Administration

Dr. Kara Michalsen, a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, comes to her current position as Academic Dean for ASAOM with experience and excitement.

After graduating California Poly Technic University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in science, she researched and pursued a medical career, attending the medical school, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2013 Dr. Kara was invited to participate in an Internship at Emanuel Hospital’s Trauma Unit in Portland, Oregon. While involved in this internship she was a part of the research for medical case studies that were ultimately published in the Texas Medical Journal, 2015 Vol 42.

Following the medically diverse experience in Oregon, Dr. Kara opened her own medical practice in Southern California. In addition to her practice, she became interested in the educational journey of doctors and the importance of their medical training. Consequently, Dr Kara chose to attend workshops/classes at Harvard University focused on the importance of how doctors/health professional’s medical training directly affects their patient’s health.

She then entered the field of medical education becoming an Assistant Professor and Head of the Integrative Clinical Rotations of the Physician Assistant Program at Southern California University of Health Sciences. Teaching in the Doctorate of Chiropractic, Doctorate of Acupuncture, and Physician Assistant programs increased her understanding of the importance of highly effective medical education and training for all health professionals.

MicroMasters in Instructional Design from University of Maryland was the natural next step for Dr. Kara to take to meld all her experiences and expertise together. She moved to a concierge medical practice while teaching at ASAOM, becoming the Director of Curriculum, and is now serving as Academic Dean.

Beyond her passion for medical education, Dr. Kara relaxes by hiking, preparing dinner and pairing wines, has recently discovered balloon artistry for birthdays of family members, designs cookie art … and so much more.

Coming Soon

You’ll have to contact Dr. Wagner to find out why she feels the sea can represent her.

Dr. Wagner is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She graduated with her Master's from Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with a MAcOM degree. She completed a six-month externship in Haikou, Hainan Province China, after graduation.  She went on to study auricular medicine with Dr. Lichun Huang earning a Master of Auricular Medicine from the Auricular Medicine Institute in Orlando Florida. Her next educational endeavor was obtaining Board Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) and she was appointed as an acupuncturist to the board for three years.  Most recently Susan completed her Doctorate of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine while attending American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at California Institute of Integral Studies. She completed her externships for the program spending a month in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and additional training at NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Wagner is a current faculty member at ASAOM and has a busy practice in the Tucson area. She also brings to the table 22 years of military medical experience as a retired HMCS(DV).