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Symposium set in Chicago
Take advantage of early bird registration by March 8 and save money on AAMA's 16th Annual Symposium, Medical Acupuncture in the New Millennium: Integrating Science with Tradition, April 1-4, 2004 at Chicago Hilton.
The 2004 Symposium will be held at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. For reservations, call 312/922-4400 or 800/774-1500 by Feb. 27 for the AAMA group rate of $168 single or $189 double. After that date, or if the block of rooms is sold, rooms and rates will be subject to availability. For more on this luxurious hotel, visit www.hilton.com.
Also, please note that the deadlines to submit abstracts of clinical cases for Poster display, Research Papers for presentation and the MARF Research competition have been extended to March 10. Those whose papers are selected will receive discounts on Symposium registration fees. For details, visit www.medicalacupuncture.org or call AAMA headquarters (323/937-5514).
INTERNATIONAL FACULTY
Among the Faculty are Joseph Audette, MD, Harvard Medical School; David J. Bilstrom, MD, FAAMA, Downers Grove, IL; Mitchell Elkiss, DO, FACN, FAAMA, Farmington Hills, MI; Richard Feely, DO, FAAMA, Chicago, IL; Edward S. Garbacz, MD, FAAMA, Atlanta, GA; Dominik Irnish, MD, Munich, Germany; Helene Langeven, MD, Burlington, VT; Lixing Lao, MD, PhD, Baltimore, MD; Yuan Chi Lin, MD, MPH, FAAMA, Harvard Medical School; May Loo, MD, San Jose, CA; Kiiko Matsumoto International Staff, Natick, MA; Allen McDaniels, MD, FAAMA, San Pedro, CA; Noel Nowicki, MD, DABMA, East Orange, NJ; John Reed, MD, Arlington, VA; Glenn Rothfeld, MD, Arlington, MA; Jay Sandweiss, DO, FAAMA, Ann Arbor, MI; Jay Shah, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Jeffrey Yuen, New York, NY.
FEATURED DISCIPLINES
The Symposium meets the need of physician acupuncturists to examine the mechanisms of acupuncture from several different perspectives and for more information on scientific studies and research findings regarding acupuncture. The different disciplines of acupuncture to be reviewed include Neuro-Anatomic, Energetics, Five Element Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Members will look at the different ways of treating the same clinical problems using these different disciplines. This multi-tiered approach will assist in the understanding and clinical significance of acupuncture in a physician's daily practice, and expand their awareness and understanding of the scientific research ongoing to examine the effects of acupuncture and acupuncture efficacy.
PRE-SYMPOSIUM WORKSHOPS
Coordinated by Chair Tapan K. Chaudhuri, MD, FAAMA, four outstanding Pre-Symposium Workshops will be offered on April 1:
1) "Neuro-Anatomical Acupuncture and Matsumoto's Strategies: A Theoretical-Practical Approach," with Joseph Audette, MD and Kiiko Matsumoto International Staff
2) "Practical Five Elements," with Glenn S Rothfeld, MD
3) "Integrating Acupuncture and Manual Medicine: An Intersection for Energetic and Somatic Pathways," with Jay Sandweiss, DO, DABMA
4) "Immunological Conditions: The Divergent Meridians and Western Correlates," with Dr. Jeffrey Yuen
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Through Feb. 27 or when the block of rooms is sold, Hilton Chicago is offering members a discounted rate of $168 single or double per night. Call 312/912-4400 or 800/774-1500
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ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
The Acupuncture Review Course will be offered March 30-31, and for those qualified, the Board Certification Exam will be held on Sunday, April 4, both at Hilton Chicago.
Other highlights include exhibitors with products and services related to medical acupuncture, expert panels, group luncheons, Saturday night Reception/Dinner and much more. The Symposium has offerings for physicians just beginning this modality, as well as those well versed in it.
The Academy designates the Symposium for up to 22 hours of CME in Category 1 of the Physician's Recognition Award of AMA. Pre-Symposium Workshops have been designated for up to 7 1/2 hours of Category 1 CME.
