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Academy President outlines successful Symposium/ICMART Congress, Board changes
By Michael W. Coomes, MD, FAAMA
President, AAMA
Hats off to Drs. Tapan Chaudhuri and Bryan Frank for organizing this year's brilliant combined 18th Annual AAMA Symposium and ICMART XII International Congress, the Expanding Horizon of Acupuncture: An International Celebration. This was no small logistical feat, given the number of great presentations we heard in those brief four days. England's Dr. Jacqueline Filshie started us off by grounding us with an informative and entertaining talk on the current status of evidence based medical acupuncture.
Dr. Brian Berman's presentation of his landmark research on acupuncture for the treatment of osteoarthritis helped set the standard for future scientific investigations into medical acupuncture's benefits. Dr. Tran Viet Dzung then took us to a deeper understanding of the study of Jing energy and the practical application of the Curious Meridians.
ICMART's contributions to this year's offerings also enriched us with many clinical insights, such as Dr. Strittmatter's presentations on neural therapy and auricular acupuncture. Dr. Michel Marignan's review of auricular therapy for Posturology admittedly left me a little dizzy but with a host of new insights for managing my problem! In addition, many commented favorably on the quality and value of the Poster presentations this year, as well as the many free paper presentations. (See article with winners in this issue.)
This year's well-deserved first-place prize for the poster competition went to Dr. Maria Fernanda G. Martins and her team from São Paulo, Brazil with their presentation on the management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with acupuncture. The number of quality presentations has increased every year, making it more and more difficult to select a winner!
This was the first year that we embarked on an attempt to provide a cost-effective set of CDs of the entire three-day Symposium, as well as Pre-Symposium presentations. The initial response suggests that this was quite a success. Thank you to all who contributed in various ways to making this year's AAMA Symposium/ICMART Congress a wonderful success!
Shortly before this year's Symposium, the Academy and all physician acupuncturists faced a serious threat from a California licensed acupuncturist group who sought to introduce a legislative Bill seeking to limit the scope of practice of physicians who provide medical acupuncture. (See report in Chapter News.) A vigorous letter writing campaign by numerous members and Academy representatives, as well as key strong presentations by Dr. Joe Helms and Stanford's Dr. Emily Ratner, carried the day, and the proposed bill was defeated -- though the threat has certainly not been completely eliminated. The Academy continues to monitor and appropriately respond to these events.
Academy's Direction
As we approach the 20th anniversary of AAMA, the Board of Directors has been developing the framework for an Academy "Summit" to be held this year. The purpose of this meeting will be to gather a diverse, cross-sectional, representative working group of Academy members to carefully examine the current state of our organization and develop a core set of goals and a clear agenda for achieving them as we move forward.
During the Symposium weekend, the AAMA Chapter Presidents Council met with Dr. Bruce Gilbert to develop mechanisms to help streamline the submission and approval process of future chapter CME presentations. (See report in Chapter News.) Board activities included a review of the upcoming CME offerings proposed by Dr. Glenn Rothfeld's Education Committee. A variety of fascinating new educational presentations are being prepared for the upcoming year for CME credit.
Information on the 19th Annual AAMA Symposium in April 2007 in Baltimore, MD can be found in Member News in this issue.
Board of Directors changes
This year marked the end of Dr. Susan Kaplan's tenure on the Board. On behalf of AAMA, I want to thank her for years of service to the Academy. In addition, I would like to welcome new Board member, Dr. Robert Schulman. Bob has a busy private acupuncture practice in New York City and has, among many other interests, been actively working to overcome some of the hurdles we face obtaining adequate reimbursement from insurance companies.
I would also like to thank and congratulate Board members Drs. Gene Hong, Bruce Gilbert, Roberto Jodorkovsky and Glenn Rothfeld on their re-election to the Board. We have all benefited from the gifts of their time and energies during the past few years, as they've worked to advance the interests of AAMA.
