Santiago Sifre, AP/DOM

is the center’s founder and its Chinese medicine physician. Santiago graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture (1996) and was mentored by Chinese master Tomas Tam. He is a highly skilled TCM diagnostician and practitioner. Santiago worked as an acupuncture physician and researcher at the University of Miami School of Medicine and at Community Healthcare of Broward, where he "led" the HIV acupuncture program. He also has an extensive background in research and consulting, as well as a particular interest in the practical and clinical application of classical Eastern thinking, and motivational strategies.  He has done extensive work in institutional settings as a clinician and consultant; and has presented and written on the subjects of acupuncture, relaxation, complementary-alternative medicines (CAM). He has practiced and taught Tai Chi and Qigong since 1986.

Tammy Sifre,

is a clinical psychologist specializing in stress management, stress-related disorders, anxiety, depression and health psychology.  She typically uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based techniques to help people who want to increase their well-being, improve relationships, connect to their mind-body wisdom and/or make healthy behavioral changes. 

Dr. Sifre earned her bachelor degree from Wellesley College and her doctoral degree from the University of Miami.  She completed three years of post-doctoral training in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Miami.  Prior to graduate school, Dr. Sifre researched public health issues for four years at Abt Associates.  She also traveled through Southeast Asia for one year learning about various approaches to health and wellness.

Serge Ernandez, AP/DOM

is a Sifre Center associate and senior practitioner with over 20 years experience as a master clinician and instructor in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese herbal medicine and homeopathy, both adult and pediatric. He is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture (1979) and the Shanghai College of Medicine (1983) and received full credentialing in classical homeopathy (1983). Dr. Ernandez’ practice includes academic and institutional appointments at diverse medical schools, hospitals and private settings. He is one of the living students of the late Dr. James T. Soo, founder of the New England School of Acupuncture and considered a founding-father of modern Chinese medicine education in the U.S. Serge also studied the treatment of HIV and Drug addiction with acupuncture and was one of the pioneers in this field -- under Dr. Michael Smith of the Bronx Hospital (1982). A very seasoned and rooted clinician, Serge Ernandez continues to care for patients, helping many recover from chronic pain and other chronic health problems like infertility, addiction, depression, recurrent infections and other immune-related conditions.