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President's Message: Updates on American Acupuncture Community meeting, new website, Symposium, White Paper, more
By Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH
President, AAMA
As I write this column for the AAMA Newsletter, it is just a few days before Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for. We live in a great country and never forget that!
What is happening from my vintage point?
We are behind in receiving your dues. If you have not paid your dues, would you take the time to send in your payment. We can use the revenue. This is very important to the functioning of the Academy. I certainly thank you in advance.
AAMA Updates
The first draft of the White Paper and the Position Statement of the AAMA is being reviewed by our legalconsultants. The final product will give a factual recitation of the CPT codes as they exist so that our members will be more compliant. The Position Statement will emphasize the E/M coding; this will differentiate the responsibility of an MD/DO Acupuncturist from a LAc. We are working hard to expedite this project, but the complexity requires careful crafting of the documents.
Registration is now open on AAMA’s website for our Symposium in San Diego, CA. We have sent out all the contracts and awaiting CME approval to begin the advertising. Remember the dates: March 31 to April 3, 2011 led by Chair Richard F. Hobbs, III, MD, DABMA. If you thought the Symposium in Florida was great, this one will really rock! Start planning now. We are even starting to plan for the 2012 Symposium!
The Society of Acupuncture Research and the University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine is sponsoring a Symposium May 13-15 2011. Watch the web for announcements.
DVDs for continuing education credits are being reviewed by the Education Committee, and we hope to make these available to the membership in due time.
I wish I could say that our new Website is done, but we are still looking at proposals to further improve the appearance and accuracy of information. Because we depend on volunteers to help, progress is in course but not as fast as one would hope.
American Acupuncture Community
As you may remember, I have made an effort to reach out to the American acupuncture community. As a consequence, on Nov. 20, leadership of both AAMA (Drs. Niemtzow, Rick Hobbs, Hiroshi Nakaza and on conference call, Rey Ximenes, Tres, and Paras Mehta) and the American Association for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine met in Baltimore, MD. The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Accreditation Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine sent representatives to participate and engage in dialogue about shared concerns and potential areas of collaboration between our communities. This was a unique meeting because it brought together the leadership of the American acupuncture community to dialogue in a cordial and professional atmosphere.
Chief topics of conversation centered on similarities, differences, challenges, and future areas of collaboration. We discussed openly historical and present concerns with regards to acupuncture education, right to practice, hospital credentialing and privileging, and anti-discrimination legislative options for our field. There was general consensus in the room that a joint task force between the associations should be created to identify and solve mutual areas of interest together.
What does all this mean for you the membership? It is my opinion that the Academy must be involved in the American acupuncture community. As the area of integrative medicine emerges, we must not only define our roles as an Academy, but how we interface with the rest of the Acupuncture community. I trust there will be future participation on behalf of the Academy. In my opinion, this is a great start.
I would really appreciate to hear from the membership regarding your views. I would like to end this message by requesting our membership to support our journal, Medical Acupuncture, with articles. Unfortunately, after almost 13 years as managing editor, Roz Royal has moved on to other professional challenges. Our new managing editor is Barbara Perrin, who is also managing editor of the “Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine “ since 2006.
Best wishes,
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Call for Symposium Poster Presentations
Members are invited to apply to present a Poster Presentation at the AAMA Symposium 2011, in San Diego, CA March 31- April 3, 2011.
Please follow all instructions carefully to allow your application to be fully considered. Space and time is limited. Poster Presentations must be submitted in English.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Application to make a Poster Presentation at the AAMA Symposium should be submitted no later than February 15, 2011. An abstract (summary) of the proposed Poster Presentations should be submitted via email by February 15, 2011, to administrator@medicalacupuncture.org with the e-mail subject line reading: AAMA Poster Presentation, in order to be properly received. Abstracts should have the title, author, affiliation, contact information and abstract body of no more than 250 words.
Poster Presentation Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place presentations, with $750, $500 and $250 awarded, respectively. Awards will be announced at the close of the Symposium.
If your poster application is accepted, you will be notified by March 1, 2011.
AS PER CME REQUIREMENTS, NO COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PRODUCT OF ANY KIND IS ALLOWED AND THIS WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUBMISSION.
