We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rachel Hemphill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rachel below.

Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I had the unique privilege to purchase my practice from a close friend and colleague. I was very lucky to just step into a thriving practice that was up and running. Now that I have been in practice for almost 15 years and I’ve navigated business ownership through challenges such as a global pandemic, my advice to any aspiring young business owner is to assemble a dream team.
My dream team consists of the experts and professionals that keep my business running and are available to help me when problems arise. I once had a mentor tell me to make sure to surround myself with people who have strengths and abilities that complement my weaknesses. My dream team are exactly these people and it currently consists of a bookkeeper, a great CPA, an attorney, a commercial real estate broker, a marketing and SEO expert, and a graphic designer. I might be forgetting someone but you get the idea.
Starting your own practice is a thrilling journey, full of challenges and opportunities, having a dream team will provide you with the support structure to allow you to focus primarily on taking exceptional care of your patients.
Last year, I designed and built my dream acupuncture clinic. I would never have been able to do this without my incredible dream team.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Rachel Hemphill, a licensed acupuncturist in California and a nationally certified Diplomate of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine. My journey into the world of Chinese Medicine began in childhood, inspired by captivating stories of my great aunt in China, who practiced acupuncture.
I earned my Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) in San Francisco. My academic background also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Chemistry from New York University. Before transitioning to acupuncture, I worked in safety reporting for Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals, where I interfaced with the FDA.
Currently, I serve as the Clinical Director of Integrative Fertility, a leading network of fertility specialists dedicated to providing exceptional care. At Integrative Fertility, we offer on-site acupuncture before and after IUI and IVF procedures at renowned centers such as Pacific Fertility Center, UCSF Fertility Center, Laurel Fertility Care, Dr. Aimee, Reproductive Medicine Associates, KindBody, and Spring Fertility. I’ve also completed specialized preceptorships in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) at the Reproductive Science Center of the East Bay and Zouves Fertility Center.
What sets me apart is my deep-rooted connection to the community as a second-generation Oakland resident and business owner. My integrative approach to healthcare, combined with my extensive background in both traditional and Western medicine, allows me to offer comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs.
I am most proud of my role in helping individuals and couples navigate their fertility journeys with personalized, effective acupuncture treatments. I am committed to bridging the gap between traditional and modern medicine to provide holistic care. For anyone looking for compassionate, expert support in their fertility journey, my approach combines a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western medical practices to deliver the best possible outcomes. This year, my practice will welcome it’s 1000th baby conceived with the assistance of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely, if I could go back, I would choose the same profession and specialty without hesitation. My journey into acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has been profoundly fulfilling. It all started with a deep-seated fascination with my great aunt’s practice in China, which ignited my passion for this field.
Being able to help individuals and couples navigate their fertility journeys has been incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction of seeing my clients build the family of their dreams and improve their well-being reaffirms my choice every day. The combination of traditional wisdom and modern medical practices that I’m able to offer through acupuncture is something I’m deeply proud of, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my path.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, several qualities and skills are crucial for succeeding as a fertility acupuncturist:
1. Empathy and Compassion: Understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of fertility struggles is essential. Being able to provide support and comfort helps build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship with clients.
2. Strong Communication and Listening Skills: Effective communication and listening is key to understanding client concerns, explaining treatment plans clearly, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals involved in the fertility process.
3. Integrity: Fertility treatments are not only emotionally and physically demanding, but they are time sensitive and require an immense financial cost. It is important to know the limitations of your experience as a practitioner and acupuncture and East Asian medicine. You should never take a patient’s time, money, and hope if you cannot help them.
4. Never Stop Learning: Being open to integrating new techniques and staying updated with advancements and research in both acupuncture and reproductive medicine allows for more effective and innovative treatments.
These qualities, combined with solid training, help create a supportive, effective, and holistic approach to fertility care.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.citypulseacupuncture.com
• Instagram: @citypulseacupuncture
• Facebook: @citypulseacu
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-hemphill-dacm-l-ac-2766635
• Youtube: @City Pulse Acupuncture
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/city-pulse-acupuncture-oakland?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: Threads: City Pulse Acupuncture

Image Credits

All photos belong to me. :)