Finally, congratulations to Dr. Hiroshi Nakazawa, as he now assumes the role of president-elect of the Academy. Hiroshi has served AAMA in various roles for many years, and I look forward to working with him as we begin the transition to new leadership.
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New AAMA President-Elect steps up to the plate
By Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA
AAMA, President-Elect
First, let me express my sincere appreciation for your support of me as President Elect. I will continue to make every effort for our Academy.
While many of us were attending the AAMA Symposium/ICMART Congress in Washington, DC, Assembly Bill 2152 was presented in California, which was intended to restrict a physician's right to practice acupuncture. Fortunately, Dr. Joseph Helms was able to attend the legislative proceedings for us, which clinched the defeat of AB 2152. Also, many California physicians gave concerted attention and energy to repel this outrageous attempt. We owe our colleagues and friends so much for all their efforts.
I believe that this thwarted threat will set us up for a future occurrence in California. We must prepare ourselves for another attempt on their part and help each other with our united strength at AAMA. (See related item in Chapter News.)
Stimulating NIH presentation
On April 26, I went to the National Institutes of Health and met Dr. Bruce R. Rosen from Harvard. I listened to his talk, "Neurobiological Correlates of Acupuncture: Modern Science Explores Ancient Practice." Overall, it was a very stimulating talk. He gave a detailed explanation of brain reaction to acupuncture stimuli. It was quoted in the booklet, as his studies hold the promise of increasing our understanding of the neuro biology of acupuncture and our ability to integrate these ancient healing techniques with evidence-based medicine.
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ICMART thanks AAMA for hosting XII International Congress
Bryan L. Frank, MD, Co-Chair of the 18th Annual AAMA Symposium, the Expanding Horizon of Acupuncture: An International Celebration, held in conjunction with ICMART XII International Congress, gratefully expresses his appreciation for the AAMA, Dr. Tapan Chaudhuri, Co-Chair; Dr. Robert Gross, Vice Chair; James Dowden, AAMA Executive Administrator; Dr. Michael Coomes, President, as well as the AAMA Board and membership for the opportunity to co-convene the Washington, DC event.
More than 400 physicians were in attendance in April, of which approximately 120 were international attendees. Many of the Poster Presentations, Free Papers and Research Papers were submitted by international physicians through the ICMART cooperation.
The 2007 ICMART International Symposium will be held June 1-3, 2007 in Barcelona. This was announced at the ICMART General Assembly in Washington, DC, as were the new officers for 2006-2008: Prof. Dr. Nickolay Nickolaev (Latvia) as President; Dr. Bryan L. Frank (USA) as Past-President, and Drs. Daniel Traum (Australia) and Isabel Giralt (Spain) as Vice-Presidents.
Other officers who will continue to serve include Dr. Francois Beyens as General Secretary (Belgium); Dr. Walburg Maric-Oehler (Germany) as Vice-President; Dr. Palle Rosted (England , Denmark) as Treasurer; and Dr. Jacqueline Filshie (UK), and Dr. Helmut Liertzer (Austria) as Directors at large.
Further, ICMART delegates ratified new By-laws to aid in updating and addressing needs and desires of member organizations and to lead to improved representation. The ICMART Congress for 2008 was voted by the General Assembly: It will take place in Milano (Italy) and be hosted by the Association ATENA , -- Istituto Superiore di Agopuntura, on the first weekend of June.
By Bryan L. Frank, MD
AAMA President 1999-2001
ICMART President 2004-2006
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Winners announced of competitions at AAMA Symposium
Several competitions were held during the 18th Annual AAMA Symposium, held jointly with the ICMART International Congress. Following are winners of those contests in Washington, DC:
Research Paper Competition
- First: "Acupuncture Improves Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Control Trial."
Authors: David P. Martin, MD, PhD, Christopher D. Sletten, PhD, Brent A. Williams, MS and Ines H. Berger, MD. Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rocester, Minnesota.
- Second: "The Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Neuropathic Pain in Rats."
