Join the TCMO Board and Help Shape the Future of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture in Ontario

March 4, 2025

We are seeking passionate and solutions-focused professional members to join our fast-paced, dynamic, all-hands-on-deck team as a TCMO Board Member.  We are looking to fill multiple positions and welcome applications from individuals with diverse skill sets and expertise.

This role is ideal for those committed to advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture in Ontario. While we are particularly seeking board members with technical skills in web development, social media, communications, and event planning, we also encourage applications from individuals with strengths in organization, administration, business development, networking, or other areas beneficial to the board.

As a TCMO Board Member, you will play a key role in advocating for greater recognition and accessibility of TCM within the healthcare system. We need forward-thinking leaders dedicated to strengthening the profession and expanding its impact.

Who We Are

TCMO is at the forefront of promoting the value of TCM and Acupuncture to the public, policymakers, and healthcare stakeholders. Through advocacy, education, and professional support, we work to ensure TCM is integrated into the broader healthcare landscape in Ontario.

Our Vision

To lead the evolution of integrative healthcare by ensuring a thriving community of Acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners who demonstrate excellence and inspire trust as essential pillars of Ontario’s healthcare system.

Our Mission

To be a driving force, advocating for the advancement of the profession, elevating public trust, and preserving the integrity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.

Who We’re Looking For

We invite applications from current professional members of TCMO who have a passion for growing and elevating the profession. In addition to leadership and advocacy skills, we are particularly looking for board members with experience in:

  • IT & Web Development – Supporting the organization’s digital presence and online infrastructure
  • Social Media & Communications – Expanding outreach, engagement, and public education initiatives
  • Event Planning – Assisting with the coordination of advocacy events, member engagement activities, and community outreach

In addition, we welcome applicants with expertise in:

  • Organization & administration
  • Business strategy & financial management
  • Networking & stakeholder engagement
  • Any other skill sets that you believe would be beneficial to TCMO

Ideal candidates will also have:

  • A deep commitment to TCM and Acupuncture
  • A strong desire to advocate for the profession and its role in Ontario’s healthcare system
  • The ability to collaborate with fellow board members and external stakeholders
  • A willingness to dedicate time and expertise to TCMO’s initiatives

Key Responsibilities & Requirements:

  • Provide strategic guidance on initiatives related to your area of expertise
  • Support the execution of key advocacy and public awareness projects
  • Assist in developing and implementing strategies to grow and engage the TCMO membership
  • Collaborate with the board and team members to align initiatives with organizational goals
  • Ability to work in a collaborative, remotely connected, working environment. 
  • Passion for the organization’s mission and commitment to contributing time and expertise.

Valuable (but not required) Skills & Experience:

  • Experience in video production, editing, and storytelling.
  • Proficiency in website management (WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or similar platforms).
  • Strong understanding of social media content creation, scheduling, and analytics.

Why Join the TCMO Board?

As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Advocate for TCM and Acupuncture at the provincial level
  • Help shape policies that impact the profession
  • Contribute to public education and awareness initiatives
  • Build relationships with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders
  • Play a key role in the future of integrative healthcare in Ontario

Key Requirement: 

  • All board members must be current Professional Members of TCMO (R.Ac or R.TCMP)

Commitment & Application Process

Board members are expected to attend regular meetings (monthly virtual and quarterly in-person), participate in committee work, contribute to key initiatives and attend events. This is a volunteer position with a commitment of approximately 4-8 hours per month.

If you are a current professional member of TCMO and have the skills and passion to help grow and strengthen the organization, we encourage you to apply.

Apply Today
To apply or to learn more about this opportunity, please contact katrina.dollano@tcmo.ca. We have immediate openings on our Board and would like to hear from interested individuals by March 21, 2025.  Please send your current CV or resume along with your email in order to apply. 

Apply in the Future
If today is too soon, but you are interested in this opportunity, please let us know! We have volunteer opportunities on committees and future Board openings as well.

Let’s shape the future of TCM in Ontario together!

Important Updates around Doctor Title, Veterinarians’ Act, Preferred Provider Networks and more

November 6, 2024

Your Association and volunteers have been busy in the past few months. Here are a few of the areas we have been active..

CTCMPAO:

We have actively re-engaged with our College. We participated in a direct consultation with regard to the Doctor Title working group. Many of our questions were answered and issues clarified. We support the work that the Working Group has completed to date, as well as the adjustments to the education and implementation timeline. We are excited to continue our dialogue with the CTCMPAO in the future.

