ABOUT LETTY BASTIAN
Bridging the Gap Between Eastern & Western Medicine
With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, I have worked extensively in Intensive Care and Emergency Department settings, where precise, timely clinical decision‑making is essential. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the strengths of Western medicine, as well as its limitations in addressing long‑term, whole‑person health needs—particularly for those living with chronic conditions, migraines, women’s health concerns, and musculoskeletal issues.
To broaden the support I can offer, I completed training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture at RMIT University Melbourne. My practice integrates this approach with my clinical background as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, combining evidence‑based medicine with holistic care. This allows me to provide a balanced, comprehensive path toward improving health, function, and overall wellbeing.
PIONEERING ACUPUNCTURE IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE
I am part of a groundbreaking project at Northern Health, in collaboration with RMIT University, where acupuncture is being trialled as a treatment for acute and chronic pain in emergency settings. This research aims to expand healthcare options for patients, providing alternatives to pain medications and invasive procedures.
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised as an effective, research-backed intervention for conditions such as lower back pain, migraines, and post-operative recovery. My work integrates these traditional methods with modern medical protocols to improve patient outcomes.
A PATIENT-CENTERED APPROACH TO CARE
My treatment approach centres on truly understanding each patient—medically and personally. I aim to provide clear guidance and support, offering the time and consistency often missing in fast‑paced healthcare settings.
A key part of my practice is deep listening, known as Ting (聽) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This means listening beyond symptoms to understand your overall health, lifestyle, and goals. Feeling heard can bring clarity and calm, even in challenging situations.
By listening carefully, we can set meaningful goals together and measure progress in a way that reflects what you want to achieve. I bring this approach to every consultation, working alongside you with ongoing, thoughtful support for your wellbeing.
Above is the Chinese Character for listen.
‘Ting’ 聽
QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
Master’s in Applied Science: Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025 - Royal Melbourne University of Technology. RMIT Melbourne.
Master’s in Nursing Science: Nurse Practitioner 2016 – Queensland University Of Technology
Post Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing 2009 – Flinders University South Australia
Bachelor of Nursing Pre-registration 2005 – Flinders University South Australia
Western Certifications
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Mental Health Resilience First Aid
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Advance Life Support
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Basic Life support
Eastern Certifications
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Ashtanga Yoga instructor, level 1 – New Farm Power Yoga 2014
Memberships
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AHPRA registered
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AACMA Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association
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Australian College of Nursing
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Australian Nurses Memorial
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Australian college of Nurse Practitioners
RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT
Upcoming PANDA Project Presentation:
The PANDA project Northern Health, Melbourne, Emergency Department
Presentation at 2025 Australian Pain Society 45th Annual Scientific Meeting alongside RMIT and Northern Health.
Application for PANDA - Department-of-Emergency-Medicine-Research-2023-2024.pdf
Visiting Hours Northern Health discussion with Stephen Carnell:
Eastern and Western Medicine (Page 34 – 35) reflection published - ANMJ-2024-–-AprJun-–-Lo-RES-COMPLETE.pdf
