Bios
Carlos and Don graduated and received their Masters Degree in Science and Oriental Medicine from Dongguk University, one of South Korea's oldest and most prestigious medical schools. After a four-year post graduate program of over 3,000 hours of in-class and clinical training, both practitioners have treated patients in varied settings.
Carlos and Don studied in California, where Licensed Acupuncturists are granted the status of Primary Care Physicians due to their extensive training in both Western and Eastern Medicine. A Diplomat of Oriental Medicine from NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) is the highest certification one can attain in most states. One must be certified and licensed and pass rigorous exams in Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine and Western Medicine.
Carlos Chapa, L.Ac, M.S., Dipl. OM
Carlos first became interested in natural medicine when he would visit his grandmother in Mexico. She was known in her small town as the curandera, or natural healer. Although she had no formal training, she would heal her patients by listening carefully, educating them and dispensing herbal medicine.
After graduating high school, Carlos joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Corpsman (Marine Medic). Hospital Corpsmen are known as “Docs” since they are the primary medical providers on the field. He provided battlefield first-aid and medical treatment to U.S. Marines and worked in a level one Trauma Center ER where he learned about Western medicine. Carlos loved helping the sick and injured, however, he felt that treating the disease rather than the person is where “modern” medicine falls short.
After proudly serving 5 years of active duty, Carlos worked as a paramedic and continued his studies (pre-med, philosophy and the Chinese language). Carlos was introduced to Chinese Medicine after studying abroad in China and immediately knew he had found his calling. After returning to the U.S., he followed this interest and studied at the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine and Dongguk University of Oriental Medicine.
Carlos has completed several hospital externships and residency programs in South Korea. He was fully sponsored by Donggkuk University to study at one of the world’s first hospitals incorporating both Eastern and Western medicine. With this solid foundation of both Eastern and Western disciplines, Carlos has gained the trust of many primary medical doctors who routinely refer patients to him.
A native of Dallas, Carlos is glad to be back and is very excited about introducing Chinese Medicine to Valley Ranch and the surrounding area.
Dong Kyu Jang, L.Ac, M.S., Dipl. OM
Don has spent his entire life surrounded by Eastern medicine in South Korea. Don studied and received his Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and Genetic Engineering with top honors. After graduation, he served in the military in Korea and worked as an athletic/personal trainer while active duty.
Don moved to California to attend medical school at the well-known and well-respected Dongguk University. Don graduated with honors and was class valedictorian. Even though he was top in his class, he continues to study under the instruction of his "masters". His teachers include Korean doctors with over 50 years of experience, who happily took Don as an apprentice. Don travels to California and South Korea every few months for ongoing training and has studied several acupuncture techniques including Traditional Chinese, Korean and Tong’s Acupuncture points. However, Don’s specialty is his customized herbal formulas.
Don applies a holistic approach to the care of his patients, which includes acupuncture, attention to diet, nutrition and the provision of herbs. He draws on several areas of medicine, both traditional and nontraditional. For example, in treating a patient with MS, he uses the biomedical disease model and determines which processes are at work. Next he employs what in Oriental Medicine is called “pattern differentiation”—a complex of symptoms that create a syndrome picture—to refine the diagnosis of the disease presentation and to more accurately treat the individual. Taken together, all these approaches help him decide on a treatment. Don has treated many serious and chronic conditions and feels most people can benefit from Chinese Medicine.
Don is licensed in California, Washington and Texas. He is a Diplomat of Oriental Medicine from NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). A board certification of Oriental Medicine is the highest certification one can attain in most states. One must be certified and licensed and pass rigorous exams in Acupuncture, Herbology, Oriental Medicine and Western Medicine.
Don met Carlos in medical school, and is looking forward to treating patients in the Valley Ranch area.