The history of CCATCM

College History

The History of the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (CCATCM) began with the vision of Dr. Diana Tong Li, Dr. Franklyn Chen and Joseph Starr who dreamed of a school that combined the best of Eastern and Western Medicine, and modern and traditional methods of healing. The result was the Canadian College of Natural Medicine (CCANM)- a career college, founded in 1998, here in Bedford. CCANM was primarily a massage therapy college. It experienced remarkable growth as a college of massage therapy leaving little energy for the owners' passions for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The College was sold in 2003 to a national chain of colleges and became what is today the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy.

In its place Dr. Chen and Dr. Li created the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (CCANM). CCANM functioned as a college providing continuing education for health-care professionals. Its Doctor of Acupuncture Program was recognized by the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada and by its provincial chapter- the Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of Nova Scotia (ATCMANS).

CCANM enjoyed a partnership with the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM) in Toronto and with numerous colleges and hospitals in China. Several of its students took advantage of these connections and also studied in Toronto at OCTCM, earning diplomas in acupuncture from both CCANM and OCTCM. Two of its students interned in hospitals in Sanya and Shenzhen China. CCANM graduated its class of Doctors of Acupuncture in 2008.

In 2009 Dr Diana Tong Li, Dr. Ganglin Yin (principle, Oshio College of Acupuncture and Herbology in Victoria BC) and Dr. Ben Wu (President, Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Toronto)had the vision to create a full-time, career- based, acupuncture program for Maritime students wishing to pursue acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a profession.

CCATCM - the fruit of this partnership, has been approved as a Career College by the Nova Scotia Department of Education which allows students to qualify for student loans for these programs.

Various courses and classes for continuing education and general interest are also offered.

Right now is the time to enquire about our programs, courses and classes and how the College can help you realize your personal dreams and career goals. Please call (902) 832-6628 or email ccatcm@gmail.com to set up an interview.

Front Row, Left to Right:
Dr. Qing Zhang, Calvin Crichton, Dr. Aiko Hormann, Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen, Dr. Diana Tong Li, Joe Starr,
Dr. He Jun, representative from Guangzhou University, Dr. Zhang-HongLai, representative from Guangzhou University, China, Lisa Fontanella, Dr. Helga Pizzera.

Round table discussion; Cancer Treatment and Prevention.
Left to Right: Representatives from Capital Health Nova Scotia, Representative from Sunshine Room QEII Hospital, Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen, Professor from Dalhousie University, Dr. William Lavallee M.D.(on screen from Texas), Dr. Diana Tong Li, Vicki Wilson cancer patient, Dr. Aiko Hormann, Joe

Integrating Western and Eastern Medicine
Dr. Diana Tong Li - Chair, Dr. Robert Rutledge – Keynote speaker and cancer specialist from QEII hospital, Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen – co-chair and keynote speaker, Joe Starr – co-chair. The Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine; Hosts of the Canadian Conference on Acupuncture and Natural Healing. 2011 Topic: Cancer Treatment and Prevention.

Government officials showing their support
Dr. Aiko Hormann, Councillor Mary Wile on behalf of Mayor Peter Kelly, Hon. Kelly Regan district MLA, Dr. Diana Tong Li, Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen, at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine; Hosts of the Canadian Conference on Acupuncture and Natural Healing. 2011 Topic: Cancer Treatment and Prevention.

Support from the National Association
Calvin Crichton, Dr. Franklyn Shi Chen, Representative from the Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada, Dr. Diana Tong Li and Joe Starr at the Canadian College of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine; Hosts of the Canadian Conference on Acupuncture and Natural Healing. 2011 topic: Cancer Treatment and Prevention.