Professional & Educational Background
- Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Diplomate Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
About Dr. Sara Marie
I have been providing health care in Montana since 1982 after graduating from the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My first practice, Bitterroot Natural Therapeutics was located in Missoula where I offered therapeutic massage, polarity therapy, reflexology, Bach flower remedies, iridology, nutrition and colonics. During my time in Missoula I attended the University of Montana to acquire the pre-med requirements for licensing as an acupuncturist.
Upon passing the exam and licensing requirements of the Montana Board of Medical Examiners I earned my acupuncture license in 1985. As standards of the profession have grown, I have earned the highest level of national recognition, having passed the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine exams in acupuncture and also in Chinese herbal medicine, earning the status as Diplomat in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Oriental Medicine.
I continued my studies in China at the Hei Long Jiang college of TCM in Harbin and at Chengdu University, in Chengdu. When the first approved doctoral level program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine was established in 2003 at the Oregon College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I attended the two-year program, earning a doctorate in 2005.
I have been practicing in the Flathead Valley since 1986 when I moved to Bigfork. I served with the Bigfork QRU as a licensed emergency medical technician for a number of years and participated in search and rescue. I am also a founding member of the Montana Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