Accepted Poster Presentations should be formatted on paper or laminated poster presentations measuring no greater than 48 inches tall and 72 inches wide (landscape formatting). Posters should be ready for mounting with pins or tape. Accepted Posters will remain on display in the Poster area and must be installed on Friday, April 1st between 1-3 pm. Posters should be removed on Saturday, April 2nd by 2 pm. Posters that are not removed by the stated time will be discarded.
There will be no organized or moderated discussions over posters. However, you should be available to offer your explanation to interested colleagues on Friday, April 1st at the Wine and Cheese reception at 5-7 pm. Please be present at that time, as Poster Presentation Award winners must be present to be eligible to win an award.
Those selected for Poster Presentations are responsible for their own transportation and housing costs and must pay Symposium registration fees in order to participate in the Poster Presentations.
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Call for Free Paper Presentations at Symposium
Members are invited to apply to present a Free (Oral) Paper at the AAMA Symposium 2011, March 31-April 3, 2011.
Please follow all instructions carefully to allow your application to be considered fully. While space and time are limited, we do expect a hearty number of great submissions. All Free Papers must be submitted in English.
FREE PAPER ORAL PRESENTATIONS
An abstract (summary) of a proposed Free Paper oral presentation should be submitted via e-mail by February 15, 2011 to administrator@medicalacupuncture.org with the e-mail subject line reading: AAMA Free Paper, in order to be properly received. Abstracts should have the title, author, affiliation, contact information and abstract text of no more than 250 words.
Free Paper topics may be clinical or research (basic or clinical) related. Those selected for Free Paper Oral Presentations are responsible for their own transportation and housing costs and must pay Symposium registration fees in order to participate in the Free Paper Presentation Sessions.
Free Paper Awards will be offered to up to three presentations based on the committee's sole judgement as to the quality of the paper, research and value as a contribution to the medical acupuncture scientific literature. Awards will be announced at the close of the Symposium. All paper authors and presentors will be listed in the final Symposium program.
Only computer and oral presentation is allowed (No overhead projectors, whiteboards or similar aids). Presentations for PC's (Windows 98 / 2000 professional / XP professional configurations) will be accepted, (no MAC, no UNYX). Please prepare and submit your presentation application using PowerPoint Version 2007 or XP standard. Pictures must be in the following format: jpg, gif, tif, or .bmp (format pict is not allowed as it will not be displayed correctly).
AS PER USA AMA REGULATIONS, NO COMMERCIAL ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PRODUCT OF ANY KIND IS ALLOWED AND THIS WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUBMISSION.
Please, save the presentation on a CD or USB flash disk.
Standard PCs will be provided with OS Windows XP (1,136 GHz processor). The PC projectors project at XGA resolution (1024 x 768 pixels).
You will NOT use your own laptop. Rather, you should bring the file in the manner described above.
All speakers should bring media with their presentation to the technician AT LEAST TWO HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THEIR SESSION.
Time allocation for the Free Oral Papers is 20 minutes. The speaker should present for 15 minutes and allow 5 minutes for questions. The Session Chairperson will announce the 15- and 20-minute times and will stop the presentation at the 20-minute time, even if the presentation is not complete.
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Call for Research Papers at AAMA Symposium
Members are invited to apply to present Research Paper at the AAMA Symposium 2011 on March 31-April 3, 2011.Please follow all instructions carefully to allow your application to be considered fully. While space and time are limited, we do expect a hearty number of great submissions from our international colleagues. Further, international submissions have often won awards for our Poster Presentations and Research Papers at our Symposia for many years. All Free Papers, Poster Presentations, and Research Papers must be submitted in English.
RESEARCH PAPER COMPETITION
This is a call for entries for the annual Acupuncture Research Paper Award. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-place awards will be presented at the AAMA Symposium. The deadline for submission of research papers for the competition is February 15, 2011. If your paper is selected as one of the winners, you will be notified by March 1st, 2011. We are pleased to offer:
First Place: $1,500, Symposium Registration, travel to $500, and three night's hotel lodging for the presenting author. Paper to be presented at AAMA Symposium in San Diego, CA, April 2011.
