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New President’s Message
AAMA forging ahead with new ideas, seeking participation
By Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH
President, AAMA
Dear Colleagues,
As your new president, it is indeed a pleasure to serve such a tremendous membership as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. When I joined the Academy in 1995, almost 14 years ago, I never had an inkling that I would become president of such a prestigious group of physicians -- and indeed, I am honored and humbled.
At the Membership Summit meeting in Texas we re-set the organizational structure of the Academy to be more in line to address the current and future challenges. We reduced the number of Board members to a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer and two Directors at Large who will be responsible for the hierarchy structure of committees. (They’re listed in accompanying article about the Symposium.) I support this reorganization that will be more efficient and focused to the new themes of the next millennia. I am taking immediate actions not only to incorporate these changes, but to also make sure that our goals are expedited.
What are the Goals?
The recent Symposium in Fort Worth, TX had a smaller attendance than recent meetings (although it was very enjoyable, productive and informative). Many colleagues could not afford to attend. Some no longer practice acupuncture because the insurance reimbursement is not substantial enough to help sustain their livelihood. We know how important addressing the adequacy of reimbursement issue is to the success of members’ practice. I can promise you that the Academy is very engaged in this pursuit and in fact, it will continue to be one of our major agenda items going forward this year.
Our AAMA website needs to be modernized. There are more than 1,000 pages that make up our site. We need to make sure the site serves your needs with appropriate resources and access to other sites, to help you in as efficient way as possible. In the last few weeks, we have begun the process of overhauling the site and to make it a more functional site to meet your needs. We hope to make the switchover in the next few weeks resulting in a more functional, user friendly experience.
Economic Conditions
Many of our colleagues are financially challenged by the current economic crisis. As much as they would enjoy attending symposiums and traveling to workshops, it is no longer affordable for many right now. Several weeks ago, I investigated and did a test demonstration of distant learning techniques that would allow our membership to enjoy CME's from the comfort of their home computers. We will be investigating that and other distance education options as a way to supplement the Academy’s educational offerings with more cost effective techniques.
This will help our Academy in many different ways once we perfect this distance education approach. It will provide a money stream for the Academy and for the people producing the CME. It will be a win-win situation. I also have considered offering limited CME through our journal, Medical Acupuncture. We have also tested this electronically and know that this, too, may be feasible.
We have always believed that local chapters of the Academy were vehicles for low cost education. Unfortunately, many of our AAMA chapters are not as active as we would like. The solution is obvious; our members must find value in participating locally in supporting the chapters. But unless there are outstanding programs and reasons to attract attendance, our chapters will not appreciate in value. We intend to assist the chapters in offering more quality local meetings.
There are other issues that will be brought up in subsequent newsletters. Most important, there are many accomplishments of the Academy that are well enjoyed by the membership of which we may be proud including an excellent annual Symposium, quality weekend workshops and a journal that has achieved world-wide recognition. The Board will be working on these new initiatives to further strengthen relations and service to the members.
I know all of you are busy and have important professional and personal commitments. From the discussions I've had with many of you, I recognize the fact that you support the Academy although sometimes, it may not be visible. Your support is expressed by your membership check which, needless to say, is very much appreciated and keeps the Academy going.
I want you to know the leadership is committed to making the Academy responsive to your needs. I would appreciate hearing from you with your comments, and willingness to assist and contribute in any way to the Academy. I may best be reached at n5ev@aol.com. Until the next newsletter, I remain yours faithfully.
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Members learn at, enjoy AAMA 21st Annual Symposium in Texas
AAMA recently staged the successful 21st Annual Symposium, The Science and Practice of Medical Acupuncture, which attracted about 220 people to Fort Worth, TX.
Pre Symposium Chair Claudia M. Cooke, MD, FAAMA, kicked off the event with Pre-Symposium Workshops (Practice Management, Muscle Channel Technique and Treatment of Female Infertility) that were well received. The Syllabus for each can be purchased for $35 by clicking here for an order form.
Thomas S. Burgoon, MD, DABMA, and Dr. Cooke were chair and vice chair respectively of the overall Symposium. A Faculty comprised of international delegates and members led sessions that offered the latest techniques to participants for the next three days. Sessions were audio-taped by Backcountry Productions (info@backcountry-productions.com, 904/460-2379). Click here for an order form to buy CDs. Click here for an order form to buy an event Syllabus for $50. There was also social networking at a group luncheon, a dinner dance and in the Exhibit Area. Click here for photos.
