11048NAT-Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture

"Since a childhood spent growing up in Central Europe among the fields and forests, I always had a close relationship with nature and always knew I wanted to become a vet. I gained my degree during the Velvet Revolution and fall of communism – an exciting and elating time in Europe. Later I had the opportunity to relocate to Australia and I went back to university to gain Australian veterinary qualifications, spent the next five years after graduation working in my first job, then bought a small animal clinic in Tasmania. When CIVT webinars started to ’pop up’ I was fortunate to listen to Dr Barbara Fougere and a few days later I enrolled in the GDVWHM course. Signing up for GDVA was for me a logical continuity in my newly re-discovered passion for herbs and natural therapies. The passion to use alternative medicine was growing and I eventually decided to sell my clinic to fully focus on facilitating the healing process in its wholeness and more natural ways."

Dr Martina McPeace

MVDr, BVSc, GDVWHM, GDVA

Australia

"My first encounter with veterinary acupuncture was in 2000 when I started working part-time for a vet heavily into alternative therapies. I did conventional medicine on his days off. It was always intriguing to read through his cases and inspect his strange equipment and mixtures. I would often hear from clients how he had “fixed up” their pet with some acupuncture or drops as if it was just a regular treatment modality. Years later after several moves and starting a family, I found myself again in a small clinic where the practice owner also used acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I decided it was time to look further into integrative medicine and acupuncture. The CIVT was recommended to me by a friend and the completely online format suited my family needs. I have finally figured out what damp and spleen deficiency is, which was such a puzzle, years prior. I did find it difficult to study this time around and took longer to complete my diploma than I had planned. My tutor, Jodi was fantastic, always available if I had any questions and ready with encouraging words when I needed them. I found the whole team at the CIVT to be very understanding and helpful. Acupuncture and TCM gives me another treatment option and I particularly love it for the older patients that may be on multiple medications already or who’s organ systems are already compromised."

Dr Tina Chen

BVSc, GDVA

Australia

"When I graduated in 1980 there was no mention of acupuncture as an alternative or an adjunct. I visited a friend of my parents in Switzerland in 1993, who was a healer. In the couple of months I spent there I met clients and other practitioners in various modalities and started to open my mind a little. In 1995 I worked in a practice in the Hunter Valley, where the owner used to use an iodine compound liquid to do "acupuncture" on sore muscles (by "ringing the dragon" ) and saw some effects. I then bought a "cookbook" for acupuncture in the horse, which I rarely used in the future years, but I did read it. In 2013 I had a vet working for me who was in the middle of her IVAS qualification. I saw some of the results she got and became intrigued, so I enrolled in the "Introduction to Acupuncture" short course at CIVT. Using that opened my eyes more and I looked at several courses before settling on the CIVT course. I don't regret it! But it took a quantum shift in my western scientific brain to get my head around the theory!! What I find most useful is the broadening of my vision so I look at cases with stereo vision now, and the chance to do other things besides drugs to affect a treatment. The downside is my consults now take longer!!"

Dr David Bartholomeusz

BVMS, MANZCVS, BSc, CF, GDVA

Australia

"I'd like to express my gratitude to the CIVT team, especially Dr Jodi Van Tine, for coaxing me through the course. I have been fascinated by different approaches to medicine and therapeutics for a long time, particularly for conditions that western medicine does not always seem to address as thoroughly as I would like as a practitoner. I love the bond I build with my TCVM patients and clients."

Dr Katherine Beaton

BVSc (Hons), GDVA

Australia

"The knowledge I have gained through my studies is invaluable and provides me with skills I can apply to all my patients. I am grateful and happy that I can use this new knowledge to the further benefit of companion animals. I graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) from the University of Sydney in 2007 and began practicing in Singapore, where I curently own three clinics. I completed my Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2014 and was the first Singaporean veterinarian to obtain this qualification. Obtaining both Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine enhances my competitive advantage over my veterinary colleagues. My particular areas of interests are small animal internal medicine, veterinary Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, orthopedic surgery and emergency medicine. I have been involved with the Singapore Veterinary Association, serving as President in 2014. I have always adhered to the philosophy that all animals – whether beloved pets or strays – that come to me are treated exactly the same way, I always seek to provide the best level of veterinary care for all animals no matter how advantaged or unfortunate they might be. My top three tips for my colleagues are:

1.Stretch your mind and heart to save more animals and relieve them from discomfort whereby western medicines have shown limited progress in doing so

2. Pursue your interest in this field with constant learning and upgrading

3. Excel and do your best always in life and never give up. Preserve, embrace all challenges in life and be determined, focus to reach to your ultimate goals in life."

