Fertility Roadmaps: Acupuncturists & MDs Working Together

In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Coleen Smith and Whitney Fessler—two leaders in the field of reproductive acupuncture and current board members of ABORM (The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine). They explore how integrative fertility care is evolving, the role of ABORM in raising standards for acupuncture practitioners, and why collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine is essential for helping patients conceive. From patient success stories to navigating clinical relationships with OB-GYNs and REIs, this is an inspiring conversation packed with insight, warmth, and wisdom for anyone passionate about fertility, healthcare, and holistic healing.Whitney opened her first acupuncture clinic in Flagstaff, Arizona. After several successful years there, Whitney, a Wyoming native, returned to Jackson Hole to continue her practice, renaming it to Grand Teton Acupuncture. She is pleased to offer traditional Eastern Medicine therapies including acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutritional consultations, and much more to residents and visitors of Jackson Hole. While Whitney enjoys treating all types of conditions, her passion is treating fertility issues. After much studying and researching, she decided to take the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) exam in 2018 in order to further her knowledge of both Eastern & Western conditions that often lead to infertility.Dr Coleen Smith established Point of Origin Acupuncture in Spokane Washington in 2004. Point of Origin provided the only specialized fertility acupuncture in eastern Washington. Women’s Health and IVF support became the focus of Coleen’s life. She receives referrals from reproductive endocrinologists, obstetrician gynecologists, lactation consultants and pelvic floor specialists to support women through various stages of pre and post-natal care. She is now a part of the executive branch of The Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine, ABORM. She has been a fellow of the ABORM since its inception in 2008 and has been serving on the Board for 9 years.