Faculty
AOMA recruits and employs highly qualified and experienced faculty, many of whom are from China and other countries. The cultural diversity of the faculty adds another dimension to the educational experience of our students and the quality of our faculty assures students a sound knowledge base for practice. Our faculty includes physicians, doctors of osteopathy, chiropractors, pharmacists, and PhDs in a variety of areas. Our faculty hold degrees representing institutions in China, Israel, India, as well as the United States.
AOMA’s faculty brings a wealth of experience to the classroom and clinic. They maintain appropriate licensure and certification as required by the state and the profession. This assures that our students receive classroom and clinical instruction from faculty who are active practitioners. This also assures that the curriculum remains current and representative of the newest developments in the field.
Our faculty are well-published both here and abroad. They are nationally and internationally recognized as experts in their fields as demonstrated by how often they are sought out to speak and present at professional meetings. Many AOMA faculty have been recognized for their accomplishments, leadership, and excellence by their peers. Most are active both here and abroad in advancing the practice of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture through service and leadership in professional organizations. Many are also engaged in community service through the provision of acupuncture and herbal therapy in community clinics available to the medically underserved. Another way in which faculty serve the community is through their membership on the boards of community organizations.
Students are regularly surveyed regarding the faculty and the quality of their classroom and clinical instruction. Faculty use the evaluation data to constantly improve their courses and teaching skills. Opportunities are provided for faculty to develop in their roles as teachers, practitioners and scholars. They are encouraged to bring this information to bear in the classroom, when supervising students and in the treatment of patients.
AOMA’s faculty is among the finest in the world. Experienced clinicians, researchers and educators, their dedication to the profession and to students’ success is a treasure. In the listing below, faculty who both instruct in the classroom and supervise students clinically are identified with an asterisk.
Full-time Faculty
Yongxin Fan, LAc, MD (China) *
Department of Integral Studies
BMed, Beijing College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, 1991
Yongxin Fan is an accomplished instructor of traditional Chinese tuina. He practiced and taught as an attending medical doctor and instructor in the Acupuncture Institute at the Chinese National Academy of TCM and at the Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center. A member of AOBTA, Yongxin Fan has lectured and worked as a visiting professor in Holland, Germany and Japan. He has more than 16 years of clinical experience and his research has been published in the National Journal of TCM. He specializes in applying an integrated therapy of acupuncture, herbs and tuina to treat various pain syndromes, acute and chronic articulation and muscle injury lumbago, recovery of fractures, headaches, stress, allergies, insomnia, and gastrointestinal disorders. Fan has instructed at AOMA since 2002.
Yuxing Liu, LAc, MD (China), PhD *
Director, Department of Research
PhD, Chengdu University of TCM, 2003
MMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1995
BMed, Hunan College of TCM, 1992
Yuxing Liu served as director and associate researcher of the Central Lab of Acupuncture and Tuina College of Chengdu University of TCM. He directed and instructed over 14 research projects, including “Insomnia due to hyperkinesias treated with TCM,” funded by China National Sports Committee (1998-2001) and “Treatment and prevention of shift-syndrome and ‘Jet-lag’ by TCM,” funded by China National Nature Science Foundation (1993-1996). He has published dozens of research papers and articles, as well as seven textbooks on TCM, one of which is being used nationally by postgraduate students in TCM colleges and universities throughout China. Liu has instructed at AOMA since 2004.
Song Luo, LAc, MD (China), PhD*
Department of Acupuncture
PhD in Medicine, Chengdu University of TCM, 2003
MMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 2000
BMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1993
During his twelve years at the Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital in Chengdu, China, Luo was entitled an “Excellent Doctor,” an honor bestowed on only 10 of the 2000 doctors in the hospital. He taught undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Chengdu University of TCM, and gave lectures to a variety of audiences including local doctors, patients, and foreign doctors from more than 15 countries in Europe, America and Asia. He has been a professional interpreter for the Chengdu University of TCM as well as for international medical delegations. Luo’s research experience includes effects of electro-acupuncture on Alzheimer’s disease, and the use of acupuncture and herbal treatments on cerebral hemorrhage. Luo has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Dongxin Ma, LAc, MD (China), PhD*
Director, Department of Herbal Studies
DMed, Beijing University of TCM, 1997
MMed, Heilongjiang University of TCM, 1993
BMed, Heilongjiang University of TCM, 1990
Dongxin Ma practiced Oriental medicine and taught foreign students in China for more than eight years before coming to the United States. An expert in both acupuncture and Chinese herbs, Ma has published research papers and books, and has participated as a presenter in several international conferences in the field. He maintains an active clinical practice where he specializes in treating women’s disorders and allergies. Ma has instructed at AOMA since 1999.
