|
 |
AAMA 17th Annual Symposium draws 300 people to Atlanta
AAMA's 17th Annual Symposium, Medical Acupuncture 2005: Mystique to Mainstream, was enjoyed by more than 300 people in Atlanta, thanks to the hard work of Chair Tapan K. Chaudhuri, MD, FACP, FAAMA, an excellent Faculty, Pre-Symposium workshops, 31 exhibitors and contributions from all members who attended.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHANGES
In Atlanta, changes were made to the Board of Directors, which now includes President Michael W. Coomes, MD, FAAMA; Vice President Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA, and Secretary Claudia M. Cooke, MD, FAAMA. Drs. Cooke, Yuan-Chi Lin, Nakazawa and William D. Rutenberg were re-elected to the Board for two-year terms.
Remaining directors include Drs. Nader Soliman, immediate past president; Bruce Gilbert, Roberto Jodorkovsky, Susan Kaplan and Glenn Rothfeld..
Photos of this year's Symposium are now posted here. They included photos of 16 new Fellows.
The Faculty included Drs. Francois Beyens, Tapan K. Chaudhuri, Brenda Golianu, James S. Gordon, Ji-Sheng Han, Roberto A. Jodorkovsky, Ted Kaptchuk, Alston C. Lundgren, Yue-Pang Mok, James L. Oschman, Linda Rapson, James K. Rotchford, Marshall Sager, Nader E. Soliman and Ming Qing Zhu.
MEMBER COMMENTS
BRUCE R. GILBERT, MD, PHD, FAAMA
An absolutely superb meeting with much for everyone. Tapan Chaudhuri, MD, FAAMA and his Committee should be congratulated for an exceptionally well planned and executed meeting. Much to take away from both the the Pre-Symposium and Symposium workshops. The keynote address, "Experiment, Experience and Biasm" by Ted Kaptchuk, was superb, highlighting many of the considerations we as physician scientists need to address in the evaluation of a new treatment modality.
As always, I find the impromptu discussions with colleagues and vendors to be one of the most valuable aspects of the meetings. There were several interesting offerings in the exhibition hall. One of particular interest to me was the Meridian Imaging Software, which appears to have potential as a clinical research tool. Using a probe to access either Source or Tsing points, one can obtain a graphical representation of the meridians demonstrating those that are high, low or split. The software then offers suggested protocols for treatment.
JAY SANDWEISS, DO, FAAMA
I was quite impressed with this year's Symposium in terms of its breadth of coverage. Ted Kaptchuk, a prolific herbalist poet, talked about research at Harvard? Wow! His presentation was brilliant and performed in the tradition of Woody Allen at his best. James Gordon took psychiatry and psychology to a new gold standard. His open style and positive energy was infectious as he described practical non-pharmocological approaches to common emotional disorders.
James Oschman presented a fascinating lecture and pre-symposium that connected the physical body with the energy body on a macro and micro level. For those of us osteopaths, his review of Helen Langevin's work was noteworthy as it proved that manipulation of acupuncture needles in the body actually works physically to stretch myofascial fibrils so that the effect of acupuncture can be explained in specific myofascial and mechanoreceptor terms as well as "energy flows." Dr Beyens' presentation was elegant as always. In his pre-symposium session he shared many insights for the acupuncturist as well as a cogent critique of 5 Element Theory which was nonetheless respectful and loving at the same time. Linda Rapson presented a lot of valuable information for doctors treating difficult pain cases. Her teaching style is warm and charming. Nader Solimon gave a beautiful talk on ear and hand acupuncture that had phenomenal audiovisuals. The talk was extremely well organized and informative.
Marshall Sager's presentation on the history and evolution of the new acupuncture billing codes was overwhelmingly attended for a Friday night show. Marshall was entertaining like a Leno as he gave the nitty-gritty specifics of how to utilize the new CPT codes. We all owe Marshall a standing ovation for his tireless efforts to bring respect and government recognition to medical acupucture. (See Dr. Sager's article in this issue.)
Many other speakers deserve accolades, such as James Rotchford and his presentation of French Energetic patterns, Dr Han's work with electrical acupuncture frequencies and all the others. All of the lectures and workshops offered a diverse program that exemplified the the multi-faceted nature of acupuncture. Dr. Zhu's scalp acupuncture workshop was a classical delight, listening to his pearls of wisdom and experience in the Chinese language added a cultural richness to the program that really embodied the strength of the entire Symposium. Dr. Jodorkovsky also gave an excellent presentation.
