Prof. Mary Xiumei Wu is the founder and President of the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She began her medical career as a barefoot doctor serving local villagers in China in 1975. She had always dreamed of becoming a professional medical doctor, and after five years of study at the Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine she graduated in 1982 with top honours, fulfilling her dream. Subsequently, Mary worked at the University and its teaching hospital as a physician and instructor.
Mary came to Canada in 1986, studied English, and received her Master of Science degree from the University of Waterloo. She continued to work in medical research in the fields of reproductive physiology, endocrinology and gene therapy, and has published many research papers in high-profile medical journals.
In 1995, Mary established the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine in pursuit of her lifelong vision –- to promote and develop public access to high quality TCM health care. The school is a reflection of her dedication to the development of TCM through education and professional service. She is a caring and passionate doctor, an enthusiastic and experienced teacher, a highly regarded advocate, and an outstanding leader in the field of TCM in Canada.
Mary was appointed by the Minister of Health to two major Health Canada Advisory bodies, the Advisory Panel for Herbal Products and the Expert Advisory Committee of Complementary Medicine. She has been serving as a member of the Expert Advisory Committee for the Natural Health Product Directorate for several years. She is actively involved in the promotion, recognition, and regulation of TCM and Acupuncture as a medical science and primary health care profession in Canada.
In May 2002, Mary appeared before the Romanow Commission on the Future of Health Care in Canada. In her presentation she recommended the integration of TCM and acupuncture into the mainstream health care system, proclaiming that it would benefit all Canadians and reduce the cost of health care in Canada. In accordance with Mary’s vision, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is currently in the process of being regulated in Ontario.