Modernization of the Veterinarians’ Act:

In January, 2023, TCMO commented on the proposed modernization of the act that governs Veterinarians and procedures on animals in Ontario. The position of TCMO was that with additional training in animal handling and anatomy, our profession is eminently qualified to perform acupuncture on animals. The Act gained proclamation in May of this year, and subsequent to that, TCMO reached out to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO). We are pleased to mention that there is a meeting planned with the CVO to begin a conversation that we are hopeful will lead to our profession gaining the acceptance to perform acupuncture on animals.

Preferred Provider Networks:

You may have heard of employer-sponsored drug insurance and the preferred pharmacies that may be a part of these types of networks for prescription drugs. The Ministry of Finance recently issued a consultation on this subject, and one of the many areas of focus in the consultation was the possible effect of a Preferred Provider Network (PPN) on patient choice. TCMO responded to the consultation, upholding and highlighting that the autonomy of a patient to choose their own healthcare provider is essential. Not only does this allow a patient access to timely care, it also allows the patient to develop trust with their chosen practitioner, which will lead to better health outcomes. While we cannot be sure that PPN’s are a future direction for the provision of primary healthcare, TCMO remains vigilant on this issue.

CTCMASO:

We have been in regular conversation with the Council of Schools. We have recently co-hosted the TCMA Day at Queen’s Park, and truly enjoyed the participation of the Council,Schools, the staff and the schools. We believe that the profession is better with more support and more participation, and we look forward to collaborating in the future.

Integration Project:

As we consider how to achieve top-of-mind knowledge and acceptance within the broader healthcare community, we have contemplated a project that would integrate our profession into a community health care setting.

We have had a few meetings with possible interested clinics, and continue to work on the fine details of such an ambitious plan. One of our challenges is the cost of this type of pilot. With the support of a host clinic, we would be offering TCM and Acupuncture services on a full-time basis, with two practitioners, for a year. Further, these services would not bear a cost for the patient. This brings TCMO a significant challenge, How can we fund this project? If you have any suggestions, please get in touch with a member of the Board.

TCMO Day 2024

November 6, 2024

Once again, the TCM profession went to Queen’s Park – and what a successful day! A diverse group, including representatives of 5 Ontario TCM Schools, the Council of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Schools of Ontario (CTCMASO), students and professional members and the volunteer Board of TCMO, spent the evening chatting, educating and sharing experiences with MPP’s from all parties at Queen’s Park. This year, our evening reception was co-sponsored with the CTCMASO alongside TCMO, and hosted in the dining room at the Legislature. This larger room allowed everyone the opportunity to mix and mingle and to meet fellow practitioners face-to-face, but more importantly, this event allowed each member of our profession to connect directly with their MPP and other MPP’s who are curious about TCM. 

Many MPP’s harkened back to the “days of deregulation” and commented on how active our profession and our patients were. There were many overheard comments of “oh, I didn’t know that TCM and Acupuncture could help with…”, which always illustrates just how much public education we must continue to undertake. Of course, we also heard that many MPP”s had other professions perform acupuncture, and those conversations also yielded another educational opportunity.

This was the second year for many MPP’s in attendance, and the many smiles certainly indicate that they look forward to another event in 2025!

During the day, TCMO arranged meetings with MPP’s and attended the Legislature. Katrina Dollano, Vice President and Heather Kenny, President, met with Ministers and staff in the ministries of Seniors and Accessibility; as well as Agriculture, Food and Agri-Business; and MPP Shamji, Health Critic. In the morning, TCMO was introduced in the Legislature and we stayed to watch and listen to Question Period. 

Our meetings focussed on updating our current situation and moving our concerns forward. We pushed for support for our pilot integration project, inclusion of our profession as a provider for acupuncture on animals, consideration of how our services could exist in care homes and retirement homes, and always reminded those we chatted with that TCM is front-line and primary healthcare for many many Ontarians, and that their continued ability to choose their provider is essential and necessary.

Protected: Attending Queen’s Park Day 2024: What You Need to Know

October 22, 2024

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Summer Mini Survey 2024

July 16, 2024

Help your Association better understand our profession – take 30 seconds and answer these questions:

TCMO Board Nominations are Open

May 13, 2024

Do you have a passion for helping to advance the TCM profession and support your peers in a volunteer leadership capacity?

The TCMO board is composed of volunteer TCMO members who meet on a monthly basis, provide ongoing contributions of their unique strengths and talents to the organization, and help support our fellow practitioners within the TCM profession in Ontario.

