Welcome to the Chi Institute: Veterinary Acupuncture, Veterinary Continuing Education, Equine Acupuncture, Small Animal Acupuncture, Veterinary Herbal, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Chi Institute

Speakers and Instructors

	Shen Huisheng Xie, DVM, PhD Dr. Xie (pronounced "shay") received his DVM at the Sichuan College of Veterinary Medicine in China in 1983. In 1988, he received his Master of Science in Veterinary Acupuncture. From 1988 to 1994, he was an Assistant and Associate Professor in the Beijing Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1999, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Florida for his investigation of the mechanisms of pain control in horses by using acupuncture. He currently serves as a clinical associate professor of the Integrative Medicine Service at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Xie’s academic accomplishments are extensive. He has received Achievement Awards from several Chinese institutions including the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Science and Technology Committee, and the Beijing Agricultural University. As an invited speaker in the United States, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Europe, he has lectured about veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine around the world. He has authored 12 books and over 100 scientific papers. His textbooks, including Xie’s Veterinary Acupuncture, Xie’s Veterinary Chinese Herbology and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: Fundamental Principles, have been used for TCVM training programs in China, Japan, Europe, South America, Australia and the United States. Having taught Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to American/European veterinarians since 1988, Dr. Xie recognized the need to present TCVM in a more user-friendly way, making it practical and useful for everyday application by conventionally trained veterinarians in the West. In 1998, Dr. Xie founded the Chi Institute in Reddick, FL to train veterinarians in acupuncture, herbal medicine, food therapy, Tui-na and other TCVM disciplines.
	Peter Antosiewicz, DVM, CVA, CVTP Dr. Antosiewicz received his DVM in 1981 from the Agricultural School of Veterinary Medicine of Warsaw, Poland. He became certified in veterinary acupuncture by IVAS, and certified in Herbology & Tui-Na by Chi Institute. He is in the process of pursuing his Master’s in TCVM. Dr. Antosiewicz completed certification programs in canine rehabilitation, canine postural rehabilitation, and chiropractic manipulation. He is owner of Squibnocket Animal Center in Brookfield, CT and Valley Veterinary Hospital in New Milford, CT practicing integrative veterinary medicine, with interest in pain management and rehabilitation.
	Stacie Atria DVM, CVA Dr. Stacie Atria earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Biology from the University of Miami in 2001 and her DVM from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2008. Dr. Atria completed the mixed animal acupuncture course at the Chi Institute in December of 2006 and was granted certification from the Chi Institute and China’s National Society of TCVM. She has completed both the Equine and Small Animal advanced acupuncture courses, TCVM Food Therapy, and all five of the TCVM Herbal Therapy and clinical application modules at the Chi Institute. Dr. Atria recently completed a one year clinical Internship in Acupuncture at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center under the direction of Dr. Xie. While at the University of Florida, Dr. Atria did work investigating the use of acupuncture and herbal therapies for the treatment of Anhydrosis and Recurrent Airway Obstructive disease in horses.
	Mary S. Battistella DVM, CVA Dr. Mary Battistella is a 1983 graduate from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after graduation, she opened her own veterinary practice. In 1994, she was acupuncture and Chinese herbal certified through the IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society). She has been involved with the IVAS Course as a teaching assistant at several of the courses and was on the education committee. Dr. Battistella has been a Board member of the AAVA and AHVMA. She has lectured on acupuncture and TCVM for state association, at the North American Veterinary Conference, IVAS Congress 2004, China Veterinary Acupuncture Congress in Beijing 2006, and the AAVA annual meeting 2007 & 2011, and the AHVMA meeting 2008. She currently has a full service veterinary practice, Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort, in Eclectic, AL. Her other interests include bluegrass music, jewelry making, gardening, scuba diving.
	Jody Bearman DVM, CVA, CVCH I am a 92 graduate of the U of MN vet school and 87 graduate of the UW Madison B.S. in Bacteriology. I took the Chi Institute courses as soon as I paid off my student loans, and have never looked back! I practice TCVM mixed animal practice house/farm calls and at the clinic where I last practiced western medicine. I love watching/helping my human kids in their theatrical, musical and sports endeavors, doing anything outside, spending time with my human and animal family, qi gong, meditation , yoga/pilates, and learning everything I can.