Raja Mandyam, MD (India)
Director, Department of Biomedicine
MBBS, Bangalore University, 1966
Raja Mandyam obtained membership of the Royal College of Physicians, London in 1974 and held a consultant post at Medway Hospital in Kent, England, specializing in intensive care. He has worked worldwide and has held consultant physician positions in England, India, Papua New Guinea, and Saudi Arabia. He taught for more than 10 years at a medical school in Bangalore, India. Mandyam is interested in the adaptation of modern medicine into trans-cultural settings and extending healthcare teaching at all levels. In 1998, he was elected to the fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians, London. Mandyam has instructed at AOMA since 2000.
Yuxia Qiu, LAc, MD (China), MS *
Department of Integral Studies
MMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1999
BMed, Hebei College of TCM, 1996
Yuxia Qiu has practiced and taught foreign students in a TCM hospital in Beijing. As a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and qigong, she has published many papers and books in several research fields, including gastrology, gynecology, needle techniques, qigong, and the fundamental theory of TCM. Qiu has instructed at AOMA since 2001.
Xiaotian Shen, LAc, MD (China), MPH *
Director, Department of Clinics
MPH, Hebrew University, 1999
BMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1993
Xiaotian Shen has taught acupuncture and herbal medicine at two colleges in China and was a traditional Chinese medicine physician at the Teaching Hospital of Sichuan College of Medicinal C.E. In addition to contributing to various professional journals, Shen serves as a member of the NCCAOM exam-writing committee and is a certified examiner of Clean Needle Techniques. He is a frequent presenter at national conferences on topics such as the use of traditional Chinese medicine in treating patients with multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, and diabetes; and on the interactions between Chinese herbs and pharmaceuticals. Shen has instructed at AOMA since 1999.
Qianzhi (Jamie) Wu, LAc, MD (China), MS *
Dean of the Faculty and Director, Department of Integral Studies
MMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1985
BMed, Lu Zhou Medical College, 1982
Qianzhi Wu studied acupuncture from a veteran barefoot doctor, starting his practice of traditional Chinese medicine in 1977 and later enrolling in TCM schools for seven years. Wu is a past commissioner of the NCCAOM and served as the chairman of NCCAOM’s Chinese Herbology Examination Development Committee and the chairman of the Asian Bodywork Examination Development Committee. Wu has published six books (four of them as the primary author). He maintains an active clinical practice at AOMA’s Professional Clinic, specializing in treating internal medical disorders, sports injuries, pediatrics, and pain management. Wu has instructed at AOMA since 1996.
Zheng Zeng, LAc, MD (China), MS *
Director, Department of Acupuncture
MMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1994
BMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1991
Zheng Zeng practiced at the Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University where she taught both Chinese and foreign students for more than eight years, She also practiced and taught in Tel-Aviv, Israel from 1996 to 1997. She is interested in ancient TCM works and recent research, and has participated in clinical research on treating diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis with herbs and acupuncture. She has published papers and books about her clinical experiences and research, such as treating psycho-emotional diseases with acupuncture and treating gynecological and dermatological diseases with acupuncture and herbs. Zeng has instructed at AOMA since 2002.
Special Instructor
Junfeng Li, Instructor
Department of Integral Studies
BA, Beijing Institute of Physical Education, 1965
Junfeng Li is perhaps best known as having been the head coach of the world-renowned Beijing Wushu (Martial Arts) Team and National Wushu Team of the People’s Republic of China. Under his leadership, the Beijing Wushu Team consistently won first place in national and international competitions for over 12 years, elevating the standards of excellence and quality worldwide. Today, Junfeng Li serves as special advisor to the World Academic Society of Medical Qigong and the Qigong Science Research Association of China. He has taught in more than 20 countries and has instructed at AOMA since 2002.
