Beyond the Clinic: Oriental Medicine Doctor Champions Health Through Triathlon & Education
Dr. Vincent Ha, director of Suryeoin Oriental Medical Clinic (with locations in Fort Lee and Kearny, NJ – www.2bnaturewellness.com & www.hanbangnara.com; 2bnaturewellness@gmail.com & acunaturepc@gamilcom; 201-257-3020), is demonstrating a commitment to holistic health that extends far beyond traditional patient care. At 53, Dr. Ha recently completed the Alpha Win Triathlon (Olympic course) in Lake George, New York, successfully navigating a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle, and 10km run. This achievement is part of a larger effort to embody the health principles he advocates for his patients and to modernize the perception of Oriental Medicine in the United States.
Dr. Ha’s dedication to physical challenge isn’t a recent progress.He is preparing to tackle the Ironman 70.3 challenge next year, fueled by months of rigorous training in swimming, cycling, and running. He explains his motivation: “As an Oriental medicine doctor, I wanted to be an example of health care for patients.” He believes leading by example is more impactful than simply offering verbal advice,aiming to be a “practical health care role model” for those he treats.
This commitment to proactive health is further showcased through his YouTube channel, ’Hasabu’s Iron Man Diary’ (@hasabuironman). There, Dr. Ha shares his triathlon preparation journey,post-race recovery strategies,and broader health management insights for individuals navigating middle age and beyond. He consistently emphasizes that “Health is not something you talk about, but something you practice with your body.”
Dr. Ha also actively participates in academic exchanges, attending seminars hosted by Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine on Saturdays, believing that “Strengthening the scientific foundation of oriental medical doctors and expanding their expertise is the key to the development of oriental medicine in the United States.”
Recognizing the challenges facing Oriental Medicine in the U.S. – particularly limited insurance coverage and resulting misinformation – Dr. Ha advocates for wider dissemination of accurate information. He envisions a future where multilingual content, community seminars, and accessible online platforms like YouTube can bridge the knowledge gap and attract a younger audience to the benefits of this ancient practice. He stresses the need for a modernized system and visually engaging content to make Oriental Medicine more approachable.
Beyond personal health and professional development, Dr. Ha and suryeoin Oriental Medical clinic demonstrate a commitment to social obligation. They recently donated funds to the Global Children’s Foundation (GCF),an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential resources to children in need.
(Images accompanying the article showed Dr. Ha completing the 40km cycling leg and the 10km run of the Alpha Win triathlon.)
Reported by Lee Geun-young
