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June 2024 – AAMA Member Newsletter

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  • June 2024 – AAMA Member Newsletter

Message from the AAMA Board

Join the Membership Committee: Shape the Future of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

Are you passionate about the growth and advancement of medical acupuncture? Do you want to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our professional community? If so, we invite you to join the Membership Committee of the AAMA. (Email us now!) Here’s why your involvement can make a significant difference:

Drive Membership Growth and Engagement

As a member of the Membership Committee, you’ll be at the forefront of developing strategies to attract new members and retain existing ones. Your efforts will help expand our community, bringing in fresh perspectives and fostering a more vibrant, diverse, and engaged membership base. This is your chance to contribute to the growth of the AAMA and ensure that our organization remains dynamic and inclusive.

Enhance Member Experience

The Membership Committee plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall member experience. By understanding the needs and expectations of our members, you can help create and implement programs, events, and resources that add value to their membership. Your insights and creativity will directly impact how members perceive and benefit from their affiliation with the AAMA.

Build Lasting Connections

Serving on the Membership Committee provides unique opportunities to connect with fellow members and leaders within the AAMA. These interactions can lead to meaningful professional relationships, collaborations, and friendships. By working closely with other dedicated professionals, you’ll be part of a team that shares your commitment to the field of medical acupuncture.

Develop Leadership Skills

Joining the Membership Committee is an excellent way to develop and showcase your leadership skills. You’ll have the chance to spearhead initiatives, manage projects, and contribute to decision-making processes. These experiences will not only enhance your personal and professional growth but also position you as a leader within the AAMA and the broader medical acupuncture community.

Make a Tangible Impact

Your contributions to the Membership Committee will have a lasting impact on the AAMA. From increasing membership numbers to improving member satisfaction, your work will help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of our organization. This is a meaningful way to give back to the profession and help shape its future.

Join Us Today!

The AAMA thrives because of the dedication and passion of its members. By joining the Membership Committee, you’ll be taking an active role in advancing our mission and supporting your peers. If you’re ready to make a difference and help lead the AAMA into a bright future, we encourage you to apply.

To join the Membership Committee or learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact us. We look forward to working with you to continue making the AAMA an exceptional community for medical acupuncturists.

Together, we can achieve great things. Join the Membership Committee today and be part of something extraordinary!

Upcoming Professional Development & Educational Opportunities

AAMA WEBINAR – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Acupuncture Treatment Approach
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
8:00 pm ET/ 7:00 pm CT /5:00 pm PT
Presented by Norman Zavela, MD, FAAMA
*Watch LIVE or ON-DEMAND

NIH Force-based Manipulation Research Meeting
June 28, 2024 @ 10am ET
Virtual

Treating Musculoskeletal Pain & Dysfunction Without Drugs And Surgery: Integrating Dry Needling, Osteopathic Manipulation and Manual Muscle Testing
Saturday October 5-6, 2024
Ann Arbor, MI

ICMART2024
Convergence of Acupuncture, Medical Science and Technology
September 27-29, 2024
Shinhwa World, Jeju, Korea

2025 AAMA Annual Symposium
Pittsburgh, PA
March 27-30, 2025
Save the date!

SAR 2025 Conference
Newport Beach, CA
April 3-6, 2025
Save the date!

AAMA Website: Education Listings
The AAMA maintains an ongoing calendar of educational events and professional development opportunities related to medical acupuncture. The calendar is accessible on the AAMA website. Members are encouraged to share events and calendar items from their regions and about educational topics that may be of wider interest among peers and fellow AAMA members.

Medical Acupuncture Journal Updates 

Read Fast-Track articles, ahead of print.

Most Recent Issue: April 2024

Most-recent CME Articles:

Access Journal Content

AAMA News & Announcements

Welcome Our New AAMA Members

Please join us in welcoming the following new members who became part of the Academy in May 2024:

  • Vitu Van, MD, of Upper Marlboro, MD
  • Sara N. Hanson, DO, of Elysian, MN
  • Victoria Belle Shin, DO, of Gardena, CA

If you have peers or colleagues who aren’t currently members of the AAMA, please encourage them to learn more about the benefits of membership by visiting the website or contacting Kendra Unger, the membership committee chair.