Authors: Yuan-Chi Lin, MD, MPH, Helen Ly, BS, David Zurakowski, PhD, Amy Ly and Peter Gerner, MD. Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School.
- Third: "Acupuncture on Stomach Thirty Six Point (ST-36) Reduces Hypertension Through Nitric Oxide Syntheses (NOS) Activity in the Stomach Meridian."
Authors: David D. Kim, PhD, Arnaldo M. Pica, BS, Ricardo G. Duran, BA, Takehito Kanetaka, MD, and Walter N. Duran, PhD. Program in Vascular Biology, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, New Jersey.
First 3B Acupuncture Awards
At the Symposium/ICMART Congress in Washington, DC, the first Seirin-3B Acupuncture Awards were granted in the categories Free Paper and Poster Presentation.
These awards honor scientific research in the field of acupuncture, subject to controlled study criteria. As the sponsor of these awards, 3B Scientific once more extends its warm congratulations to all winners and thanks members of the jury and their chairs Dr. Robert Gross (USA) and Palle Rosted (UK) for their work.
International Seirin-3B Awards - Free Paper
- First: "Acupuncture & Skin Itch"
Dr. Florian Pfab (Munich, Germany)
- Second: "Acupuncture in Endometriosis"
Dr. Evemarie Wolkenstein and Dr. Katharina Rubi-Klein (Vienna, Austria)
- Third: "Acupuncture for Neuromas & Amputation"
Dr. Patrick Sautreuil (Fontenay Sous Bois, France)
See Seirin photo at http://www.3b-acupuncture.co.uk/15_1.html.
International Seirin-3B Awards - Poster Presentation
- First: "Treatment of Moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Acupuncture"
Dr. Anaflavia Oliveira Freire (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
- Second: "Acupuncture for the Management of Pain and Emergence Agitation after Bilateral Myringotomy Tube Insertion"
Yuan-Chi Lin, MD, FAAMA and Rosalie Tassone, MD (Boston)
- Third: "The Effect of Acupuncture on Carrageenan-induced Inflammation: Evidence From Protein Array Analysis of Cytokine Levels"
Dr. Youn Byoung Chae (Seoul, Korea)
See Seirin photo at http://www.3b-acupuncture.co.uk/15_2.html.
The Academy thanks all those who contributed to this year's competitions and congratulates the winners.
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Members earn DABMA certification
The following AAMA members recently met the stringent requirements of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) and have achieved Board Certification in medical acupuncture. They have earned the designation DABMA (Diplomate, American Board of Medical Acupuncture):
Allison M Averill, MD, DABMA, Saddle Brook, NJ; Florante A Baldado, MD, DABMA, Westlake, OH; Oliver B Cooperman, MD, DABMA, Billings, MT; Angelita Frando, MD, DABMA, Wichita Falls, TX; Tara Gustilo-Ashby, MD, MPH, DABMA, Cleveland, OH; Sue J Lee, MD, DABMA, Chicago, IL; Ernie Er-Yuh Lin, MD, DABMA, Augusta, GA; Louise Lu, MD, DABMA, Concord, MA; Michele Manting-Brewer, MD, DABMA, Augusta, GA; Shrikant Arvind Mehta, MD, DABMA, Galesburg, IL; Joan Ordman, MD, DABMA, Owing Mills, MD; Andrew Oswari, MD, DABMA, Moorestown, NJ; Cheryl S Peterson, MD, DABMA, Roscoe, IL; Montiel Teresa Rosenthal, MD, DABMA, Cincinnati, OH; and Fei Yu, MD, DABMA, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Academy has posted a list of members who are Board Certified online at www.medicalacupuncture.org/cme/cme/board_certified.html and a complete list of Diplomates is posted at the new website www.dabma.org Diplomates (DABMA) are listed alphabetically by last name, along with their location, and dates of certification and expiration.
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Check out the new website: www.DABMA.org!