The Atlanta program really did cover the traditional to the modern and was the perfect preparation for next year's merger with ICMART. Good job!
HIROSHI NAKAZAWA, MD, FAAMA
The Atlanta Symposium was just packed with excellent lectures and information. The workshops I chose were very useful to my practice, and I gained a lot. The most impressive lecture for me was given by Dr. James L. Oschman, who opened my eyes on newer research that enhanced the effectiveness of acupuncture. I now feel I have something to look forward to in the future direction of acupuncture. Dr. Nader Soliman's work on shifting locations on the hand at different stages of disease was also excellent and very original. I use them often and am getting good results. Dr. Zhu's Chinese Acupuncture was most fascinating, and I have been adding the newer techniques in my scalp acupuncture practice.
GENE GEORGE HONG, MD, DABMA
Every year the Symposium gets better and better. I was tempted to not attend this year. I have been coming yearly to the Symposium since 1999. It is a lot of work to get time off. With two little children, this means that I usually have to come alone. But every year, at the end of the meeting, I have always been pleased that I had come. And this year has been most rewarding.
The Symposium Committee should be commended for the speakers that were featured. The Academy has been true to its mission of bringing the best speakers and highest quality education to its members. This year featured, among many others, Dr. Kaptchuk of Harvard, the author of the Web That Has No Weaver, and Dr. Han of Peking University, one of the first researchers to look at the relationship between acupuncture and neurotransmitters.
It is exciting to be a practitioner of acupuncture in a time when we have the techniques of science and western medicine to help inform our practice of acupuncture. It is also exciting to see how acupuncture has challenged science to begin the analysis of subtle energies that are integral to life and heath. It seems so obvious that the power of the healer is something that characterizes all physicians. However, this power has never been acknowledged or researched in western medicine. Efforts to understand acupuncture has finally pushed western medicine to begin to understand the power of the physician, and to ask "what is the placebo effect?" How can an idea become physiologic change?
The title of the Symposium seemed most appropriate: From Mystique to Mainstream. While we look into the future of the Academy and the science of acupuncture, it seemed very appropriate that we should not forget our roots in rich history of acupuncture. It is still this richness that guides our daily practice of this powerful technique. It is also very important that we do not lose sight of the brave founders of the Academy, those pioneers that made this new medical specialty a reality.
It was also a time to renew friendships and meet new friends. It was like coming home. It was good to celebrate the installation of our new President Michael Coomes, MD. With a new administration will come new ideas and directions for the Academy. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on the Academy board.
ORDER ANYTHING YOU MISSED
The 2005 Symposium Syllabus for Medical Acupuncture: Mystique to Mainstream is available as well as the Syllabi for the four Pre-Symposium Workshops at the Acadamy Bookstore. Symposium audio and video recordings are available at http://www.softconference.com/storefront/250330.
For more on this year's Symposium, see the President's Column by Dr. Michael Coomes and the outoing President's Column by Dr. Nader Soliman in this issue, as well as articles on Poster and Research competition winners and others by Drs. Nakazawa and Sager.
SYMPOSIUM IN 2006
The 18th Annual Symposium will be held in conjunction with ICMART XII Medical Acupuncture Congress (International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques) on April 7-9, 2006 at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Park, NW in Washington, DC. The Academy has negotiated a discounted rate of $199/night (single/double) available through March 3, 2006 or until the block of rooms sells out. Be sure to mention AAMA when calling 202/328-2966 to reserve this special rate. The Review Course will be offered on April 4-5, 2006, followed by Pre-Symposium workshops on April 6, 2006 and the Board Certification Exam on April 9, 2006.
BACK TO TOP
New president comments on Symposium, plans for Academy
By Michael W. Coomes, MD, FAAMA
President, AAMA
I have already enjoyed meeting many of you through the years at the various AAMA meetings and Symposia, but this is my first opportunity to introduce myself to the membership at large. I am a Family Practice trained Sports Medicine Physician at the University of Minnesota.
I attended Dr. Joe Helms' UCLA course about 15 years ago, and like many of you have said, it changed the direction of my professional life! I now see my work on the Board as an opportunity to give back to the AAMA in response to the education and support it has given me. The collegiality and educational opportunities the AAMA offers are unmatched and invaluable to us as practicing medical acupuncturists.
