About Dr. David Santander, DTCM, MSTCM, L.Ac.

I’m a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and licensed acupuncturist based in Kailua, Oʻahu. My work sits at the intersection of orthopedics, chronic illness, plant medicine, and movement.

Before founding Oahu Holistic Medicine and co‑founding the nonprofit Oahu Community Medicine, I trained and practiced on the East Coast and studied with teachers from China, the Amazon, and Hawaiʻi.

Training & Background

• Doctorate and Master’s in Traditional Chinese Medicine – University of Bridgeport, CT

• Licensed Acupuncturist in Hawaiʻi (formerly licensed in NY)

• Intensive study with:

• Dr. Steve Jackowicz (medical Qigong, orthopedics, internal medicine, kyo jung)

• Jonathan Miller‑Weisberger (Amazonian plant medicine and ethnobotany)

• Eastgate Acupuncture (advanced orthopedics, fertility, internal medicine)

I am also a long‑time practitioner and teacher of Wing Chun, Ba Gua, Tai Chi, Qigong, and related meditative practices.

Clinical Focus

In the clinic, I work with:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries

• Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and autoimmune patterns

• Diabetes and metabolic issues

• Oncology support and recovery from major treatments

• Geriatric care and aging well

• Stress, anxiety, and sleep problems

My goal is simple: to listen carefully, explain clearly, and then use the right tools – acupuncture, herbs, bodywork, movement, and simple home changes – to help your system move back toward health.

Philosophy

I see each person as an ecosystem. Pain and disease are often what finally gets our attention, but they are rarely the whole story.

I work at the pace your body can handle, with as much honesty and as little fluff as possible. We’ll focus on what works, track progress, and adjust as needed.