DTCM/DAc Bridge Faculty

Jim Chialtas is a San Diego native.  He received Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology in 1997 at UC Santa Cruz. He received his Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) at Five Branches University and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2019. There, he began his instruction in Quantum Ju-Jitsu, a martial art that encompasses Ju-Jitsu, Yoga, and Restoration Massage Therapy training.  He started his private practice in 2003. Jim has trained extensively in Functional Blood Chemistry and Hormone analysis. When Jim isn’t seeing patients, he enjoys spending time with his family and dog Cheddar, working with wood, and getting into nature as much as possible. He teaches the Applying Lab result for TCM practitioners in the Bridge completion program.

Dr. Fengli Lan received her Ph.D. in Chinese Medicine (CM) after 11 years of full-time education and training at prestigious universities and hospitals of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Hebei province and Shanghai, China. She has over 20 years of professional experience in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, including teaching, research, practice, and extensive publications. She did her postdoctoral research project at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China, sponsored by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation. She was a Professor and Graduate Advisor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Guest Professor at the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Vienna, and a Visiting Faculty at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of California, San Diego. Lan has provided excellent patient care for over 20 years. She specializes in the areas of classical acupuncture, acupuncture research and practice, internal medicine, and gynecology. She has published 36 internationally peer-reviewed journal papers (12 indexed in PubMed, 4 indexed in CSSCI), 38 book chapters, 27 conference papers, and 24 books on TCM foundations, classics, acupuncture, gynecology, mental and emotional disorders, and the philosophy of Chinese Medicine.

Dr. Lan is currently a CA & NCCAOM Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, and a faculty member at Five Branches University. She teaches in the departments of TCM Theory and Clinical Medicine, Clinical Training, and Research.

Dr. Christine Sanmiquel received both her Master's (MTCM) and her Doctorate (DAOM) degrees at Five Branches University and has been teaching acupuncture channels and points since 2010. In addition, she has developed and taught courses in women’s health, pediatric behavior, qigong, meditation, and mindfulness among others to the public while she has a private practice in Orange County. She specialized in women's health, family care, and pediatrics. Christine currently teaches a research course in the Bridge completion program.