Complete information - including registration, schedule, Faculty, hotel reservations and more - has been mailed to the membership in a brochure, as well as posted online here. Members can register online, as well as by returning the registration form in the brochure they received.
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Academy president outlines Symposium, more
By Nader E. Soliman, MD, FAAMA
PRESIDENT, AAMA
With the 16th annual Symposium approaching, I would like to renew the invitation to all members to get more involved in Academy affairs. Many positions will be available to serve on an Academy committee. I encourage all members to become involved in some AAMA function because your active participation is needed to advance our efforts. You may choose to personally participate in some of these functions or you may nominate other members who you feel could be an asset to the Academy. Those interested can call the AAMA office for details.
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As you know by now, dates of our Symposium, Medical Acupuncture in the New Millennium: Integrating Science with Tradtion, have been moved to April 2-4, with Pre-Symposium workshops offered on April 1. On behalf of the Academy, I apologize for any inconvenience that this might have caused. The fact is that the hotel booked two different meetings in the same conference rooms at the same time. We were lucky, however, that the mistake was discovered early enough to enable us to make different arrangements. We will still meet at the same hotel.
We were lucky to have been able to retain all speakers, except one. The Symposium promises to be another success, with many topics planned (see the article above). I hope to see all of you in the great city of Chicago to enjoy another outstanding learning opportunity in medical acupuncture.
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The Pan Pacific Medical Acupuncture Forum was founded in 1988 in Queenstown, New Zealand. The medical acupuncturists of four countries -- Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand -- joined together in a bond of friendship with a commitment to contribute to the continued integration of acupuncture into the Western medical system. It was agreed that each country, in turn, would host a conference every four years. Outstanding conferences followed in Vancouver 1992, in Queensland 1996 and in Las Vegas 2000.
The next forum will be held March 15-19 in Taupo, New Zealand, and Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA, will lead the US delegate. If you wish to enjoy this unique international experience, please contact Dr Frank (bfrankmd@aol.com).
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Throughout the past year, the Academy has been revaluating our programs and member services. During these financially difficult times, it's imperative that we make sure our financial resources are spent on valuable and successful programs and that the members enjoy practical services. I welcome and value your opinions and input regarding AAMA's programs and encourage you to contact me with any concerns (nadersolimanmd@yahoo.com).
AAMA has embarked on offering CME accreditation to non-Academy entities. In the beginning, there will be a limit on the number of such entities that will be approved. Again, this is yet another step in the right direction for the Academy.
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Finally, I would like to wish every member a happy and a prosperous 2004. See you in Chicago in April.
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Deadline extended for MARF Research Award
The deadline for submissions for the annual Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation (MARF) Acupuncture Research Award, sponsored by Seirin-America, has been extended to March 10. First-, second- and third-place awards will be presented at AAMA's Symposium 2004 by Thomas Riihimaki, CEO of Seirin America and OMS:
• First Place: $3,000. Paper to be presented at AAMA's Symposium in Chicago, April 2004. Symposium registration, travel to $500 and three night's hotel lodging for the presenting author.
• Second Place: $2,000. Registration for AAMA's Symposium in Chicago, April 2004. Travel to the Symposium paid to $500.
• Third Place: $1,000. Registration for AAMA's Symposium in Chicago, April 2004.
Papers for second and third place to be announced at the Symposium. The authors will be acknowledged there.
Rules
1. Submissions must be original work, in either clinical research or basic biochemical or physiological research pertaining to acupuncture. The work must not be previously published.
2. Papers should include the name and degree of the principle author and any coworkers, the institution or affiliation (if any), mailing address and telephone/fax numbers. E-mail address desirable but not mandatory.
3. Submissions should be received by March 10.
4. Submissions will be judged and rated on originality, suitability for publication, research design, and clinical or basic science relevance.
