Recent Graduates Support Group
Monthly support sessions for recent graduates of the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture
Next cohort begins Fall 2025
Why Join a Support Group?
For the last four years, I have taught Practice Management at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture, a course, ostensibly, about obtaining licensure and creating a practice post-graduation.
In reality, the experience of talking about our dreams and visions activates motivation (Kidney yang) that connects us to the true north (Kidney yin) that inspired us to study acupuncture in the first place.
Graduating acupuncture school and starting clinical practice can be challenging.
My commitment to this work is unwavering, not because I am superhuman, but because I have built for myself systems of mentorship and support.
In January 2024, I started leading monthly group meetings for recent graduates and beginning acupuncturists interested in receiving ongoing support. These sessions help graduates clarify their next steps and re-orient towards their true vision.
How It Works
Monthly calls
We meet for monthly calls (1.5 to 2 hours) for 6 months.
Each participant takes a turn sharing what they are working on (exams, licensure, business ideation, implementation, research, etc.)
Together, we workshop ideas, strategize, problem solve, and leave with action tasks to move that person’s business and practice forward until the next call.
Depending on what is most resonant for the group, we take time to delve deeper into topics covered in the Practice Management classes:
Taking the boards and licensure
Vision for practice
Designing offerings— prototyping in small iterations
Market research and analysis
Website copy and design
Writing intake paperwork
Thinking about systems and service design
Nervous system health: negotiating fear, imposter syndrome, analysis paralysis
The ethics of practice management and building a healthy patient base
Cohort sizes
Because the cohort sizes are small, each participant receives one-on-one time to brainstorm ideas and strategize business plans. They leave each session feeling inspired to take steps forward on their unique tasks and goals.
WhatsApp Group
In between monthly calls, we stay in conversation over a shared WhatsApp group. Participants ask questions (“what do you think of this business card design?” “what about this flyer layout?” “I received the following question from an insurance patient...”) As facilitator, I monitor the chat, answer questions, and direct participants to the appropriate resources. Other cohort members also share their perspectives and offer collaborative support.
The Fine Print
Participation in the program is by application only for AFEA students and graduates. The fee is $240 for the 6 month program (or $40/month). If you are interested, fill out the interest form linked below.
Words from Recent Participants
“I can't recommend this group enough; it has been invaluable as I start out as an acupuncturist! After each meeting I feel lighter and more prepared to tackle whatever it is I'm working on in building out my career.
Angie is an active listener who really takes in each person's needs, responding with helpful, clear, task-oriented feedback in the moment (and often follow up information after the fact).
I also love the group dynamic because each person has skills and tips that they can share with the rest of the group. We commiserate when things are tough and celebrate each others' victories. Having the emotional support of this group has been wonderful, and it's a reminder that I don't need to go on the journey alone (in fact, it's better and more fun with people!).
No matter where you are in your practice, this group has something to offer you.”
M.G., Cohort 3 participant
“Being in Angie's recent grad support group has really helped me clarify next steps in my business and has also given me a space to look back on previous months and celebrate how far I've come.
It's such an intimate space where we can really dive into where we are at right now and get personalized guidance.
Angie is an excellent listener and a brilliant business woman so I feel very lucky to have access to her insights over the course of 6 months.”
K.H., Cohort 1 participant
About the Facilitator
Angie is a five element acupuncturist and herbalist practicing in Westchester and Manhattan, New York. Since graduating from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in 2019, she has held small practices in Gainesville, Westchester, and New York City. During the 2020 COVID lockdowns, her Chinese medicine practice was fully online, and she became interested in developing a truly sustainable business model using feminist business theory. Every year, she teaches Practice Management to the graduating intern class at the Academy.