Nominate yourself or a colleague who embodies leadership, commitment, and a passion for our mission.

Submit your nomination request, along with a brief bio of the nominee in the provided form below no later than June 11, 2024.

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) Research Grant

May 10, 2024
  1. Introduction:

    Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO), Ontario’s leading professional association for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture practitioners, is pleased to announce the availability of research grants to support individuals conducting research in the field of TCM and acupuncture. TCMO recognizes the importance of fostering innovation and advancing knowledge in the field, and through this grant initiative, aims to provide support to researchers pursuing projects that contribute to the growth and development of TCM and acupuncture practices.
  1. Grant Details:
  • TCMO will award research grants/bursaries of up to $2500 to eligible applicants.
  • The grant is intended to support official research projects associated with educational or clinical institutions.
  • The grant funds may be utilized for research-related expenses, including but not limited to equipment, materials, participant recruitment, data analysis, and dissemination of findings.
  • The number of grants awarded and the total amount disbursed will be determined at the discretion of TCMO.
  • The decision to award the grant is solely at the discretion of TCMO and is subject to the availability of funds.
  1. Eligibility Criteria:

    To be eligible for the TCMO Research Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • The principal investigator must be actively engaged in research related to TCM and/or acupuncture.
  • The research project must be affiliated with an educational or clinical institution.
  • Applicants must be members of Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO) at the time of application submission.
  • Only one application per principal investigator will be accepted.
  1. Application Process:
  • All applications must be submitted electronically to info@tcmo.ca no later than June 10, 2024.
  • Applications must include the following documents:
    • Completed application form (available on the TCMO website).
    • Detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, significance, and expected outcomes of the project (not to exceed 5 pages).
    • Budget detailing how the grant funds will be utilized.
    • Curriculum vitae (CV) of the principal investigator.
    • Letter of support from the institution endorsing the research project.
  • Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
  • Applicants may be required to provide additional information upon request.
  1. Selection Process:
  • All eligible applications will be reviewed by the board members of Traditional Chinese Medicine Ontario (TCMO).
  • The selection criteria will include the scientific merit of the research proposal, relevance to TCM and acupuncture, feasibility of the project, and potential impact on the field.
  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by July 10, 2024.
  • TCMO reserves the right to not award the grant if no suitable applications are received or if the applications do not meet the required standards.
  1. Funding Disbursement:
  • Grant funds will be disbursed to successful applicants upon completion and submission of necessary documentation, including a signed grant agreement outlining the terms and conditions of funding utilization.
  • Funds must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the approved budget and research proposal.
  • Any unspent funds must be returned to TCMO upon completion of the project.
  1. Contact Information:

    For inquiries or further information regarding the TCMO Research Grant, please contact Katrina Dollano at katrina.dollano@tcmo.ca.

TCMO looks forward to receiving innovative research proposals that will contribute to the advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. We encourage qualified researchers to apply and help shape the future of the field.

TCMO Day at Queen’s Park

December 4, 2023

A few weeks ago, your TCMO Team, some awesome TCMO members and engaging representatives from schools descended on Queen’s Park to host a reception for MPP’s and their staff as well as conduct a few meetings and spend some time in the Legislature.

Yes! It was very very successful, and YES!! this event will become an annual one, stay tuned for the 2024 date!

Katrina Dollano (Vice President, TCMO) and Heather Kenny (President, TCMO), accompanied by Ralph Palumbo and Mark Holmes (of KWM Consulting) began the day as guests of MPP Laurie Scott with passes to the Member’s Gallery where we listened to the opening questions of Question Period. T

he middle hours of the day were consumed with meetings with MPP’s and their staff. We enjoyed a very informative meeting with MPP Michael Tibollo, Minister of Mental Health & Addictions. Minister Tibollo has first-hand knowledge of eastern medicines and is supportive of our efforts at TCMO.

MPP France Gelinas was also very knowledgeable and supportive. In her role as Health Critic, Official Opposition, she remembered the deregulation challenges that our profession encountered and ultimately altered the direction of the Government.

Likewise, during our meeting with MPP John Fraser, the Interim Leader of the Liberal Party, he also recalled the deregulation issue and how our profession and our patients spoke out so loudly. NDP Leader, Leader of the Official Opposition, MPP Marit Stiles was also very informed about our profession, supportive and offered some connections within her party to move our ideas forward.

The reception in the evening was very well attended by all parties, many pictures were taken, and connections were made.

