Hiroko Shimoda AP shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Hiroko, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days are a blend of purpose, balance, and centered around helping people live better lives. I start by going to work and focusing on improving our patients’ quality of lives. I make sure to take a nap — it’s essential for maintaining my energy and focus. Then, I dive back into work—again with the same mission.
Evenings are for connection. I spend quality time with my husband and our dog, which keeps me grounded and happy. Then it’s off to sleep to reset for the next day.
In between work and daily life, I’m always studying—whether it’s human biology, medicine, new technologies, or different therapies. At the same time, I’m focused on building and improving the business side of things. It’s a dynamic routine, and it keeps me energized and aligned with my goals.
I’ve crafted a lifestyle that blends personal growth, professional impact, and family time. That’s my goal. Each day is full.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a licensed acupuncture physician and the founder of Medical Acupuncture, a practice where tradition and innovation are purposefully integrated. We honor the wisdom of Eastern medicine through acupuncture and custom herbal formulas, while also embracing advanced treatment technologies such as Nerve Reboot Therapy and Shockwave Therapy. This blend of time-tested practices and cutting-edge technology enables us to deliver comprehensive and effective care with superior results.
Over the course of 17 years, my professional journey has been guided by faith. In 2012, I experienced a defining moment that affirmed this work as my calling from God. Though entrepreneurship was not my initial path, it became evident that it was part of His plan. With trust in His guidance and anticipation of His purpose, I continue forward, aspiring above all to hear one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Without question, my parents. My father, a retired bank executive, instilled in me the values of commitment, ethics, and hard work. He showed me that integrity and perseverance are the foundation of any meaningful career.
On the other hand, my mother, who dedicated herself to being a homemaker, offered lessons that were just as essential. She taught me about managing finances, the importance of good nutrition, and the value of keeping a household running smoothly. Her approach blended practicality with care, and I’ve carried those lessons into my personal life and professional practice.
Together, their teachings gave me a balance – discipline and ethics from my father, and resourcefulness and attentiveness from my mother. Those combined influences have shaped how I show up every day, both in business and in service to others.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
That would be Thanksgiving 2014. A guy friend invited me to dinner with his parents. Thanksgiving was just another American holiday for me. At the time, I already had plans to visit my best friend in San Francisco and even had airline tickets booked. So naturally, I told him no thank you.
But then my girlfriend gave me a gentle cultural nudge and helped me realize that the invitation was more significant than just a casual invitation to a meal – it was about being welcomed into something deeper.
So, I canceled my trip and joined his family’s Thanksgiving celebration instead. It turned out to be one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. That guy is now my husband.
I think about that decision often. It taught me how important it is to pause and rethink when something feels bigger than it first appears. Sometimes opportunity shows up disguised as a small choice – and if you lean into it, your entire life can change direction.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
As Japanese, I deeply value discipline, respect, politeness, honor, harmony, and humility. These aren’t just abstract ideals – they were ingrained in me from childhood and continue to guide how I live and work.
In a business context, these values shape everything from how I lead to how I collaborate. Discipline drives me to follow through on commitments. Respect and politeness ensure that even in moments of disagreement, dialogue remains constructive. Honor keeps me accountable, not just to results but to integrity.
But perhaps most important are harmony and humility. I believe in balancing ambition with respect for others, maintaining a sense of unity within the team rather than glorifying individual achievement, and leading with humility rather than ego. These principles aren’t simply traditions—they’re a compass I use to navigate both personal and professional life.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I stepped away tomorrow, I believe patients would miss the genuine care I bring to every interaction. My goal is always to ensure they feel valued – that what matters to them matters to me. Treatment is important, but so is listening deeply and responding with empathy. Beyond expertise, people want to know they are seen, heard, and respected.
In today’s healthcare system, efficiency often overshadows presence. Time – the simple act of slowing down to listen – is becoming rare. Yet, that is where real healing begins. For me, genuine care is about connection: it’s about understanding the human being in front of you, and honoring their experience with humility and respect.
Patients can sense when a provider is just “going through the motions.” What sets a great physician apart is presence, empathy, and commitment – and that is the standard I strive to uphold every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://medicalacupuncturegroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_medical_acupuncture
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroko-shimoda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedicalAcupunctur
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@medicalacupuncture
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@medical_acupuncture?lang=en
Image Credits
Jo Espejo