The American Board of Medical Acupuncture (ABMA) proudly announces the creation of its own website, www.DABMA.org. The website asserts the ABMA's independence and confirms its unique focus: to maintain high standards for the examination and certification of physician acupuncturists as medical specialists. In so doing, the website provides visitors to the site information about the board certification process, approved educational programs and a downloadable application and affidavit.
Patients seeking Board Certified physician acupuncturists can peruse the list of Diplomates of the ABMA (DABMA's) and sort by name and location, or input a physician's last name to find his or her city and state. DABMA's can also check this list for the expiration date of their certification. The "Links" page provides immediate access to the AAMA website's "Find a Medical Acupuncturist," the Medical Acupuncture Journal and the new "Medical Acupuncture Learning Center," designed to foster awareness of the breadth and depth of acupuncture research and applications. The "Exam Validation Process" page on www.DABMA.org will be available shortly and will expound on the considerable efforts invested in developing and maintaining a fair board examination process, and will contain information about question construction, focus, review, and validation.
We urge you to visit www.DABMA.org and submit your impressions on the comments page. Tell us what you like, what you don't like, and how we can improve to meet your needs as a medical acupuncturist.
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CD-ROMs of Symposium sessions available
If you missed a session or were unable to attend AAMA's 18th Annual Symposium, The Expanding Horizon of Acupuncture: An International Celebration, held in conjunction with ICMART XII International Congress, you can take advantage of CD-ROMS now available covering the event.
As a special service from AAMA and Content Management Corp., recordings are now available for purchase on CD-ROM (with audio, handouts and video, as released for inclusion). Listen once again to a motivating, informative address or hear for the first time, a compelling session that you missed.
Place your order today for the 2006 AAMA 18th Annual Symposium CD-ROMS by visiting AAMA Bookstore or calling 323/937-5514.
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AAMA Member News
The Academy has achieved recertification with the ACCME for the four-year period, through 2010. The commission reported that AAMA's program is in full compliance in every respect with the requirements of the ACCME. Four years ago, the Academy was found to be only in partial compliance with one of the requirements. This is a singular achievement and a credit to the hard work and diligence of the CME Chair, Dr. Mike Green, and his committee, and to the efforts of Staff Associate Tracey Dowden, staff coordinator of the CME program and the reaccreditation application process.
The International Congress on Alternative Medicine & Healing, Academic, Practical and Spiritual Aspects of Alternative Medicine and Healing, will be held Oct. 24-26 at the World Trade Center Curacao in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Acupuncture is among scheduled Congress sections. Exposition booths and abstracts are also planned at this event organized by Petro Internacional, S.A. - International Events. For more information, contact Secretary General Rolf C. Krause (alternativemed.congress@yahoo.com, petro_events@yahoo.com).
Dr. Tony Lu's first trip to Mongolia to study "Eight Medicine Buddha Mediation" and Traditional Mongolian medicine with Khamba Lama Dr. Natsagdorj in July 2005 was historical and successful. Sixteen people went on the trip, at which the mayor of Ulan Bator presided over the opening ceremony. Three local TV stations covered the event and the closing ceremony. Their next trip to Mongolia will take place in August. That itinerary and more details are posted at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/events/mongolia06.html.
AAMA is accredited by the ACCME to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians. As an accredited provider, the Academy is able to jointly sponsor CME activities with other non-ACCME Accredited organizations. For the last several years, the Academy has limited its joint sponsorship to those programs organized by Academy Chapters. The Academy is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications from others too. For information about Academy sponsorship, contact Staff Associate Tracey Dowden at tracey.dowden@att.net
The 19th Annual AAMA Symposium will be held on April 27-29, 2007 at Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna St. in Baltimore, MD. The Review Course will be offered on April 24-25, 2007, followed by Pre-Symposium workshops on April 26, 2007 and the Board Certification Exam on April 29, 2007. The Academy has negotiated a special room rate of $199/night (single/double). To reserve a room at that rate, call the hotel at 800/228-9290 or 410/385-3000 and be sure to mention AAMA by March 26, 2007. Reservations can also be made online at http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/BWIWF?groupCode=aamaama&app=resvlink.