Leadership Change
In Fort Worth, a new Board of Directors was installed:
President Richard Niemtzow, MD
Vice President Richard Hobbs, MD, DABMA
Secretary Allen McDaniels, MD, FAAMA
Treasurer Rey Ximenes, MD, FAAMA
At-Large Members
Stephen M. Burns, MD
Robert Carlisle, MD
Immediate Past President
Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA
Annual Meeting
Executive Administrator C. James Dowden outlined how changes were made in administration during the past year to streamline operations and cut costs. Other improvements: The Review Course is now on DVD. This year’s Practice Management Pre-Symposium was video-taped, which will save doctors travel expenses and AAMA restaging costs. As of Feb. 28, total liabilities and equity were $448,221.54 – down only 7.01% from 2008. However, these figures were prior to Symposium expenses.
Dr. McDaniels noted how AAMA assessed its relevancy to members in the past year, including the Membership Summit last August, when a Consensus Report was devised and is being put into action. He outlined three steps:
1) Bylaws were amended to facilitate change. Then an organizational chart was developed, for which broad participation in councils and committees is sought.
2) Financial operations were reviewed, with steps to emphasize lower cost delivery of education including using DVDs and the Internet to cut costs for members and the Academy. “Everybody has been hit by the current economic condition,” Dr. McDaniels said. “We’ve been relatively lucky so far, but bad news could be forthcoming.”
3) AAMA wants to be responsive to member needs. Dr. McDaniels noted that “the Practice Management Pre-Symposium Workshop was held in response to this. It’s your Academy. We have to know what your needs are, and we need your participation to make this a success organization.”
Outgoing President Comments
“It’s been a real honor and privilege to serve as your president for two years,” Dr. Nakazawa said. “I was a pilot and was surrounded by very knowledgeable colleagues who kept me airborne during my term. We’ve done a lot since I joined in 1995. We are a member of ICMART and owe thanks to Drs. Bryan Frank and Marshall Sager for their work with ICMART. ICMART is a physician organization, and they help to support medical acupuncture throughout the world.”
Dr. Nakazawa noted there are now 496 physicians who are Board Certified in medical acupuncture (DABMA): “We’re going big and strong. The Symposium gets better each year, attracting international speakers”
“Executive Administrator Jim Dowden and these guys are great flight school instructors,” said Dr. Nakazawa as he passed the “guiding light” (flashlight) he was given on to Dr. Niemtzow.
Incoming President Comments
Dr. Niemtzow noted how leaders have been working hard since the Membership Summit, concentrating on the AAMA website, DVD training and more. “We’ll continue to make the Academy more functional and useful, and responsive to you. Those with an interest in these areas are asked to get involved. You are the heart of the association, and we need your participation to continue.”
New Fellows
The following doctors were honored as newly elected Fellows:
T. Bryan Bownik, MD; Wing Chau, MD; Viet M. Do, DO; Umar Farooq, MD; Marc S. Goldstein, MD; Brinda N. Kalro, MD; Luis E. Landestoy, MD; Robert B. Kelly, MD; Kit C. Lee, MD; Louisa Silva, MD; Alan M. Spira, MD, and Donald T. Starzinski, MD.
Poster Winners
Poster Presentation winners were awarded at Symposium:
1st – “Adjunctive Acupuncture Therapy for Pediatric CRPS-1: A Retrospective Analysis”
Juliane Lee, MD, et al, $750
2nd – “Saam-Acupuncture for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-related Fatigue: A Randomized, Single blind, Controlled Trial”
Bo-Hyoung Jang of Korea, et al, $500
3rd – “Acupuncture in the Treatment of Adolescents with Functional Abdominal Pain and Headaches”
Anna C. Kelly, MD, FAAMA, $250
Symposium Feedback
“I particularly enjoyed the focus on research, since I teach medical students and residents, and because so many of my patients are constantly asking me, "How does acupuncture work?" One of the ways I feel AAMA is different than other national acupuncture groups, is our academic focus, and that really came out at the Symposium,” said Faculty member Aaron J. Michelfelder, MD, FAAFP, FAAMA.
Nine members of Illinois AAMA met during the group luncheon at the Symposium. They enjoyed getting to know each other while supporting AAMA and the Illinois Chapter. (See AAMA Chapter News.)