Our Atlanta Symposium was no exception. The speakers, all leaders in their respective fields, challenged us with new information and ideas. I particularly valued hearing Jim Gordon relate how he uses acupuncture and other techniques in his work at the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, DC to provide comprehensive cancer care and support. Ted Kaptchuk then led us on a tour de force critically examining the methods we use to arrive at "truth" ranging from the I Ching and bone oracles to modern-day randomized controlled trials. Professor Ji Sheng Han from the Neuroscience Research Institute in Beijing China explained the pioneering work he has done in electroacupuncture that we commonly use today.
These are just a few examples of the great breadth and depth of this year's Symposium: In particular I would like to thank Dr. Tapan Chaudhuri and the Symposium Planning Committee for all their hard work putting this well attended program together. I know that they are already starting to plan for next year's combined AAMA Symposium/ICMART Congress to be held in April in Washington, DC. We are expecting record attendance as we will be joined by our colleagues from around the world who are members of ICMART.
SYMPOSIUM FEEDBACK
We hope you found the Atlanta Symposium worthwhile. The Program Committee is about to start on the program for 2006 in Washington, DC on April 7-9. Therefore, your comments and ideas regarding this year's program would be very helpful. If you did not have an opportunity to complete the Symposium evaluation form before leaving Atlanta, please follow the links below to obtain a copy. Please print it out, complete it and mail (AAMA, 4929 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 428, Los Angeles, CA 90010) or fax it (323/937-0959) to Academy offices.
EVALUATION FORMS
NEW LEADERSHIP
I also want to congratulate the 16 new Fellows that were recognized at this year's meeting. Their expertise and efforts on behalf of the AAMA are yet another reason why medical acupuncture continues to gain in popularity today. This year, we also welcome new officers serving on the boards of the AAMA and ABMA:
Dr. Hiroshi Nakazawa: vice president, AAMA
Dr. Claudia Cook: secretary, AAMA
Dr. Gene Hong: treasurer, AAMA
Dr. Robert Gross: chair, ABMA
Dr. Narda Robinson: vice chair, ABMA
Dr. Robert Schulman: secretary/treasurer, ABMA
The Board has been working on a variety of issues that affect us all. In particular, Dr. Marshall Sager, who has completed his work on the Board this year, most recently has been working with other national stakeholder groups on the development of the new acupuncture codes. He and Dr. Bryan Frank have also been representing our interests within ICMART as well.
Dr. Gene Hong is working with the North American Council of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, formerly NAFTA, to coordinate and develop standards with regard to education, research and the clinical practice of acupuncture. Dr. Bill Rutenberg continues to monitor and organize lobbying efforts on our behalf at the state and federal levels when legislative issues arise that will affect us. I also want to thank Dr. Nader Soliman for his leadership as president of the Board these past two years. (See his column in this issue.)
As I said at the Symposium business meeting, one of my highest priorities is to develop high-quality, cost-effective distance education opportunities for our membership. The Academy is going to create a "Virtual Digital Library" that will contain the content of the many educational offerings that we have created. To be able to provide this service I'm asking for your help. The areas where we particularly need assistance from knowledgeable members are assisting staff in the following:
- Developing a program to grant CME credit for articles in the Journal.
- Developing a program to offer workshops and seminars via the Academy web site.
- Developing a program to offer the Academy Review Course via home study either online or using other digital media.
If you have an interest or suggestion, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at mwcoomes_50@yahoo.com or any of the other board members. I am looking forward to hearing from and working with you.
BACK TO TOP
AAMA president passes gavel, reflects on successful two-year term
By Nader E. Soliman, MD, FAAMA
Immediate Past President, AAMA
The 17th Annual AAMA Symposium, Medical Acupuncture 2005: Mystique to Mainstream, recently held in beautiful downtown Atlanta, GA was a wild success. Members enjoyed another fulfilling experience in education excellence.
For years, the Academy has embarked on presenting some the most memorable symposia we ever had, and this one was no less than its predecessors. Attendees enjoyed learning from outstanding speakers on both the national and international scenes. As usual, the Symposium presented members with a wide variety of topics addressing the different paradigms of acupuncture.
For the first time anywhere, the Symposium presented an expanded version of the hand acupuncture microsystem that included three different phases. We are certainly grateful to the Symposium Committee members who worked very hard to present such an outstanding event.
