AOM Student Plans to Work in Pediatrics

Jonathan Gissel, 31, is in the second year of the combined bachelor's/master's degree program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM).

What brought you to Bastyr?

I chose Bastyr for two main reasons. A naturopathic physician (and Bastyr graduate) who works in the same building as my wife told me that it had a great reputation. Secondly, Bastyr accepted me into the AOM program as an undergraduate so I could complete both my undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Why did you choose acupuncture and Oriental medicine?

I chose AOM primarily because I like holistic medicine and the method of diagnostics used in Oriental medicine. It doesn't rely on third-party information, such as lab work and other Western diagnostic tools. My wife has her own massage practice and, when she was interviewing acupuncturists, the acupuncturists used me as the "guinea pig." It was a good experience, and piqued my interest.

Has Bastyr's AOM program met your expectations?

Yes, for the most part. I have enjoyed the hands-on classes the most.

What are your future plans?

My primary objective would be to work in the same office as my wife with pediatric patients.

Interviewed winter 2001.
Gissel graduated with a Master of Science in Acupuncture degree in June 2002.

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