CME certificates will be mailed to delegates according to the number of hours specified on the evaluation form they turned in to AAMA.
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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):
Andrea H. Hoffman Kachuck, MD, of Valley Village, CA; Diane L. Miller, MD, of Lake Oswego, OR; Shila Jacob Mathew, MD, of Parma, OH; Mitsuru Nakatsuka, MD, of Midlothian, VA; Melissa Rathmell, MD, of Worcester, MA; Kathleen Tajiri, MD, of Vacaville, CA, and Bertha Jung Tien, MD, of Anchorage, AK.
The Academy has posted a list online of members who are Board Certified. Diplomates (DABMA) are listed alphabetically by last name, along with their location, and dates of expiration.
Click here for more on the Board Certification process.
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Medical Acupuncture Research News
The following is a review of reported research results and related news recently announced or released through Internet outlets:
·The abstract, “A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture, Simulated Acupuncture, and Usual Care for Chronic Low Back Pain ,” was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (May 11, 2009; 169(9): 858-866). A total of 638 adults with chronic mechanical low back pain were randomized to individualized acupuncture, standardized acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, or usual care. Ten treatments were provided over seven weeks by experienced acupuncturists. Conclusions were that although acupuncture was found effective for chronic low back pain, tailoring needling sites to each patient and penetration of the skin appear to be unimportant in eliciting therapeutic benefits. Questions were raised about acupuncture's purported mechanisms of action. It remains unclear whether acupuncture or the simulated method of acupuncture provide physiologically important stimulation or represent placebo or nonspecific effects. Click here for details.
· The abstract, “Acupuncture for Tension-Type Headache,” was published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 1, 2009). There were 11 trials with 2,317 participants. Two large trials compared acupuncture to treatment of acute headaches or routine care only. Six trials compared acupuncture with a sham acupuncture intervention, and five of the six provided data for meta-analyses. Small but statistically significant benefits of acupuncture over sham were found for response, as well as for several other outcomes. Authors concluded that acupuncture could be a valuable non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches. Click here for details.
·The abstract, “Acupuncture for Radiation-induced Xerostomia in Patients with Cancer: A Pilot Study,” was published online in the journal Head & Neck (April 2009). This study included 19 patients with xerostomia who had completed radiation therapy at least four weeks earlier. They were given two acupuncture treatments a week for four weeks. The acupuncture treatments resulted in improvements in physical well-being and xerostomia symptoms, researchers said. The study concluded that acupuncture reduces severe dry mouth (xerostomia) among patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer. They are planning a phase 3, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Click here for details.
·The abstract, "Acupuncture Treatment for Pain; Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials with Acupuncture, Placebo Acupuncture and No Acupuncture Groups," was published in the British Medical Journal online at bmj.com (January 2009). Researchers at the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen analysed evidence from 13 acupuncture pain trials involving more than 3,000 patients. They reported that pain-relieving effects of acupuncture compared with placebo are small and seem to lack clinical relevance. Researchers believe that future studies should focus on comparing acupuncture with best existing treatments for different conditions. The study concluded that acupuncture seems, in part at least, to use neurological pathways in common with placebo analgesia, and the study of these may offer important insights into improving care. Click here for details.
·The abstract, “Electroacupuncture for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pilot Study of 2 Cases,” was published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Vol. 14, 11-08). The objective was to observe for efficacy, safety and compliance of electroacupuncture for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD received electroacupuncture for 24 sessions over 8 weeks and were assessed pre- and postacupuncture. Researchers concluded that a short intensive course of electroacupuncture might improve some core features of children with ASD. Click here for details.
· Lectures presented at ICMART 2008 in Budapest, Hungary are now available for viewing. Click here for invited research papers.
· Acupuncture is more effective than painkillers for chronic back pain and migraines, according to two separate reviews published in The Cochrane Library (Page 2, Issue 1, 2009). The new studies also showed , however, that needles, which were deliberately inserted at the wrong acupuncture points, were just as effective as needles inserted at the points specified by Chinese medicine tradition. German scientists at Munich’s Technical University reported on two studies of 33 separate trials involving more than 6,700 people. People treated with acupuncture suffered from lesser headaches as compared to those who used only painkillers. Click here for details.
