Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine Remembers Beloved Founder, Dr. Johanna Chu Yen

It is with great sadness that ATOM shares the news that its beloved founder, Dr. Johanna Chu Yen passed peacefully on July 21, 2024, at the home of her son in Palo Alto, California. She was 91 years old.

Born in China, she and her family immigrated to the United States in 1983 and she began practicing Chinese Medicine in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She had a great passion to bring the healing practice of Acupuncture to Americans and in 1994 founded her own not-for-profit school – Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM). From its humble beginnings, the school grew to include a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Program and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program. She was so proud of all of her students and their many accomplishments. She considered them all family and found great joy in their many letters and visits, even after graduating. Dr. Yen served as President of Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine for 29 years before retiring in the Spring of 2023 at the age of 89.  

In 1992 Dr. Yen attended Acupuncture Day in Tallahassee and cured the headache of a Florida representative. He was impressed and wanted to give back. Two weeks later, Dr. Yen got a letter from Governor Chiles inviting her to join the Florida Board of Acupuncture. After two years, she became the Chair. During her term of service on the Board of Acupuncture, the scope of acupuncture in Florida was expanded, including the addition of  Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT).

Many will remember Dr. Yen’s participation in the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine meetings. She always took a strong interest and contributed her insight toward the betterment of the field and the educational experience.

She will be remembered for all that she contributed to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in America and missed by all whose lives she touched.

Her ATOM family.