For the past two years, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as president of AAMA, and today, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all Academy members for their trust and support. I would also like to thank all committee chairs and members for their dedication and determination to promote the different functions of the Academy. And last, I would like to extend my gratitude to the Board of Directors and to Executive Administrator Jim Dowden and his staff for their exceptional support.
A lot has been accomplished in the past two years. However, the measure of our accomplishments rests not only in the work we do, but also in the enthusiasm with which we do it, and you have been a constant source of inspiration and drive. On a personal level, your invariable good humor and unbridled energy gave us wings on which to soar. Your uncanny ability to serve our population through outstanding traditional and alternative medical approaches has helped to expand all of our minds and become more than we could be.
BACK TO TOP
Dr. Nakazawa takes on one seat, while giving up another
By Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA
Vice President, AAMA
At the 17th Annual AAMA Symposium on April 3, 2005, I was elected to the office of vice president of AAMA by active member votes. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your support.
I will work hard to make our organization better and more viable. Also, I will try to get a closer relationship with the AMA and other medical societies by informing them what AAMA has been doing for the past years.
Lastly, I also am very happy that the ABMA has an excellent new leader, Robert J. Gross, MD, DABMA,. who is going to replace me. Indeed, the Board of Trustees will have a load of work cut out for them, but I trust they will do well. I especially thank the past members of the Board of Trustees for all their effort. Special thanks to AAMA Executive Administrator Jim Dowden and his staff for their continued support and assistance.
BACK TO TOP
Research, Poster contest winners awarded at Symposium
Winners of the annual Acupuncture Research Award and of the Poster competition of research projects or case reports were awarded at the 17th Annual Symposium in Atlanta:
ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH AWARD
There were 19 entries in this contest.
First Place was "The Effect of Ting Point (Tendinomuscular Meridians) Electroacupuncture on Thermal Pain – A Model for Studying the Neuronal Mechanism of Acupuncture Analgesia" by Albert Leung, MD. His paper was presented at the Symposium. He was awarded $1,500, Symposium registration, travel to $500 and three night's hotel lodging.
Second Place was "Physiologic Variability of Electric Skin Resistance (ESR) Measurements at the Ting Acupuncture Points" by Agatha P. Colbert, MD. She was awarded $750, Symposium registration and travel to $500.
Third Place was "Acupuncture for Acute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Sham Controlled, Subject and Assessor Blind, Randomized Trial" by Jongbae Park, PhD, KMD. He was awarded $350 and Symposium registration.
Papers for second and third place were announced at the Symposium and authors acknowledged there.
POSTER COMPETITION
There were 20 entries in this contest.
First Place $300 was "Electroacupuncture Reduces Mechanical Allodynia in Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain" by Yuan-Chi Lin, MD, MPH.
Second Place $200 was "Physiologic Variability of Electric Skin Resistance (ESR) Measurements at the Ting Acupuncture Points" by Agatha P. Colbert, MD.
Third Place $100 was "Treatment With Acupuncture of Gall Bladder Dyskinesia in Children" by Ivan Figueroa Otero, MD, FACS, FAAP.
Poster presenters received a stipend equal to 50% of the Symposium early-bird registration rate.
BACK TO TOP
Dr. Sager reviews new Acupuncture CPT Codes at Symposium
AAMA Past President Marshall H. Sager, DO, FAAMA, was asked to participate on the AMA CPT Editorial Committee Workgroup. After two years of intensive negotiation, meetings and travel, the new AMA Acupuncture CPT Codes finally became official and took effect on Jan. 1, 2005. Dr. Sager gave a one-hour presentation on the use and pitfalls of the new Acupuncture CPT Codes at the Practice Management session at the recent 17th Annual Symposium. Asked for a recap for the AAMA Newsletter, he submitted the following:
Problem: Confusing and contradictory information published in the 2005 CPT Book by the AMA with respect to the mixing and matching the new acupuncture CPT codes.
Solution: The AMA will issue a CPT Assistant Article on this issue this month, clarifying the intention to allow the mixing and matching the new acupuncture CPT codes.
Problem: The publication of incomplete RVU values for the new acupuncture CPT codes.
Solution: Complete RVU values will be available to insurance companies next month. They will be published in the next Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Quarterly Update and will take effect in July of this year.
OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE
The Pennsylvania AAMA Chapter will hear Dr. Sager give a lecture to members on the new Acupuncture CPT Codes and modifiers published in January and how to optimize payments by billing correctly using them. The use of these codes and their ramifications for all who practice medical acupuncture in the USA are complex.
