Growing up in rural northwestern New Jersey, I easily excelled in school. Outside the classroom, I would be found playing sports with neighborhood friends or at a local farm with my dad. I'm still an outdoors girl to this day.
After graduating from high school, I attended Rutgers University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Communications. I then spent five years researching medical schools and interviewing surgeons and Chiefs of Staff thinking I may want to be an orthopedic surgeon. But after much introspection I decided not to pursue medical school. I felt that being a doctor would consume too much of my personal time away from family.
Still interested in the healthcare industry, I joined Oxford Health Plans. It was here that I first experienced acupuncture. My personal doctor wanted to put me on prescription medications for a medical condition, but I was uncomfortable taking medications that could be prescribed for a 65 year old. Instead, I sought acupuncture and one of my symptoms was gone after the first visit. I was so impressed that I continued going to see him, and he eventually healed me of my illness. It was during my treatments that I decided acupuncture was interesting enough for me to further my graduate education.
In 1998, I decided to attend the first acupuncture school in New Jersey, the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine in Montclair. I was part of the first group of graduates from the school in June 2001 with just 11 other people. Today the class size has doubled.
During my time at ESATM, I was introduced to many styles of acupuncture, such as Kiiko Matsumoto-inspired Japanese acupuncture, five element theory-style acupuncture, which specifically treats patients on an emotional level, Dr. Tan balancing style acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I had the opportunity to learn from and be treated by some of the best acupuncturists in the industry, including Jeffrey Yuen, Felice Dunas, Kiiko Matsumoto, Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, and Janice Mackenzie.
I have attended many different classes to broaden my understanding. Classes have ranged from advanced constitutional facial acupuncture renewal classes, advanced five element theory classes inspired by J.R. Worsley, as well as understanding how to treat communities in trauma through the organization, Acupuncturists Without Borders, which I have been a member since 2013.
I have been licensed in the State of New Jersey since 2002 and the State of Pennsylvania since 2014. I have been a National Diplomate in Acupuncture, as designated by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), since March 2001. I have recently been introduced to therapeutic grade essential oils and I also perform ear candling. I am currently only making house calls.
If you need additional information or would like to make an appointment today, communicate the best way you feel comfortable, email at drkimsum@yahoo.com or telephone at 805.698.9889.