	Signe Beebe, DVM, CVA Dr. Beebe received her DVM in 1988 from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, and has practiced integrative medicine since 1995. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbology and veterinary tui-na by the Chi Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine and China National Society of TCVM, and has completed the certificate program in Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Beebe owns the Integrative Veterinary Center in CA and specializes in Chinese herbal medicine. She has a special interest in the application of Chinese medicine for zoo animals. Dr Beebe is a regular instructor for the Chi Institute and is the coordinator of the West Coast Small Animal Acupuncture course. She is a board member of the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Natura Nutritional Advisory Board. Dr Beebe is the author of "Clinical Handbook of Chinese Veterinary Herbal Medicine" and she lectures at scientific meetings in the US and internationally.
	Suzanne Brannan, DVM, CVA Dr. Suzy Brannan graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. In 2004, she became a certified veterinary acupuncturist, completing the Small Animal Acupuncture Course at the Chi Institute. Suzy is currently continuing her education in Chinese herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-na at the Chi Institute. She divides her time between 3 practices in Gainesville, Micanopy, and Ocala and keeping up with her daughter.
	Shauna Cantwell , DVM, MVSc, CVA Dr. Cantwell is a 2002 graduate of the Chi Institute Mixed Animal Acupuncture class. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Canada in 1989, and worked in mixed, small animal, and emergency medicine until 1995. In 1998, she completed a residency in anesthesia, masters in veterinary science, and moved to the University of Florida to be on faculty in the Anesthesia and Pain Management department. Here she applies her acupuncture in clinical studies, and also on her animals at home. She and her husband have a farm in Newberry, Florida, where they rescue, retrain, rehabilitate and heal 15 horses, 5 dogs, and 3 cats . She has practiced Tai Chi for 15 years and rides dressage in her free time.
	Elizabeth Carson, DVM, CVA, CVT Dr. Beth Carson obtained her DVM from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She recently completed a one year internship in Acupuncture at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center. Dr. Carson completed the equine acupuncture course at the Chi Institute in December of 2005. She obtained her certified in both acupuncture and tui-na through the Chi Institute in 2007. She has completed both the equine and small animal advanced acupuncture courses, TCVM food therapy and tui-na, and all five of the TCVM herbal therapy and clinical application courses at the Chi Institute. She currently is completing certification in TCVM herbal therapy. At present Dr. Carson is finishing work on research for the treatment of equine anhidrosis with acupuncture and herbal therapy at the University of Florida. She is an equine an small animal lab instructor with the Chi Institute and plans on pursuing a Masters degree in TCVM.
	Cheryl Chrisman, DVM, MS, EdS, ACVIM-Neurology, CVA Dr. Chrisman received her DVM from Michigan State University in 1968 and an MS degree from the Ohio State University in 1974. She became certified in veterinary neurology by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialty of Neurology in 1976. She joined the faculty of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (UFCVM) as a neurologist in 1977 and then obtained an Education Specialist degree from UF in 1987. She is currently Professor and Chief of Neurology at the UFCVM. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist from the Chi Institute. She integrates acupuncture in her Neurology practice, works with Dr. Xie in the UFCVM acupuncture service and is a member of the UFCVM Acupuncture Internship Committee.
	Connie L. Clemons-Chevis DVM, CVA, CVHC, CVFT, CVT Dr. Connie Chevis received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Montevallo , AL in 1976 and a Master’s in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kentucky in 1980. She graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1986. She started her own small animal and exotic practice in 1987 and which evolve into the marine mammal field in 1993. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed the marine mammal park in 2005, she started studying mixed animal acupuncture at Chi Institute and became certified in acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, food therapy and Tui-na. She is currently working on a Master’s degree in TCVM and has two publications on acupoints in Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins. Dr. Chevis has lectured on the TCVM in dolphins in China and at the IVAS and IAAAM conferences. She currently works at the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, MS and has Alternative Medicine for Pets which is a TCVM exclusive mixed animal practice. She enjoys bicycling, volleyball, traveling to Panama and learning.