Second Place: $750, Symposium Registration, travel to $500.
Third Place: $350 and Symposium Registration.
The First Place winning paper is to be presented in a 30-minute Plenary Session at the Symposium. Papers for second and third place to be announced at the Symposium. Authors will be acknowledged there.
RULES
Submissions must be original work, in either clinical research or basic biochemical or physiological research pertaining to acupuncture. The work must not have been previously published. Work completed and accepted for publication during the 2010-11 year period will be considered, if the publishing journal will allow presentation at AAMA Symposium.
Papers should include the name and degree of the principle author and any coworkers, the institution or affiliation (if any), mailing address and telephone/fax numbers. E-mail addresses are desirable but not mandatory.
Submissions should be received by February 15, 2011. Beyond that date, due to judging time and notification needs prior to the spring Symposium, papers cannot be guaranteed acceptance for this year.
Submissions will be judged and rated on originality, suitability for publication, research design, and clinical or basic science relevance.
If human subjects are involved in the research, proper informed consent must have been obtained and approval of appropriate institutional review committees obtained, where applicable.
All submissions must be in English. All proprietary rights to the research work are reserved to the author(s), including future right to publish any and all aspects of the research.
Acknowledgement of receipt of the submission will be sent within 15 working days. The AAMA Board of Directors will assign a panel of judges. Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of the judges and the AAMA Board. Winners will be notified in adequate time to attend the spring Symposium.
The paper may be submitted via email, though the AAMA assumes no liability or responsibility for papers not received. E-mail submissions should be sent to administrator@medicalacupuncture.org with the e-mail subject line "AAMA Research Paper Award Contest," in order to be properly received and considered for the Research Paper Awards.
Hard copies of the paper may be sent to be received by February 15, 2011, to:
Research Award Contest
c/o C. James Dowden, Executive Administrator
1970 E. Grand Ave., Ste. 330
El Segundo, CA 90245
310/364-0193
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AAMA launches website with Symposium 2011 details
Register now for ‘The Science and Art of Acupuncture’ in San Diego
By Richard F. Hobbs, III, MD, DABMA
Chair, AAMA Symposium 2011
Plans are now complete and registration open for the 2011 AAMA Symposium, beginning on March 31 with Pre-Symposium workshops and continuing April 1- 3 with plenary sessions and clinical workshops. The location will be the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina Hotel in San Diego. This ocean-side venue is absolutely spectacular and a perfect surrounding for what promises to be an extraordinary program.
The theme for the Symposium, "The Science and Art of Acupuncture," is reflected in the range of topics that covers basic science research, clinical research, practical clinical applications and even what it means to be a healer. All considered among the very best in their field, presenters have been carefully chosen to meet educational needs expressed in member surveys and evaluations from previous symposia.
The Keynote Address will be given by Emmeline Edwards, MD, director of the Division of Extramural Research at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the NIH. Dr. Edwards will address the future of acupuncture research.
Morning sessions will include a variety of plenary topics pertaining to research and clinical applications. Afternoons will be comprised of clinical workshops, in which the primary focus will be obtaining take-home skills.
Reception, Benefit, Dinner/Dance
On Thursday evening, there will be a reception in honor of diplomats of the ABMA . On Friday evening, there will be a reception and poster session. During this time, Dr. Steven Aung will perform beautiful Chinese calligraphies, which will be sold for the benefit of the AAMA. And on Saturday evening, there will be a gala dinner, an awards ceremony and some great music and dancing.
Dr. Aung will also be leading Qi Gong sessions bright and early on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
In addition to the marvelous plenary lectures and clinical workshops that are planned, on Sunday morning there will be a panel of distinguished clinicians assembled to discuss interesting and challenging cases. Participants will have the opportunity to submit their own cases for discussion.
Of course, in order to assist the membership in keeping up with the latest products, the Symposium will feature a large number of exhibitors with new technologies, as well as companies that sell acupuncture supplies and herbals.
When this program was first presented to the AAMA Board of Directors, one of the members commented that the list of presenters reads like a who’s who of acupuncture. That pretty well sums it up.
Come to San Diego for some terrific education and lots of fun!
