AAMA Newsletter
Serving the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
December 2000

Jobs

•Great pay and bonuses are offered to part-time medical acupuncturist sought for multidisciplinary practice in New Jersey. Call Paul (917/312-7757, 718/743-4747).

•Established practice in Gig Harbor, WA clinic needs medical acupuncturist. Work with naturopathic physicians and massage therapist supported by helpful staff. Contact Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic (253/857-5544, odegra@hotmail.com).

•Medical acupuncturist sought for longevity and preventive medicine practice in Savannah, GA. For details, visit the website: saleeby.net or call Julie Wood (800/965-8482).

Send your employment notices to: bdortberg@aol.com.

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MAAC Report

By Marshall H. Sager, DO, Chair

MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

REGIONAL CHAPTER LIAISON Sub-Committee

By Bill Rutenberg, MD, Chair

Dr. Donald Counts, Austin, TX, is working hard to form a Texas AAMA Chapter. The Chapter recertification process will be as streamlined as possible—hopefully completed by the next annual meeting. Organization of a New York State AAMA Chapter has also begun (see Member News on page 4).

TARGET OUTREACH Sub-Committee 

Hawaii – Ira Zunin, MD, recently met with the senator and representative who are most likely to chair their respective health committees in the next legislative session. Also present were the lobbyist for Hawaii Medical Association and the lobbyist for Kaiser. In addition, two boarded, Harvard-trained physiatrists who have taken the UCLA course attended. The senator (and probably the representative) will submit a bill for AAMA.

The senator is assessing the legislative playing field for developing her strategy based on results of state and Hawaii Acupuncture Association elections. She will meet with the incoming president of HAA and physical acupuncture advocates to assess the viability of cutting a deal for 200-300 hours. If unsuccessful, they will go for zero hours and negotiate up as necessary in hearings.

Eight hearings are expected, four on each side of the legislature. Then they will need a two-week intensive period before the final decision. Dr. Zunin is now building a cadre of physicians for acupuncture across the state who can take turns testifying at hearings.

Dr. Zunin will also meet with the director of the Department of Health on this issue and then come to the Medical Board. AAMA President Bryan Frank, MD, flew to Hawaii for one day to add the weight of his office in person.

Virginia – Marie Steinmetz, MD, who is on the Virginia Medical Advisory Committee of the Virginia Medical Board, says there are no restrictions to physicians practicing medical acupuncture in Virginia—provided they have the basic 200 hours of training.

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