· The abstract, "The Tong Ren Healing Method: A Survey Study," was published in Complementary Health Practice Review (Vol. 14, No. 1, January 2009). It shows that this form of acupuncture is improving the quality of life of patients suffering from cancer, anxiety and autoimmune diseases. Researchers from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine tracked the health of 265 patients after weekly sessions of Tong Ren. Around a third noted improved quality of life, and with no adverse effects. "Substantial" improvements were noted by 63% of patients suffering anxiety, and 60% of cancer patients. Click here for details.
Please send information you find on research involving the effectiveness of medical acupuncture to bdortberg@aol.com.
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Members enjoy Pan Pacific Medical Acupuncture Forum in Canada
By Elizabeth Sebestyen, MD, FAAMA
Friends from four corners of the world – Australia, United States, New Zealand and Canada – gathered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to continue a beautiful tradition they started 16 years ago: to meet every four years at the PPMAF (Pan Pacific Medical Acupuncture Forum). They wanted to share their journey in unveiling the mysteries of acupuncture, learn new ways of helping their patients, brainstorm on how to integrate acupuncture into mainstream medicine, and most of all, experience the warm friendship of like-minded people. Click here for photos.
It was no different in Canada. “Veterans” and “Rookies” of the PPMAF alike were greeted by a very heartfelt welcome from the organizers of the conference. During the five days together they outdid themselves in making our stay most memorable.
The official program started with a formal greeting from each of the participating countries. On behalf of AAMA and the United States, it was then-President Dr. Hiroshi Nakazawa, who presented our best wishes.
Four days of very interesting lectures followed. We learned about a unique technique of intraoral tongue acupuncture from Dr. Joseph Wong, Ghost Point Pragmatics from Dr. Joseph Helms, the neuroanatomic model of the acupuncture meridians and myofascial pain from Dr. Peter Dorsher and how to treat emotional problems with the auricular microsystem from Dr. Nader Soliman. Dr. Yuan-Chi Lin presented the successes of acupuncture in Pediatrics and Drs. Golianu and Seybold elaborated on its effectiveness in the peri-operative setting. I discussed how helpfull acupuncture is in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Dr. David Lee gave two very interesting talks, one on acupuncture in the treatment of infertility and the other, on the challenges of acupuncture research in general practice. Dr. John Reed taught us how to best measure the outcomes in acupuncture research by presenting documentation practices in research and clinical utilization review.
The spiritual dimension was well represented in Dr. Robin Kelly’s very entertaining talks on acupuncture as a gateway to the Infinite and deep healing with open hearts. This was also a focal point in Dr. Steven Aung’s talk on medical acupuncture from a spiritual perspective.
Battlefield Acupuncture
Unfortunately, Dr. Richard Niemtzow was unable to attend and present his talk on Battlefield Acupuncture due to an unforeseen illness. (See related article in this issue). When we learned that some of the participants signed up specifically to hear his talk, he graciously agreed for a surrogate to describe his original technique. This was very appreciated by all participants.
One day was also reserved for leisure. We visited the beautiful and quaint town of Niagra on the Lake, home of George Bernard Shaw, had a royal lunch and delicious wine tasting in a local winery and then visited the spectacular Niagra Falls. Neither the cloudy and cold weather, nor the chilly mist showering us under the Falls could dampen our high spirits.
And the time we spent together got better and better as we continued to the dinner party. Dr. Steven Aung showed us his pictures treating Lucy, the elephant, at the Zoo in Edmonton with acupuncture. Of course, this not only involved using hammer, chisels, ladder and other similar props, but also asking permission for treatment from the patient in order to avoid any crushing injuries to the healer.
Then we proceeded to the artistic portion of our evening, where each country produced a creative program for all to enjoy. Thanks to our bard, Dr. John Reed, our group was able to keep up even with the “professional” Kiwis- Robin Kelly and Tim Ewer. Dr. Rick Hobbs also played his fiddle, after telling us its touching story.
Australia in 2012
To summarize, the five days in Toronto were both extraordinarily informative and also allowed for us to squeeze in time to play. Not only was the educational program outstanding, the American speakers very well received, but we all left with hearts and minds inspired, and with the assurance that our rekindled enthusiasm and cohesiveness will successfully promote acupuncture in the 21th century around the world.
Let’s keep the tradition alive! See you in Australia in 2012!
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AAMA member bringing ‘Battlefield Acupuncture’ to Iraq, Afghanistan
AAMA President Richard Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, editor-in-chief of Medical Acupuncture, is at the forefront of medical acupuncture efforts in the military and actively promoting this in the media.