We continue to follow-up to ensure that our profession continues to remain relevant and top-of-mind to members of Government.

TCMO Day at Queen’s Park

October 4, 2023

The TCMO is partnering with a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to establish an annual TCM & Acupuncture Day in Ontario.  This Private Member’s Bill will be presented on the floor of the legislature during the upcoming Fall or Winter sessions.

Having an official and annual TCM & Acupuncture Day will bring more credibility and awareness to our profession not only with the government but also in the eyes of the public.  

TCMO Day  will consist of two main parts:

  1. Meetings with government officials to discuss key issues
  2. A reception for MPPs, TCMO members and TCM stakeholders

TCMO Day provides the profession an opportunity to outreach to MPP’s, their staff and the ministries pertinent to our profession in both formal and informal settings. The formal meetings held during the day with the Ministries of Health, Long Term Care, and Seniors & Accessibility will allow the association to build relationships with these key decision makers. And, at the end of the day, the celebration and reception will allow our TCMO members, TCM stakeholders as well as MPP’s and their staff a more informal setting to have conversations about TCM in Ontario.

As our Government Relations firm shared during our AGM in July, politicians are most concerned about how their actions will be viewed in their own ridings where they are elected.  What happens in local communities means a great deal not only to the municipal councilors, but provincial legislators and Federal parliamentarians. This underscores the need for grassroots lobbying as well as the outreach to higher political offices.

Mark Your Calendar

Represent Your Profession at Queen’s Park

We are looking for TCMO members who can attend the reception to speak with their local MPP. Don’t worry if you don’t know who your MPP is – we do! And we will ensure that introductions are made.  Spaces are limited and we are looking for the appropriate match up with MPPs so admission is not guaranteed.

Please note that due to security reasons, your legal name must be on the guestlist in order to attend our reception at Queen’s Park. Please do not show up unless your attendance is confirmed.

Apply Here

TCMO joins the Coalition of Regulated Health Professional Associations (CORPHA)

March 22, 2023

Friends & Colleagues, we did it!

TLDR; TCMO has been awarded the seat to represent TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists within CORPHA (Coalition of Regulated Health Professional Associations). The first meeting was eye-opening about the state of other RHPs and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

I’m elated to announce that the TCMO is the official member of CORPHA, representing the interests of TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists in Ontario.

Thank you to TCMO President Heather Kenny for her tireless work, advocacy and networking to get us this seat.

CORPHA was formed to keep the member associations apprised about what is happening at the MOH and to be a support to one another as allied health professionals in terms of what the associations are doing to best assist their members.

I had the opportunity to attend the TCMO’s first CORPHA meeting. Below are some of the highlights:

  • Allison Henry, Director, Health Workforce Regulatory Oversight at the MOH attended and gave a short presentation on what they are focusing on at the MOH. They are intending to move forwards with a a more “team-based approach” to healthcare. She is the point of contact for all change of scope of practice applications. The midwives said that they have had a change before her for years without any feedback other than additional questions.
  • Some of the other RHPs shared what their strategies are regarding DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within their respective professions
  • The ODA (Ontario Dental Association) is hosting a training for dental office staff on records management and some of the other RHPs will look for feedback on that event and how it went
  • Discussion about what some of the associations are recommending to their members to address the changing public health requirements for COVID

Many of our colleagues had no idea that of the 23 regulated health professions in Ontario, TCM & Acupuncture was the only one without a seat in CORPHA. Ensuring that Chinese medicine and acupuncture is being represented in CORPHA is critical for our profession and was one of the main goals of Project Newsletter.

Project Newsletter was a volunteer drive to add people to the TCMO’s newsletter mailing list so we can keep them updated about this and other critical issues impacting our profession.

Thank you to our volunteers who gave many hours of their time and hard work to contact our colleagues. We added hundreds of other practitioners to the TCMO mailing list with your efforts.

The newsletter launches soon and so does our new website. We’ll be able to share more easily what we’ve been working on at the TCMO, current events and issues that will have a direct impact on our profession and its stakeholders, and benefits to membership.

We are taking some of the great ideas shared during our first CORPHA meeting and bringing those to our members. So stay tuned!

We thank you for your patience and support, as we the board members, are all volunteers.

Looking forward to doing more great things for our profession. And just an FYI, we’re always looking for more help. If you’re interested in volunteering for the TCMO, please feel free to reach out. We’re stronger together.

Your TCMO VP,

Katrina