About Ling Li

Specialty: Acupuncture
Education/Training: New England School of Acupuncture: Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM)
Certifications: Diplomate in Oriental Medicine: National Certification Committee on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Licensed Acupuncturist by MA Board of Medicine.
Years at MGHCC: Since 1993 (in biomedical research). Since 2016 (as a member of the acupuncture team).

What drew you to your specialty? Prior to coming to the United States, I was a practicing physician in China. It was there where I first witnessed how powerful acupuncture can be as part of a treatment regimen – how it supports patients’ strength, stamina and quality of life. I trained in acupuncture in the United States, and my years of practicing here have proven to me that it is very effective in helping patients manage both their condition, the side effects of their treatments, and their vast range of emotions.

What is your favorite part of your job? Working in the Cancer Center is incredibly rewarding, as I am able to work closely with patients who are going through a very challenging time – both physically and emotionally. I feel honored to be able to help patients at such a vulnerable time in their lives. When it comes to fighting cancer, I believe that patients need to look at themselves as a whole – my work empowers patients to do just that. Witnessing a patient's strength and seeing the support from their loved ones is inspirational to me and encourages me to do my best for them.

What would you like to tell patients and their families about integrative therapies and your specialty? Acupuncture is one of several integrative services we offer to help patients manage the symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment. There is intense collaboration among all members of a patient’s care team, and that gives patients the best support and treatment possible. The team mentality is really powerful, which allows us to treat the “whole” patient. Working with this team to provide patients with multiple options for their care is an honor.

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