Robert Laguna, MSOM, LAc

Department of Acupuncture, Clinic Supervisor

MSOM, AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, 1997
BA, Southwest Texas State University, 1987

Previous to the start of his career as a healthcare provider, Robert Laguna worked as an educator. He holds a teaching certificate in Texas and has over ten years of experience teaching in the Texas public school system. In 1998, he was part of an acupuncture brigade that brought relief and education to medical personnel in Honduras in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. Laguna’s experience includes the treatment of patients with chemical dependencies and works in family practice clinics alongside Western physicians. Laguna is an active member of the AOMA community and his teaching background has translated to the work he does in AOMA’s classrooms. Laguna has also served as Dean of Students and clinical supervisor at AOMA since 2000.

Clinician Bio

“Meet patients where they are.” Robert Laguna’s clinical work includes protocols for a wide variety of common ailments, a specialty interest in pain management, and the treatment of patients with chemical dependencies. He also provides integrative care in family practice clinics alongside Western physicians. “Acupuncture’s role in the detox process and the subsequent recovery from addictions is powerful,” Laguna says, adding, “I also recognize that pain has physical and emotional causes and symptoms and often manifests as discomfort of all sorts. This is why I have trained over decades to utilize the most effective pain management tools that exist in our field.” Laguna notes the most transformational experience in his practice has been making home visits for stroke patients and says that “These experiences really expanded my treatment repertoire and my understanding of what a physician’s role in a patient’s life is.” Participation in relief efforts for natural disasters and missions to provide medicine to underserved areas has also been transformational for him. In 1998, Laguna joined the acupuncture brigade that brought relief and education to medical personnel in Honduras in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. Originally from Puerto Rico, Laguna was raised in San Antonio, where he later practiced ear acupuncture as an auriculotherapist for a chemical dependency clinic. His desire to learn more about acupuncture and Chinese medicine led him to the master’s degree program at AOMA in 1994. Laguna appreciates the systematic thought process and assessment required to make a correct diagnosis and activate an effective treatment in the practice of Chinese medicine. He notes that “It’s a system of medicine that is introspective and treats every individual with respect and honor. I think it’s important to listen to my patients with compassion.” This sense of compassion and respect for others transfer to patients and students alike at AOMA, where Laguna teaches, supervises student interns and serves as Dean of Students in addition to his clinical practice. Laguna says. “AOMA has always felt like home to me. I have been here for almost 20 years now and it still feels like that. Students, staff, faculty, and administrators alike are engaged in the same goals and are welcoming.” In his personal life, Robert Laguna is the conductor and music director for the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble and the founding member of the Austin Brass, Frontier Brass Quintet, and Pecan Street Brass Quintet ensembles. He also participates and performs in other community groups in the Austin area.

Licensure and Certifications

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners License
Diplomate of Acupuncture (NCCAOM)

Services Offered

Acupuncture
Acupressure
Herbal consultation

#integrativelife

EXPLORE AOMA

AOMA life

Mission Vision | Leadership| Library
Student Center | Programs
Financial Aid | Jobs at AOMA
Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act

(800) 824-9987 | (512) 454-1188

4701 West Gate Blvd., Austin, TX 78745

(512) 454-7001

info@aoma.edu

AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine