Dr Scott Ling’s story begins in a wooden stilt house in Borneo, where he spent his first 17 years immersed in the rhythms of nature and the strength of a close-knit community. Life was simple, but it was here that he witnessed something that would change his life forever.
His grandfather—once strong and full of life—had been left nearly immobile by a neurological illness. The family accepted his condition as irreversible, but fate had other plans. An acupuncturist was called in, and after several treatments, his grandfather slowly regained movement.

Young Scott watched in awe as his grandfather reclaimed his independence—not through surgery or medication, but through something older, something deeply rooted in Eastern medicine.

That moment ignited a lifelong curiosity: What if medicine wasn’t just about treating symptoms, but about restoring the body’s balance and vitality?

Determined to understand the science behind healing, Scott pursued a Bachelor of Medicine in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions.

Training in Shanghai’s top hospitals—Shu Guang, Yue Yang, and Long Hua—he was exposed to both the strengths of modern medicine and the depth of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). He saw firsthand how acupuncture and herbal medicine were being used not just as complementary approaches but as

During those years, he didn’t just learn medicine—he learned patience, precision, and the art of truly listening to a patient’s body.

In 2006, Dr Scott Ling and his wife made a bold decision—to start fresh in Australia. But like many immigrants, their path was not easy.

Without an established network, Dr Scott Ling took on various roles in GP, chiropractic, and massage clinics to gain a foothold in the Australian healthcare space.

The healthcare system was fast-paced and symptom-focused, often leaving little room for the deep, restorative approach that had drawn him to medicine in the first place.

If he wanted to practise medicine the way he truly believed in, he would have to create the space for it himself.

With a vision to bring authentic, high-quality TCM to Australia, Dr Scott Ling founded Sustain Health—a practice where Traditional Chinese Medicine and evidence-based care intersect.

Today, Sustain Health South Melbourne is one of the leading TCM practices in the country,

His approach remains deeply rooted in the philosophy that inspired him as a child: medicine should restore balance, not just mask symptoms.

But Dr Scott Ling’s impact extends beyond the patients he treats.

Recognising the need to elevate and professionalise Chinese medicine in Australia, Dr Scott Ling established The Academy—a training platform dedicated to shaping the next generation of TCM practitioners.

Through mentorship, education, clinical training, and national speaking engagements, he shares decades of expertise with students and professionals alike. His work ensures that the future of Chinese medicine in Australia remains strong, respected, and at the forefront of integrative healthcare.