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Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation
What have AAMA members received for their $25 yearly donations to MARF?
The Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation is a nonprofit entity established to advance acupuncture research and education in the USA. Several members, usually 5 to 8 at any one time, have served on its board and given weekends to attend meetings or been involved in conference calls 3 to 4 times each year since 1993. Many hours of follow up work have been freely added on a number of projects.
In 1993, a research conference was held in Tempe, Arizona, which included representatives from the clinical acupuncture community, NIH, FDA, and insurance firms. There, a first general discussion of research projects and funding occurred, as well as a discussion on the need to change the experimental designation for acupuncture needles.
A yearly commentary and review of acupuncture literature articles was initiated in 1993, continuing into 2000. In 1994 and 1995, a study of the demographics of acupuncture practice in the USA was undertaken under MARF auspices. Small financial grants were begun to provide bio-statistical and other support for clinical and academic research.
In 1996, a major project was begun with a medical acupuncture website that has been enhanced and developed yearly. This has not only benefited AAMA members, it has allowed the public closer contact with medical acupuncture, and provided a connecting point for practitioners from other countries.
In 1996, MARF also arranged an international conference at the NIH on "The Physiology of Acupuncture". This drew prominent speakers from several countries as well as the attention of people in the NIH, the public, the medical community, and the political arena. It helped lead to the later NIH consensus conference. An acupuncture bibliography in 20 sections and a related bibliography on acupuncture research methods were published both in paper and disc formats. These were eventually also put on our web page for general availability. Search the Reference Library
A research paper award contest was established in 1996 and has been continued and expanded yearly with the wonderful financial assistance from Mr. Tom Riihimake of OMS and the Serin company. The aim is to acknowledge those who are helping advance acupuncture scientifically and encourage more participation in the study of this healthcare art.
In 1997, MARF board members helped establish the national NIH consensus conference on acupuncture and supplied the basis for its acupuncture bibliography. This conference helped improve the status of acupuncture in both the public and medical communities. A source book was also established for the AAMA and MARF in 1997 for grant funding agencies relevant to acupuncture research.
From 1996 to 2000, a relationship was established between the British Acupuncture Society and the AAMA journals. This leaves open the future possibility of a combined international medical acupuncture journal if deemed suitable by the AAMA board and the respective editors.
In 1999, topic papers were begun by board members on different aspects or needs for acupuncture work and investigation. The first of these, on stroke, will be published in the next Medical Acupuncture journal issue.
In addition to maintaining the above level of service to Academy members, MARF plans on providing three additional resources for AAMA members during the next year:
- An up to date database of references relating to Acupuncture. Commentary and abstracts will be made available via the Internet.
- A pamphlet directed toward helping those interested in doing medical acupuncture research.
- Support the AAMA in forming an advisory board of experts in specialty areas of medical acupuncture.
We hope our efforts meet with your approval and are worthy of your continued support.
Russ Erickson, MD, Secretary
1999-2000 MARF Board
James K. Rotchford MD, President
Judith Peterson, MD, Vice-President/President-elect
Russ Erickson, MD, Secretary
Eugene Mak, MD, Treasurer
Daniel Bossut, DVM, PhD.
David Diehl, MD
Gary Kaplan, MD Past President
Patrick LaRiccia, MD
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