	Roger Clemmons, DVM, Ph. D, CVA Dr. Clemmons received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and in 1973 and Ph.D in 1979, both from Washington State University. He is the Associate Professor of Neurology & Neurosurgery at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, and is a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist as well. He integrates veterinary acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition into his practice.
	Xiaolin Deng, OMD, AP, MS Dr. Xiaolin Deng received her medical degree from Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1982. She has practiced and taught traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China and the United States for over 22 years. Her expertise in the treatment of hypertension and renal diseases using the TCM is recognized in the United States. She currently teaches and practices TCM in Gainesville, Florida.
	Constance DiNatale, DVM, CVA Dr. Constance DiNatale owns a holistic practice in Winter Park, Florida. She uses predominantly herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, and spinal manipulation to treat patients. She took the IVAS acupuncture course in 1989, and has studied and taught with Dr. Xie at Chi Institute since 1999. Her favorite things to do in her spare time are to spend time with her son, Valenttine, and to teach and learn at the Chi Institute.
	Allison Faber, DVM, MS, CVA, CVCH Dr. Faber earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida in 1995. After practicing traditional medicine for 10 years, Dr. Faber received certification in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine through The Chi Institute. Dr. Faber has also recieved training in Chinese Herbal Therapy and Food Therapy, and is currently on staff as a teaching assistant at the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine in Reddick, Florida. A resident of the Richmond, Virginia area, Allison has combined experience in equine and small animal medicine. Alternative medicine has long been an area of interest for her, especially pertaining to health maintenance and equine performance. Dr. Faber created Full Circle Veterinary Services, PLLC to combine her firm foundation in western medicine with alternative wellness therapies for horses, dogs and cats. She has 3 children and enjoys the constant quest for balance in life.
	Bruce Ferguson, DVM, MS, CVA, CVCH Dr. Bruce Ferguson received his MS in Animal Behavior in 1986 and his DVM in 1992 from the University of Florida. He studied with IVAS in 1997 and began attending Chi Institute classes in 1998. After certification in TCVM acupuncture and herbal medicine, he studied Tui-na in Beijing and, along with Dr. Xie, developed a TCVM Tui-na course offered at the Chi Institute now. He has attended human acupuncture school and trains with experts in human TCM annually. He lectures at veterinary colleges and at scientific meetings nationally and internationally in the field of TCVM. He has trained and taught oriental martial and meditative arts for over 25 years and includes Qi-gong practice in his presentations at the Chi Institute.
	Joyce Harman, DVM, CVT (photographed by Deb Morrow) Dr. Joyce Harman graduated from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984 and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1985. She has been certified in veterinary acupuncture for fourteen years and veterinary chiropractic for a decade. She has since completed advanced training in homeopathy and herbal medicine and is currently working on a master's degree in Chinese medicine. Dr. Harman has served as president of the AHVMA, chairman of the Alternative Medicine Committee for the AAEP and has been a member of the task force on alternative medicine for the AVMA. She has published 40 papers in professional publications given many lectures to professional audiences internationally.
	Skip Hightman, DVM, DOM, CVA, CVH, Diplomat NCCAOM Dr. Hightman is a 1975 Illinois graduate and has practiced TCVM since 1994. He has lectured and been an instructor for IVAS and Chi Institute as well. He is also certified and uses chiropractic, Tui-na, NAET (allergy elimination treatment), Homeopathy, and Healing Touch in conjunction with TCM Acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional therapy.
	Reed Holyoak, DVM, PhD, CVA Dr. Gilbert Reed Holyoak received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Washington State University in 1988. He then went on to receive his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1992 and specialty board certification (American College of Theriogenologists) in 2000. In 2009, the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine and China's National Society of TCVM granted him certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. In 2012, Dr. Holyoak assisted with the Veterinary Acupuncture Introduction Course cosponsored by China Southwest University and Chi Institute in Chongqing, China. He currently holds the Bullock endowed professorship of Equine Theriogenology at Oklahoma State University and is also Interim Head of the Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. He is working on a variety research projects at the university, these include: infectious diseases affecting reproduction; embryo-pathogen/toxin interactions with equine arteritis virus and others; embryo transfer in large animal species including food animals and equine.
