AOM Associate Dean Steve Given Merges Life-Long Interests at Bastyr

With a background in microbiology research and a fascination with acupuncture and Chinese medical philosophy, Steve Given, LAc, is somewhat of an anomaly. However, as the new acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) Associate Dean at Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Given is the perfect blend. With experience in medical research, he meshes with Bastyr's mission to further complementary and alternative research. With his exposure to various medical traditions, he embodies what is becoming an increasingly integrated medical mileu.

Given's road to Bastyr, where all of his interests can coexist, has been long and diverse. His initial interest was almost solely in Western medicine (although he did study the history of various medical traditions), which led him to a career in chemistry and biology. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology with an emphasis in microbiology from Portland State University. After completing his degree, he worked as a researcher for many years. Further steeping himself in mainstream science, he worked briefly as a chemist.

Soon Given found himself seeking a broader perspective. While attending graduate school at Montana State University in the 1980s, studying and researching microbiology, he became interested in alternative approaches to HIV treatment. "The HIV issue was beginning to accelerate at that time," he says. "The further along I got with research, the more I realized that traditional medicine was, tragically, not going to resolve the issue. There was not a ready solution."

Owing to his previous study of medical and scientific history, Given knew that there must be ways to treat HIV based on the theory of Chinese medicine. "For over 2,000 years, part of the theory of Chinese herbal medicine has been the understanding of immunity and immune deficiency," he explains.

"However, in the West," he continues, "immunology is a relatively immature science, dating back only to the end of the 19th century. Of the medical sciences, it is the youngest with the exception of molecular biology."

With a thirst for more knowledge about Chinese medicine, Given returned to school in 1989 to earn a master of science in traditional Oriental medicine at Emperor's College in Santa Monica, California. After obtaining his license, he practiced acupuncture in Southern California.

Although addictions and HIV are his specialties, Given works with patients at Bastyr Center with all types of health issues. He has developed a deep belief in what he does. "I've seen acupuncture and Oriental medicine do tremendous good," he says. "In cases of HIV, they have been extraordinary because they have been able to do so much so early in the absence of effective anti-retroviral therapy. They have helped slow down and stop deterioration in many cases, reversed decline and improved the quality of life and health for many people…They have been helpful for treating the side effects of medications such as the three-drug cocktail. This is important, since the side effects can be so debilitating that people go off the drug."

Over time, Given has developed respect for the complexity of the healing process. "Every day I learn more from my patients than I could teach them," he says. "HIV patients have been the most motivated and knowledgeable patients I've ever dealt with.

"Working with addictions has taught me the limits of acupuncture therapy," he continues. "I have learned to look at therapy in the context of the patient's needs and have learned that no specific modality is the cure." He has gained great respect for 12-step programs and for a patient's own timing and willingness to heal.

As AOM Associate Dean, Given is charged with overseeing his department's clinical operations, but he also hopes to continue his own explorations. "I am interested in getting involved in current research at Bastyr," he says, adding, "I also would like to pursue some ideas I've brought with me."

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