Adjunct Faculty
Swati Avashia, MD
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Doctor of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1998
BA, Psychology, Cornell University
Dr. Avashia worked in the division of applied epidemiology and public health training at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for two years. During this time, Dr. Avashia published five journal articles on the subject of infectious diseases. She has continued her work in public health through her position as a physician in community health clinics which serve indigent populations.
John Chen, LAc, PharmD, OMD (CA)
Department of Biomedical Sciences
PharmD, University of Southern California School of Pharmacy, 1994
John Chen actively participates in education, research, and the frontiers of contemporary application of herbal medicine. A recognized authority on Chinese herbal medicine and Western (allopathic) pharmacology, Dr. Chen has written extensively on Oriental medicine and alternative complementary/ integrative medicine for professional publications, journals, and texts, drawing on his wealth of specialty post-graduate training and experience in mainland China in herbology as applied in internal medicine, and on his doctoral degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy and studies at South Baylo University of Oriental Medicine. Chen has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Joel Cone, DC, Postgraduate Certification in Acupuncture
Department of Biomedical Sciences
DC, Texas Chiropractic College, 2001
BS, Texas Chiropractic College, 2001
Dr. Cone has extensive experience in reading MRI, CT, and radiographic images, and performing comprehensive physical examination on surgical patients. He brings together knowledge in clinical anatomy, physiology, patient management and acupuncture with enthusiasm to biomedical science. He enjoys showing students ways to apply knowledge in anatomy and physiology to their future practices. Dr. Cone maintains an active clinic practice in the Austin area. Cone has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Jimmie L. Coombes, MS
Department of Integral Studies
MS, St. Mary’s University, 1975
BA, A&M College of Texas, 1963
Jimmie Coombes is a retired USAF Colonel and a decorated command pilot with more than 6,000 hours of flying time. During his Air Force years, Col. Coombes taught leadership, professional ethics, force planning, defense policy and decision making at two senior service defense studies colleges. During his military career, he served on the faculty of the Air War College and the NATO Defense College. Col. Coombes has more than 19 years of teaching experience. He has been instrumental in developing the business affairs of two schools of Oriental medicine. He has instructed at AOMA since 2002.
Han Dong, LAc., MD (China)*
Department of Herbal Studies
Bachelor of Medicine, Liaoning College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1986
Master of Medicine, Liaoning College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1991
Han Dong interrupted his doctoral studies in Pharmacolgy at China Medical University in Shenyang, China in 1998 in order to come to the United States. Since leaving China he has taught and practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine at SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine, Kansas College of Chinese Medicine and Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He brings 21 years of teaching and practice experience to the classroom and clinical setting. He has written and published four books in English and Chinese and many academic papers.
Richard Ray Espinosa, RPh, PharmD
Department of Biomedical Sciences
PhD/PharmD, University of Texas, 2001
Richard Espinosa is the department chair for the Allied Health Science Department and has been a professor of medical terminology at Austin Community College (ACC) since 1994. He is currently a practicing part-time pharmacist at HEB Pharmacy. He designed and developed a course packet and accompanying videos for the medical terminology and pharmacology courses at ACC. He has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Carl Bruce Gacono, PhD
Department of Integral Studies
PhD, United States International University, 1988
MA, California Polytechnic State University, 1981
BS, Lebanon Valley College, 1976
Carl Gacono is a licensed psychologist who maintains a private clinical and forensic practice in Austin, Texas. Formerly the assessment center director at Atascadero State Hospital and later the chief psychologist at the Federal Correctional Institution in Bastrop, Texas, he has over 20 years of organizational experience. He is co-author of Contemporary Rorschach Interpretation, editor of The Clinical and Forensic Assessment of Psychology: A Practitioner’s Guide, and has authored or co-authored over 50 scientific articles and book chapters. He is the 1994 recipient of the Samuel J. and Anne G. Beck Award for excellence in early career research, the 2000 recipient of the Walter G. Klopfer Award, a member of the American Board of Assessment Psychology, and a fellow of the Society for Personality Assessment. Dr. Gacono is sought as an expert in the areas of personality disorders, criminal behavior, psychopathy, and risk assessment. He has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Yan He, LAc, MD (China)*
Department of Integral Studies
BMed, Chengdu University of TCM, 1984
Yan He is an acupuncturist and herbal specialist with more than eighteen years of experience in practicing and teaching acupuncture and Chinese herbs. She has a private practice at AOMA’s Professional Clinic. She has published several textbooks on acupuncture and herbs as well as dozens of articles. She often combines Chinese food therapies with her acupuncture and herbal practice. She has instructed at AOMA since 2002.