	Carole Holland, DVM, CVA, CVT Dr. Carole Holland is working in Wellington Florida at the Palm Beach Equine Clinic. Her practice is focused on providing chiropractic, acupuncture, and herbal medicine services in this clinic. She has worked on the racetracks in New York and Florida as a "western" practitioner for 18 years. After studying veterinary chiropractic and then completing the veterinary acupuncture courses at the Chi Institute, Dr. Holland changed her practice and now mostly works as an alternative medicine practitioner.
	David Hirsch, DVM, CVA, CVCH David Hirsch graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1983, he was certified by the American Chiropractic Veterinary Association in 2001. He was certified by the Chi Institute in Veterinary Acupuncture in 2002 and Herbology in 2007. He is the co owner and co director of Parkway Veterinary Hospitals in Cape May Courthouse and Marmora NJ. Dr. Hirsch is a member of the Board of Trustee for the Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference and a past Board Member for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center of NJ.
	Songhua Hu, DVM, MS, PhD, Professor Dr. Hu received his DVM in 1982 and Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine in 1985 at Zhejiang Agricultural University in China. In 2002, he received his PhD from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine. Since 1985, he has been employed as an assistant, associate professor and professor in Zhejiang Agricultural University (the name changed into Zhejiang University since 1998) College of Veterinary Medicine. He is the Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, and the Director of the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Zhejiang University. He teaches the courses of the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Acupuncture, and Veterinary Immunology to the undergraduate and postgraduate students. He has published 10 books and over 100 scientific papers. His research interests are mechanisms of veterinary herbal medicine and acupuncture. He is the winner of 11 national innovation patents and the author or coauthor of more 100 published research papers.rdr.
	Sarah le Jeune, DVM, DACVS, DECVS, CVA Dr. le Jeune is originally from Belgium and received her DVM degree from the University of Liege (Belgium) in 1999. After completing a residency in Equine Surgery at UC Davis, Dr. le Jeune became a board-certified surgeon and has been a member of the UC Davis Equine Surgery faculty since 2003. Since becoming certified in veterinary acupuncture, she has integrated acupuncture and TCVM into her equine practice.
	Zhongjie Liu, DVM, Prof Dr. Liu is a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural, and vice president and secretary-general of the Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine Branch, China Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. Zhongjie Liu teaches TCVM courses for both graduate and postgraduate students at universities such as Iowa State, NC State, Washington State, and the University of Edinburg. He is also the chief-editor of the “Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine” textbook. He has researched “the Effects of Electro-acupuncture on the hemorheological Indexes and Its Mechanism” and completed the “Study on the Mechanism of Chinese Herbs to Anti Shiga-like Toxin” supported by National Natural Science Foundation, and published more than 60 theses. He specializes in treating animal diseases with acupuncture and herbal medicines, especially treating nerve paralysis with acupuncture.
	Lorena LLoret Nadal , DVM,CVA Dr. Lloret graduated DVM from Murcia University, Spain, in June 2002. In 2005, she became a CVA at the Chi Institute and University of Chiang Mai, (Thailand) where she met Dr. Xie. In March 2006, she went to UF (USA) on the internship program TCVM with Dr. Xie, and completed her advanced acupuncture training. She offers TCVM as a complement for clinics and pet owners in Madrid area. She is translator and editor-in-chief of the Spanish edition of the book “TCVM: Fundamental Principles” by Dr. Huisheng Xie. She is the director of the Chi Institute of Europe in Madrid, Spain, where she is also one of the major speakers.
	Debby Kress, DVM, CVA Dr. Kress earned her DVM at the University of California, Davis, where she was the first veterinary student to complete a clinical rotation in TCVM at the VMTH, University of Florida, with Dr. Huisheng Xie, PhD. She has practiced integrative medicine since 2002. In 2003 she received her CVA from the Chi Institute and in 2006 completed the Chi Institute West Coast Chinese Veterinary Herbology course. Currently, Dr. Kress has a house call practice entirely devoted to complementary therapies-including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and food therapy .
