Hello and welcome!

I’m Dr. Elie Cole, doctor of acupuncture & Oriental medicine.  I’ve enjoyed private practice in Portland, Oregon since 2008.  I graduated with my Masters from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) in 2007 and with my doctorate from OCOM in 2016.  

As a doctoral student, I was presented with two options for my capstone project: to write a literature review on the topic of my choice or to write a research proposal.  I wasn’t interested in either option so I dreamed up a third option.  The plan was simple.  I wanted to create a project that would be dynamic and used for years to come.   I wanted to create something that would not only help my own private practice to thrive but also help my acupuncture colleagues succeed in private practices all over the world.  Lastly, I dreamed I’d create something that would  move our field of acupuncture and Chinese medicine forward collectively for the benefit of all (including our patients).  

Prior to starting the 2-year doctoral program in 2014, I had already started my lunch and learns presentations, learning something new with each one.  I was 6 years into private practice and knew I was onto something special.  The demand for my acupuncture services went up dramatically. Most of my new patient referrals came from medical doctors yet none of my acupuncture colleagues were getting MD referrals.  I decided that was the key to enhance my own success, the success of my acupuncture colleagues, and the forward momentum of our field. This became my capstone project, this became the start of Chinese Medicine Explained, for biomedical professionals. 

I spent 2 years creating this program and then I spent another 2 years improving upon it, testing it, and preparing it for you.  Every single sentence in my PowerPoint presentation is backed up by research.  That kind of work takes time and focus and I am very proud to present this work to you.  I hope you will receive it in the spirit with which I created it:

• The spirit of collaboration over competition
• The spirit of sharing over withholding 

I believe we should share the amazing medicine we have the good fortune to practice with as many other medical providers as possible.  I don’t only have MDs referring to me, I also have nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, counselors, dietitians, and chiropractors.  Also, like some of you, I get referrals from complementary providers such as naturopathic doctors, massage therapists, and yoga teachers.  My program works for all of the above and I’m so excited to share Chinese Medicine Explained, for biomedical professionals with you.