Dongguk University Los Angeles

The roots of Dongguk University Los Angeles reach back to 1976 when Dr. Harvart R. Hongo began teaching the fundamentals of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at his Sei Shin Acupuncture Clinic. Encouraged by his patients who wished to learn more about this healing art, Dr. Hongo took the initial steps toward his goal of combining research and educational pursuits, with the provision of charitable health services to the surrounding community. Dr. Hongo’s goal materialized in 1979 with the founding of Royal University of America, consisting of three faculty and 11 students.

The mission of Dongguk University Los Angeles is to:

• Explore and embody the principles and practices of traditional East Asian medicine.
• Develop a community of skilled medical practitioners.
• Provide accessible health care services to the local community.

To train healers who are able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and historical contexts of oriental medicine.
• Apply this understanding to accurately diagnose patients.
• Utilize bio-medical diagnostic methods and refer to other practitioners as appropriate.
• Competently plan, perform, assess, and adjust acupuncture treatments for common conditions and patterns.
• Competently prescribe and modify herbal formulas for common conditions and patterns.
• Embody and advise on healthy lifestyle choices, and
• Identify, define, and model best practices for professional success.