About Me

Gabriel Fuentes earned his Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine in 2004. While his formal education provided a strong foundation, he was deeply struck by the significant lack of Chinese medical literature and clinical education available to Western students. This realization led him to move to Taiwan a year after graduation, where he immersed himself in advanced studies of Chinese medicine and language.

During his time in Taiwan, Gabriel studied Chinese language and interned at China Medical University Hospital. He apprenticed under esteemed practitioners such as Dr. Chang Yong-hsien, a renowned acupuncture specialist in stroke and facial palsy, and Dr. Gao Shang-de, a highly respected internal medicine expert known for his work in autoimmune diseases and gastroenterology. A rare and invaluable opportunity also allowed him to study with Dr. Zhang Bu-dao, an internationally recognized master of Classical formulas who treated over two hundred patients a day and Tian An ran, the top Kidney specialist in the country.

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Through these experiences, Gabriel gained extensive clinical exposure, treating a wide range of conditions, including IBS, kidney disease, menstrual disorders, and neurological conditions such as stroke, facial paralysis and neuropathy. His journey extended beyond Taiwan, as he studied with distinguished practitioners across China and Korea, deepening his understanding of the strengths and limitations of East Asian medicine.

In addition to his clinical practice, Gabriel has contributed to academic research in Taiwan, China, and Korea, focusing on the development and education of Chinese medicine and the decontextualization of its teaching methods. His clinical expertise lies in internal medicine and neurological disorders, while his broader interests include folk medicine traditions and lesser-known non-academic practices in Taiwan.

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Gabriel’s dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine led him to become the first American to serve as a full-time lecturer in the Department of Chinese Medicine at China Medical University, a role he held for over seven years. His passion for bridging cultures and advancing Chinese medicine continues to shape his work in both clinical and academic settings.