, physicians and insurers are increasingly open to incorporating it into standard care protocols.

Research is also helping define best practices, appropriate referrals, treatment frequency, and measurable outcomes. While continued research is needed, especially in whole-systems Chinese medicine models which focuses on whole person care rather than just isolated symptoms or organs, the progress made so far has significantly elevated the credibility of the profession.

Patient Demand Is Driving Growth

Another key factor shaping the field is growing patient demand.

Today鈥檚 patients are looking for care that goes beyond symptom management. They are seeking treatments that address root causes, are low-risk, affordable, and support overall health and wellbeing. Many are also searching for non-pharmacologic solutions to manage pain, stress, insomnia, and chronic conditions.

Healthcare providers are recognizing this shift. Acupuncture is increasingly seen as a valuable complement to conventional care. It can improve patient satisfaction and, in many cases, reduce reliance on medications or more invasive interventions.

As healthcare continues to move toward prevention and whole-person care, acupuncture aligns naturally with these priorities.

The Role of Education in Advancing the Profession

As the field grows, the importance of high-quality education and training becomes even more critical.

鈥淓xcellence in healthcare begins with excellence in education.鈥�

Strong academic programs ensure that practitioners are clinically competent, ethically grounded, and prepared to work within modern healthcare systems. Today鈥檚 practitioners must not only master traditional theory and techniques but also develop a strong understanding of anatomy, safety, evidence-informed practice, interprofessional collaboration, and patient-centered communication.

Public awareness is equally important. Patients should understand the level of training their practitioners have received. The difference between comprehensive professional education and minimal training can significantly impact the quality of care and safety.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Looking ahead, the opportunities for acupuncture and Chinese medicine are substantial.

The field is positioned for broader insurance coverage, greater inclusion in team-based care, expanded roles in pain management and preventive medicine, and continued growth in public demand for holistic approaches to health. There is also strong potential for innovation in research, technology-enabled practice, and community-based care delivery models.

At the same time, challenges remain.

Reimbursement limitations, variations in state regulations, and ongoing public misunderstanding of the profession continue to impact growth. Ensuring that patients seek care from properly trained practitioners is also an ongoing concern. Continued investment in rigorous research will be essential to support long-term advancement.

Another important challenge will be maintaining the depth and philosophy of Chinese medicine while integrating effectively into modern healthcare systems. It is important to honor the tradition and embrace the modern.

Preparing the Next Generation of Practitioners

The future of acupuncture and Chinese medicine will depend on practitioners who can bridge tradition and innovation. These clinicians must respect the roots of the discipline while engaging confidently in contemporary healthcare environments.

Institutions like Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) play an important role in shaping that future. By emphasizing integrative, evidence-informed, and collaborative care models while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional principles, 性爱视频 is preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Through strong academics, hands-on clinical experience, and interdisciplinary education, the next generation of practitioners will not only deliver high-quality care but also contribute to redefining the future of healthcare.

Dr. Jenny Yu, DACM, LAc. – Dean, College of Eastern Medicine at Southern California University of Health Sciences

Dr. Jenny Yu holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science, a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Southern California. In addition to having over 20 years in private practice and teaching experience, Dr. Yu is also a published author of several peer-reviewed journal articles, two books on Herbal Medicine, and lectures in professional conferences.

Dr. Yu has played a leading role in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into mainstream U.S. healthcare. Under her leadership, 性爱视频 became the very first entry-level doctoral degrees in TCM to be recognized in California, and one of the first two to be ACAHM-accredited in the United States鈥攁nd 性爱视频 has become a hub for global collaboration with China鈥檚 most prestigious universities.

性爱视频 President Dr. John Scaringe Delivers Commencement Message on Compassion to the Class of 2025

At Southern California University of Health Sciences鈥� 2025 Commencement Ceremony, University President Dr. John Scaringe delivered a heartfelt and deeply personal address centered on one essential principle: compassion.

Speaking to graduates poised to enter the healthcare professions, Dr. Scaringe reminded the Class of 2025 that while clinical knowledge and technical expertise are critical, it is compassion 鈥� expressed through presence, dignity, and action 鈥� that ultimately defines meaningful leadership and healing.