Over the past 18 months, John M. Ackerman, MD, has created a bibliography entitled, "Advantages of Collaborative Acupuncture or Acupressure Regarding the Side Effects of the Following Types of Medications/Therapies." This has now been posted at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/acupuncture_bibliography.html as a reference for Academy members.
Members participating in AAMA's referral program will be happy to hear that 75 calls came into national headquarters and 4,510 website hits to the referral page (http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/findadoc/index.html) in February; 81 calls and 4,881 website referral hits in March; 77 calls and 4,250 website referral hits in April, and 43 calls and 4,671 website referral hits in May from patients seeking medical acupuncturists in their area. The toll-free number that patients are calling is 800/521-2262.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) welcomes five new members to the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NACCAM): Silvia Corvera, MD, Professor, Program in Molecular Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA; Joan E. B. Fox, PhD, Professor, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH; Ted J. Kaptchuk, OMD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director, Asian Medicine and Healing Program, Harvard Medical School, Osher Institute, Cambridge, MA; Bruce G. Redman, DO, Clinical Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI and Danny D. Shen, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. For more details, visit http://nccam.nih.gov/news/2006/060806.htm.
Members are reminded that the Academy's online calendar lists a variety of meetings, workshops and conferences (where CME and CEU credit can be earned) online at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/events/eventscalendar.html. 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.
An International Training Course on the Application of Modern Scientific Techniques to Cellular Acupuncture Research will be held from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 in Shanghai, China. Faculty includes six acupuncture researchers from Europe, three from the US and nine from China. They will provide lectures and laboratory exercises in the Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture and Meridian, and the Max Planck Guest Laboratory at the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai. For more information, visit www.srcam.org.cn, call +86-21-5027 1966 or e-mail Chau H. Wu, PhD at c-wu@northwestern.edu.
Medical Acupuncture Arts, LLC and Integrated Medicine Seminars will present 4-Phase Auricular Therapy (Step 1), A Study of Phases, Frequencies, Blockages and Equipment, Sept. 9-10 in San Francisco, and Neural Therapy and Prolotherapy: Beyond Acupuncture for Chronic Pain, July 29-30 in Philadelphia, PA, both by Dr. Bryan L. Frank. For more information, visit www.auriculartherapy.com.
The Acupuncture Society of Michigan held its Spring Meeting that granted 12.5 hours of CME from AAMA in June. Kim Rotchford, MD, presented, Treating Complex Patients with French Energetics: East-West-Center Syndrome.
Dr. Tony Lu announces a Medical Qigong Study and Treatment Trip to Beijing, China with Master Wan Su Jian in September. The itinerary and more details are posted at http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/events/qigong06.html
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 www.medicalacupuncture.org, click on AAMA Store and then on Check Out Our Comprehensive Selection. Next click on the book cover (or More Info) and then on Post a Review.
Please send news items and photos to bdortberg@aol.com.
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AAMA Chapter News
Liaison Bruce R. Gilbert, MD, PhD, FAAMA, met with Chapter representatives at the AAMA Symposium in Washington, DC. He said the enthusiasm exhibited by everyone in attendance was inspiring, and that he came away with many ideas and challenges. After that meeting, he addressed all Chapters with issues discussed by the Board of Directors and with a report on how the Academy can help them. These include the Academy's website list of Chapters (http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/statechp/staama.html), teleconferences, speakers, dues, taxes and CME approval for Chapter activities. A chapter leader listserv was established as a result of suggestions made at this meeting, which enables questions and concerns to be shared. Chapter members can request to be added to it by contacting Barton Ortberg at bdortberg@aol.com.
Arizona
The Arizona Chapter held an educational event, Herbs for the Western Practitioner, with Anastacia White in May.