Dr See Yang Lee

BVSc (Hons), GDVCM, GDVA, DMBT, BBBA

Singapore

"I used to be a huge sceptic of anything other than conventional Western medicine. What changed my view was an incident a few years ago involving a cat owned by my colleague. This cat was suffering from chronic spinal disease and ataxia which progressed to a neurogenic bladder. We tried everything we could from a Western medical perspective to no avail, until finally as a last resort, my colleague took the cat to a TCVM practitioner. After treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, to our amazement, the neurogenic bladder completely resolved! The cat's ataxia improved as well. That was the turning point that changed my mindset and piqued my interest in integrative medicine. Integrative medicine can offer our patients so much more than we thought was possible! My Grad Dip means a lot to me and marks the culmination of 2 years of hard work and study. It has given me tools and skills to change the lives of many animals in a non-invasive way - including helping my own dog to walk again - and for that I am extremely grateful."

Dr Dawn Wong

BVSc, MRCVS, GDVA

Singapore

"I was a bit frustrated with conventional medicine as we used anti-inflammatories and antibiotics for most cases, and we were often stuck when these did not work. While I was still studying veterinary science we treated a dog for liver failure at the University hospital, but without success. So I asked my sister, who is a graduated human homeopath and acupuncturist for advice. Fortunately my lecturers at the University gave permission to use homeopathy in combination with the conventional meds. The dog recovered fully. I was very inspired. Later I was treating endurance riding horses in Namibia. Anti-inflammatories, osteopathy and physiotherapy certainly helped, but acupuncture had a greater impact. After a while I felt I was only treating superficially and wanted to know more detail, I moved to New Zealand and started studying with CIVT. It has been very rewarding and I am grateful for having continued onto the Grad Dip, as learning about the advanced techniques has enabled me to treat at a much deeper level and help many more patients. It has given me a new lease of life in vet medicine."

Dr Ingrid Spitze

BVA, GDVA

New Zealand

"My interest in integrative veterinary medicine actually developed from personal experience where I saw quite a gap in conventional medicine when pharmaceuticals failed - often owners were left with such limited options and I felt compelled to believe there must be more to offer. My Grad Dip in Veterinary Acupuncture actually represents over 10 years of interest and tenacity in pursuing study in this area. I would sporadically search for accredited qualification in this area, the moment I discovered CIVT and the offered courses was a eureka moment, and even more so finally graduating with my qualification." 

Sharleen Green McInnes

GDVA

New Zealand

"Prior to embarking on my veterinary education, I had an interest in botany and wildlife biology, and grew up on a farm caring for a menagerie of animals. I hoped that somewhere along my educational path, I would combine these interests in some way. Once I started veterinary school, I knew that I eventually wanted to practice integrative veterinary medicine, but received minimal education on the topic. During the first five years of practicing conventional medicine in a very busy practice, I became frustrated when I would run out of Western medicine options for my patients. I knew that there were likely other treatments available, but I needed to learn more to be able to provide these treatments. After taking several courses in herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and natural nutrition, my passion for learning new modalities only grew, and I could not wait to be able to add acupuncture to my "toolkit". I watched my patients benefit from the integrative treatments that I had experience in and saw an increase in the demand for these modalities from my clients. 

I am so glad that I enrolled in the Graduate Diploma program - the course was very thorough in providing me with a strong foundation and practical experience to confidently incorporate acupuncture into my daily practice. The mentorship was wonderful, and course material will continue to provide me with a valuable resource throughout my career. A special thank you to Dr. Jodi Van Tine who provided amazing mentorship throughout the course - I always felt supported and will forever be grateful for all your help! I would not hesitate in recommending this course (or any of the other CIVT courses I have taken) to other veterinarians looking to expand their horizons!"