The technique developed by Dr. Niemtzow has been so successful that the Air Force has begun teaching “Battlefield Acupuncture” to physicians deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. “Battlefield Acupuncture” can relieve severe pain lasting several days. He was featured on the front page of the Baltimore Sun talking about this technique. Interviews have also been conducted by Associate Press reporters.
Based on modern neurophysiological concepts, Dr. Niemtzow developed a variation of acupuncture that involves inserting very tiny semi-permanent needles into very specific acupoints in the skin on the ear to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This method can lessen the need for pain medications that may cause adverse or allergic reactions or addiction.
As noted in the last AAMA Newsletter, about 42 active duty military acupuncturists are incorporating these techniques into their clinical practices. Treatments are taking place from Wilford Hall Medical Center in Texas, to Travis Air Force Base in California, to Luke AFB in Arizona, to National Naval Medical Center in Maryland, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to Germany.
“This is one of the fastest pain attenuators in existence,” said Dr. Niemtzow, who is the consultant for complementary and alternative medicine for the Surgeon General of the Air Force, and is affiliated with Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda. “The pain can be gone in five minutes.”
Recent papers on acupuncture for treatment of pain published in the Medical Acupuncture journal (12-08) include “Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach Through the Auricular Acupuncture Microsystem,” “Effect of Acupuncture in Trigeminal Neuralgia,” “Acupuncture for the Treatment of HIV-Associated Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (Guillain-Barré Syndrome)” and “Acupuncture Clinical Pain Trial in a Military Medical Center: Outcomes.”
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Make plans to attend ICMART 2009 for lectures, research, workshops in Greece
Plans are complete for the ICMART 2009 International Congress in Medical Acupuncture, which will take place at the Grand Hotel Palace, in Thessaloniki, Greece, May 29-31, 2009.
Organizers are planning this conference to constitute a scientific landmark in the history of acupuncture. They want the topics to cover all scientific challenges of the times and therefore, plan to meet participants' expectations. Keynote lectures by internationally renowned experts, together with symposia and workshops, will provide the latest developments in acupuncture research, complemented by courses presenting the "state of the art" in clinical practice.
“Basic science, clinical research and education are all important pillars supporting continuous improvement in the practice of acupuncture and related techniques and the quality and safety of patient care,” said ICMART General Secretary Baron Beyens, MD. “Throughout the congress, there will be opportunities for us to exchange our knowledge with the speakers at first hand, to discuss our experiences and express our concerns.”
”We are pleased to invite both companies who have supported the ICMART congresses and symposiums so generously in the past, together with those exhibiting for the first time, to join and share their experiences and ideas with us,” said Dr. Beyens. “We hope that the historic city of Thessaloniki and its fascinating scenery, along with a wide range of social events, will contribute to a substantial and scientifically fruitful conference.”
For more information, visit the congress site of International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques.
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AAMA Member News
The Medical Acupuncture Review Course is available on DVD. Visit the AAMA Store to purchase this valuable learning tool.
The Academy recently learned of the passing of Christina de la Torre (Stemmler), the Academy’s second President. AAMA President, Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, FAAMA, sent a letter of condolence and support on behalf of AAMA to the family. He thanked her family for Dr. Stemmler’s contributions to AAMA, which set the stage for the early formulation and development of the Academy. Click here for a website set up in her honor.
The Academy’s 2009 Symposium was held in Fort Worth, Texas. The Syllabus for the 2009 Symposium and Pre-Symposiums are available for purchase. Contact AAMA headquarters at 310/364-0193.
As part of AAMA membership, members are being offered access to more than 400 journal articles categorized by disease/health application which promote the efficacy of Acupuncture. Contact Phil McGee at phil@hmieducation.com to obtain your unique password to access this information anytime. Then go to www.hmiacupuncture.com and click on "LINKS."
Members participating in AAMA's referral program will be happy to hear that there were 269 unique visits to the website referral page in January and 271 unique visits to the website referral page in February, 449 unique visits in March and 641 unique visits in April from patients seeking medical acupuncturists in their area. Members interested in participating in the Patient Referral Program should visit the physician listings online to verify that they are listed. Only Practice level members are eligible to participate and the Academy staff needs explicit notice to include a member in the program.
Jay Sandweiss, DO, FAAMA, was profiled in a six-page spread in, “The Crazy Wisdom Interview with Dr. Jay Sandweiss: Synergizing Western and Eastern Approaches to Healing the Whole Person,” in The Crazy Wisdom Community Journal (September-December 2008).