	Marylin Maler, DVM, CVA Marilyn Maler received her DVM from the University of Florida in 1999. Dr. Maler has an equine holistic practice, SunSpirit Farm and Veterinary Services, Inc., and practices equine acupuncture and chiropractic exclusively.
	Lina McCain, DVM Dr. Lina McCain graduated from UC Davis in 1993. She owns Pathways to Healing Animal Acupuncture (www.vetpathways.com), a holistic practice for dogs and cats in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. McCain received her Veterinary Acupuncture Certificate from the Chi Institute in 2005. Since then, she has been studying TCM and herbology through several institutions, including the Chi Institute. At the China conference in September 2008, she will be presenting a lecture on the use of herbs for skin disease. When not working or studying, Dr. McCain can be found running, hiking or occasionally assisting her husband with the garden or the honeybees.
	Vasiliki “Vickie” Meisenburg, DVM, CVA Dr. Meisenburg graduated with her degree of veterinary medicine at the University of Florida in 2004. She then finished her equine acupuncture training at the Chi Institute in 2005. She is an owner and is the primary veterinarian for EquiGen LLC of Archer Florida, an equine reproduction center that also hosts a growing Chinese equine medicine practice. She also serve as an AAEP committee member for the Membership development committee, Women in AAEP committee and the chair the Recent DVM Graduates committee.
	Carolina Medina, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVT, CVFT, CCRT Dr. Carolina Medina is originally from Caracas, Venezuela. She received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from St. George's University in 2005. The Chi Institute and China's National Society of TCVM granted her certification in Veterinary Acupuncture, Herbology, Tui Na and Food Therapy (2005-2006). Dr. Medina completed a 14-month clinical internship in TCVM at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine under the supervision of Dr. Huisheng Xie (2005-2006). In addition, she is the secretary and treasurer for the American Association of TCVM and an Associate Editor for the American Journal of TCVM. In 2010, she became certified in canine rehabilitation therapy. Currently, she works as a clinical assistant professor and service chief of the Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Service at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
	Carla Pasteur, DVM, CVA Dr. Carla Pasteur grew up showing horses in many disciplines, such as reining, saddleseat, dressage and pleasure. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Wisconsin and opened an equine exclusive clinic in Green Bay. The practice grew to cover five counties with emphasis on reproduction and lameness. She received her acupuncture training from IVAS in 1997, sold the conventional practice and began an equine alternative practice. She has been a Chi instructor since 2005 and has lectured internationally. Her current practice encompasses TCVM, chiropractic and osteopathy focusing on sport horses and performance.
	Patricia Perkins, BHS, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CAC Dr. Perkins has a thirty year history training and competing with dogs. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences and worked for 13 years in Clinical Laboratory Medicine. In 2000 she graduated from the University of Missouri with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Perkins pursued Veterinary Acupuncture training at Colorado State University and at The Chi Institute. She completed her Veterinary Chiropractic training at the Options for Animals and her Chinese Herbal training at the Chi Institute. She enjoys dog obedience training and showing with her Belgian Malinois, Azure and her Whippet, Emma. She is the owner of Canine Performance Medicine, LLC and practices in suburban Kansas City, Missouri.
	Tiffany Rimar, DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVFT, CVTP Dr. Tiffany Rimar received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in 1998 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University, West Indies in 2005. She has been studying and practicing TCM since 1998 and was awarded certification in 2005 by the Chi-Institute and the China National Society of TCVM. Dr. Rimar was the first ever intern in TCVM in the U.S. at the University of Florida and worked closely with Dr. Xie for almost two years and helped edit several of Dr. Xie’s books and journals. Dr. Rimar has also written book chapters in Xie’s Chinese Veterinary Herbology and an Internal Medicine textbook. Dr. Rimar teaches basic acupuncture principles and techniques as well as advanced techniques and labs at the Chi Institute in both large and small animal classes and the technician courses. Dr. Rimar now has her own peaceful clinic, Veterinary Healing Arts Center in St Pete Beach focusing on natural healing. Dr. Rimar is also an associate editor for the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and has lectured around the U.S., Canada, and China on TCVM principles and acupuncture techniques.
