Reclaim What is Important in Medicine with Medical Acupuncture
By Richard A. Elliott, MD, MSJ, FAAP, DABMA, CETHP, AAMA Board of Directors
When thinking about what to share for the September e-newsletter, the timing felt absolutely perfect. This month marks Pain Awareness Month, a global initiative that sits at the very heart of my practice as a pediatric anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician.
To celebrate this mission, I had the distinct honor of kicking off the Pediatric Grand Rounds season at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital on September 11th. My presentation focused on a topic I care deeply about: integrating acupuncture into mainstream pediatric medicine. By sharing this during Pain Awareness Month, I was able to highlight how acupuncture effectively impacts all aspects of pain as well as the overall quality of life for children and their families. My hope was to demystify acupuncture for fellow clinicians, demonstrating just how naturally it fits into modern, evidence-informed care.
In my daily practice, I blend advanced western medicine with the many facets of pediatric acupuncture. Whether it be managing acute pain, chronic pain or iatrogenic withdrawal, I give my young patients an additional safe, effective option for their care. This integrative approach is vital today, as we constantly seek ways to reduce our reliance on medications like opioids. What I find most rewarding about this work is the meaningful connection I build with each patient. For a child, dealing with pain is terrifying, and standard medical environments can feel cold and intimidating. I make it a priority to establish a comforting presence at the bedside. Using a gentle approach to explain how acupuncture works, I often demonstrate techniques on plushies, toys or the child’s parents to help them feel completely secure.This combination of clinical empathy and clear communication transforms a stressful medical visit into an experience of healing and trust, empowering the child to feel safe and in control of their care.
As members of the AAMA, we must continue to remain involved and educate the wider medical community on the important role medical acupuncturists play in the delivery of medical care. Whether it be through a formal venue such as a lecture or just setting an example through the provision of clinical care, each of us can make a difference. I encourage all AAMA members to join this vital mission. Please get involved by sharing your expertise with teams in your local areas, teaching hospital staffs about the power of medical acupuncture, and joining one of our academy’s committees to expand your horizons. Scientific research shows that strong social connections boost both mental resilience and physical well-being.
So what are you waiting for? Start connecting today! Medical acupuncturists make a difference!
