Testimonials

“I genuinely can’t rave enough about CIVT’s Equine Acupuncture course. If you’re like me, you may be interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) but not sure where to start, this is the perfect place. I cannot recommend it enough. It was a really smooth transition into the world of TCM. The course was outlined very well, was easy to follow, and broke everything down simply.  Not only was the whole system super easy to use, and the information laid out in a palatable way, but all my tutors were easily accessible whenever I needed help or needed advice about anything TCM. I for one am definitely hooked on acupuncture and TCM and can’t wait to do more.”

Alexandra Wagner

Dip ES, CEMT, CEDT, Dip VA, CEA

Saint Lucia

"I completed my DVM at Colorado State University in 1997.  A good friend of mine had graduated a few years before and went to work for a holistic vet who did homeopathy.  That was a little more than my linear scientific mind could handle, but I found that acupuncture made a lot of sense to me, and I completed the CSU Acupuncture course in 1998.  It opened up amazing possibilities.  There were few to no medications for arthritis in animals, so I treated a lot of OA patients with great response, including many who would have been euthanized without it.  I have felt through my career that conventional medicine is limited by trying to treat every patient as the same, rather than the individuals that they are.  And we have pet owners to consider, who come to us with a wide variety of philosophies and capabilities, meaning the gold standard may be inappropriate or out of reach.  I never quite fit in the "one size fits all" paradigm.  Over the years, I've added to my knowledge by completing the Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM) as well as courses in homotoxicology.  In 2013 I received my Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) through the IVAPM.  The Graduate Diploma of Veterinary Western Herbal Medicine was the next logical step, as I had clients constantly bringing me herbs and supplements to evaluate and I didn't know what to tell them.  The program was super challenging because it required another paradigm shift and that period of discomfort where you know enough to say try this but not enough to see all the possible problems with that option.  And of course, I didn't plan on a pandemic or building a new clinic when I set out on this path.  But it all worked out and I'm so happy I did the course.  I'm able to evaluate products and I know where to go look if I don't know a particular herb.  And I've had some awesome successes with my cases, including a neurologic completely incontinent dog in diapers who is now doing so well the diapers are completely off.  So, it was absolutely worth the effort, and I would recommend the course to anyone who has a strong interest in herbs.  I have gained confidence in both my integrative skills as well as my conventional ones - I just did my first PRP injection last week."

Dr Shelley Brown

DVM, CVPP, GDVWHM

United States of America

"I decided to enroll in CIVT’s Essentials of Veterinary Acupuncture course because the current course I am enrolled in, Advanced Certification in Veterinary Chinese Herbal Medicine, uses veterinary acupuncture points all of the time to help aid in diagnosis and treatment. I did not have any acupuncture experience and was hoping that this introductory course would help me with not only my studies, but also in diagnosing and treating my patients. The course was great and I feel much more knowledgeable and confident when dealing with the more common points/diseases. I recommend this to anyone who is looking to get a little taste of veterinary acupuncture." 

Dr Michelle Silver

DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

United States of America

"My interest in herbalism began with my own health.  Seeing that I could manage my own medical conditions with plants led me to naturally apply a more holistic approach to my own pets.  After 13 years in the veterinary field I could clearly see the space where herbalism would fit.  As a veterinary technician, I was beyond ecstatic to be able to expand my knowledge base and advance my career as an herbalist.  It truly doesn't feel like work when you are following your passion."

Elyse Hoffman

CVT, GDVWHM

United States of America

"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

"Tanya has done a thorough job compiling a great course and bunch of resources for those new to canine rehabilitation and those who are already implementing rehab in their practice. The course takes a "real world" approach by providing practical rehab exercises for different conditions that clinicians will find easy to teach and owners will find easy to learn." 

Dr Steve Denley

BVSc, CVA, CVCH, GDABM, CCICR

Australia

"Prior to the Certification in Clinical Integrative Canine Rehabilitation course I had only some knowledge on canine rehabilitation - mainly laser therapy, underwater treadmill and veterinary acupuncture. The course helped me understand the basic principles of canine rehabilitation, diagnosis, goals, different treatment modalities and exercises (home and in consult). The course was easy to follow and the skills learnt are applicable and achievable by veterinarians in any small animal practice. I am a qualified veterinary acupuncturist and now implement my knowledge and new skills into every one of my sessions. Adding a home exercises regime for my clients to do has made a significant difference to the recovery time of my patients as well! Having existing knowledge on TCM, the course integrated this well. I appreciated that the course also ran though common conditions seen in practice and how these were assessed, worked up and treated. The before & after videos on specific cases that Tanya has treated in practice were great as well."

Dr Alison Shen

Dr Alison Shen, Australia, BVSc (hons), CVA, CCICR (CIVT)

Australia

"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

Dr Rachael Parsons

BVSc (Hons)

Australia

"I had always cared for myself in a herbal and holistic manner and was lucky enough to work along side Veerle Dejonckheere who provided me with the inspiration and encouragement to start my veterinary herbal training.  I wanted to be able to do more for my patients and provide them with more complete care, whilst enabling their owners to be more proactive.  The course has changed my entire view of clinical practice and, although I still work in conventional veterinary medicine practices, all of my clinical work has been improved by this course.  By being able to give enough time to clients and patients and by having the luxury of getting to know them, the care that I can provide is totally different and can touch on all aspects of their life.  The course is very detailed and guides you well through the work needed to gain a deeper understanding.  My understanding and knowledge of cytokines and physiology has improved exponentially from this course.  The depth of detail given and the support from tutors is brilliant.  I am so happy to have been introduced to CIVT and all that it offers and am very proud indeed to have completed my Graduate Diploma."

Dr Clara Greenwood

BVM, IBSc, MSc, CVWHM, MRCVS, GDVWHM

United Kingdom

"My journey in herbal medicine started more than 15 years ago after seeing phytotherapy in veterinary practice in France before I moved to the UK. I trained in herbal medicine through a modular certificate course in the UK shortly after. Very few vets were trained or even aware of western herbal veterinary medicine at the time. Together with some colleagues, we founded the British Association of Veterinary Herbalists. I have worked as a pure referral integrated vet for the last ten years, combining acupuncture, chiropractic and herbal medicine in rehabilitation and conventional veterinary settings. The postgraduate Western herbal medicine diploma RPL route has allowed me to gain an internationally recognised qualification. It has been a time of reflection, deepening understanding and reviewing my practice which has had a significant impact personally and professionally. I am immensely proud that I am now a member of a select group of vets worldwide who has achieved greater depth in western herbal medicine. I want to especially thank Barbara Fougere, who encouraged me to take this RPL step and kept me going when lockdown homeschooling and case log writing got a bit much."

Dr Veerle Dejonkheere

MRCVS, GDVWHM

United Kingdom

"The nutrition course was a valuable learning experience for me as a practicing veterinarian. It was remarkably thorough in its scope and provided detailed useful information (which has been my experience with all of my CIVT courses).  Different lecturers had different opinions and methods for diet recommendation which gave the student room to develop individual approaches.  I have become much more comfortable and knowledgeable when discussing nutrition with my clients. Thank you!"

Dr Leah Whipple

VMD, CVA, GDVWHM, CVNN

United States of America