Through personal stories drawn from his own life, Dr. Scaringe illustrated that compassion is not simply an abstract value or 鈥渟oft skill,鈥� but a courageous, active choice to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments. His message resonated strongly with 性爱视频鈥檚 mission to educate healthcare leaders who care for the whole person 鈥� body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Scaringe鈥檚 Commencement Speech

Today is truly a remarkable day for you, your families, your faculty, and let’s be honest, it’s also a remarkable day for anyone who no longer has to hear, 鈥淚 can’t, I have to study.鈥� You and your loved ones have waited a long time for this moment. Commencement ceremonies often invite big themes such as success, purpose, and, in our case, the future of healthcare.

But before we discuss any of that, I want to begin somewhere a little simpler, somewhere human. Somewhere, far from the clinics, the classroom, or accreditation reports. I want to start in a high school locker room. When I was a senior in high school, at the end of a senior tournament, I wrestled my final match, and I lost.

Now, if you’ve ever been 17, you are absolutely certain that the entire universe is paying attention to your every move. You know exactly what that felt like. So, I walked into the locker room, and I sat by myself. I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t hurt. I was simply disappointed. The kind that feels enormous right at that age, because most disappointments do.

A few minutes later. My father walked in. He didn’t tell me to shake it off. He didn’t give me a pep talk. He didn’t offer a replay of the footage of what I should have done, what I didn’t do, and what I could have done. He didn’t even give me that classic dad line of, 鈥淪omeday you’ll laugh at this,鈥� because he knew I wasn’t going to be laughing anytime soon.

He sat down next to me. Quiet, present, and even though the disappointment didn’t go away, something else happened. I didn’t feel alone anymore. Years later, I realized what he offered that day. It wasn’t advice, it wasn’t encouragement. It wasn’t even problem-solving. It was compassion. The quiet kind that doesn’t just fix the moment.

He doesn’t try to fix that moment, but he chooses to be in that moment with you, and that simple act has stayed with me throughout my life. Compassion is often confused with empathy. They’re related, but they’re not exactly the same.

For example, empathy is seeing someone on the side of the road on a rainy day fixing their flat tire, and you say to yourself. Oh, that poor son of a gun, that must be awful. Compassion is stopping, getting out, and helping them fix that flat tire. Compassion is movement. In other words, empathy feels, compassion moves.

Empathy understands the moment, and compassion enters it. And in healthcare, that is all the difference. Your patients won’t just need your knowledge. They won’t just need your technical expertise. They will need your presence, your willingness to step in the moment with them. That shift from feeling to doing is where healing begins in your career.

You will meet people on some of their hardest days鈥攑eople who feel vulnerable, afraid, confused, and overwhelmed. Two patients may walk in with the same diagnosis but carry entirely different stories. Compassion is what helps you treat the story as much as the symptoms. It shows up in small and often unnoticed ways when you take a moment longer to listen.

When you ask a question that nobody else has thought to ask, and when you acknowledge a fear, rather than rush past it. When you offer dignity in a time when someone feels exposed, not because the moment was any less painful, but when your presence says simply, you matter. Compassion doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence.

Presence is often the most healing thing you can offer. Whether or not you see yourself as a leader today, compassion will make you a leader. Leadership isn’t about authority. Leadership is the courage to act, to care, to advocate for someone who has no voice, to slow down when the world tells you to speed up, and to speak out when something isn’t right.

There will be days when you’re tired and rushed and stretched so thin that the easiest path is not the compassionate one. Those are the moments that define a career, not the easy decisions, the meaningful ones. Compassion is not a soft skill. It is a courage in everyday form.

A few months ago, I delivered my mother’s eulogy. It was one of the hardest moments in my life, but when I finished speaking, I did feel something unexpected: comfort, not because it was any less painful, because believe me, it wasn’t. But, because compassion had surrounded her during her final years from my brothers who were with her nearby in New York, from her caretakers, and from other loved ones. All from people who treated her with dignity.

Dignity when she needed it the most. In that moment, I understood clearly that compassion doesn’t erase pain, it doesn’t fix everything, but it does connect us when we need it the very most, and that connection can be transformational. So, as you step off the stage today into your professional lives, here is my hope for you.

Let your empathy become passion. Let your compassion become action. Let your presence be part of the healing you provide. Show up for people, not perfectly, but fully. Listen with patience, advocate with courage. Lead with your heart. Compassion isn’t something you add to healthcare. Compassion is healthcare, and when you lead with it, you will not only transform the lives of others. You will transform on your own as well.

