Grey’s Anatomy Features Acupuncture Segment During May Sweeps!

During television’s annual May sweeps, Acupuncture was featured in a segment of Grey’s Anatomy.

Dr. Addison Montgomery-Shepherd, Dr. McDreamy’s ex-wife, played by actress Kate Walsh, takes a leave of absence to visit her old friends Naomi and Sam in Los Angeles. While visiting, Addison tells Naomi, a fertility specialist, that she is ready to have a baby. Unfortunately, Addison's plans for a baby are shattered when Naomi tells her that she is infertile. Trying to come to terms with the news of her infertility, Addison decides to try acupuncture to relieve her stress. Even more exciting yet, a practitioner from our own community profession, Dr. Joel Penner, OMD, LAc, was the lead advisor on the set (see bio below). According to Joel, “the needle placement was more for the visual effect than therapeutic effect; however, it was not so bad. I do believe it is the best portrayal of acupuncture on screen that has ever been performed.”

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

ABC is considering a Grey's Anatomy spin-off focusing on Addison. Undecidedly, titled "Private Practice," and yet to be disclosed, we are hopeful that acupuncture will again find its way to the forefront of T.V. viewers.

Joel Penner’s Bio:

Dr. Joel Penner, O.M.D., L.Ac.

Dr. Penner is a graduate of The University of California at Berkeley. He spent several years in the entertainment industry prior to returning to school to study Oriental Medicine. Dr. Penner received his initial training at Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California and received his Doctorate from SAMRA University in Los Angeles. He is licensed as an Acupuncturist by the State of California.

Dr. Penner has been active in the Oriental Medicine Community on many levels. In addition to operating a successful practice in the Los Angeles area, he has served on the board of directors and was Treasurer of The California Association of Oriental Medicine. He is also past president of The Center for Oriental Medical Research and Education. Dr. Penner is also a noted author, lecturer and teacher. He is a Professor of Oriental Medicine and has served on the faculties of Yo San University of Oriental Medicine, SAMRA University and Emperor’s College where he also served as chairman of the Department of Herbology.

Dr. Penner has written two textbooks on Oriental Medicine, “Zang Fu Syndromes: Differential Diagnosis and Treatment” with John McDonald, a complete examination of the internal causes of disease, and “Shang Han Lun-Wen Bing: A New View”, an examination of the external causes of disease.