	Stuart Rosenburg DVM, CVA Dr. Stuart Rosenburg graduated from Penn State with a BS in 1989 and the University of Tennessee with a DVM in 1993. After a brief career as a zoo veterinarian he moved to South Tampa and owns Bayshore Animal Clinic, an integrative small animal practice. Dr. Rosenburg became IVAS certified in 2004 and jumped right into herbology classes at the Chi Institute as well as the Tuina and Food Therapy courses. In his spare time Dr. Rosenburg enjoys foreign travel, skydiving and college football games (go state go).
	Holly Samko, DVM, CVA Dr. Samko is a 1994 graduate of the Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Florida VMA and the Marion County VMA. She was certified as a Veterinary Acupuncturist by the Chi Institute and China National Society of TCVM in 2003. And she has an integrated small animal and equine acupuncture practice in Ocala, Florida. Dr. Samko resides in Morriston with her husband Randy, her son Ryan and her daughter Laurel, where she enjoys her horses, dog and cat!
	Cheryl Schwartz, DVM, CVT Dr. Cheryl Schwartz graduated from Washington State Veterinary School in 1978 and has been practicing holistic veterinary medicine for more than 25 years. Dr. Schwartz is one of the original members of the AHVMA. She specializes in acupuncture, herbs and nutrition. She teaches herbology and veterinary acupuncture accreditation courses worldwide, and is a frequent lecturer for humane societies and private animal training groups. Dr. Schwartz is the author of two books: “Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs” and “Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats from A-Z”.
	Robert Spiegel, DVM, CVA, CVCH Dr. Bob Spiegel has been in Small Animal practice for over 20 years. He began his studies in TCVM with Dr. Xie in 1999. Since then, Dr Spiegel has been certified in Mixed Animal Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Veterinary Tuina by the Chi Institute and the China National Society of TCVM. Tai-ji was introduced during the first acupuncture session. And since that time, he has become an avid practitioner of this ancient martial arts. Dr. Spiegel feels that the benefits of practicing Tai-ji will provide students with a more profound appreciation of the Yin-Yang principles which are at the root of TCVM.
	Karen L. Spracklen, DVM, CVA Dr . Karen Spracklen is originally from Goshen, Indiana and received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees from Purdue University. She was certified in animal chiropractic through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1996 and she completed certification in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine in 1999. Karen owns the Holly Lane Veterinary Service, an equine practice entirely devoted to complementary therapies - primarily acupuncture, chiropractic, and Chinese herbs. In her spare time she enjoys reading and dressage riding.
	Justin Shmalberg, DVM, CVA Dr. Shmalberg currently practices small animal integrative medicine at Haile Plantation Animal Clinic in Gainesville, Florida. He obtained his veterinary degree from the University of Wisconsin and completed the mixed animal acupuncture internship under Dr. Xie at the University of Florida. He has published several articles on the mechanism and efficacy of veterinary acupuncture in peer-reviewed journals. His specific interests include the advanced study (scientific and traditional) of Chinese herbs, the role of nutrition in wellness, and the treatment of neurologic disorders (small animal and equine). He has also served as a consultant for Chi Institute herbal courses and enjoys working with enthusiastic veterinarians and veterinary students continuing their learning in Chinese medicine. In any free time he finds, he enjoys kayaking and other outdoor pursuits, growing banana plants, and trying to keep up with his sighthounds.
	Gregory Todd, DVM, CVA Dr. Gregory Todd graduated from the University of Florida with a D.V.M. in 1988. In 1993 Dr. Todd became an apprentice to Dr. Patrick Sullivan A.P., and began studying Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 1996 he became certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. His studies continue at the Chi Institute. He has lectured and instructed nationally for IVAS, the North American Veterinary Conference and the Chi Institute. Dr. Todd practices integrative veterinary medicine at the Animal Hospital of Dunedin in the Tampa Bay area.