To get more information and to register, click here to visit AAMA’s Symposium website.
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ABMA recertification process set for those approaching 10-year deadline
The ABMA Board of Trustees has finalized procedures for recertification for those designees who are approaching the 10-year recertification deadline. The first of those will be up for recertification by June 30, 2011.
Each candidate for recertification will be required to submit the following:
· Application for recertification.
· Copy of current active medical license.
· Documentation of 150 hours of continuing education credits in medical acupuncture since certification. CME credit is preferred. Topics must be primarily acupuncture. Independently awarded CEU credits may be acceptable, at the discretion of the Board.
· Submission of two written Case Reports on actual cases treated to demonstrate continued knowledge and proficiency in the discipline. Specific Case Report Guidelines will be provided.
· Payment of a recertification fee of $250.
There will be no written examination required for recertification.
Applications for recertification will be accepted up to three months prior to the expiration of the original certification. Each submission will be submitted to the Board for review to confirm the adequacy of the Case Reports and to confirm that the continuing education requirements are met. If all requirements are met, the Board will grant a new 10-year certification.
The recertification application form and case report guidelines will be posted to the AAMA website shortly.
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Medical Acupuncture Research News
The following is a review of reported research results and related news recently announced or released through Internet outlets:
· The abstract, "The Effects of Acupuncture on Weight-Loss in Over-Weight and Obese Adults Over 24 Years Old," was presented at the Pacific Symposium 2010 in November 2010. Edward Lamadrid, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine (DAOM), conducted the study and authored its findings. He has long suspected that acupuncture assists in weight loss. After this controlled, scientific study, the Chicago-based doctor confirmed a more formal hypothesis and positive conclusions. Results showed that 95% of participants lost weight over the six-week period, while at least half continued to lose weight, even after acupuncture was discontinued. Click here for details.
· The abstract, “Immediate effect of acupuncture on the sleep pattern of patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” was published in Acupuncture in Medicine (Vol. 28, Issue 3, 2010; 28:115-119). This study investigated the immediate effect of manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA) on sleep patterns of patients presenting with moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most patients with OSA do not tolerate treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Anaflávia O. Freire, MD, and other researchers found that a single session of MA or EA 10 Hz had an acute effect in reducing the Apnea–Hypopnoea Index, as well as the number of nocturnal respiratory events of patients presenting with moderate OSA. Click here for details.
· The abstract, “Acupuncture for functional recovery after stroke: a systematic review of sham-controlled randomized clinical trials,” was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (Nov. 9, 2010; 182, 16). Methodology included searching 25 databases and 12 major Korean traditional medicine journals from inception to October 2009. Randomized controlled trials were included that compared effects of acupuncture with sham acupuncture. Researchers concluded that data from randomized sham-controlled trials did not show a positive effect of acupuncture as a treatment for recovery after stroke. Click here for details.
· A four-year study by a doctor in China has concluded that acupuncture can cure 461 diseases. Findings show that acupuncture is mainly effective against diseases related to the nervous system, the digestive system, the genitourinary system, muscles, bones and skin, such as stroke, diarrhea, enteritis, dementia and skin rashes. Classification of the 461 diseases is now underway. Click here for details.
· The abstract, “Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy,” was published in the Cochrane Library (September 2010). 27 randomized trials involving 4,000 women were eligible for the review on morning sickness. Studies examined commonly used treatments, including acupuncture, ginger, antihistamines and anti-vomiting drugs. Researchers found that in two studies of acupuncture and six of acupressure, there were no significant differences in those using the techniques and sham ones. However, one study of acustimulation – using a mild electric current on acupuncture points – did find some improvement over three weeks. Click here for details.
·The abstract, “Acupuncture as a treatment for nocturnal enuresis,” was published in Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical (Oct. 28, 2010, Vol. 157, Issue 1, pages 63-67). The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate reports from Western and Eastern medicines in which acupuncture was compared to other treatment modalities in children with nocturnal enuresis (NE). The study reported the efficacy rate of acupuncture as part of a TCM package to be higher than alarm therapy. Acupuncture as a monotherapy for the treatment of NE enuresis appears to be less effective than acupuncture given as part of a combined TCM approach. Electroacupuncture enhances treatment outcomes. Click here for details.
