Reflecting on a Journey to Medical Acupuncture
— Richard Elliott, MD, DABMA, Board of Directors & 2025 Symposium Vice Chair
Whether it be riding out a hurricane or enjoying holidays with my family, I have had an unusual increase in time available to me for reflection upon important aspects of life.
As any other physician might do, I thought about several of my patients. Given either emergency conditions or holidays, many of them were unable to receive their maintenance acupuncture treatments. I missed the time we shared together working to manage their chronic pain. As I contemplated this a bit further, I began to reminisce about my journey into medical acupuncture, which started some seven years ago. As a result of this mental expedition, several thoughts and experiences came to my mind that I’d like to highlight and share.
My introduction to medical acupuncture came from an encounter and ultimately a friendship with a locum tenens physician who came to help our group in a time of physician shortage. In addition to his clinical pediatric anesthesia care, he shared his knowledge and experiences with medical acupuncture in a respectful, sage-like manner that was awe-inspiring.
I was enthralled and enlightened at the same time. At that time, I was completely unaware that physicians could practice acupuncture. Through him, I learned about the practice of medical acupuncture, training programs, the AAMA, as well as possible board certification. This was the catalyst I needed to begin my journey as a medical acupuncturist.
These endeavors highlight the importance and value that the both the AAMA and relationships with fellow medical acupuncturists afford. Overall, I remain in awe as to its meaning and growth on both personal and professional levels. For many of us on this amazing path, there are challenges we have faced and continue to face daily.
Early on, I remember meeting with my hospital’s medical staff leaders regarding credentialing. The looks I received whilst trying to impart some basic understanding of acupuncture, as well as its clinical utility and safety, were quite amusing. However, this was a necessary step to move forward with establishing a formal credentialing process. From hospital credentialing and reimbursement to the provision of appropriate supplies, many of these issues seemed like impossible tasks. However, with perseverance as well as the support and guidance of my fellow medical acupuncturists, I now have a thriving consultant inpatient pediatric medical acupuncture practice. I have the respect of my colleagues as a consultant and have brought medical acupuncture into mainstream clinical care in my institution. I am now an active member of the AAMA, serve on an associated committee and have the amazing opportunity to serve on the board of directors.
Please prioritize your AAMA membership and engage fully with the organization’s activities and with your fellow members. You will meet colleagues from around the country and foster amazing friendships. You will also have have access to a multitude of resources for personal and professional growth. Sharing your knowledge and experience with others is truly a life-changing experience. We’d love to hear about your success stories and your journey with medical acupuncture.