Dr. Sager has prepared a workshop discussing the evolution of the Codes, their use and the pitfalls that an uninformed practitioner can encounter. This presentation will take place from 10 am to 2 pm Sunday, June 12. For more details, e-mail Mitchell B. Krause, DO, DABMA at mbarry77@world-vue.com.
Additionally, the American Medical Association has published, CPT Professional 2005: Current Procedural Terminology (CPT/Current Procedural Terminology, Professional Edition). It's available online through Amazon.
For background information on these code changes, see the October issue and the March issue of the AAMA Newsletter.
BACK TO TOP
Academy offering new neuromusculoskeletal pain, needling strategies workshops
The Academy will offer the new workshop, New Frontiers in the Matrix of Neuromusculoskeletal Pain: Integrating Pain Mechanisms with Objective Physical Findings and Needling Strategies, by Jay P. Shah, MD, June 25-26 in Arlington, VA and July 23-24 in Chicago, IL.
This unique state-of-the-art and science workshop will integrate lectures on pain mechanisms, refined clinical examination skills, and case presentations with demonstration of targeted needling techniques, physical modalities and therapeutic exercises. Attendees will learn mechanisms of peripheral and central sensitization and apply their clinical consequences to identify objective physical findings with essential palpation skills.
This paradigm provides an effective and logical treatment approach when integrated with needling techniques and physical medicine strategies. To assure a high-quality learning experience, attendance is limited to 40 participants per workshop.
Dr. Shah is staff physiatrist and director of the Medical Rehabilitation Training Program in the Rehabilitation Medicine Department, Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health. The workshop will combine lecture, case presentations, and exercises for physicians who want to improve their palpation skills and learn objective clinical findings that can be integrated with needling and physical medicine strategies.
Accreditation
AAMA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Academy designates the workshop for a maximum of 12 hours of Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award.
For objectives and more on the workshop, the registration form and hotel details, click here. This information also is being mailed to the membership.
BACK TO TOP
ICMART to join AAMA Symposium in Washington, DC in 2006
By Baron Beyens, MD
General Secretary, ICMART
In Washington DC in 2006, we are going to live a new adventure: a common adventure between the AAMA and ICMART. We are pleased and grateful to the AAMA for taking on the burden of hosting this international Medical Acupuncture Congress. The Symposium of AAMA will not be quite the same because of the input of dozens, if not more, foreign participants, giving to the event a world dimension where you will be able to hear lectures, communications and workshops from medical acupuncturists coming from other continents, giving different views of acupuncture and related techniques, as well as their experience and opinions. Foreign participants, on the other hand, will have the opportunity to merge in the world of the AAMA with its different trends.
This Medical Acupuncture Congress comes at a time of psychological, scientific and political turmoil in the world of medical acupuncture. Attitudes are changing; regulations are being proposed, some useful and some unacceptable by our community, so we must be constantly on our guard. The slow awareness of the existence of numerous groups of medical acupuncturists incites ruling bodies to try to put some order in the practice of these complementary techniques. We are attentive to their initiatives and suggest our help when we can.
The Congress promises to be exciting and thought provoking. Every year, the AAMA has invited one or more foreign speakers, thus keeping contact with other countries' representatives in our field. For the first time, members of AAMA will be mixed with an array of different thinking processes, treatment techniques and theoretical approaches. Moreover, the great number of nationalities will enhance the quality and variety of contributions. An international experience will be taking place and it will certainly be worthwhile participating.
Then there will be the mysterious chemistry of these gatherings where you meet so many colleagues, exchange views, discover opinions and express yours, find new friends, and alternate between seriousness and laughs, professional enrichment and human knowledge.
In the name of the Bureau and the Board of ICMART, I suggest that you reserve April 7-9, 2006, and make plans for joining the Congress. We count on your presence, and we know that you will not regret it.
BACK TO TOP
Study assesses how acupuncture improves knee osteoarthritis
The Annals of Internal Medicine has published the results of an NCCAM-funded study of acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee.
The study team was led by Brian M. Berman, MD, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine and professor of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. The randomized clinical trial at the University of Maryland followed 570 participants for six months, making it the longest and largest study of acupuncture to date.
In the study, 190 of the participants received acupuncture treatment and 191 received a "sham" acupuncture procedure that the team had developed and tested in earlier research. A third group (189) attended an educational program developed by the Arthritis Foundation. All participants could continue to use some conventional care for osteoarthritis, such as certain anti-inflammatory medicines, if they so chose.