· The abstract, “Acupuncture for Rheumatic Conditions: An Overview of Systematic Reviews,” was published in Rheumatology (Oct. 25, 2010; 49, 10:1957-1961). Several systematic reviews (SRs) have assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture for rheumatic conditions, often with contradictory conclusions. This study sought to provide a critical evaluation of 30 SRs. Researchers found that only for osteoarthritis, low back pain and lateral elbow pain is the evidence sufficient to recommend acupuncture to treat rheumatic patients. Click here for details.
Please send information you find on research involving the effectiveness of medical acupuncture to bart.ortberg@dowdenmanagement.com.
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AAMA Member News
AAMA’s 23rd Annual Symposium will be March 31-April 1-3, 2011. The Review Course will be on March 29-30, 2011, the Pre-Symposium Workshops on March 31, 2011 and the ABMA Certification Exam on April 3, 2011. The location will be at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, 1441 Quivira Road in San Diego, CA. For the AAMA discounted room rate of $189/night (single/double) pending availability, call the hotel by Feb. 28, 2011 at 619/224-1234. Click here for the recently launched Symposium site, and watch for registration details coming soon.
The Syllabus for the Academy’s 2010 Symposium and Pre-Symposium Workshops in Orlando, FL are available for purchase. Click here for an order form.
Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA, just returned from a mission in India (click here for photos). He is extending an invitation to all AAMA members and family and friends to consider one of the exciting projects for 2011. Many AAMA members have served with Dr. Frank in projects that provide medicine and acupuncturetothose with little or no access to healthcare. Projects for 2011 include Nepal in February/March, Ecuador in June, Kenya in July, Mexico in September, and India in October/November. Visit www.GlobalMissionPartners.org and plan a great travel with a great purpose for 2011. It may be the most fun you have had in medicine in years. Members may contact Dr. Frank at bfrankmd@hotmail.com with questions.Families and friends are welcome.
Helms Medical Institute announced that Munich Acupuncture Days will be held April 15-18, 2011, sponsored by the German Medical Association of Acupuncture (DAGFA). The event will be a unique and intimate clinical experience with teachers from Munich, Harvard and Stanford. For details, click here, call 781/391-7518 or e-mail jaudette@partners.org.
Talk about acupuncture being accepted in mainstream medicine… actress Jennifer Aniston had her dog needled for depression after he became lackluster. Rather than getting medication, 15-year-old Norman received acupuncture, massage and Reiki sessions in October. Click here for details.
All AAMA members should remember to register and participate in the 2011 IMCART Congress, The State of the Art of Acupuncture in Integrative Medicine, May 12-14, 2011 in The Hague, Netherlands. ICMART continues, along with the AAMA, to advance education and training standards for medical acupuncture and the privileges of medical acupuncturists around the globe. The International Congresses are a great way to both participate and teach, present a poster, and learn about the status of medical acupuncture with international colleagues.
The UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine is now recruiting for a postdoctoral fellowship position to begin in July 2011. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2011. Training in Research in Integrative Medicine (TRIM), is a post-doctoral program funded by a T-32 Training Grant from The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NIH/NCCAM). Click here for information about The TRIM program and the application process.
The Medical Acupuncture Review Course is available on DVD. Visit the AAMA Store to purchase this valuable learning tool.
The US Air Force approved Dr. Richard Niemtzow’s research program to perform Battlefield Acupuncture on the Aero-Medical Evacuation System for all military personnel coming to Andrews Air Force Base, WRAMC, NNMC and stateside military centers. These are mostly wounded warriors coming from the war zone via Germany. “We are studying its feasibility and investigating to see if we can reduce the narcotic load,” Dr Niemtzow said. “Big plus for the acupuncture community. Lots of work.”
Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA, led the 11th Annual AAMA Seminar at Mamiya Clinic in Hamamatsu, Japan in October. Many Japanese medical acupuncturist attended and enjoyed the three-day clinical sessions. This in-promptu, real patient- clinical setting has always been very popular and well received by attendees. DVD copies of the seminar are available from Mamiya Clinic. For details, e-mail y-mamiya@ip.or.jp. Dr. Nakazawa plans to conduct the seminar again in 2011.