5. If human subjects are involved in the research, proper informed consent of all involved must have been obtained.
6. All submissions must be in English. All proprietary rights to the research work are reserved to the author(s).
7. Acknowledgement of receipt of the submission will be sent within 15 working days. The MARF Board will assign a panel of judges. Winners will be selected at the sole discretion of the judges and the MARF Board.
8. Six copies of the paper should be sent to:
MARF Research Award Contest
c/o Todd C. Royal, MARF Executive Administrator
12930 Ventura Blvd., #923
Studio City, CA, 91604
All submissions must be mailed to MARF by March 10. For further information, contact MARF Executive Administrator Todd C. Royal (818/906-3173, toddroyal@yahoo.com).
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AAMA clinical study papers deadline extended
The deadline to submit clinical and basic research papers to be presented at AAMA's Symposium 2004 has been extended to March 10. The papers should be original, clinically or basic science based, relevant to medical acupuncture, and have no commercial intent. Presentations should be 20 minutes long, presented orally. Authors will have the option of publishing their paper in AAMA's journal, Medical Acupuncture. Please submit paper abstracts to Symposium Chair Roberto Jodorkovsky, MD, 7658 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21236. Paper presenters will get 50% off their Symposium registration fee.
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Deadline extended for case reports for posters
The deadline to submit abstracts of research projects or case reports to be presented as Posters at AAMA's Symposium 2004 has been extended to March 10.
Abstracts should be a 200-250 word description of the research project and findings or be a summary of the case, treatment approach and outcomes. They will be reviewed by the Poster Committee. Authors of abstracts selected by the Committee will be invited to present their work in Poster format at the Symposium. Poster presenters will get 50% off their Symposium registration fee.
Posters will be presented at the Symposium's Wine and Cheese Reception and remain up the next day. Poster presenters will be invited to submit their abstracts for publication in the journal, Medical Acupuncture.
Abstracts should be submitted to AAMA offices by March 10 to be considered for Poster presentation. You are encouraged to submit the abstract via e-mail, in Microsoft Word or text format, to: jdowden@prodigy.net.
Call AAMA Executive Administrator James Dowden (323/937-5514) for further information.
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Member News
The Minnesota Consortium for CAM Clinical Research is excited to announce that its website has been launched. Please visit www.mncam.org and browse all the information about the Consortium and its programming, including post-doctoral fellowships, summer internships and a seminar series.
Raymond Chang, MD, was featured as author of a study in the article, "Five Ways Acupuncture may Boost Fertility," in Prevention magazine. Referral information for AAMA also was given.
Members participating in AAMA's referral program will be happy to hear that 238 calls came into national headquarters (and 5,200 website hits to the referral page) in October; 186 calls (and 4,756 website hits) in November, and 194 calls (and 904 website hits) in December from patients seeking medical acupuncturists.
Practice members (associate and full) who are not participating in the patient referral program but would like to, need to notify AAMA by mail (4929 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 428, Los Angeles, CA 90010) or by e-mail (spc6@pacbell.net). To see if you're signed up for this program, check the referral search (Find an Acupuncturist)
Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, PA, FAAMA, secretary of AAMA and chair of ABMA, represented the Academy at the Institute of Medicine Conference at the National Academy of Science in Washington, DC, in December. Discussion centered on how to develop meaningful CAM research and how to translate these findings into clinical practice. The conclusion and recommendation on the use of CAM by the American public will be presented by the end of 2004, which might impact medical acupuncture practices.
Drs. Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco and Angelica Fargas-Babjak and McMaster University are offering Contemporary Medical Acupuncture for Health Professionals. There are five units now through June that grant 300 CME hours of AMA PRA Category 1 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Visit www.acupuncturecourses.com, e-mail acupuncturecourses@mcmaster.ca or call 905/521-2100, x75175.
