Meet Our team
Our teaching staff include internationally recognised lecturers, many of whom are leading figures in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of clinical experience and academic knowledge to the classroom, delivering a high standard of training to all our students.
We have a dedicated local team of Senior Lecturers specialising in Meridians, Acupuncture Points, and Clinical Supervision. Many of them are graduates of AFI and are now accomplished practitioners, actively engaged in the wider professional community.
Principal and Programme Director
The training programme is headed by Programme Director Dr Bernadette Ward, PhD, MSc, Lic.Ac., Dip, Ch Herbs, C. Ac. Nanjing, C Herb, Nanjing M.A.F.P.A, M.A.C.H.I, M.N.I.A.T.C.M.
Bernadette has successfully completed her Doctorate at Dublin City University, following her Master of Sciences in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Middlesex University, London in 2008/2009. She was awarded the ATCM (Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine UK) PETS (Prize for excellence in traditional Chinese medicine studies) for her thesis “The absence of regulation of acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners impacts on the clinical relationship”.
Following her four year research in DCU, her book “CAM, An Irish Solution to a Global Question?, An analysis of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Sector” has been published and is available online with Amazon, Lap-Publishing and other online book websites.
One of her areas of specialisation is TCM Education at both national and European level. She was elected Chairperson of the Pan European Federation of TCM Societies (P.E.F.O.T.S.) Education Committee. September 2011 she was appointed as a Vice President of the PEFOTS board.
Following the 8th world conference of Chinese medicine held in London, September 2011, Bernadette was elected as a Vice President of the WFCMS (World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies) Supervisory Board.
She has been instrumental in establishing a TCM core curriculum encompassing European professional safety and practice requirements. This is quantified and graded according to the Bologna Agreement setting standards in TCM education at both national and international levels. She serves as a Board member of the NIATCM, (The Northern Ireland Association of TCM Societies).
In 2002 she was appointed as a Visiting Associate Professor to the Nanjing University, Nanjing, China. This was followed in 2004 by her appointment as a Visiting Professor to Nanjing University of TCM. This is an honorary title and is the highest honour the University awards a foreign national. This was awarded in recognition of her long-term work in promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine in Ireland and other European countries.
You can read more about Dr Ward at www.bernadetteward.com.
Professor Kaicun Zhao PhD
Professor Kaicun Zhao programme leader of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese herbal medicine programmes at Middlesex University. Dr. Zhao also serves as a member of the Expert Advisory Groups on herbal medicines for British Pharmacopeia Commission and a member of the Herbal Medicine Advisory Committee of MHRA.
Professor Fanyi Meng
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Lecturer, and Head of TCM Programmes at Lincoln University. Programme leader of BSc (Hons) Acupuncture at Lincoln College and the University of Lincoln since 2004 in the United Kingdom (UK. Long term lecturer on the Acupuncture Foundation Ireland professional programme.
MS Therese Parsons, M Phil, Lic Ac, Dip C Herb
Experienced Lecturer in Research Methodology and Acupuncture, with expertise in biochemistry, anatomy, and pathology. Ms Parsons has been teaching on the Acupuncture Foundation training programme for many years.
Mr. Stephen Coughlan, Lic Ac
Stephen is an experienced practitioner and skills and clinical teacher. Stephen has been teaching Acupuncture students practical and clinical skills for many years.
Ms Concepta Corbett, Lic Ac, C. Ac. (Nanjing), Dip N.T. (IHS)
Ms Concepta Corbett is an experienced acupuncture practitioner and lecturer. She has written health education and nutritional articles for several publications and has given educational lectures and workshops on Acupuncture and Nutrition in both the private and public sector.
Ms Orla Firzgerald, BA (Mod) Genetics, Lic Ac, C. Ac. (Nanjing), Dip Chinese Herbalism
Ms Fitzgerald is a qualified acupuncturist and Chinese medical herbalist with over 20 years of experience. She supervises the practical training of 1st Year acupuncture students.
Mark Rooney, BA (Hons) Grad Dip, Lic.Ac. Dip Herb, Dip Tuina, Director of Administration
Mark Rooney has played a key role in transforming the Acupuncture Foundation into a leader in acupuncture and TCM education. He developed its innovative blended learning model and contributed to the development of European curriculum standards, aligning AFI with international best practices and providing rigorous, modern training for future practitioners.
Daniel Svidrnoch, BA (Hons) Business Administration, Course Administrator
Daniel serves as the Administrator at the Acupuncture Foundation, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the institution. He provides vital support to students, faculty and staff, overseeing day-to-day activities and maintaining the organisational structure.
As part of the aim to provide the highest quality TCM education in Ireland, the Foundation has ensured that course tutors are both expert clinicians and are experienced and accomplished lecturers. To further improve the learning experience the Foundation ensures that the staff / student ratio is kept as low as possible particularly for the practical and clinical aspects of the course.
Academic Board
The Academic Board is headed by Programme Director Bernadette Ward and includes teachers and experienced TCM professionals on the Board. Among its responsibilities of overseeing the training courses the Board monitors the quality of course delivery and assessment.
Nanjing University of TCM Award
Party General Secretary of Nanjing University, Professor Zhu Yanfu presenting Foundation Director Bernadette Ward with a certificate of her appointment as visiting Professor to Nanjing University of TCM.
Online Application Form
Please complete the Application Form if you wish to join or find out more about our Acupuncture programme. We can then arrange for a one to one discussion with one of our team to answer all your queries about our college and training.
Online Contact Form
If you wish to request our course brochure, have any questions about our college or any of the courses we offer, you can let us know below. Our course brochures include all the details of the course that you are interested in, including fee information.