Members participating in AAMA's referral program will be happy to hear that there were 2,329 unique visits to the website referral page in October from patients seeking medical acupuncturists in their area. Members interested in participating in the Patient Referral Program should visit the physician listings online to verify that they are listed. Only Practice level members are eligible to participate and the Academy staff needs explicit notice to include a member in the program.
Nader E. Soliman, MD, FAAMA, president of Alternative Medicine Seminars, has announced spring dates for 2011. Spring activities will include seminars in "Auricular Therapy,"' "Auricular Medicine," "3 Phase Hand Acupuncture," "Xerostomia" and "Battlefield Acupuncture." Activities will also include special sessions for practicing of the VAS "vascular autonomic signal" and the clinical practice of auricular medicine protocols, as well as seminars on homeopathy designed to empower alternative medicine approaches. AAMA members will get 10% off all spring seminars. For details, look in Events Calendar of the Academy's website or visit www.alternativemedicineseminars.com
AAMA reminds members who meet special qualifications in Medical Acupuncture about the certification mark to convey their accomplishments. The certification mark will be available only to Full Members and Fellows of the AAMA who are currently Board Certified by the ABMA. See the image of logo posted online. An application has been submitted to the US Patent Office to register this Certification Mark so that it will be available for the exclusive use of those who meet the specified credentials. See the Certification Mark Guidelines posted online for standards on how the mark should be used in printed materials including acceptable type face, size, color, etc. For an electronic copy of a reproducible jpeg copy of the logo to provide your printer, Full Members and Fellows who are currently Board Certified through the ABMA may send a request to administrator@medicalacupuncture.org. Upon verification of your status, a jpg file will be sent to you.
Editor-in-Chief Dr. Richard Niemtzow of the journal, Medical Acupuncture, is seeking volunteer reviewers to review manuscripts. Reviewers will access manuscripts online. Reviews must be completed and returned within one business week. Reviewers successfully completing a series of timely, high-quality reviews may be invited to join the Editorial Board (at the discretion of the editor in chief). Please send brief qualifications and contact information to n5ev@aol.com.
The Academy has a limited number of the book, “Getting to Know You,” by Joseph M. Helms, MD, in stock. While they last, Practice members can purchase them at the discounted price of $20, plus $5.50 postage and handling. Click here to download an order form.
Jay Sandweiss, DO, FAAMA, will lead the seminar, Integrative Manual Approach to Lower Extremity Pain and Dysfunction, Jan. 29-30, 2011 in Ann Arbor, MI, followed by, Integrative Manual Approach to Low Back & Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction, Feb. 19-20, 2011 in Victoria, Australia. For details, visit www.doctorjaysandweiss.com.
As part of AAMA membership, practice members are being offered access to more than 400 journal articles categorized by disease/health application which promote the efficacy of Acupuncture. Contact
Karyn Scurti
at
karyn@hmieducation.com
to
obtain your unique password to access this information anytime. Then go to www.hmiacupuncture.com and click on "LINKS."
Helms Medical Institute announces the Fall 2010 - Spring 2011 three five-day training units with home video study over five months in a 300-hour format. Live training dates will be held in Tempe, Arizona as follows: Introductory Weekend: Dec. 9-13, 2010, with Clinical One: Feb. 18-22, 2011 and Clinical Two: May 25-29, 2011. The new brochure, full information and course application form are now available at
http://hmieducation.com.
Please send news items and photos to bart.ortberg@dowdenmanagement.com.
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AAMA Chapter News
Arizona
Arizona Chapter meetings are held at 9 am the second Saturday of the month at Dr. Martha Grout’s office, Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine, 9328 E. Raintree Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. For details, call 480/240-2600 or e-mail drmartha@arizonaadvancedmedicine.com. There are monthly speakers on topics related to medical acupuncture, as well as Chinese and Functional/Integrative medicine. E-mail Dr. Grout to get on the e-mail list for meeting announcements.