Yuxin He, LAc, MD (China), PhD*
Dean of Academics
DMed, Liaoning College of TCM, 1994
MMed, Nanjing University of TCM, 1989
BMed, Jiangxi College of TCM, 1986
Yuxin He has taught at five of China’s top medical schools and has authored eight books and numerous research papers on Chinese medicine. He was one of two post-doctorate researchers in the field of TCM in China prior to 1995, in a program designed to develop excellent high-level young scientists and academic leaders in the profession. He served as the vice chairman of the Special Needling Technique Committee of the National Folk Therapy Association and as a committee member of the Editing Committee of the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and the NCCAOM. He is an acupuncture and herbal specialist with more than eighteen years of experience in practice and teaching acupuncture and Chinese herbs. He has an active practice in Austin, Texas specializing in pain management, emotional stress, immune disorders, chronic fatigue, dermatology, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. He has instructed at AOMA since 1996.
Mary V. Mirto, DO
Department of Biomedical Sciences
DO, University of North Texas, 1993
Mary Mirto is a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Mirto maintains a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology at St. David’s Medical Center where she also serves on the Continuing Medical Education Steering Committee and participates in quality assurance. Her practice includes general gynecology, healthy and high risk obstetrics, and preventative healthcare for women. As a physician, she believes in a holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Mirto has instructed at AOMA since 2005.
Lorena Monda, LAc, Licensed Clinical Mental
Health Counselor (NM), OMD (NM)
Department of Integral Studies
OMD, Southwest Acupuncture College, 1988
MS, California State University, Long Beach, 1979
BA, Florida State University, 1976
Lorena Monda has a private practice in traditional Chinese medicine and body-centered psychotherapy. She has served on the faculty of the Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe and has also been a consultant to the Texas Council on Family Violence and the Center for Battered Women in Austin. Lorena is the author of The Practice of Wholeness: Spiritual Transformation in Everyday Life. She is also a certified Hakomi therapist and trainer for the Hakomi Institute for Body-Centered Psychotherapy. She has instructed at AOMA since 1994.
Rosa N. Schnyer, LAc (MA)
Department of Integral Studies
Diploma in Acupuncture, Tri-State College of Acupuncture, 1987
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, State University of New York, 1988 Rosa Schnyer is an acupuncturist/Chinese herbalist and a Research Associate at the Osher Institute at Harvard Medical School and at The New England School of Acupuncture. In addition, she serves as a consultant to the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford University and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Arizona. She is co-Investigator of several National Institute of Health funded research projects investigating acupuncture and co-president of the Society for Acupuncture Research. Ms. Schnyer is the author of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Depression: A Manual for Research and Clinical Practice, Curing Depression with Chinese Medicine, several book chapters and articles on acupuncture research methodology.
Ziyang Zhou, LAc, MD (China), MS *
Department of Herbal Studies
MMed, Heilongjiang Academy of TCM, 1991
BMed, Anhui College of TCM, 1988
Ziyang Zhou was a chief clinical physician at the first specialized acupuncture hospital in China prior to 1995. He holds three patents for acupuncture equipment in China and has done extensive research on moxibustion and scalp acupuncture. He has published several research papers and is the author of four books. He has been practicing Chinese medicine since 1988 and teaching Chinese acupuncture and herbology in the United States since 1995. He has instructed at AOMA since 2001.
Teaching Assistant
Lesley Hamilton, LAc, MSOM
Department of Herbal Studies
MSOM, Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin, 2002
BS, University of Wisconsin, 1979
Lesley maintains her own clinical practice in addition to assisting in herbal labs at AOMA. She edited Ziyang Zhou’s text, Chinese Herbology -A Student Study Guide, in use at AOMA.