February 13, 2017

Meet Dawn Yoshioka Eberly of Embrace Healing and Wellness in West Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Yoshioka Eberly.

Dawn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As long as I could remember I always wanted to be a medical doctor. This was MY dream, not one that was pushed on me by my parents. I loved the idea of helping people feel better. Fast forward to my college years at UCLA, I had an opportunity to volunteer and observe the medical staff in different departments within UCLA medical center. I enjoyed interacting with patients and loved seeing all the different medical cases. I even observed a few labors and deliveries but something was off and I couldn’t pinpoint it. This was my dream, why did it seem so wrong and uncomfortable? I was devastated and lost. I never imagined wanting to be anything else. I finally realized that the energy I was feeling inside the hospital was just not for me. I had to follow my gut but I just couldn’t believe that I was about to give up my childhood dream. Now what?

Well, things happen for a reason. Not too long after, I was in a car accident and suffered the typical symptoms of whiplash. I knew exactly who I had to go to for treatment, Victor. When I was a teenager I was a very competitive basketball player and one of my coaches was a chiropractor and acupuncturist. I didn’t know that was his profession at the time but whenever I got injured I always went to see Victor. As I was treated by Victor he asked about my future career plans. I explained to him my dilemma and he told me to be open minded and I should observe him. I went to his home office every Saturday for months to watch and learn about his profession. It was amazing. I realized as a chiropractor and acupuncturist I could still be a doctor with a specialty in sports medicine, help improve people’s health and wellness and run my own business outside of a hospital setting. Just when one door was closing another door opened. I am so incredibly grateful for the guidance from Victor.

I attend Southern California University of Health Sciences in Whitter, CA. This school offered a dual chiropractic and acupuncture program, In 4 1/2 years, I graduated with a doctorate of Chiropractic and Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I am a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and I am certified in a special soft-tissue treatment called Active Release Technique (ART). Both of these certifications have allowed me to treat and educate my patients about healthy and active living. I am a firm believer that the more we move the younger and healthier we will feel. I found my passion even though it wasn’t exactly what I envisioned as a child. I feel so fortunate that I enjoy my profession and look forward to going to work every day.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a business owner is never a smooth road. If it is, you’re probably doing it wrong. I went to years of school to perfect my craft as Chiropractor and Acupuncturist, not as a business owner. I didn’t realize that until I jumped in head first into my own practice. Everything has been trial and error. Through the years, my mistakes have costed me time and money but it was totally worth it and has taught me so much about myself. I have learned to push beyond my comfort zone and the importance to always work on my own personal development. Also working with business coaches and accountability partners have helped me tremendously. As much as I fear obstacles, I welcome the challenges to help me become a better clinician and business owner.

Embrace Healing & Wellness – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I started Embrace Healing and Wellness in 2009. I am a Chiropractor and Acupuncturist with a specialization in sports injuries. I am a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and certified in Active Release Technique (ART). I am NOT one of those quick “rack’em and crack’em” doctors. I spend quality time with each of my patients and create a personalized treatment plan to get them back to their activities as soon as possible.

My ability to combine Chiropractic, Acupuncture, ART, rehab exercises and nutritional guidance has really set me apart from other doctors in my industry. Chiropractic adjustments bring back normal movement to the joints. ART treats soft tissue (muscles, fascia, ligaments and tendons) disorders. Many injuries and especially sports injuries usually relate to dysfunctions with the soft tissue. ART allows me to treat many more injuries beyond just the neck and back. Acupuncture improves the energy flow in the patient to help increase their ability to quickly recover. Lastly, exercise and nutrition puts the patient back in control of their own health and wellness and also maintain all the treatment we did in the office.

This past year I have also had the opportunity to treat at Torrance Crossfit. I’ve learned so much about the Crossfit community and the common injuries that occur.

I believe building a team creates a better work environment and improves the care for our patients. I have a wonderful, trustworthy office administrator, Jenifer. She makes the patients feel so welcomed and also keeps me organized. I couldn’t run my practice without her. I have a couple amazing massage therapists that really understand the body and how to work with injuries. Lastly, I always have other knowledgeable healthcare professionals (MD, DO, personal trainers, therapists, etc) that I refer my patients to when their services are in need. It takes a village!

I take pride in providing the best care, empowering my patients through education, and truly being present and compassionate.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I don’t have a single defining proudest moment but there are a few things that always make me smiling ear to ear. First and foremost, when my patient has made a commitment to make some daily life changes to help improve their health and wellness. Secondly, when my patient has fully recovered from their injury. Lastly, when I get a referral from my patient. I am so honored that my patients trust me to help their friends and family too.

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