Dr Ashley Bernauer

BSc (Hons), DVM, GDVA

Canada

"The Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture has allowed me to access other avenues to treat veterinary patients in a more holistic approach to their ailments. I am now able to integrate the best of Western medicine with the best of traditional Chinese medicine to solve both short and long-term conditions. I was inspired to pursue acupuncture and complementary medicine to reduce the side-effects and tailor my medicine to individual patients, particularly in elderly animals. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have given me an additional armoury to treat all veterinary patients."

Dr David Ward

BVMS, BScAgr, MScVS, GDVA, CCRP

Australia

"When I embarked on my chosen career as a Veterinary Nurse back in 1991, I had never imagined I could have achieved this accreditation. Veterinary Nurses now are given so many great opportunities to choose a pathway that excites them to come to work each day. I was fortunate to work with Dr Miriam Rustemeyer who introduced me to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture at a clinic I previously worked for. My employers Dr Lynn Mathison and Dr Nicole McMillan were keen to continue the service at the clinic and could see the benefits of integrated veterinary therapies with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture.

Unfortunately, my mentor and friend, Dr Miriam moved to the Apple Isle (in a time where cross-border travel was easy). It was at this point that I decided to grasp my newfound passion for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture. Through the support of my veterinary colleagues, I undertook my first step with CIVT studying the Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture. On completion, my desire for more knowledge was ignited, hence my continued studies with CIVT resulting in my Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture.

What I love about Traditional Chinese Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture is the ability to learn from your clients. Watching how animals respond to treatment is so uplifting for the spirit. Having the ability to work with the veterinarians and demonstrate how Traditional Chinese Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture can be used as an integrative therapy opens up so many benefits as an option to routine drug treatments or in conjunction.

A heart felt thank you to my tutor Dr Jodi Van Tine; without her continued support and encouragement I would have never achieved my goal. Also, a massive thanks to the team at CIVT who were always there to help. I could not fault this course in anyway. Thank you for showing me the 'Holistic' approach to Integrative Veterinary Therapies."  

Bronwyn Lamb

VN Cert IV, GDVA

Australia

"To be honest, I never thought I would pursue practice in integrative medicine. In vet school, I was skeptical of acupuncture. It wasn’t until I started practicing small animal medicine where my interest was piqued. I have been lucky enough to work beside Dr Jean Pitcairn and saw the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine first hand. With her support, I sought out an acupuncture certification program and CIVT was a great fit. The graduate diploma course provided me with all of the information I needed to be successful in my practice in a way that was easy to digest. Despite being entirely online, the plethora of videos and live sessions with my tutor made learning the material seamless. Dr Jodi Van Tine was amazing as a tutor and was always available to help, so I never felt lost or confused throughout the course. I am so grateful for CIVT and the now expanded care options I am able to offer my clients and patients. Practicing acupuncture with Western veterinary medicine has opened up a world of possibilities for my patients. Thank you, CIVT!"

Dr Amanda Gonneville

DVM, GDVA

United States of America

“Conventional medicine is great and new techniques are impressive in diagnosis and treatment areas. But I always thought that an important part of our capacities as doctors was being lost, that is intuition, feelings, case by case medicine, and how to use our hands. That’s how I got interested in alternative medicine, especially acupuncture. After two years of (hard) training, I can say that I found what I was looking for. I see my patients differently and I see medicine in general differently. I really think that, thanks to acupuncture, I can help my patients more than before. I can also offer new options to desperate owners. I am happy to relieve pain or serious symptoms with as few allopathic treatments as possible. It’s very interesting to see how different medicines can be used together even if it is not always easy to combine everything. I am convinced that all these practices and knowledge can be mixed in a way that we find what is best to help our patients. Thank you for this amazing experience and for all the doors that were opened because of this course!”

