DAOM Degree

Advanced Doctoral Program in Integrative Medicine

An Executive Program for Working Professionals

Attend Just 1 Weekend Per Month                             

DAOM Residency Dates 2022-2025

Why the Advanced Practice Doctorate or DAOM degree?

The Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (DAOM) is the most advanced degree in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the terminal degree. The purpose of Yo San University’s DAOM program is to broaden and deepen the knowledge and skills of our students in Asian and Integrative Medicine by way of instruction, scholarly activity, research, clinical specialization and practice, resulting in enhanced competencies in patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment intervention and integrative patient-centered care.

Doctoral candidates are encouraged to embrace their core knowledge, expand their understanding and active practice of all aspects of Asian Medicine including acupuncture, herbal medicine, Qi cultivation and nutrition. The DAOM program at Yo San University also seeks to strengthen candidates’ understanding of biomedical sciences while assisting candidates to develop relationships with other healthcare providers for professional collaboration and scholarly endeavors. By imparting and supporting critical thinking and lifelong learning, the DAOM program at Yo San University strives to cultivate superior practitioners, scholars, teachers and leaders in the fields of Integrative medicine, acupuncture, and herbal Medicine.

While our doctoral students earn CEU credits for classes, our doctor level classes are not open to the public for CEU’s. This provides for a nurturing environment where doctoral candidates can foster relationship with their peers and faculty.

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EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Graduates of Yo San University’s Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine program are able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge in all aspects of Asian Medicine including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Qi cultivation and nutrition;
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of biomedical sciences relevant to their chosen clinical specialty and practice;
• Apply critical thinking and advanced clinical reasoning in patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment intervention within their chosen specialty;
• Integrate evidence-based biomedicine to acupuncture and herbal Medicine practice to provide holistic and truly integrative patient-centered care;
• Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers in multi-disciplinary settings;
• Apply the principles of scientific inquiry to research and scholarly activities;
• Demonstrate leadership skills in the acupuncture and herbal Medicine profession; and
• Show evidence of life-long learning through professional growth and the continued pursuit of excellence.

PROGRAM OF STUDY 

The two-year DAOM program in integrative Medicine at Yo San University is designed for acupuncturists who are interested in advancing their Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge and skills, learning the intricacies of a clinical specialization, as well as developing the skills needed to conduct research or participate in research studies. Doctoral candidates have a unique opportunity to study with expert faculty in their chosen clinical specialty.

The University’s innovative DAOM program emphasizes collaboration in clinical settings by providing rigorous training in advanced concepts of TCM and biomedicine, and promoting the dynamic relationship between TCM and Biomedicine. By integrating biomedical science and TCM, the program aims to produce extraordinary practitioners, scholars, teachers and leaders in the field.

The YSU DAOM program is 1,220 hours in length, comprising of 570 didactic hours and 650 clinical hours. DAOM courses are offered once per month during a 3-day weekend intensive with a flexible clinical training schedule, allowing practitioners to earn a doctorate degree in 24 months while maintaining their private practices.

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CORE CURRICULUM COURSES

Core curriculum courses are designed to equip doctoral candidates with information, processes, research tools, and perspectives to enrich their specialization studies, to aid in professional development and to enhance professional relationships.

INTEGRATIVE SPECIALTIES

The YSU DAOM program presently offers two (2) specialization options: Reproductive Medicine and/or Whole Health and Longevity Medicine. Potential DAOM candidates will be required to select their desired clinical specialty at the time of enrollment in the DAOM program.

During the two-year program, specialization courses provide doctoral candidates with the opportunity to deepen their expertise in their chosen field. Through advanced coursework in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and integrative medicine, candidates explore intricate concepts that seamlessly blend specialized curriculum, cutting-edge research findings, and hands-on clinical experiences. Classes are structured to meet over a three-day weekend each month, featuring 2.5 days of engaging lectures followed by a half-day dedicated to practical clinical training. This immersive format fosters a rich learning environment that prepares candidates for professional excellence.

Hands-on training is essential in the DAOM program, as it allows candidates to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, honing their clinical skills and developing confidence in patient interactions. Unlike online coursework, which can often lack personal engagement and immediate feedback, in-person training provides valuable opportunities for direct mentorship and collaborative learning. This experiential approach not only enhances understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and adaptability, essential traits for practitioners in the dynamic field of integrative healthcare. By prioritizing hands-on experiences, the program ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the complex demands of their future practices.

Clinical Specialty Program
Reproductive Medicine:

This two-year clinical doctorate specialty, the most in depth program in the country, offers a comprehensive integration of advanced TCM and biomedicine diagnostics and treatment protocols, specifically designed for the effective management of reproductive health dysfunctions and disorders. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, combining evidence-based practices from both medical traditions to address complex reproductive health issues.

Didactic and clinical instruction cover a wide range of specialized treatments for conditions such as hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders, endometriosis, infertility, erectile dysfunction, prostate diseases, urological disorders, nutritional imbalances, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and IVF/IUI. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on training, candidates gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop tailored treatment plans that consider the unique physiological and emotional aspects of each patient.

Moreover, the curriculum encourages a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of reproductive health with overall wellness, preparing graduates to address not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of these disorders. By fostering collaboration between various treatment modalities, the program equips practitioners with a robust toolkit for promoting optimal reproductive health and enhancing the quality of life for their patients. This innovative approach not only prepares candidates for clinical excellence but also positions them as leaders in the evolving landscape of integrative healthcare.

