Medical Acupuncture
A Journal For Physicians By Physicians

Fall / Winter 1989 - Volume 1 / Number 1
"Aurum Nostrum Non Est Aurum Vulgi"

     
     
     
     

SALT SPRING ISLAND MEETING: PLANS FOR THE ACADEMY'S FUTURE

Allen McDaniels, M.D.

     On June 15-18, Academy Board members and invited guests met in British Columbia to discuss the Academy's current status and to make long-range plans. Host Ron and Sharon Puhky provided a pastoral setting, comfortable surroundings, and warm hospitality at their Grandview Farm on Salt Spring Island. Such conditions made it easier for the participants to clear their minds in order to look beyond the immediacy of professional affairs, towards the Academy's future.
     The Academy's relationship with the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (A.A.A.O.M.) and other non-physician acupuncture groups was listed first on the meeting agenda. President Joseph Helms, M.D., had received several telephone calls before the meeting from the A.A.A.O.M. officiats expressing concern about the Academy's position on acupuncture legislation. This reaction appeared to be a consequence of this spring's Philadelphia meeting, when the Academy expressed outrage over recent legislation in New Mexico which infringed upon physicians' right to practice Medical Acupuncture there. The representative of the A.A.A.O.M., Paul Karsten, met with the Academy Directors on June 17. The resolutions, mutually agreed upon by both participating organizations at this fruitful meeting, can be summarized as follows:

  1. An article from the A.A.M.A. explaining its objectives and direction will appear in the summer issue of the A.A.A.O.M. newsletter.
  2. This same issue will contain an article or editorial delineating the A.A.A.O.M.'s position on any state legislation that regulates physicians practicing acupuncture; laws in New Mexico and Maryland will be regarded as contrary to the A.A.A.O.M.'s spirit and bylaws.
  3. The A.A.M.A. and A.A.A.O.M. agree to collaborate on establishing acupuncture legislation. The A.A.M.A. will have the right to review any legislation proposed or known by the A.A,A.O.M..
  4. The A.A.A.O.M will publish in its newsletter a mutually agreed upon A.A.A.O.M. policy statement regarding regulation of physician acupuncturists.

     Hopefully, these mutual decisions will help establish a compatible relationship between the A.A.M.A. and A.A.A.O.M. members and other non-physician acupuncturists.
     The Directors, as led by Vice-President John Reed, M.D., then discussed extensively the long-term goals of the Academy. It was acknowledged that much of the time and effort of the Academy in the past two and a half years were devoted to the establishment of the business affairs of the Academy. The defined goals and their time-tables as planned are summarized as follows:

1989-1990

  • Establishment of a national forum for professional and political policy for acupuncture
  • Further defining the A.A.M.A. Board functions
  • Publication of the A.A.M.A. Review
  • Organization of an annual scientific meeting
  • Establishment of a "Mentor-mentee" program -- adoption of recent course graduates
  • Establishment of patient inquiry referral services by county medical societies
  • Expansion of teaching formats for Acupuncture course
  • Market analysis of potential physician acupuncturists
  • Organization of "Acutherapy for G.P.'s" seminars
  • Design of long-term research plans
  • Initiation of pilot research projects
  • Defining role of non-physician acupuncturists (acutherapists)

1991-1994

  • Attainment of A.M.A.-level recognition of Medical Acupuncture
  • Recruitment of 600 Academy members
  • Organization of courses on integrating acupuncture into private practice
  • Publication of the A.A.M.A. journal
  • Appointment of paid executive director and establishment of Academy office
  • Appointment of legal/legislative counsel
  • Fund raising of $100,000 for research and teaching
  • Establishment of clinical research programs
  • Establishment of liaison with other medical specialty societies
  • Establishment of acupuncture privileges for both hospital and military medical services

1995-2000

  • Attainment of the acceptance of Medical Acupunture as a certified sub-specialty
  • Recruitment of 5000 Academy members
  • Training of 20,000 physician acupuncturists
  • Resolution of insurance payment problems
  • Resolution of insurance payment for non-pain problems
  • Establishment of fellowship program in Medical Acupuncture
  • Establishment of acupuncture courses for six major specialties
  • Organization of major international meetings

     The Academy's strengths and difficulties in realizing such an ambitious program were discussed. The Academy's successful track record, strong sense of identity and focus, and the individual directors' abilities were brought up as the Academy's strengths. However, the anticipated difficulties may include the innate complexity of acupuncture, the challenges of its integration into the Western medical paradigms, and the need for more members to work on programs following the Board's direction. The need for expanded working committees directed by the Board, also became apparent. Such committees would include those for liaison, membership, business and finance, annual meeting, research, and the AAMA Review.
     The Directors also outlined an annual calendar of Academy events and a long-term international travel schedule for professional education and cultural enrichment.
     In summary, the Salt Spring Island meeting proved to be very productive in expanding the Academy's vison and plans for the future. The ambitious program that the Academy has adopted will require great commitment from the Directors and all the members as a whole. This effort crucial for our advancing of Medical Acupuncture in the years ahead.

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