LEADERS IN HEALTHCARE: Jennifer Dabu

Owner, DoAcupuncture

With the organization since: 2008.

In current position since: 2008.

Education: Doctorate degree in acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science, 2020; master’s degree in traditional oriental medicine, Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine, 2008; bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, University of California San Diego, 2001.

Career Highlights: 2025 Brighton Chamber of Commerce entrepreneur of the year. Eighteen years of experience, including five years working as an acupuncturist on cruise ships, treating patients for chronic complex conditions, including neuropathy, chronic pain, headaches and migraines, auto immune, allergies, digestive, stress, etc.

Current affiliations: Member of Acupuncture Society of New York, American Society of Acupuncturists, Brighton Chamber of Commerce, Lollypop Farm Professionals.

Skills that make you an effective leader? “I believe my effectiveness as a leader comes from leading with compassion, clarity and consistency. I listen deeply to my patients and my team, creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued and supported so staff can deliver their best care and patients feel confident in the care we provide. I lead by example through ongoing learning, continually refining my clinical skills and staying current in traditional East Asian medicine and integrative medicine as well as Western approaches, which encourages my team to stay curious and collaborative. Ultimately, I balance vision with humility. I set high standards for patient care and clinic growth while remaining open to feedback, adaptable to change and focused on what best serves our patients and our community.”

How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “My managerial philosophy is rooted in collaboration, clarity and accountability. I believe a strong team thrives when everyone feels respected, supported and empowered, so I prioritize open communication, transparent expectations and an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. I lead the same way I care for patients — by listening first — so I can understand what my team needs, what motivates them and how they want to grow, while maintaining clear standards for professionalism, clinical excellence, and patient experience. Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and united in our shared mission of delivering thoughtful, effective and compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors.”

How do you personally demonstrate leadership and inspire your staff? “I demonstrate leadership by showing up every day with integrity, kindness and a commitment to our clinic’s shared mission and modeling the behaviors I expect, whether that’s staying curious in my clinical work, communicating clearly, or treating every patient with genuine care. I make it a priority to be present and accessible to my team, listening to their ideas, supporting their growth and creating space for them to step into their strengths. I also love celebrating both big milestones and quiet wins, helping my team see how their efforts directly support our patients and contribute to the warm, caring atmosphere of our clinic.”

How do you see the healthcare industry changing in the next few years, and how will you prepare the organization for those changes? “I see healthcare moving toward integrative approaches that better support patients with complex, chronic conditions, along with a strong focus on preventive care for long-term wellness. To prepare our organization, I’m committed to fostering a culture that honors tradition while embracing innovation and maintaining the integrity of traditional East Asian medicine while incorporating updated clinical protocols, technologies, and complementary modalities that help patients achieve faster and longer term results. I also plan to invest in continuing education for our team, strengthen relationships with other medical professionals, and keep our clinic adaptable as patient needs evolve, positioning us as a trusted, collaborative, and forward-thinking resource that delivers skilled, compassionate care and the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

What are your top three priorities for your organization this year? “My top three priorities all center on elevating patient care and the overall patient experience. First, I’m committed to strengthening the quality of care by refining our clinical protocols, improving communication and ensuring patients feel seen, heard and supported. Second, I focus on supporting my team’s growth and wellbeing, because a well-trained, well-supported staff provides the strongest foundation for exceptional patient care. Third, I aim to deepen collaboration within the broader healthcare community so patients benefit from coordinated, comprehensive support across providers. Together, these priorities create a clinic environment where patients receive attentive, personalized, and highly effective care.”

How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “The healthcare industry in our region can be improved by emphasizing collaboration, individualized care, and patient education. Too often, care is fragmented, and patients are unaware that integrative therapies like acupuncture are available to support their health. I frequently hear from patients that they wish they had found us sooner because our care has made such a positive impact on their lives. By increasing awareness of available integrative options and fostering better coordination among providers, we can help more patients access timely, effective care and improve overall health outcomes in our community.”

Tell us one thing about you that people generally don’t know? “I love music and I play the tenor and bari saxophone with two local concert bands, the Brighton Community Band and the Nazareth University Night Flyers.”