DON’T FORGET: If you would like to sponsor a medical student member for $75/year, please email AAMA today and let us know.

Physician Earns ABMA Certification

Congratulations to the following physician who has completed the process set by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) to be certified as a Diplomate for 10 years:

  • Robert Brislin, DO, DABMA, of Chadds Ford, PA

Learn more about DABMA certification requirements.

Physicians Complete 10-Year ABMA Recertification Process

Congratulations to the following physicians who have completed the process set by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) to be re-certified as a Diplomate for another 10 years:

  • William Clearfield, DO, FAAMA of Reno, NV
    James Won, MD, DABMA of Brandon, FL
    Chonghao Zhao, MD, PhD, DABMA or San Gabriel, FL

AAMA Legislative Committee Report

The Legislative Committee is following 71 bills on acupuncture, chronic pain, integrative medicine and dry needling. Most of the bills remain in committee at this time.

REMEMBER: The committee members will contact you when legislation in your state may affect your ability to practice acupuncture. In that event, you are encouraged to write your representatives and senators since they prefer to hear directly from their constituents. If you learn of relevant legislative activity, please connect with the committee by email: info@medicalacupuncture.org.

DON’T FORGET: Renew Your AAMA Membership by June 30

The AAMA is planning big things for 2024-2025! Please renew your AAMA membership by June 30 to make sure you don’t miss anything.

The most important part of the Academy is YOU! Through your membership and participation, the Academy will continue to advance in stature and quality. Your membership supports your growth and success as a medical acupuncturist. We thank you for your current AAMA membership and for your dedication to medical acupuncture. We are in this together — and together we will thrive. Please take a few minutes and renew your membership today! 

Your AAMA Membership comes with valuable benefits, including:

ACCESS TO MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE CME
Choose from online, journal and other educational activities to earn free and/or low-cost CME related to your practice of medical acupuncture.

SUBSCRIPTION TO MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE JOURNAL
Academy members receive the journal every other month and have access to an online version through the Academy’s website — included in your membership fee!

ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM
The AAMA Annual Symposium typically includes four days of scientific and clinical presentations and clinical workshops presented by some of the best teachers in the field.

MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE RESEARCH
As the scientific evidence mounts in support of medical acupuncture, the AAMA will continue its efforts to promote new discovery and encourage clinical research. New research is supported through dissemination and funding opportunities.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
The AAMA’s hard-working Legislative Committee reviews and responds to legislation related to medical acupuncture, actively fighting against possible erosion of your rights to perform and be reimbursed for providing acupuncture. They work year-round on your behalf, protecting your work and your patients.

PATIENT REFERRAL
The “find an acupuncturist” directory on the AAMA website is always the most-visited page on the site, allowing thousands of patients each year to search for a provider in their area. Inclusion in the directory is FREE to all eligible members.

SUPPORTING THE GROWTH OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
The AAMA’s proactive outreach to various sectors — legislators and policymakers, fellow medical professionals, fellow acupuncture providers, insurance companies, media outlets, and more — increases awareness and acceptance of the evidence-based practice of medical acupuncture.

2024 Symposium On-Demand Registration

PURCHASE ON-DEMAND RECORDINGS ACCESS NOW

All of the Symposium sessions were recorded and are available for on-demand viewing. If you were not able to attend in-person, you can now purchase access to the on-demand recording package! Access is available until October 1, 2024.

What Does the On-Demand Package Fee Cover?

  • Symposium Session recording access
  • Up to a maximum of 26 CME credits (must complete quiz for each session for credit where applicable)
  • Review of all symposium documentation and materials
  • Exhibit company access

Purchase access now and view all the recorded sessions until October 1, 2024!

Last Call for Presentation Proposals: 2025 Annual Symposium

You can help move our organization forward by sending us your submissions for 2025 Annual Symposium presentations: pre-symposium workshops, plenary sessions and/or workshops. As an added bonus, presenting at the AAMA Symposium is a prestigious national experience to showcase on your CV and credentials.

