
Londoner becomes traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
Sean Dyer from London has become something of a local celebrity in Kaohsiung, for working at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. He initially moved to Taiwan after falling in love and getting married to his Taiwanese wife. He liked it here so much that he even gave up his British nationality to become a Taiwanese citizen, even though that forced him to do military service in Taiwan. Now, he treats patients in fluent Mandarin, which is shocking for many.
With his fair hair and deep-set features, Sean Dyer speaks flawless, accent-free Mandarin during consultations. He’s a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who works at a Chinese medicine clinic in Nanzih District in Kaohsiung -- but he’s originally from the UK.
Patient
At first I thought there might be a language barrier, but once you enter the consultation room, you feel completely at ease. Dyer has not only mastered Mandarin, but also speaks great Taiwanese.
Most people associate traditional Chinese medicine practitioners with ethnically Chinese people, so Dyer’s appearance often sparks discussion among patients. Coming from a family of medical professionals, Dyer originally worked as a martial arts and boxing coach. With his family’s support, he later decided to pursue his strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine.
Sean Dyer
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
After I started studying traditional Chinese medicine, I just read books, and the more I read, the more I loved it. After all, both my parents are doctors: my mother is an anesthesiologist, and my father is a nephrologist.
Dyer met his future wife when visiting friends in Kaohsiung. After they got married, they decided to stay in Kaohsiung. For the sake of his family, Dyer not only became a Taiwanese citizen, but also served in Taiwan’s military.
Sean Dyer
Chinese medicine practitioner
I gave up my nationality for my family and became Taiwanese. But at the time, they said: You’re not even 36 yet! You still have to serve! So I joined the military and served as an artillery soldier in Chiayi. Most patients are pleasantly surprised but sometimes I’ll run into people asking if I’m really capable. Actually, no matter what the illness is, I feel quite interested in anything that’s challenging.
Dyer says with a smile that although some patients were initially skeptic due to his looks, they all find the right treatment after a consultation in fluent Mandarin, making for a unique visit to the clinic.
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2026-07-09