For information on International Council on Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART) XI World Medical Acupuncture Congress Oct. 1-4, 2004 in Sydney, Australia, please see the report by Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA, on page 7 or visit www.medicalacupuncture.org/events/icmart_2004.html
Ronald Glick, MD, assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, is director of the recently reestablished integrative psychiatry service at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Shadyside's Center for Complementary Medicine. Medical acupuncture will be among services offered at the center, which is dedicated to research on an evolving form of healthcare where disease prevention, practitioner/patient partnership and the evidence-based application of non-conventional treatment strategies are explored in collaboration with conventional medical practices. The goal is provide an integrated holistic approach to mental health treatment.
Members can now receive the AAMA Newsletter via e-mail. Not only will they get the issues quicker, but this also will save AAMA money by reduced printing and postage costs. To receive newsletters electronically, contact Membership Coordinator Natalie Ortiz (nortiz9@pacbell.net, 323/937-5514, x20). Incidentally, past issues are posted online at www.medicalacupuncture.org/aama_marf/newsletter/newslist.htm.
The next HMI Medical Acupuncture for Physicians introductory weekend will be April 15-18 in Marina Del Rey, CA (Los Angeles), with an optional Clinical Intensive offered on April 19. Unit 3: Clinical Unit will be offered April 30-May 9 in Pittsburgh, PA or May 21-30 in Tempe, AZ, and Oct. 29-Nov. 7 in Boca Raton, FL or Dec. 3-12 in Tempe, AZ. For details, log on to www.hmieducation.com or call 510/649-8692.
Ira Zunin, MD, is founder of Manakai O Malama Integrative Healthcare Group and Rehabilitation Center in Honolulu, which was recently profiled in the CHRF News Files, a publication by the Collaboration for Healthcare Renewal Foundation. The center has a program for executive physicals that designs a "life plan" addressing what makes up the patient. Now Dr. Zunin has recruited a diverse team to use Global Advisory Services to target health tourism in Hawaii. With an expanded contract with the state, the group plans to market the project, "Healing in Paradise: Cultivating Strategies for Health Tourism in Hawaii," on a large scale. The plan is to attract vacationers looking for more than a week of relaxation on the beach.
If you've read any good books on acupuncture or related products recently, please send that information to AAMA headquarters to be shared with the membership. You can also post a review of the publications in the Academy's online bookstore. Go to: www.medicalacupuncture.org, click on AAMA Store and then on Check Out Our Comprehensive Selection. Next click on the book cover (or More Info) and then on Post a Review.
Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, PA, FAAMA, was invited to Teikyo University, Department of Anesthesiology in Japan last fall for the fourth AAMA seminar for Japanese physicians. Forty-five doctors attended to learn about diagnostic approaches and treatment. The first intermediate course will be offered in October 2004. Dr. Nakazawa also was invited to the Johns Hopkins University Lecture series, "Frontiers of Medicine," to deliver, "Medical Acupuncture and CAM in the USA," last fall. In March, he is presenting, "Scientific Basis of Acupuncture and Clinical Applications," at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Please send your news to bdortberg@aol.com.
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Members earn Board Certification
These 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):
Thomas E Archie, MD, DABMA, of Chester, CA; Michael W Coomes, MD, DABMA, of Minneapolis, MN; A Lynn Dolson, MD, DABMA, of Tallahassee, FL; Patti M Edelstein, MD, FAAP, DABMA, of Boca Raton, FL; Margaret Gargarian, MD, DABMA, of Belmont, MA; Marsha Haller, MD, DABMA, of Berkeley, CA; Gail S Hovorka, MD, DABMA, of Austin, TX; William D Moore, MD, DABMA, of Appleton, WI; D Dawn Motyka, MD, DABMA, of Watsonville, CA; Ann Robb, MD, DABMA, of Mesa, AZ; Elizabeth H Sebestyen, MD, DABMA, of Denver, CO
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Time for Pan Pacific in New Zealand
Medical Acupuncture in the New World -- Innovation and Integration is almost here by Pan Pacific Medical Acupuncture Forum and Medical Acupuncture Society of New Zealand (MASNZ), March 15-19, 2004 at Wairakei Resort in Taupo, New Zealand.