By week eight, the acupuncture group had better function than either the sham or the education group. By the 14th week, the acupuncture group also reported significantly less pain than the two other groups.
Click here for more details. The related article, "Acupuncture Improves Knee Osteoarthritis in Phase III Study," also appeared recently in Family Practice News
BACK TO TOP
People to People Ambassador trip to China available
People to People Ambassador Programs is coordinating a delegation of professionals specializing in acupuncture who will travel to China Nov. 27 – Dec. 9, 2005.
Delegates will visit clinics, institutions and hospitals, and meet with medical acupuncture professionals in the host country. The exchange will include extensive discussions on the historical and current role of acupuncture as it pertains to current issues in China's healthcare system.
The Acupuncture Delegation is being led by Michael W. Coomes, MD, FAAMA, AAMA president and director of immunization and travel medicine at the University of Minnesota. Delegates will visit three primary areas — Beijing, Guilin and Shanghai — experiencing China's culture and heritage along the way.
More information, program details and a registration form are available at http://www.ambassadorprograms.org/, or by calling 877/787-2000, ext. 100 or by sending an e-mail to info@ambassadorprograms.org.
BACK TO TOP
Member News
The latest edition of the NIH Newsletter, CAM at the NIH, is now available on the NCCAM Web site: http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2005_winter/index.htm. It has been newly designed and expanded. In addition to this newsletter, members may also be interested in subscribing to the "NCCAM Update" eBulletin, which is sent monthly.
The AAMA will host the ICMART Medical Acupuncture Congress on April 7-9, 2006 at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. In addition to national and international speakers who typically present at the AAMA Symposium, a large participation of international colleagues are expected in the poster presentations and the free papers section. These venues will give attendees increased numbers and breadth of presentations to attend in the Medical Acupuncture Congress. Announcements will be made at the ICMART Congress in Prague in May 2005, attended by Dr. Bryan L. Frank, ICMART president (2004-2006) and AAMA ICMART co-delegate, and Dr. Marshall Sager, AAMA ICMART co-delegate, and others. Look for a report of the Prague Congress in the upcoming AAMA Newsletter.
Members can view 210 new citations here. Future reviews through Acubriefs are on a temporary hold pending further sources of support. In the meantime, they welcome volunteers who would like to write reviews for Acubriefs. Contact info@acubriefs.com if you are interested in doing a review for publication in the Acubriefs Newsletter. They have updated their brochure which contains information about librarian services and sponsorship opportunities. Feel free to print and distribute it to anyone who may be interested in the services. The Best of Both Worlds Foundation has been set up as a non-profit charitable foundation to promote acupuncture research. To see how you may support or benefit from the Foundation, visit their website at http://www.acubriefs.com/bbw or e-mail bbw@acubriefs.com. Members may search the entire database at their Search Page.
Global Mission Partners: Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA, will lead missions to Ecuador (June 4-18), Nepal (fall) and Mexico (Nov. 17-20). Academy members have joined these trips for many years now and served those with little or no access to healthcare. Come join to give medical care, acupuncture and yourself. Interested persons should contact Dr. Frank (405/623-7667, bfrankmd@aol.com) or visit www.globalmission.us.
The article, "Acupuncture: A Clinical Review" (South Med J. 2005; 98(3): 330-337. 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) was recently published by Victor S. Sierpina, MD and Moshe A. Frenkel, MD. The abstract summarizes the research base, probable mechanisms of actions, and clinical applications of acupuncture, understanding of appropriate conditions for which acupuncture may be useful, outlines how to integrate acupuncture into referral and training issues. Although thorough inspection of acupuncture and understanding of its mechanism of action lag behind its widespread use, physicians know the potential applications for their patients. In addition to receiving training in medical acupuncture, all physicians should know how to refer to credible, well-trained acupuncturists. This is becoming increasingly important in the evolving model of integrative medicine, combining the best of both scientific medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. For more details, click here and register for free access on Medscape.
Members participating in AAMA's referral program will be happy to hear that 243 calls came into national headquarters and 4,075 website hits to the referral page in January, and 193 calls and 3,381 website referral page hits in February from patients seeking medical acupuncturists in their area. The toll-free number that patients are calling is 800/521-2262.