Dr. Daoshing Ni, Co-Chair Reproductive Medicine Department, Yo San University
Dr. Daoshing Ni is the 38th generation in a family lineage of Chinese Medicine Doctors. He is considered to be one of the foremost authorities on TCM and fertility in America today. Dr. Dao is the cofounder of Yo San University of Chinese Medicine.

After earning his O.M.D. and Ph.D. in Oriental Medicine, he took advanced studies in internal medicine, gynecology, and pediatrics at both Beijing and Nanjing Colleges of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. At the age of 19, Daoshing was the youngest person to be licensed by the California Acupuncture Board.

Most recently, Dr. Dao was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Integrative Fertility Symposium in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was honored by the conference for being a pioneer and trailblazer in the field of integrative reproductive medicine. He was awarded the recipient of the American Fertility Association’s Dr. Joyce Vargas Visionary Award in 2009. He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Pacific Coast Reproductive Society, American Society for Nutrition, and the American Association of Oriental Medicine.

Dr. Paul Magarelli, Co-Chair Reproductive Medicine Department, Yo San University

Dr. Paul Magarelli is a highly experienced, double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Specialist (REI). For over 25 years he has been in private practice building families through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

Dr. Magarelli completed his REI fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles/ Cedars-Sinai, his OB/GYN residency at Duke University Medical Center, and his MD at the University of Arizona. While at the University of Arizona, he also completed a PhD as well as a Masters of Science in Nutritional Biochemistry.

Considered a pioneer in integrative reproductive medicine, Dr. Magarelli was one of the originators of research to incorporate acupuncture into IVF treatment cycles. The acupuncture protocol (CMAP) he and his partner developed is used worldwide to help infertility patients. He currently serves as faculty, mentorship program coordinator, and Co-Chairman of the Integrative Reproductive Medicine program at Yo San University in Los Angeles.

Clinical Specialty Program
Whole Health and Longevity Medicine:

Enhance your Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge and credentials, and gain valuable insight into integrative medicine practices that focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. By understanding the principles of Whole Health and Longevity Medicine, you will learn to assess and address not only physical symptoms but also emotional and social factors that contribute to well-being. With continued training and mentorships, you will become an invaluable member of your community healthcare network, equipped to collaborate with a diverse range of integrative medicine practitioners. Having authored your own original scholarly work detailing your research, you’ll graduate with the confidence to prevent, diagnose, and treat a vast array of complex conditions, including: Cardiology, Orthopedics, Immunology, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition, all while promoting holistic wellness and empowering patients to take an active role in their health journeys.

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, Chair Healthy Aging and Longevity Department, Yo San University
Dr. Mao Shing Ni, popularly known as Dr. Mao, is the 38th generation of Chinese medicine doctors in his family. Well known and respected in the field of integrative and anti-aging medicine, he is the cofounder of Yo San University.

Dr. Mao holds two doctorates as well as being board certified in anti-aging medicine. He has written 18 books, including his bestselling books Secrets of Longevity, Second Spring, Secrets of Longevity Cookbook and his latest, Live Your Ultimate Life.

Awarded Best of the Best on The Doctor Oz Show, Dr. Mao can also be seen on The Doctors, Katie Couric, as well as the pages of The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times. Online he writes about natural health and longevity on The Huffington Post, Ask Dr. Mao, EmpowHer and other popular websites and speaks at medical conferences internationally. Dr. Mao maintains a full time clinical practice with his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni and their team of doctors at Tao of Wellness, integrative medical centers with offices in Santa Monica and Pasadena, California.

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ADVANCED Clinical Education

DAOM candidates receive advanced clinical training in their area of specialty by attending the program’s specialty focused clinics and developing individual and customized plans for their clinical training experiences.

Opportunities for externships, mentorships and preceptorships include, but are not limited to the following:

• Clinical Internships at Yo San University Blount Community Clinic
• Clinical Externships at specialized clinics and hospitals in the local area
• China Externships at universities and hospitals in China
• Mentorship programs with experienced senior practitioners and faculty in the field
• Preceptorships programs with focus on education or academic administration
• Specialty grand rounds

CAPSTONE Research Project

The Capstone Research Project is an integral component of the YSU DAOM program. Each doctoral candidate is required to propose and complete a capstone research project and present their respective project at the Dissertation Conference as part of the DAOM program requirement. Candidates are introduced to evidence-based medicine and current TCM research, and participate in a critical review of select current TCM and biomedical research.

The Capstone Research Project are developed out of the candidates’ chosen field of specialization. This project demonstrates the doctoral candidate’s mastery and synthesis of knowledge and skills in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, clinical practice, and research. By the end of the third trimester of the program, candidates submit a written proposal outlining their research plan to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Yo San University for review and approval. At the end of the program, doctoral candidates present and defend their capstone research project to a panel of faculty, visiting specialists and to peers in their DAOM cohort. During the Dissertation Defense, DAOM candidates address questions raised by the dissertation panel; demonstrating their understanding and mastery of their selected research topic, research methodology, supporting scientific evidence and literature, and implications of the findings of their capstone research project.

THE FIRST ACADEMIC YEAR

In the first academic year, DAOM candidates begin their studies in both core curriculum content such as research, professional development, advanced diagnosis and treatments, and advanced courses associated with their chosen area of specialty. Candidates develop their capstone research project proposals and receive IRB approval, as well as begin their clinical training in the Yo San Blount Community Clinic and other approved mentorship sites.

THE SECOND ACADEMIC YEAR

DAOM candidates continue their studies with the focus on specialty area concentrations, continued advanced clinical training, submittal and defense of their capstone research project at the Dissertation Conference and graduating with the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree.

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