	Don Thompson, DVM, CVA Dr. Don Thompson graduated from Veterinary College at Cornell University in 1984 and has practiced in Northern Vermont in large and small animal private practice since then. He owns and operates a solo practice with an even distribution of small animal, equine, and food and fiber patients. Dr. Thompson was certified by IVAS in acupuncture in 1993 and acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have become a integral parts of daily practice. Contributions to the Chi Institute include a lecture at the 10th Annual Chi Institute Conference in Chongqing, China, authoring of a chapter for the pending Practical TCVM textbook and a few lectures for the basic acupuncture course.
	Yvette Vinton, DVM Hons. Grad "Ontario Veterinary College", Ontario Canada '96. Practicing in Fla since 2004. Chi Institute grad '04. Chi Institute TA for 2006 and 2007. Equine and small animal mobile in Morriston, Fla and surrounding areas. Dr. Vinton practices Acupuncture/Chinese medicine and chiropractics, general/emergency medicine, and performs surgeries at animal shelters. She is a Canadian Equestrian Team member for Endurance Racing (FEI 100 mile events). I also breed beautiful Abyssinians - the greatest breed of cat in the world!
	Lindsey Wedemeyer MA, VetMB, CVA, CVH, MRCVS Dr. Lindsey Wedemeyer earned her Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology from Cambridge University (UK) in 2001. She received both her veterinary degree and Master's degree from Cambridge University and became a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2004. Dr. Wedemeyer studied acupuncture with IVAS, becoming certified in 2005. She studied herbal medicine at the Chi Institute and is certified in TCVM herbal medicine, and has completed both equine and canine advanced acupuncture courses at the Chi Institute. After running her own TCVM referral practice in the UK for three years, Dr. Wedemeyer moved to the U.S. She is currently studying for her Master's degree in TCVM, and is co-authoring and editing several TCVM textbooks with Dr. Xie. She is an Associate Editor of the AJTCVM, designed the new AATCVM and AJTCVM websites and is AATCVM IT Committee Chairperson. Dr. Wedemeyer is a lecturer and lab instructor at the Chi Institute for small animal acupuncture.
	Cynthia Wallis DVM, CVA, CVCH Dr. Wallis is a 1988 graduate of Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she worked at the Brookfield Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo before entering private practice. She took the CSU Acupuncture Course in 1997/98 and TA’d the course for 3 years after that. She is IVAS certified and has been an examiner for the IVAS certification exam. She is certified in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy through the Healing Oasis. She has been studying advanced veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and food therapy at the Chi Institute since 2002 and became a Certified Chinese Veterinary Herbalist (CVCH) in 2009. She currently has a mixed animal practice in Colorado where her practice is exclusively acupuncture, chiropractic and Chinese herbal medicine.
	Cynthia West DVM, CVA, CVT Dr. West graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987. After completing a 15 month internship at Hollywood Animal Hospital she practiced primarily conventional Western medicine at her own small and exotic companion animal clinic in Plantation Florida for 19 years. After selling her interest in her South Florida practice she began to study Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute in Reddick Florida. In 2008, after becoming certified in acupuncture and Tui-na by the Chi Institute she opened her new practice, Alternative Veterinary Medicine, just north of Tallahassee Florida. She now practices primarily TCVM and integrated medicine for small and exotic companion animals. Due to the growing demand for holistic medicine she has begun to practice TCVM for equine patients. She has completed the advanced acupuncture course for small animals and continues to study TCVM and TA the introductory small animal acupuncture course at the Chi Institute. She will complete her certification in both Chinese herbal medicine and food therapy soon. She plans to expand her study of holistic medicine to include energy medicine in the near future. Her energy is renewed by relaxing with her critter family on her farm in South Georgia.
	Dennis Wilcox, DVM, MS, CVA, CVT Dr. Wilcox received his DVM from Washington State University in 1978. He started his TCM training in Medical Qi-gong in China and became a certified Qi-gong practitioner in 1996. He completed the veterinary acupuncture training at Chi Institute in 2000 and was certified as a veterinary acupuncturist in 2001. He received his Master Degree of Science in TCVM from the China Southwest Agriculture University and the Chi Institute in 2004 and became the first graduate of this Master program in the USA. Dr. Wilcox has practiced privately for 27 years and has a practice with emphasis on integrating both TCVM and Western veterinary medicine.