We invite you to submit a proposal for next year’s meeting. DEADLINE: June 30, 2024.

  • Are you an expert in a facet of Medical Acupuncture?
  • Is there a topic that you’re particularly knowledgeable and passionate about?
  • Are you able to describe the importance of your material and rationale for presenting at a large national meeting?
  • Can you summarize your presentation in a few specific and measurable learning objectives?
  • Can you present to physicians and healthcare professionals in an engaging manner so they can take home specific acupuncture skills and/or knowledge?
  • Are you prepared to stand in front of a sophisticated group of physicians, managing your talk, as well as follow up questions?

Learn more and submit your presentation proposal.

New Requirements for Physician Practice Owners

As reported in FPM (Family Practice Management / AAFP) a new requirement for business owners is relevant for doctors and their practices. It is recommended that physician practice owners review exclusion criteria for this requirement to determine whether they need to register their practice. Here’s an excerpt:

Sole or partial physician practice owners need to report basic information about themselves to a division of the U.S. Department of Treasury this year to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

The CTA, passed in 2021, is intended “to make it harder for bad actors to hide or benefit from ill-gotten gains through shell companies or opaque ownership structures.”The law requires certain domestic and foreign LLCs, corporations, and other entities to file information about individuals who directly or indirectly own or control companies registered to do business in the United States. Business owners, including physician practice owners, must report beneficial ownership information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) at https://boiefiling.fincen.gov/ or via select third-party providers. Companies established before Jan. 1, 2024, must report their info before Jan. 1, 2025. Companies registered this year must report their information within 90 days of receiving their notice of registration.

Read the full article.

Clinical Pearls: Call for Submissions

Medical Acupuncture, the official journal of the AAMA, publishes an interactive section called Clinical Pearls in each issue of the journal. The editors are seeking details about how you treat groin pain in adult patients with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbs for possible publication in the next issue of the journal. Please submit your 500-750 word contribution online at our Manuscript Submission Site by June 30, 2024. Learn more.

Buy AAMA “Merch” Now in Our New Online Shop!

To show your AAMA pride and support, we invite you to pick your favorite items and purchase them today. A portion of each sale directly supports the AAMA and the programs you have come to appreciate. Show off your AAMA spirit whether it is at home, in the hospital/office or on the go. Watch the video below then go shopping here: https://medicalacupuncture.org/shop/swag-shop/

AAMA Webinar – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Acupuncture Treatment Approach

Presented by Norman Zavela, MD, FAAMA

Wednesday, June 26, 2024
8:00 pm ET/ 7:00 pm CT /5:00 pm PT
1-hour educational event from the AAMA

This presentation will provide treatment options from an acupuncture perspective for a patient with carpal tunnel syndrome after a review of the anatomy of the arm including the nerve pathways. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms and other treatment options will also be presented. Acupuncture meridians and points will be presented in relation to various acupuncture approaches. Learn more and register.

REMINDER: Treating Musculoskeletal Pain & Dysfunction Without Drugs And Surgery

Treating Musculoskeletal Pain & Dysfunction Without Drugs And Surgery: Integrating Dry Needling, Osteopathic Manipulation And Manual Muscle Testing 
Saturday October 5-6, 2024 (14.5 HRS OF TRAINING)
Ann Arbor, MI

Presenters: Dr. Joseph Audette and Dr. Jay Sandweiss

Drs. Audette and Sandweiss will present a highly effective approach for diagnosing and treating common musculoskeletal problems such as: tennis elbow, golfer elbow, rotator cuff syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, ankle pain, neck, hip and back pain. Attendees will learn to integrate osteopathic manipulation, dry needling and manual muscle testing. Learn more.

NIH Back Pain Researchers Note Previous Experience with Acupuncture in Study Participants

Many older adults who participate in acupuncture research may have prior experience with acupuncture, according to an analysis of data from the BackInAction trial. The finding has implications for the design and conduct of future pragmatic clinical trials involving acupuncture. BackInAction, an NIH Collaboratory Trial, is testing strategies for the delivery of acupuncture to older patients with chronic low back pain. Learn more.

