The history of the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) is inseparable from the vision, courage, and lifelong dedication of our founder, Dr. Johanna Chu Yen.

Born in June 1933 in China, Dr. Yen began her medical career as an obstetrician and gynecologist before immigrating to the United States in the early 1980s. After becoming a licensed acupuncture physician in Florida, she recognized the growing need for high-quality education in Traditional Chinese Medicine and believed that this ancient healing tradition should be shared with the American public.

Driven by that vision, Dr. Yen founded the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in 1994 as a nonprofit institution dedicated to educating future practitioners of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. From its humble beginnings with only a small number of students, ATOM grew into an accredited institution offering master's and doctoral education and preparing hundreds of graduates to serve patients throughout the United States and around the world.

For twenty-nine years, Dr. Yen served as President of ATOM. She believed that education was not simply about teaching clinical skills, but about cultivating compassionate healthcare professionals with integrity, professionalism, and a lifelong commitment to serving others. Her students were never simply students—they were family. She took great pride in their accomplishments and remained a mentor long after graduation.

Beyond ATOM, Dr. Yen also made significant contributions to the profession of acupuncture in Florida. Appointed to the Florida Board of Acupuncture, she later served as its Chair and helped advance the development and recognition of acupuncture within the state's healthcare system. She was widely respected as an educator, clinician, and advocate for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Dr. Johanna Chu Yen passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024, at the age of 91. Although she is no longer with us, her vision continues to guide our institution. Every student we educate, every patient we serve, and every graduate who carries the healing traditions of Chinese medicine into the community reflects the legacy she created.

Today, as ATOM enters a new chapter, we remain committed to preserving Dr. Yen's founding ideals while embracing innovation and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. We honor her memory by continuing the work to which she devoted her life.

Knowledge • Compassion • Healing

These values embody the spirit of Dr. Johanna Chu Yen and remain the enduring foundation of ATOM.