“At MUIH, I learned more than acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I learned how to listen, coach, support, and assist others in their healing.”
What drew you to your healing discipline at MUIH?
I worked in health administration in several hospitals and health systems in the U.S. and abroad. I have experienced how our health system has not adequately served a large portion of the population and at enormous expense. The health system focused on treating illness and supporting wellness. I wanted to change my path to become part of the solution.
Before completing my M.B.A. in Health Administration, I worked in patient care as a tech in emergency rooms, EKGs, telemetry, and laboratories at area hospitals. My interest in providing patient care led my search to move to another profession.
Why did you choose MUIH for your academic program?
On a referral from a relative, I attended an open house for the acupuncture program at the then Tai Sophia Institute. I was most influenced by one of the founders, Bob Duggan, and his demonstration of providing the patient with tools for their healing. The open house was the moment that changed my life. I made my decision to become an acupuncturist and started in the September 2008 class.
Describe your path since graduating:
After graduation from the acupuncture program and becoming licensed in Maryland, I started practicing in Columbia, MD, with one of my classmates. I eventually took a position with the Johns Hopkins Health System as a Healthcare Project Manager implementing clinical and electronic health record systems, while practicing acupuncture on a part-time basis.
Currently, I am launching a group acupuncture practice with four other MUIH graduates in Gambrills, MD, in the Anne Arundel Health System medical office building. This is a great opportunity which will allow us to work collaboratively with AAHS physicians and promote the benefits of acupuncture to the community.
What have you accomplished that is a result of the education and skills you received here?
My education at MUIH has given me the tools to partner with people and their healing in a way which is life changing for my patients and for me. At MUIH, I learned more than acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I learned how to listen, coach, support, and assist others in their healing. Most of all, I received the foundation to be a trailblazer in our society’s quest for better healthcare and quality of life.
What has been your most exciting or fulfilling professional experience to date?
Creating a group practice is my most exciting professional experience. I am designing a prototype of acupuncture practice which I believe will change the way we build our businesses in this healthcare revolution. It is fulfilling to be able to use my 30 years of experience as a healthcare professional working primarily in western medicine to incorporate best practices into building an acupuncture practice which works optimally in an integrative healthcare paradigm.
What would you like to do next, professionally speaking?
I would like to use my business knowledge to teach others. I also have an interest in creating tech tools for acupuncturists to support business growth and patient satisfaction.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This is the best time for MUIH graduates to forge their path in the world. We are needed.
Denise Tyson completed MUIH’s Master of Oriental Medicine program in 2013, and is currently working on her Doctor of Oriental Medicine.