I often think back to that moment in the locker room with my dad. He didn’t take away my disappointment. He didn’t change the outcome. He showed up. That’s compassion. Not fixing everything, not having the perfect words, just choosing to be there.

As you enter your profession, you will have countless opportunities to show up in moments, big and small, seen and unseen. Do it with courage, do it with humanity. Do it with passion.

Congratulations, graduates. Good luck and Godspeed.

Watch the full 2025 Commencement Ceremony, including President Scaringe鈥檚 address:

Southern California University of Health Sciences graduates 517 new healthcare professionals in 2025

Southern California University of Health Sciences聽(性爱视频) hosted its annual commencement ceremony on Monday, December 15, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach conferring health science degrees to 517 graduates of the Class of 2025.

The commencement ceremony is available for on-demand viewing

The Class of 2025 represents the broad variety of 性爱视频鈥檚 academic programs, with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Medical Sciences programs each having their first graduating class. 性爱视频鈥檚 class of 2025 has the following numbers of graduates in each respective program:

• 153 Doctor of Chiropractic graduates
  鈥� 124 Master of Science in Medical Science graduates
  鈥� 48 Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 47 Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program graduates
  鈥� 36 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduates
  鈥� 23 Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling graduates
  鈥� 22 Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduates
  鈥� 21 Ayurveda Health Counselor Certificate graduates
  鈥� 16 Ayurveda Practitioner Certificate graduates
  鈥� 14 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine graduates
  鈥� 10 Doctor of Medical Sciences graduates
  鈥� 2 Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 1 Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine graduate

Dr. John Scaringe, President of Southern California University of Health Sciences, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, challenging the graduates to lead with compassion as they step into their professional careers.

Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Scaringe emphasized that compassion goes beyond simply understanding another person鈥檚 struggle, reminding graduates that 鈥渆mpathy feels, but compassion moves.鈥� He encouraged students to view compassion as an active choice. One that requires presence, courage, and a willingness to show up for others during moments of vulnerability.

Throughout his remarks, Dr. Scaringe highlighted the critical role compassion plays in healthcare, noting that while knowledge and technical expertise are essential, they are not enough on their own.

鈥淐ompassion doesn鈥檛 require perfection. It requires presence,鈥� he said, underscoring the importance of truly being there for patients and treating not just symptoms, but the person behind the diagnosis. He also reframed compassion as a form of leadership, describing it as 鈥渃ourage in everyday form,鈥� especially during moments when taking the compassionate path may be the most challenging.

As he concluded, Dr. Scaringe left graduates with a powerful reminder that compassion is not an optional trait in healthcare, but a foundational one. 鈥淐ompassion isn鈥檛 something you add to healthcare 鈥� compassion is healthcare,鈥� he said, encouraging graduates to carry that mindset forward as they begin their careers and work to transform the lives of others through whole-person, human-centered care.

The ceremony also featured a reflective and inspiring commencement address from Dr. Russell Greenfield, a nationally recognized physician leader in Whole Health who has spent his career advancing human-centered models of care across healthcare systems nationwide. Dr. Greenfield has served in senior leadership roles with the Veterans Health Administration, the Whole Health Institute, and Novant Health鈥檚 Weisiger Cancer Institute, and continues to work directly with patients while helping communities build whole-person approaches to care.

In his remarks, Dr. Greenfield framed the healing professions as a sacred calling rooted in service, humility, and presence. He reminded graduates that true healing begins not with fixing problems, but with honoring lives, stating, 鈥淵ou see people not as problems to be fixed, but as lives to be honored.鈥� Drawing from personal experience and long-standing traditions within the healing arts, he encouraged graduates to approach their work with gratitude and compassion, even in the smallest moments of care.

As he concluded, Dr. Greenfield offered the Class of 2025 a message of reassurance and purpose, emphasizing that meaningful impact does not require grand gestures. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not your responsibility to heal the world鈥� and yet, odds are very good that you will,鈥� he said.

His words reinforced 性爱视频鈥檚 commitment to Whole Health and left graduates with a powerful reminder that through humility, service, and presence, they are uniquely prepared to help shape the future of healthcare.