Dr Sarah Vandeweeghe

DVM, GDVA

New Caledonia

"I have been working as an equine musculoskeletal practitioner offering integrated therapies for some 18 years now. Along the line, I became interested enough in some of the presentations I was observing to start a postgraduate research degree studying the ongoing effects of premature or dysmature birth in horses. There is research into other large animal species, and humans of course, yet our understanding with mature horses is limited. Having identified a range of related effects, I was awarded my PhD in 2019. I was at that time experiencing the benefits of acupuncture in my own animals when treated by a vet. I became interested in learning more about acupuncture to both develop my practice and to potentially address issues relating to equine gestational immaturity. I am so glad that I was able to join the Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture! It has already enhanced my practice on so many levels and I’m inspired by being able to support sick horses as well as those presenting the more ‘regular’ musculoskeletal pathologies. I am grateful to CIVT for giving me this wonderful opportunity to learn."

Dr Jane Clothier

PHD, GDVA

Australia

"Completing the Graduate Diploma in Veterinary Acupuncture through CIVT was a positive experience that has allowed me to evolve as a veterinary practitioner. The expert tutors at CIVT provided comprehensive knowledge and unwavering support throughout the course, making the learning process engaging and inspiring. I am now armed with invaluable skills, I confidently integrate acupuncture into my practice, witnessing remarkable results in my patients' well-being. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to veterinarians looking to provide their patients with a more holistic or integrative medical approach." 

Dr Amy Vascotto

BVSc, GDVA

Australia

“After graduating, I spent 5 years in a busy general practice in the heart of Toronto, where I quickly realized that I was seeing a cycle of animals with chronic diseases that were being managed symptomatically with steroids and antibiotics. The treatments would work temporarily and then they would be back a few months later with even more severe symptoms. I knew there had to be more that I could offer my patients and do so in a way that wouldn’t wreak havoc on their microbiome and immune systems. I decided to leave the practice and start my own holistic mobile service. Having taken multiple Western herbal courses, I had a fairly good background on this modality however I had always wanted to learn about Traditional Chinese Medicine. I stumbled upon the Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture and I knew right away I had to enrol. The course was amazing and the staff were incredible. I didn’t know it at the time of enrolment but I was pregnant and gave birth midway through the course. The course coordinators and my wonderful teacher Dr Van Tine were incredible at working with me and providing me with the flexibility I needed to stay on track with the material but also allow for time to enjoy my newborn. Graduating from this course has been such a huge accomplishment for me, and I am so excited that I can now offer my patients even more modalities to help them thrive and manage any of their health concerns.”

Dr Paris Asghari

BSc, DVM, CVH, GDVA

Canada

“The Diploma of Veterinary Acupuncture through CIVT has been a journey for sure. The more I study acupuncture the more I realise this is an art and one can never stop learning. As a physiotherapist of 27 years I have been learning about acupuncture since my early years in this profession and applying these skills to humans and animals. To be able to undertake an international course that is more aligned with specific veterinary conditions and in the depth and format that was offered, was such an exciting prospect for me. I have found the course to be jam-packed with content that is very relevant to everyday practice. Being able to work my way through the course self-paced and self-directed worked really well into my busy work/life schedule. I enjoyed the variety of formats that the information was delivered and the options for zoom meetings for examinations to have face to face contact with my tutors. Dr Jodi Van Tine was a brilliant facilitator, very encouraging but also with high standards which was completely necessary. Thanks so much for having a complementary therapist on the program. It has hugely enhanced my every day practice allowing me to cover a much greater scope of conditions and provide the best quality of treatments and outcomes for my patients. Thank you and a job very well done to all involved in the development of this course.” 

Brooke Williams

BPhty, MAnimSt, GDVA

Australia

“My passion for integrative medicine began with my health journey. After suffering from back and hip pain for over two years, nothing was helping until I tried acupuncture. As my health improved, I became inspired to offer my patients the same holistic care and healing through Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Completing the GDVA from CIVT has empowered me to provide holistic, effective care, improving both patient outcomes and client satisfaction. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and how it was delivered, the tutors were very helpful and always had time to answer questions and concerns.”

Dr Anna Karina Argandona

BVSc, GPCertSAS, MANZCVS, MSc, GDVA

Australia