Nader Soliman, MD, president of Alternative Medicine Seminars, has announced the fall schedule for meetings addressing Auricular Therapy, Auricular Medicine, Three-phase Hand Acupuncture and Homeopathy for Physicians. The schedule also includes a seminar presented by Dr. Richard Niemtzow, addressing Battlefield Acupuncture and treatment of Xerostomia. Courses are now posted in the events calendar of the AAMA website and at www.alternativemedicineseminars.com.
ICMART 2009, International Congress in Medical Acupuncture, will be held May 29-31, 2009 at the Grand Hotel Palace in Thessaloniki, Greece. The event will be sponsored by the International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques and the Medical Acupuncture Society of Northern Greece. Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA, attended the ICMART Congress in Budapest, Hungary last fall and will attend and represent the AAMA at the upcoming congress in Greece. Academy members are encouraged to attend and present. Click here for details.
The Academy has a limited number of the book, “Getting to Know You,” by Joseph M. Helms, MD, in stock. While they last, Practice members can purchase them at the discounted price of $17, plus $3.50 postage and handling. Contact AAMA headquarters at 310/364-0193.
The 4th International Congress for Biological Lasertherapy and Acupuncture will be held June 26-28, 2009 at the University of Gottingen in Germany. The event will be sponsored by the European Society for Biological Laser Medicine and Acupuncture (EGLA), in cooperation with the American Association of Biological Laser Medicine and Acupuncture (AALA). Dr. Michael Weber, who was on the 2009 AAMA Symposium Faculty, is president of EGLA and AALA. The German Medical Association will be granting up to 24 CME. Click here for details.
Reuters recently did a news article on how patients have been exploring acupuncture for a “nonsurgical face-lift” and turning away from Botox and chemical peels during the past few years.
2009 marks 10 years since the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established by Congress. NCCAM is celebrating 10 years of rigorous research with a series of events and materials, such as six-page special section on CAM, anniversary banners, exhibiting at shows and a Symposium in December. Click here for details.
Michael Graf, MD, founding member of the German Academy for Auricular Medicine, recently passed away in Phoenix, AZ. He published many articles on both subjects of Auricular Medicine and Scientific Acupuncture. The early pioneer in medical acupuncture made many friends across America and abroad in the medical communities that shared his interests in CAM. Dr. Graf spoke at several of AAMA’s Symposia in the past. Click here for details.
Editor-in-Chief Dr. Richard Niemtzow of the journal, Medical Acupuncture, is seeking volunteer reviewers to review manuscripts. Reviewers will access manuscripts online. Reviews must be completed and returned within one business week. Reviewers successfully completing a series of timely, high-quality reviews may be invited to join the Editorial Board (at the discretion of the editor in chief). Please send brief qualifications and contact information to n5ev@aol.com and copy rosalynr@aol.com.
Bryan L. Frank, MD,. FAAMA, continues to lead medical missions, having a team of six to India in October/November 2008 and another team to Nepal in February 2009. He will lead a team to Kenya July July 20- Aug. 3, 2009; to Mexico Sept. 23-27, 2009 and a combined mission to India and Nepal Oct. 24- Nov. 7, 2009. Interested persons, non-medical and medical, may contact Dr. Frank for details at www.GlobalMissionPartners.org , bfrankmd@hotmail.com and 405-623-7667.
The Integrative Healing Society is having an Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Tour this summer. The dates of the Western Lake Tour in Hang Zhou, China are May 22 through June 21, 2009. For more information, call 888/281-8594 or visit www.ihsociety.com.
Please send news items and photos to bdortberg@aol.com.
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AAMA Chapter News
Arizona
Arizona Chapter meetings are held at 9 am the second Saturday of the month quarterly at Dr. Martha Grout’s office, Arizona Center for Advanced Medicine, 9328 E. Raintree Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. For details, call 480/240-2600 or e-mail drmartha@arizonaadvancedmedicine.com. There are monthly speakers on topics related to medical acupuncture, as well as Chinese and Functional/Integrative medicine. E-mail Dr. Grout to get on the e-mail list for meeting announcements.
California
Chapter officers are working hard to come up with innovative ideas for CME credits. They are continuing their membership drive to make the Chapter stronger. Academy members interested in joining the California Chapter are encouraged to contact President Haleh Sheikholeslami, MD, at calchapaama@hotmail.com.
