About Us

The Foundation for PIHMA Research & Education was incorporated in Phoenix on February 23, 2001.The nonprofit was intended to provide support and funding for scholarships, research, library, medical clinics, education and charitable assistance to the general public. Designed as a nonprofit partner to the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA) which was established in 1996, the Foundation received federal tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) on January 22, 2004, and was later confirmed as a public charity on May 2, 2006.  Together, with PIHMA, the Foundation seeks to bring greater awareness of and support in Asian and traditional medicines to the public.

Since that time, the Foundation formed the National Library of Traditional Medicine (www.nloftm.org) to house and manage collections from several colleges, including PIHMA and the American Medical College of Homeopathy (AMCH).

Most recently, the Foundation expanded its research capabilities with the assumption of the nonprofit Institutional Research Board (IRB) in homeopathy and the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of AMCH (which was acquired by PIHMA in 2015). The IRB and NGO were since expanded to include acupuncture research and activities. The Foundation conducts research in acupuncture, homeopathy and for other projects.

The Foundation’s activities are managed by the Board of Directors, led by Dominick Grillas, and includes Dan Bedgood, L.Ac, Todd Rowe, Paul Sugar, Cristina Whitehawk and Tamara Weaver.  Fundraising events include the Celebrity Chef Fundraiser, and the Author’s Series at the National Library of Traditional Medicine.

Note: The Foundation is actively seeking new Board members with skills and experience in the areas of fundraising, marketing or financial.  Anyone interested in serving on the Board with these skills should contact fpre@pihma.edu.  

Guiding Values

The Foundation’s Values guide the Mission, Vision, planning and practices:

• Serve Compassionately
• Act with Integrity
• Foster Innovation
• Grow Thoughtfully
• Practice Gratitude
• Commit to Excellence
• Respect the Individual
• Build Community
• Cultivate Success