California
Chapter officers are working hard to come up with innovative ideas for CME credits. They are continuing their membership drive to make the Chapter stronger. Academy members interested in joining the California Chapter are encouraged to contact President Haleh Sheikholeslami, MD, at calchapaama@hotmail.com.
Georgia
The Georgia Association of Medical Acupuncturists’ 9th Annual Educational Meeting will be April 15-17, 2011 at the midtown Atlanta Loews Hotel. Lonny Jarrett will speak on, " Evolutionary Perspectives on Five Element Acupuncture." This meeting has been approved for 21 CME's by AAMA.
The Georgia Chapter held a well-attended journal club in October. Carlos Parrado, MD, incoming GAMA president, spoke on Battlefield Acupuncture.
GAMA invites everyone to visit their website to learn more about their organization’s philosophy, mission, events and much more. Their site includes a “Member” page, which includes contact information for each GAMA members. For information regarding membership and seminars, contact GAMA President Anna C. Kelly, MD, at 404/255-8388 or annakellymd@gmail.com.
Illinois
The goal of current President, Lorene Wu, MD, DiplAc and Secretary/Treasurer, Anthony DeLorenzo, DO, is to provide education and support to members. They plan to interface more with the wider acupuncture community by serving on the Illinois Acupuncture Board and by attending meetings of the local acupuncture society.
Meetings are held every other month at Memorial Hospital in LaGrange, IL.
Maryland
The Maryland Society of Medical Acupuncturists offers educational programs and wants to increase participation. Treat yourself to a nice evening. It is free, and members whose dues are paid receive a nice free meal. The lecture is on the Chapter. Contact Chapter President Stephen Burns, MD, at stephen.burns@andrews.af.mil to join MSMA.
Ohio
After seeking nominations for new officers, Ohio Chapter members elected Steve Amoils, MD, as their new president. Sandi Amoils, MD, and Liz Woolford, MD, will serve as vice president and treasurer, respectively, for the group. Journal Club quarterly has been discontinued due to lack of interest and participation from the group.
An educational event is in the early planning stages. Dr. Yun-Tao Ma is scheduled for Oct. 29, 2011 at the Alliance Institute for Integrative Medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. More details will follow.
Ohio Chapter members would love to see more active participation of the current membership. Please join them and invite medical acupuncture colleagues. For more information or questions, contact Liz Woolford, MD, at Liz.Woolford@myhealingpartner.com.
New Jersey & Pennsylvania
John Kohler, MD, FAAMA, is the president of the Pennsylvania Chapter. Visit www.pamedicalacupuncture.com/ for details on this chapter.
Click here for an up-to-date listing of AAMA Regional Chapter officers, their contact information, Websites and members. Think about joining a Chapter to learn more about medical acupuncture specific to your area. And if there’s not a Chapter in your region, please consider forming one by contacting Jim Dowden, AAMA executive administrator, at administrator@medicalacupuncture.org. Chapters provide fellowship, professional camaraderie, education and curbside consults.
Chapter representatives, please send your news and photos for the AAMA Newsletter via e-mail to bart.ortberg@dowdenmanagement.com.
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AAMA represented at international gathering
World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies Conference
The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) held its international conference this year in San Francisco. More than 500 delegates were in attendance, representing about 100 member societies.
This meeting occurs every two years, and 2010 was only the second time in the past 23 years that it has been held in the US. In addition to WFAS, co-sponsors and organizers included the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (CACMS), the American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture (AACMA), the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland, the American Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR), and the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.
The theme, "Research, Education and Clinical Practice," was captured by a host of excellent presentations in the areas of acupuncture research, clinical applications, preventive medicine, acupuncture education, evidence-based acupuncture practice, new developments in acupuncture and acupuncture legislation and regulation.
Rick Hobbs, MD, DABMA, attended as delegate for the AAMA. His paper "The AAMA, the ABMA and Physician Acupuncturists in the US," was selected for oral presentation. The intent of this presentation was threefold: 1) to provide an overview of the roles of the Academy and the ABMA, 2) to profile physician acupuncturists in the US and 3) to open a dialogue on collaboration for the benefit of the acupuncture profession in the US and, most importantly, for the patients.
The AAMA was warmly received, as a member society and many personal friendships were forged.
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