On March 11, 2008, Joshua Shome passed away from pneumonia at the age of 30. Joshua attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, from fall 2000 to winter 2002, when he transferred to the New York campus. He graduated from Pacific College, New York, in 2004 with Masters degrees in Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine, and was Valedictorian of his class. He started his practice at the Olive Leaf Wholeness Center in Manhattan before moving into his own office on Fifth Avenue in May of 2006.

Joshua was known to be an exceptionally intuitive person with a keen understanding of physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. This understanding, combined with a high level of technical skill, great personal charisma, and boundless compassion, ensured the success of his Acupuncture practice. Even when he was still in school and first entered the clinical internships, patients who wanted to be treated by him would have to sign up on waiting lists that were several months long.

Joshua was also known for his great generosity, both as a friend and as a practitioner. While building a bustling private practice that included celebrities, socialites, and stockbrokers, he never turned anyone away and offered his services, free of charge, to many who would otherwise not have been able to afford treatment. He also took the initiative over the last three years to work extensively with patients suffering from 9/11-related health problems, and received grants from the Red Cross in order to do so.

Joshua was an avid traveler: in the last year of his life, alone, he visited England (twice), France, Spain, Austria, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Italy (twice). He was very appreciative of the arts, and enjoyed music in particular. He was known and loved for his intensity, his honesty, his intelligence, and his great sense of humor.

Joshua's funeral took place in Great Neck, on Long Island. He will be missed at both campuses of Pacific College. His successes and, especially, the differences he made in the lives of his patients, his family, and his friends will continue to be remembered fondly. He is survived by his father Larry, his mother Paula, his brother Michael, and his devoted partner Joseph Corcoran.

OM