	Xu Jianqin, DVM, Professor Jianqin Xu, DVM, is the full professor and the PhD supervisor of College of Veterinary Medicine of China Agricultural University at Beijing, China. He is the president of China National Society of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, and the expert panel committee member of Chinese Ministry of Agriculture for new veterinary drugs. He also is the deputy/chief editor of several scientific journals including Acta Veterinaria et Zootechnica Sinica, Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science, Progress in Veterinary medicine, Information of Animal Health Products. His research area includes gastrointestinal structural damage and repair, clinical application of Chinese herbals and their mechanisms, the R&D of new traditional veterinary drugs. He also is the project leader of six National Natural Science Foundation projects. He is the winner of 4 national innovation patents, the research award from the National Natural Science Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture. He has been supervising 35 PhD/Master students. He is the author of 20 books and 80 scientific articles in the area of TCVM.
	Madeline Yamate, DVM, CVA, MBA Dr. Yamate received her BA from Amherst College in 1982, MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in 1991, and DVM from the University of California, Davis, in 2005. She is certified in veterinary acupuncture, veterinary herbology and veterinary Tui-na by the Chi Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine and China National Society of TCVM. From 2006-2007 she was an acupuncture intern at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Dr. Yamate has lectured on Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine and TCVM nationally and is a lecturer and teaching assistant at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Currently, Dr. Yamate is the Marketing Director for the American Journal of Traditional Veterinary Medicine and an associate veterinarian at the Integrative Veterinary Center in CA.
	Carlos Zamora, DVM, CVA Dr. Carlos Zamora got his DVM at Universidad Central de Venezuela, Maracay, Venezuela in 1997. He was certified as an Equine Chiropractor by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association at Illinois in 1998. In 2000, Dr. Zamora became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist at the Chi Institute and China National Society of TCVM. He has been pursuing a Master Degree in TCVM since 2004. Currently, he is practicing at the Central Equine Hospital of Ocala, Florida with emphasis on reproduction, lameness, chiropractic and acupuncture.
	Jifang Zheng, DVM, Prof. Dr Jifang Zheng received his DVM in 1983 from the College of Sichuan Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. Over the last 20 years, he has successfully researched and detected AES of acupoints and meridians in sheep, conducted acupuncture and acupoint immune studies, oversees the study on Pi-Xu Zheng with electrogastrogram in cows, the study and development of TCVM nationally, the prevention of cholera gallinarium with TCVM, and the prevention and cure of viral disease in livestock. At present, Dr. Zheng is a Review specialist for new veterinary drugs for the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, a senior member of the Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, the chief TCVM scientist for Institute of Animal & Pharmaceutics Science, Master's advisor of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, committee member of the Chinese Association of Institute of TCVM, editor of Journal of TCVM, executive director of the Northwest Subcommittee of Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, and a visiting professor at Southwestern University.
	Jose Zilberschtein Juffe DVM, MS, CVA, CRhV, PhD. Dr Zilberschtein received his DVM degree in 1991, Master of Science degree in Veterinary Acupuncture in 1995 and Diploma in Advanced University Teaching in 1997, all from Buenos Aires University, Argentina. He received his Diploma in Veterinary Rehabilitation from Barcelona University, Spain in 1999 and his PhD degree in 2002 from the Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery Science at the University of Murcia, Spain. He received training in a TCVM Continuing Education externship 2003/2004 and currently is involved in various acupuncture research with Dr. Huisheng Xie, in the College of Veterinary Medicine at University of Florida. Dr. Zilberschtein was hired by the University of Murcia as an academic staff professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Medicine and Clinic Surgery Department, and became a clinical faculty member in the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital of the University of Murcia in the Surgery and Clinic Equine Service and the Acupuncture, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Service. He has given lectures at national and international meetings and congresses in different countries and continents, and is author and co-author of books and scientific publications. Dr. Zilberschtein became the first clinician of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine at a public university in Spain. He is one of the major speakers and instructors in the veterinary acupuncture course offered by the Chi Institute Europe in Madrid, Spain.