Georgia
For information regarding membership and seminars with the Georgia Chapter of Medical Acupuncture, feel free to e-mail GAMA President Anna C. Kelly at georgiaacupuncturists@yahoo.com.
Illinois
Last November, the Illinois Chapter sponsored a two-part lecture on the differential diagnosis and treatment of sciatica by Leon Chen, an orthopedic surgeon from China and TuiNa, acupuncture and herbal specialist. Their next meeting in May will involve case sharing, a highly requested activity by members.
The goal of current President, Lorene Wu, MD, DiplAc and Secretary/Treasurer, Anthony DeLorenzo, DO, is to provide education and support to members. In addition, they plan to interface more with the wider acupuncture community by serving on the Illinois Acupuncture Board and by attending meetings of the local acupuncture society.
Meetings are held every other month at Memorial Hospital in LaGrange, IL.
Maryland
The Maryland Society of Medical Acupuncture hosted a lecture by Nader Soliman, MD, on "Emotional Problems: Evidence Based Therapeutic Approaches through Auricular Therapy." He is president of Alternative Medicine Seminars and director of the Alternative Medicine Center and the Integrated Pain Management Center in Rockville, MD. He is a past president of AAMA and past president of MSMA. Dr. Soliman is the author of several books and many articles.
Before that, MSMA hosted a lecture on Acupuncture Coding & Insurance Billing by June Morfe. It was very well attended, and provoked great discussion among members.
The MSMA offers educational programs and wants to increase participation. Treat yourself to a nice evening. It is free, and members whose dues are paid receive a nice free meal. The lecture is on the Chapter. Contact Chapter President Stephen Burns, MD, at stephen.burns@andrews.af.mil to join MSMA.
Ohio
The Ohio Chapter hosted Dr. Steven Aung for a very successful CME event in March entitled, "Acupuncture Mastery by Dr. Aung." Twenty-two acupuncturists from Ohio and the surrounding states enjoyed learning medical qi gong breathing and phonation techniques the first day and acupuncture pearls the second day. The group enjoyed sunrise qi gong exercises together in the park nearby as well as cupping demonstrations and treatments on each other. Click here for photos. Interest was expressed by the participants in having Dr. Aung return in late spring 2010 for a three-day retreat with more time for outdoor learning.
Their next meeting will be a journal club format in May or June. The program included one day of Medical Qi Gong discussion and instruction, and one day of Clinical Pearls from Dr. Aung..
Ohio members are inviting more physician acupuncturists from the area to join them. They can learn a lot from each other. For more information or questions, contact Dr. Woolford at Liz.Woolford@myhealingpartner.com.
Pennsylvania
John Kohler, MD, FAAMA, is the new president of the AAMA Pennsylvania Chapter. Visit www.pamedicalacupuncture.com/ for details on this chapter.
Click here for an up-to-date listing of AAMA Regional Chapter officers, their contact information, Websites and members. Think about joining a Chapter to learn more about medical acupuncture specific to your area. And if there’s not a Chapter in your region, please consider forming one by contacting Chapter Liaison Dr. Bruce Gilbert (bruce.gilbert@verizon.net). Chapters provide fellowship, professional camaraderie, education and curbside consults.
Chapter representatives, please send your news and photos for the AAMA Newsletter via e-mail to bdortberg@aol.com.
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Employment Opportunities
∙ Medical Acupuncturist Position for Primary Care
(Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Ob/Gyn)
Unique opportunity to join a multi-specialty group while also continuing a thriving acupuncture practice with the Indian Health Service in Chinle, AZ (the heart of the Navajo Reservation.). Live and practice in a rural community at the entrance to Canyon de Chelly National Monument with outdoor activities. Work within a collegial and cross cultural environment. Loan repayment possibilities. US citizenship required with any valid state medical license. Click here for details, or contact Heidi Arnholm, medical recruiter (970/882-1550, heidi.arnholm@ihs.gov).
New York Area Acupuncture Clinic
∙ Est. 1994. Collects about $17,500 per month. Seller owns the two-story building and is selling the 1,971 square foot clinic. Clinic has a waiting room, two offices, four examination and treatment rooms, and a small foot detox room. One block off major Route. Averaging about 12 new patients per month and about 23 patient visits per week. Doctor is retiring and focusing on his health. (503/645-7590, pps@practicesales.com)
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