Monthly meetings are held at 9 am on the second Saturday of each month at Dr. Martha Grout's office. For more details, call 602/787-8500 or e-mail drmartha@crossroadsclinic.net. There are monthly speakers on topics related to medical acupuncture, as well as Chinese and Functional/Integrative medicine. E-mail Rebecca Wilks, MD, at info@drwilks.com to get on the e-mail list for meeting announcements, etc.
California
Update on AB2152
A bill that restricts the practice of physician acupuncturists
By Haleh Sheikholeslami, MD
California Chapter AAMA President
Assembly Bill 2152 was introduced in February 2006 restricting the right of California physicians, dentists and podiatrists to practice acupuncture by requiring them to take the same training and exam as required for licensed acupuncturists. Due to the combined efforts of the California Medical Association, the AAMA -- in conjunction w/ the new CCAAMA (the California Chapter of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture) -- Drs. Joseph Helms and Emily Ratner, and individual physicians and patients who voiced their opinion in opposition to this bill, it was defeated in two separate attempts (on April 4 and April 25) to be passed by the Business and Professions Committee in Sacramento.
While we can celebrate our victory, the fight is not over. Most likely, there will be additional attempts next year to have this bill passed, in one form or another. Not all licensed acupuncturists are for this bill. The proponents of this bill seem to be only one of the Oriental Medicine Associations. In fact, the California State Oriental Medical Association has come out with a letter opposing the bill (pdf file). The Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Specialists may also be against this bill. We should align with these groups in the coming months to stand strong against what, in our opinion, is an unnecessary restriction to practice medical acupuncture after completing a qualified course.
Illinois
The Illinois Chapter recently elected Dr. Richard Feely as president and Dr. Anthony De Lorenzo as treasurer.
New York
The New York Chapter of AAMA is actively seeking new members and members interested in leadership positions. This is a great opportunity to get involved locally with the Academy. They need active involvement to be able to continue to expand activities. For additional information, contact Chapter President Bruce R. Gilbert, MD, PhD (bruce.gilbert@verizon.net, 516/487-2700).
Ohio
The Ohio Chapter continues to hold regular Journal Club meetings. These are excellent opportunities to learn about the dynamic changes in acupuncture, interact with like-minded colleagues and improve acupuncture techniques. E-mail Dr. Sandi Amoils (amoilsss@healthall.com) for more details on these meetings.
They would enjoy having more AAMA members in the vicinity participating in their efforts to create a Chapter that is educational and collegial, so please join by contacting Dr. Amoils at amoilsss@healthall.com.
Oregon
New Chapter President is Gene Hong, MD.
Does your state have a regional AAMA chapter? If not, please consider forming one. Chapters provide fellowship, professional camaraderie, education and curbside consults. E-mail Dr. Bruce Gilbert for more information.
Chapter representatives, please send your updates for the AAMA Newsletter via e-mail to bdortberg@aol.com.
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Medical acupuncture-related classified ads
- Medical acupuncturist/internal medicine physician needed for private practice in Bethesda, MD. Training in medical acupuncture and interest in integrative medicine desired. Fax CV to 202/318-7557 or e-mail to IntegralEdinMD@hotmail.com.
- Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, PC has an immediate opening for a physician acupuncturist one day per week at the George Mason Clinic in Falls Church, VA. A physician in primary care, neurology, rheumatology, orthopedics or PM&R preferred. Will do general intake h and p to access for integrative modalities for the patient's condition. The patient mix is 95% adult. Medical conditions are predominantly chronic pain, oncology and women's health. Physician must have training in acupuncture, and knowledge of additional CAM modalities is preferred. Respond with CV via e-mail to Kelly.l.vrana@kp.org or apply online at http://physiciancareers.kp.org.
- Medical acupuncture practice with 30-year patient network for sale in Berkeley, CA. Creative arrangement. HMI/UCLA/Stanford graduate only. E-mail cb@hmieducation.com.
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