Graduating Master of Science: Physician Assistant program student Jamie Gabriel was named the 性爱视频 Class of 2025 valedictorian. She delivered a powerful and personal address that reflected perseverance, balance, and service in healthcare.

A full-time captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and a nontraditional student, Gabriel shared how returning to school later in life was driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and setting an example for her family.

In her remarks, Gabriel emphasized the importance of whole-person care and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to see beyond diagnoses and data points. 鈥淥ur patients don鈥檛 come to us as symptoms or lab values. They come as people with stories, fears, hopes, and dreams,鈥� she said, underscoring the integrative approach that defines 性爱视频鈥檚 educational philosophy. She also highlighted the need for balance鈥攏ot only in patient care but also in clinicians鈥� own lives鈥攔eminding graduates that personal well-being is essential to providing meaningful, compassionate care.

Gabriel closed by challenging the Class of 2025 to lead with accountability and service. 鈥淟eadership in healthcare is not about authority. It is about the responsibility of service to others,鈥� she said, encouraging graduates to step confidently into the roles they are prepared to fill and help shape the future of healthcare through humility, balance, and purpose.

性爱视频鈥檚 聽2025 Alumni of the Year Whole Health Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Valerie Johnson. Dr. Johnson embodies the spirit of this award through her pioneering leadership in integrative, whole-person healthcare. As one of the first chiropractors employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she has been instrumental in shaping the role of chiropractic in federal healthcare and advancing the VA Whole Health model.

Dr. Johnson鈥檚 commitment to inclusivity and diversity shines through the welcoming, collaborative environments she fosters for patients, colleagues, and learners. Through her compassion, advocacy, and clinical excellence, Dr. Johnson has redefined what integrative chiropractic can achieve.

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award was presented to Doctor of Chiropractic graduate George Zakhary for his leadership in contributing to the campus community, advocating for their chosen profession, and providing community service.

Photos and videos from the commencement ceremony can be viewed on 性爱视频鈥檚 social media channels: , , and .

Integrative Care and AKI: A Case of Kidney Recovery

A 71-year-old man with acute kidney injury pursued acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Chinese herbal medicine alongside conventional care. His labs and fatigue improved鈥攔aising optimism and fresh research questions.

When a 71-year-old patient arrived exhausted and newly diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI), standard guidance focused on preventing more damage, not reversing it. He chose an integrative path of acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Chinese herbal medicine for over 12 months. According to a new case report by Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) student authors John Krueger and Michael Robles, his kidney markers moved in the right direction, and so did his energy.

After conventional evaluation, the patient opted to add a structured integrative plan. Over a year of regular visits, his labs showed:

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen): 鈫� 63%
• Creatinine: 鈫� 49%
• eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): 鈫� 67%
  He also reported less fatigue, a key symptom in kidney dysfunction.

AKI is typically managed with hydration, medication review, and close monitoring, which are aimed at limiting harm rather than improving renal function. This case suggests integrative therapies might complement standard care and, in some situations, support recovery.

鈥淭hese results suggest that integrative therapies may offer measurable support for renal recovery in AKI patients,鈥� write John Krueger and Michael Robles. 鈥淲hile more research is needed, this case underscores the importance of exploring holistic, patient-centered approaches alongside conventional care.鈥�

The study concludes that interprofessional collaboration between conventional and integrative practitioners could offer more comprehensive care options for patients facing acute kidney challenges.

Discover more about current and past 性爱视频 Clinical and Health Services Research at scuhs.edu/chsr

Chicago and San Diego Campuses of Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) to join Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频)

Agreement Strengthens the Leadership Positions of Both 性爱视频 and PCHS in Integrative, Whole Health Education

Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) and Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) today jointly announced that they have signed a definitive agreement through which 性爱视频 will assume PCHS鈥檚 Chicago and San Diego campuses and programs. As part of the agreement, 性爱视频 will also take over Pacific Center for Lifelong Learning, PCHS鈥檚 online Cosmetic Acupuncture Program, and Pacific Symposium, the nation鈥檚 largest and most respected acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) conference, attracting nearly 1,000 attendees annually. The PCHS New York campus, including all New York-based on-ground and online programs, will continue to operate independently and are not part of this transaction.

