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Membership in the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
President's Welcome | Background | Membership Categories
Membership Services | Additional Benefits | Membership Form
President's Welcome
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture was founded in 1987 and is the only national professional society of North American physicians who have incorporated acupuncture into their medical practices.
The purpose of the Academy is to integrate the concepts of traditional and modern acupuncture forms with Western medical training, thereby producing a more comprehensive approach to today's health care needs. It is the premier organization in encouraging new research and dialog through conferences, symposia and special events.
The Academy is committed to holding its diverse membership to the highest standards of training and proficiency among North American physicians practicing acupuncture.Your interest in joining the Academy and commitment of support and development to this important organization is greatly appreciated.
The Academy welcomes you to its ranks of dedicated practitioners.
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Background
Acupuncture has existed since at least the Han Dynasty in China over 2,000 years ago and was introduced in Europe in the 17th century. Only recently has detailed research into the effects of acupuncture been undertaken. Acupuncture is taught in European medical schools and applied in nearly all fields of medicine while in the United States acupuncture is rapidly taking a legitimate place as a valuable therapeutic technique.
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture was founded in 1987 by physicians who had graduated from the Medical Acupuncture for Physicians Training Program at the UCLA School of Medicine. The AAMA is the sole physician-only professional acupuncture society in North America accepting members from a diversity of training backgrounds. Physicians on the Membership Committee represent all the acupuncture disciplines currently practiced in North America. The Academy now has over 1,800 members and continues to grow rapidly.In addition, the AAMA works in conjunction with its sister organization, the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation, which sponsors conferences and symposia designed to encourage and advance the latest acupuncture research. MARF also publishes current research findings in its Annual Literature Review and the Acupuncture Bibliography.
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Membership Categories:
PRACTICE MEMBERS
Physicians (M.D.s and D.O.s) practicing acupuncture may apply for these categories of Practice Membership. Practice Members are listed in the Academy's patient telephone referral service and have access to all Academy services. Practice members receive a formal certificate recognizing their level of training and experience.
Fellow Membership
To be a Fellow of the Academy, one must meet the following criteria and be elected by a majority of the voting members of the AAMA
- Possess an MD or DO degree or equivalent
- Be licensed to practice as an MD, DO or homeopathic phyician in the US or Canada
- Be Board Certified by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture
- Have a minimum of five years of Western medicine practice experience or be Board Certified in his or her medical specialty
- Have a minimum of four years clinical experience in medical acupuncture since completing a basic training program in medical acupuncture
- Have published or have been accepted for publication an acupuncture related article in a recognized medical periodical
OR
Have documented ten hours or more of experience teaching medical professionals on acupuncture related topics
Full Membership
To qualify for this voting category, a physician must fulfill all three of the following requirements:
- Possess an active M.D. or D.O. license (or equivalent) to practice medicine under U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction;
- Have completed a minimum of 220 hours of formal training in Medical Acupuncture (120 hours didactic, 100 hours clinical), or the equivalent in an apprenticeship program acceptable to the Membership Committee;
- Have two years of experience practicing medical acupuncture.
Associate Membership
This non-voting category is available to physicians with at least 200 hours of formal training, but who have not yet had at least two years of experience practicing medical acupuncture. This category of membership is also available to physicians who have two years of clinical experience in acupuncture, but who have not yet had sufficient hours of formal training approved by the Membership Committee. Associate Members may apply for Full Membership at any time that they have met the experience and education requirements for Full Members.
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEDICAL PERSONNEL
This category of membership is offered to provide discounted Practice level membership for Active Duty Military personnel with at least 200 hours of formal training. Those physicians who are currently serving on Active Duty with the US military, and meet the requirements set forth for Associate or Full Membership, or for Fellowship, as set forth above, are eligible for this category of membership. Those who serve as active duty military personnel who do not yet meet the requirements for a Practice membership category may select Affiliate membership as set forth below.
NON-PRACTICE MEMBERS
Affiliate Membership
This category is available to physicians with an interest in medical acupuncture but who do not yet have sufficient formal training or experience to qualify for Associate or Full Membership. Qualified physician acupuncturists who are retired, disabled, or otherwise are not in active practice may request Affiliate Membership status. Affiliate Members are not included in the Academy's patient referral program. Affiliate members may request an upgrade in membership status at any time that they have met the experience and education requirements for Associate or Full Members.