Volunteer to Serve on the AAMA Board of Directors and/or Committees

Committee volunteers are welcome year-round. The Board of Directors holds elections in the spring each year, when Directors and Officers are chosen by the members to guide the Academy for the following year. If you are interested in being considered for a committee this year or a seat on the Board of Directors next year, please reach out and let us know. We welcome your inquiry! Learn more.

Are You Following Us?

Join the conversations online with fellow physician acupuncturists from around the country! You can find AAMA on:

There’s even a closed group on Facebook for discussion between members: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aamagroup

In Case You Missed It Last Month

“Are we there yet?” Green shoots of progress in acupuncture implementation in healthcare

— Excerpted from the European Journal of Integrative Medicine

Despite a growing body of research and clinical guidelines advocating for acupuncture, its adoption in healthcare systems remains limited. This manuscript explores the considerable gap between evidence-based recommendations for acupuncture and its implementation, while providing practical examples of collaborative and integrative use of acupuncture in healthcare settings in the UK, USA, and Austria. We aim to inspire and provide guidance for those seeking to replicate these successful initiatives and drive the integration of acupuncture in their own healthcare settings.

Narrative accounts of the experience of three clinician-researchers delivering acupuncture within mainstream healthcare systems in the UK, USA, and Austria respectively were captured. These are presented as standalone exemplars of the integration of acupuncture in real-world settings from the perspective of embedded professionals.

Read the full article.

Helpful Resources on AAMA Website — State Regulations

Most physicians are permitted to practice acupuncture within the scope of their medical licenses, but it’s challenging to know what states have additional requirements or restrictions. For example, 10 states mandate that physicians complete a specified number of hours in acupuncture instruction in addition to maintaining a current medical license. And have to submit an application or proof of training with the state medical board or licensing agency.

Curious about your state or neighboring states? Considering an out-of-state move? Learn more about the state-by-state requirements using new tools from the AAMA. View resources.

NCCIH: Low-Back Pain and Complementary Health Approaches

What do we know about the effectiveness of complementary health approaches for low-back pain?

  • There’s low- or moderate-quality evidence that a variety of mind and body practices, including acupuncture, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, progressive muscle relaxation, spinal manipulation, tai chi, and yoga, may be helpful for chronic low-back pain.
  • There’s low-quality evidence that acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation may be helpful for acute low-back pain.

Read the full article on the NCCIH website.

REMINDER: Student Member Sponsorship Opportunity

Young physicians represent the future of medical acupuncture. To encourage their involvement in our organization, the AAMA recently launched an initiative to invite current members to sponsor a medical student member for $75/year.

Would you like to sponsor a medical student member? Or would you like more information about the option? Please email AAMA today and let us know.

New Scientific Research Related to Acupuncture 

The Potential of Positive Psychology in Advancing Whole Health
[Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine]
“Psychology is both an art and a science, blending empirical inquiry with human understanding. As a science, psychology employs rigorous methods of observation, experimentation, and analysis to study human behavior, cognition, and emotion. Through systematic research and the application of scientific principles, psychologists strive to uncover the underlying mechanisms that shape human thought and behavior. By adhering to the principles of objectivity, replicability, and falsifiability, psychology endeavors to advance our understanding of the complexities of human nature and contribute to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.”

Emergency Department Acupuncture Is a Promising Option That Deserves an Open Mind and Continued Rigor
[Annals of Emergency Medicine]
“The study by Eucker, et al, in this issue of Annals offers new data supporting ED acupuncture as another useful option for analgesia.”

Three-needle electroacupuncture ameliorates depressive-like behaviors in a mouse model of post-stroke depression by promoting excitatory synapse formation via the NGL-3/L1cam pathway
[Brain Research]
“Findings provide novel insights into the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in the treatment of PSD and highlight the potential of targeting the NGL-3/L1cam pathway for the development of alternative interventions for PSD and other depressive disorders.”

Note: Some of these news sources may require you to create a free account to read their content, while others may have a paywall. 

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