Leaders from both institutions emphasized that this change builds on the shared strengths of two recognized leaders in integrative health education. The transition provides the strongest possible pathway for the PCHS San Diego and Chicago campuses to thrive in today鈥檚 dynamic higher education environment, while enabling both 性爱视频 and PCHS to advance their shared missions of transforming healthcare through an integrative, whole-person approach.

As part of 性爱视频, the Chicago and San Diego campuses, students, staff, and faculty will benefit from:

• Expanded Program Offerings 鈥� 性爱视频 plans to bring additional degree and certificate programs to the Chicago and San Diego campuses, broadening options for students and making these locations destinations for those pursuing careers in integrative, whole-person healthcare.

• National Leadership in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 鈥� 性爱视频 and PCHS are both large and recognized leaders in TCM education. When the Chicago and San Diego campuses become part of 性爱视频, the institution will be the nation鈥檚 largest accredited TCM program, uniting exceptional faculty expertise, advanced clinical training, and impactful research.

• Enhanced Student and Faculty Opportunities 鈥� As part of 性爱视频, students, faculty, and staff will gain access to new resources, broader interprofessional learning experiences and professional development options.

• A Unified Alumni Network 鈥� Graduates from both institutions will become part of a larger, more diverse alumni community, strengthening professional connections, mentorship opportunities, and career pathways across the country.

鈥淭his is an exciting next step in 性爱视频鈥檚 journey as the nation鈥檚 first Integrative, Whole Health University,鈥� said Dr. John Scaringe, President and CEO of 性爱视频. 鈥淲e are not only creating a national hub for TCM education, innovation, and advocacy, but expanding our reach and influence on integrative, whole-person care and healthcare transformation more broadly.鈥�

Malcolm Youngren, President of PCHS, added: 鈥淏y partnering with 性爱视频, we are ensuring that our Chicago and San Diego campuses can continue to grow and compete in the ever-changing higher education landscape.鈥� With a narrowed geographic focus, PCHS will:

• Accelerate its multidisciplinary approach to holistic medicine integrating acupuncture, nursing, and massage therapy in New York.
• Respond to the demands from NY hospitals and healthcare organizations by creating a model where nurses and acupuncturists work hand in hand, forging new approaches to integrative healthcare that addresses the growing demand for integrative healthcare solutions.
• Expand its campus footprint; initially with an additional 7,000 sq ft of space at the Manhattan campus and later through satellite campuses in the NYC metro.

These opportunities and resources will provide future graduates with unique clinical and educational experiences that differentiate them from other healthcare professionals.

Pending regulatory approval, the Chicago and San Diego campuses, along with their students, faculty, staff, and programs are anticipated to officially join 性爱视频 in May 2026. As the transition unfolds, 性爱视频 and PCHS remain united by a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of transformative, forward-thinking healthcare professionals. By building on each institution鈥檚 strengths, this partnership ensures a more resilient and more impactful future for students, faculty, and healthcare as a whole.

About Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频)
Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) is one of the world’s only Integrative, Whole Health universities鈥攖eaching students to blend the best of conventional medicine with proven complementary approaches, and to treat the whole person (body, mind, and spirit). Founded in 1911, 性爱视频 has been challenging convention and pushing healthcare forward for more than 100 years. Today, the institution offers graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics & Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant, Ayurveda, Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine, Clinical Psychology, Whole Health Leadership, and beyond. Learn more at scuhs.edu.

About Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS)
Founded in 1986, Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) is a leading accredited institution in holistic and integrative healthcare education. PCHS offers programs in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, and holistic and integrative nursing, combining evidence-based practice with complementary therapies to prepare graduates to deliver whole-person care. Learn more at

A Journey to the Roots of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (ACHM): 性爱视频鈥檚 Global Approach to ACHM Education

During Spring Break, students from the Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (ACHM) program travel across the Pacific to immerse themselves in the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at China Medical University (CMU), a world-renowned institution consistently ranked among Taiwan’s top universities for medical programs. This unique educational exchange is part of an ongoing partnership between 性爱视频 and CMU鈥攊t blends centuries-old tradition with cutting-edge healthcare innovation, offering students an experience that goes far beyond the classroom.

The two-week program is designed to give students a full academic and cultural immersion. In the first week, they attend traditional Chinese medicine classes at CMU, learning alongside faculty and local students. The second week shifts to clinical observation at CMU-affiliated hospitals, where students shadow practitioners and see how TCM is applied in real-world patient care. Weekends are reserved for cultural exploration, giving students the chance to experience Taiwan鈥檚 rich traditions, food, and history.