Medical acupuncturists practicing in countries outside the United States and Canada may become Affiliate Members of the AAMA. This allows use of the AAMA/MARF Website "Members Only" area with its resources for research and peer discussions about cases. Where the qualifications for Associate and Full Membership are met, medical acupuncturists practicing outside the United States and Canada may be included in the patient referral program though they will remain Affiliate Members.
International Affiliate Members
Those physicians (MDs or Dos) licensed to practice medicine in a country other than the United States or Canada with an interest in medical acupuncture. No special acupuncture training or experience required.
Student Membership
This category is available to full-time fellows, residents and medical students in recognized medical school training programs who have an interest in medical acupuncture and the programs of the Academy. No special training or experience is required. However, verification of student status at an appropriate institution is necessary.
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Membership Services
Proficiency Examination
The AAMA administers a proficiency examination for physicians practicing acupuncture. The exam reflects the core knowledge that one would expect of a physician practicing acupuncture in North America and is the first step to achieving a board certification program for medical acupuncture.
Annual Scientific Symposium
The AAMA conducts this three-day Symposium which offers world-renowned faculty delivering the best available information on medical acupuncture. The Symposium is recognized as the definitive annual scientific and clinical conference for physician acupuncturists in North America. The program is CME approved.
Patient Referral Service
This service is offered to all members practicing acupuncture. The Academy offers a complete, state by state Referral list online for patients seeking medical acupuncturists.. Referrals via the internet are expected to continue increasing. Often, over 1,000 requests are fulfilled each month.
AAMA Newsletter and AAMA Medical Journal
The quarterly journal, Medical Acupuncture, is a source of thoughtful scientific articles designed to advance the knowledge of medical acupuncturists practicing in North America. The bimonthly AAMA Newsletter provides news and information regarding legislative, regulatory and practice developments in acupuncture as well as the latest meeting and conference information.
Preceptor and Advanced Clinical Workshops
These include medical acupuncture review workshops, practice management seminars and in depth advanced treatment workshops taught by leading clinicians in their specialty areas. (See Continuing Medical Education)
Patient Education Information Brochure
"Doctor, What's This Acupuncture All About?"
Members can use this handy brochure as an introduction for patients new to acupuncture. It's perfect for an office reception area or general information mailings.
Mentor Program
Experienced Academy members serve as mentors to graduated UCLA class students. They are available to offer suggestions and ideas on treatment and practice issues for physicians just beginning to use acupuncture in their practices.
Works on Behalf of Physicians
This service monitors developments in Congress, state legislatures and federal government agencies to help ensure that members' practice rights are protected.
Books, References, Audiotapes and Videotapes
Extensive selection of medical acupuncture materials. Books and references are discounted 15% for practice members and the catalog is updated regularly. An audio archive of past Symposium presentations is also available.
Additional Membership Services And Benefits
Patient Brochures
General information brochure providing an introduction to medical acupuncture for patients. Available in English and Spanish to all members. Discounts for bulk orders. Single copies are available at no cost to members. Single copies are provided to patients contacting the Academy Referral telephone service. Perfect for reception area or general information mailing.
All information available in the Patient Brochure is also available on the AAMA web site. Patients may be referred to "Doctor, What's this Acupuncture All About?" and the Frequently Asked Questions page. Members may also print out this material.
Medical Acupuncture Video Library (MAVL)
Key presentations at the Annual Symposium are available on video tape,through a special arrangement with the Medical Acupuncture Video Tape Library (MAVL). Video tapes on these and other presentations can be rented directly from MAVL. For a catalog of video tapes available, contact MAVL at (510) 841-3220. Practice members receive a 20% discount coupon for video tape rentals when enrolled in the Annual Symposium and another 20% discount coupon when membership is renewed.
Symposium Sessions On Audio Tape
Symposium presentations are available on audio tape for most sessions held since 1989. For a catalog listing available audio tapes, please contact the Academy offices or see the AAMA Tapes page.
Annual Symposium
Each year the Academy also hosts a three day Symposium.
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