Tony V. Lu, MD, FAAMA, is organizing a two-week Cultural Emersion and Study Trip, Traditional Mongolian Medicine, with Kamba Lama Dr. Natsagdorj. Participants will be exposed to Mongolian history, culture and Buddhism, study Buddha's meditation, chanting and healing, Mongolian healing oils, astrological reading, herbal medicine, tongue and pulse diagnoses, healing stones and minerals, acupuncture, moxibustion and more. The party will leave on June 30, 2005 for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and study traditional medicine, as well as enjoy social activities, through July 15. Complete itinerary is posted here. Members interested in more information can contact Dr. Lu (708/485-1061, tlu1@lumc.edu).
Abstracts are sought by June 3 for the 12th Annual Conference of the Society for Acupuncture Research, which will be Oct. 21-23, 2005 in Albuquerque, NM. The conference will provide a forum for discussion of state-of-the-art research on Traditional Chinese Medicine, affording physicians and basic science researchers with a vehicle for sharing contributions with TCM practitioners and educators. Conference details are posted here.
Want a fast, easy way to reach your patients (and offer them something a little extra)? Try producing an electronic monthly newsletter like Bruce R. Gilbert, MD, PhD, FAAMA, does: Visit www.brucegilbertmd.com and click on Newsletters, which also features an archive of past issues.
The International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART) World Medical Acupuncture Congress is being planned for May 20-22, 2005 at Hotel Diplomat in Prague, Czech Republic. Sponsored by Czech Medical Acupuncture Society of the Czech Medical Association in cooperation with ICMART and the Society of Acupuncture of the Slovak Medical Society, the Symposium is being organized by Guarant International. Topics include Acupuncture for Good Quality of Life, Modern Acupuncture and Traditional Acupuncture and Varia. The agenda, social program, registration, accommodations and more have been posted online. Additional details are available at AAMA's site or via e-mail to icmart2005@guarant.cz.
Members who would like a National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) fact sheet on acupuncture can click here or contact the NCCAM Clearinghouse.
The National Cancer Institute's Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine will hold a technical assistance workshop June 27-28 in Bethesda, MD on How to Write a Grant in Cancer CAM. Attendees will learn first-hand from NIH program directors, researchers who have received CAM research funding, and representatives of organizations that sponsor research about the different types of funding mechanisms for cancer CAM, as well as grant preparation, development, assignment, review and awards. Details are posted online at http://www.cancer.gov/cam/technical_assistance_workshop.html.
Members are reminded that the Academy's online events calendar lists a variety of meetings, workshops and conferences (where CME and CEU credit can be earned). More details on each event can be obtained by visiting the website listed or contacting the sponsoring organization. Academy sponsored events are noted with the logo
The 5th International Symposium of Auriculotherapy and Auriculomedicine will be held in Lyon, France Oct. 4-8, 2006, under Chair Prof. Pierre Rabischong. The call for papers has gone out, with entries due by Oct. 30, 2005. For more information, contact isabelle.glem@wanadoo.fr or visit http://www.glem.org/.
If you've read any good books on acupuncture or related products recently, please send that information to AAMA headquarters to be shared with the membership. You can also post a review of the publications in the Academy's online bookstore. Visit AAMA Book Store and then on Check Out Our Comprehensive Selection. Next click on the book cover (or More Info) and then on Post a Review.
The 13th International Congress of Oriental Medicine (ICOM) will be held Oct. 20-23, 2005 at the Daegu convention center, Daegu, the Republic of Korea, hosted by International Society of Oriental Medicine (ISOM) and the Association of Korean Oriental Medicine (AKOM). ISOM is a professional organization to promote Oriental medicine, including medical acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine. Many Oriental medicine practitioners and scholars from many countries are currently members of ISOM. ICOM is one of the most important activities of ISOM and has been convened every two years. The congress was one of the leading academic forums promoting scientific research and exchanging knowledge of Oriental medicine. For further information, visit online at www.isom.or.kr and www.icomworld.org.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has been redesignated as a Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization through 2007. NCCAM will promote research and research training, expand communications and information exchange, and engage in international collaborative efforts with WHO centers. The National Institutes of Health NCCAM is dedicated to exploring complementary and alternative healing practices such as medical acupuncture in the context of rigorous science, training CAM researchers and disseminating authoritative information to professionals and the public.