Mayas Damer (third-year 性爱视频 student) said stepping onto the CMU campus was an eye-opening moment. 鈥淭he sheer size of the university and the hospitals was incredible,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淭he technology in their labs and study rooms far exceeded what I expected, and it was inspiring to see the resources available to students there.鈥�

Classmate Hallie Takenaga (third-year 性爱视频 student) echoed that sentiment, pointing to CMU鈥檚 modern herbal pharmacy as a highlight. 鈥淭he herbs were stored in a wall system that would light up to show exactly where each herb was located for a patient鈥檚 prescription. It was such an efficient blend of tradition and technology.鈥�

Axel Alvarez (third-year 性爱视频 student) was impressed by the way modern healthcare seamlessly integrated with TCM. 鈥淲atching how physicians integrated TCM with biomedicine in a hospital setting was incredible. I鈥檓 used to seeing acupuncture as a more individualized, clinic-based practice in the U.S., but here it was applied on a larger scale鈥攖reating multiple patients at once and preparing herbal formulas on the spot.鈥�

While 性爱视频 students learn both Eastern and Western medical principles at home, visiting CMU allowed them to observe how deeply integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine is in Taiwan鈥檚 healthcare system, and how the same could be true here at home

The pace and precision of the practitioners struck Kiajera Blackstone (third-year 性爱视频 student). 鈥淒octors inserted needles quickly, without using guide tubes, and treated so many patients at once, but everything was accurate. I want to learn how to do that.鈥�

For Mayas, patient comfort was just as impressive as practitioner skill. 鈥淧atients were completely at ease鈥攊t鈥檚 such a normal part of life there. In the U.S., we take extra time to explain everything because acupuncture isn鈥檛 as ingrained culturally.鈥�

The trip wasn鈥檛 just about seeing different acupuncture methods; it was about understanding an entirely different approach to healthcare.

Kiajera appreciated how equally valued Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine are in Taiwan. 鈥淭hey integrate the two systems, treating them as equals. For rehabilitation, they focused on classical acupuncture points and herbal formulas, and the results were amazing.鈥�

Hallie noted that CMU students receive highly specialized training, rotating through hospital departments such as internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, and traumatology. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 yet have that level of integration in U.S. hospitals. Following specialists in each department gave us a glimpse of what鈥檚 possible for the future of integrative healthcare.鈥�

Axel came away with a renewed professional vision. 鈥淚t鈥檚 made me more determined to bridge the gap between TCM and conventional medicine in my own practice. I want to cultivate the same kind of patient confidence I saw in Taiwan, where people are comfortable seeking acupuncture for both chronic and acute conditions.鈥�

Dr. Lawrence Lung Sheng Hsiao, 性爱视频 professor and trip leader, sees the CMU partnership as an unparalleled learning opportunity.

鈥淭his experience deepens students鈥� understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine and exposes them to diverse approaches to healthcare. Observing clinical practice in Taiwan broadens their diagnostic and treatment repertoire and expands their knowledge of how TCM and Western medicine can work together.鈥�

Dr. Hsiao also highlighted the professional benefits. 鈥淪tudying abroad gives students a competitive edge, expands their professional networks, and fosters adaptability鈥攓ualities that are highly valued in today鈥檚 global healthcare environment.鈥�

性爱视频 students who attended the trip reinforced a desire to keep exploring acupuncture on a global scale. Mayas hopes to return to CMU in the future; Kiajera is considering additional international study; and Hallie wants to experience acupuncture in other countries like Japan and Korea.

Their advice for future students?

鈥淕o. No matter what鈥攋ust go,鈥� said Kiajera. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.鈥�

鈥淎sk questions, take notes, and keep an open mind,鈥� added Mayas.

鈥淵ou鈥檒l grow as a practitioner and as a person,鈥� said Hallie.

鈥淚t鈥檚 inspiring to see TCM living, evolving, and responsive to modern health challenges,鈥� said Axel.

性爱视频鈥檚 international exchange with CMU exemplifies 性爱视频鈥檚 commitment to whole-person, culturally competent healthcare education. By combining immersive global experiences with rigorous academic training, 性爱视频 prepares graduates to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

Learn More About the Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Program at 性爱视频

性爱视频鈥檚 Summer IPE Week Brings Together Over 200 Students from Eight Different Academic Programs

A record-breaking week of immersive, team-based learning prepares future healthcare professionals to lead in integrative, whole-person care.

From July 28, 2025, to August 1, 2025, the 性爱视频 Center for Interprofessional Education hosted Summer IPE Week on campus. The week brought together more than 200 students for hands-on learning that strengthened teamwork, communication, and whole-person care across health disciplines.

Students from eight programs worked side by side:

• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Chiropractic
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Accelerated Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Master of Science in Medical Science

Faculty designed activities that mirrored real clinical settings, so students could practice skills they will use with patients and teams.

鈥淚PE at 性爱视频 is where integrative, whole health comes to life,鈥� said Karina Madrigal, EdD, MA, Dean of Interprofessional Education. 鈥淥ur model is bold, inclusive, and transformative鈥攂ringing together students from both complementary and conventional medicine.鈥� She noted that interprofessional education is an institutionalized system embedded across more than 15 academic programs. Students learn with, from, and about one another, and they graduate ready to practice in team-based care settings. 性爱视频鈥檚 model blends Eastern and Western care traditions to match how modern health systems operate and to prepare graduates to lead in integrative care.

Students rotated through team scenarios that required clear roles, shared decision-making, and direct communication with patients and caregivers. Sessions focused on three high-impact skills:

• Identifying system failures and contributing to a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement
• Handing off patients in a structured way to support safe care transitions
• Speaking with patients, families, and the care team in plain language to align on goals

These scenarios matched the pace and pressure of real practice, so teams could learn, adjust, and improve in the moment. Among the highlights was 性爱视频鈥檚 signature care coordination simulation, which brought multiple disciplines together to co-manage complex cases in real time.

Pre- and post-assessments showed gains across IPEC core competencies: Values and Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, and Teams/Teamwork. The results also aligned with 性爱视频鈥檚 鈥淟earning in Action鈥� measure, which tracks applied skills. 鈥淭he data confirm that our model not only changes what students know鈥攊t changes how they think and work,鈥� said Madrigal.

Skills from IPE Week translate directly to clinics and community sites. Students practiced structured handovers that reduce errors. They clarified the scope and responsibility so teams can respond faster. They used shared care plans that keep the patient and family at the center. As a result, students left not only with greater confidence, but with a strengthened ability to work across disciplines 鈥� ready to lead and collaborate as part of interprofessional teams united by a shared goal: advancing integrative, whole-person health and improving outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.

Collaboration starts early at 性爱视频. Students experience interprofessional learning from their first year, so teamwork becomes second nature. By the time they enter clinical placements, they already know how to listen across disciplines and keep care plans aligned with patient goals.

This year鈥檚 Summer IPE Week set a new bar for participation and impact. It showed how 性爱视频鈥檚 interprofessional model helps students grow as clinicians and as teammates. It also showed how a campus community can come together around a shared aim: to deliver whole-person care for every patient in every setting.

Learn more about Interprofessional Education at 性爱视频 and how our programs prepare students for team-based practice.

性爱视频’s Eastern Medicine Department Programs Receive Maximum Seven-Year Re-Accreditation

Southern California University of Health Sciences (性爱视频) Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) and Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) programs both received the highest level of re-accreditation鈥攁 seven-year term鈥攆rom the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM), a nationally recognized accrediting body for acupuncture and herbal medicine education. This recognition extends through February 2032, affirming 性爱视频’s unique and forward-thinking programs blending the best of traditional practices with the best of Western biomedicine.

“This re-accreditation is a prestigious recognition of our commitment to maintaining academic excellence and values of higher education in this field, ensuring that we provide the highest quality education to our students, and underscoring our continuous advancement,鈥� said Dr. Jenny Yu, Dean of the Eastern Medicine Department. “This achievement is also a testament to the diligence and dedication of our entire 性爱视频 team: faculty, students, patients, staff, and administrators. We sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed to this success.鈥�

As the Eastern Medicine Department enters this new accreditation cycle, it reaffirms its commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. The recognition validates 性爱视频’s current achievements and future as an Integrative Whole Health University.

For more information about the School of Eastern Medicine and its programs, visit 性爱视频HS.edu.

https://youtu.be/OsvJf5n6O6I