The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd. will host the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Annual Conference in Melbourne, Australia May 13-15, 2005. Following the success of the WFAS 2004 6th World Conference on Acupuncture at the Gold Coast in October 2004, AACMA has expanded the focus of its Annual Symposium to a regional academic event to encompass the Asia-Pacific region. Details are posted at http://www.acupuncture.org.au/wfas_2004.cfm?CFID=2482352&CFTOKEN=37309782.
Please send news items and photos to bdortberg@aol.com.
BACK TO TOP
Chapter News
New York
The New York AAMA Chapter has undergone transition this past year. Joe Sciammarella, MD, FAAMA, who has served the Chapter with great leadership and resolve, has stepped down as president for personal reasons. All members who served with him are grateful for his hard work and friendship. They anticipate he will continue to contribute to the success of their Chapter. Bruce R. Gilbert, MD, PhD, FAAMA, will serve in his place until a new president is elected by the membership.
The Chapter is planning an educational and organizational meeting in the fall. Members interested in helping coordinate that event can contact Dr. Gilbert (516/487-2700, bruce.gilbert@verizon.net).
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania AAMA Chapter will hear Marshall H. Sager, DO, FAAMA, give a lecture to members on the new Acupuncture CPT Codes and modifiers published in January and how to optimize payments by correctly billing using them. The use of these codes and their ramifications for all who practice medical acupuncture in the USA are complex.
Dr. Sager has prepared a workshop discussing the evolution of the Codes, their use and the pitfalls that an uninformed practitioner can encounter. This presentation will take place from 10 am to 2 pm Sunday, June 12. For more details, contact Mitchell B. Krause, DO, DABMA, at mbarry77@world-vue.com.
This Chapter will also host the lecture, Introduction to Toyohari Japanese Meridian Therapy, from 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 11. Toyohari foundation is derived from the medical classes, primarily Su Wen, Ling Shu and the Nan Jing. Toyohari primarily uses non-insertion needle techniques based on touch and pulse diagnosis to regulate the circulation of Ki in the meridians and improve organ function. This class will introduce the basic theory and techniques of Toyohari and demonstrate how touch affects the pulses.
Instructor Zoe Brenner, LAc, Dipl.Ac,, Dipl.CH, has been practicing in the Washington, DC area since 1977. She was on the faculty of TAI Sophia from 1980-2002 and has lectured throughout the US and Europe. She's studied Japanese Meridian (Keiraku Chiryo) since 1977, with advanced training in the US and training under senior teachers in Japan. She's vice president/academic dean of the National Board of Toyohari Association, North America, and the Washington, DC Branch.
Cost for the June 11-12 weekend course will be $100 for Chapter members and $125 for nonmembers. The event will be held at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, with hotels located nearby. Contact Dr. Krause at mbarry77@world-vue.com or visit www.pamedicalacupuncture.com for more details. For reservations, call 267/939-7504, 610/352-4660 or e-mail Dr. Lois Stefanowicz at lalastef@msn.com For mail, write to Dr. Lois Stefanowicz, 7504 Manti St., Philadelphia, PA 19128. Seating is limited, so make reservations early.
Does your state have a regional AAMA chapter? If not, please consider forming one. Chapters provide fellowship, professional camaraderie, education and curbside consults. Contact Regional Chapter Subcommittee Chair Martha M. Grout, MD, FAAMA (602/787-8500, drmartha@worldnet.att.net).
Chapter representatives, please send your updates for the AAMA Newsletter via e-mail to bdortberg@aol.com.
BACK TO TOP
Classified Ads
- Medical acupuncture practice with 30-year patient network for sale in Berkeley, CA. Creative arrangement. HMI/UCLA graduate only. E-mail cb@hmieducation.com.
- Integrative medicine center and spa seeking full- or part-time acupuncturist licensed in Maryland. Upscale wellness center with national media exposure located in Silver Spring, MD near Washington, DC. Diverse clientele and staff, and opportunities for practice buy-in. Send resume, cover letter and references to andrea@penningtoninstitute.com, fax to 301/588-7368 or visit www.penningtoninstitute.com.
- Menlo Park, CA, near Stanford University, sports chiropractor with 20 years experience seeks to share or rent space with a medical acupuncturist or orthomolecular medicine practitioner. Contact Dr. Heatley (650/322-7507, 650/322-8225 fax, heatley@ihot.com).
- Acupuncturist/Chinese/natural path doctor needed for New Day Spa &Wellness Center opening in 2006 in Boca Raton, FL. Contact Gayle Wentworth (561/414-1777, timespa@aol.com).
|