AAMA members who register for Pan Pacific at NZ$850 will receive all breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas and lunches on conference days, as well as the Thursday night dinner. For details and registration and hotel forms, send an e-mail to MASNZ Secretary Linda Pringle at masnz@apc.org.nz. MASNZ can also be reached by fax at (011) 64 3 328 8132. Payment can be with MasterCard, Visa or check.
AAMA is responsible for providing a day of programming (Thursday, March 18). Several Academy members have indicated that they plan to travel to New Zealand and participate in the fun of Pan Pacific. AAMA hopes that group will grow. Members interested in attending should contact Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA (bfrankmd@aol.com), who is organizing the AAMA program. All Pan Pacific participants and speakers are responsible for their own travel expenses and are required to register and pay the registration fee so the host country is not at financial risk.
Mornings will feature six paper presentations, followed by lunch. Then there will six small group concurrent sessions (lectures or workshops), a break and then six more sessions in the afternoon.
Members can view Wairakei Resort online at www.wairakei.co.nz. Amenities include a nine-hole golf course, pools, spas, saunas, tennis and squash courts, restaurants and more. To inquire about reservations, write to resort@wairakei.co.nz. To view this scenic area, visit www.laketauponz.com.
Other festivities planned include visiting a prawn farm and having dinner, a boat trip, wine tasting and a conference dinner. Kayak trips, fishing and other water activities will be scheduled for March 17 (which will be a free day from the conference), as well as tours and items of interest for partners accompanying physicians to New Zealand.
There will also be a Post Pan Pacific Medical Acupuncture Forum, Aung Medical Qi Gong Spiritual Retreat Program with Steven KH Aung, MD, FAAFP March 20-22 in Whirinaki Forest, New Zealand (between Taupo and Rotorua). This is a magnificent old forest of totara and kauri trees. For more information, contact Dr. Aung (780/426-2760, draung@aung.com).
Founded in 1988 in New Zealand, the Pan Pacific Forum is comprised of medical acupuncturists in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Each country hosts the conference every four years (1992 in Canada, 1996 in Australia and 2000 in Las Vegas, NV).
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Chapter News
Arizona
Chapter members meet from 9-11 am on the second Saturday of the month. Call 602/787-8500 for more information.
Georgia
Georgia Chapter (GAMA) will host a seminar in Atlanta on March 27-28, 2004. A guest speaker will discuss the topic, "TCM in the Treatment of Psycho-emotional Disturbances." The Academy has approved this workshop-style event for 15 hours of CME credit. For information, call Anna Kelly, MD (404/255-8388).
Illinois
David Bilstrom, MD, has ended his two-year term as founding president of the Illinois Chapter, and Tony Lu, MD, has taken over leadership.
Toshikatsu Yamamoto, MD, has been scheduled with Richard A. Feely, DO, FAAMA, to present Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture and Advanced Program, April 30-May 1 at Radisson Hotel in Chicago, IL as the Chapter's spring educational offering. For more information, call 708/485-1061 or visit www.drfeely.com.
The Chapter's fall 2003 educational offering was very successful. Anastacia White presented the two-day seminar, Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine.
Illinois Chapter members are looking forward to playing an active role in AAMA's 16th annual Symposium at Chicago Hilton in April.
North Carolina
Please note that the dates have been changed for the North Carolina Chapter's Statewide Medical Acupuncture meeting, which will be held in conjuction with North Carolina Integrative Medical Society. It will now be held March 20-21 in Winston-Salem.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Chapter held a meeting concerning laser acupuncture, as well as protocols being successfully used in medicine, in February. The physics of infrared laser acupuncture were given in a lecture by Mitchell Krause, DO, after which a business meeting took place.
Does your state have a local AAMA chapter? If not, please consider forming one. Chapters provide fellowship, professional camaraderie, education and curbside consults. Contact Regional Chapter Subcommittee Chair Martha M. Grout, MD, FAAMA (602/787-8500, drmartha@worldnet.att.net).
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Acupuncture practices available
• Integrative medical practice for board certified family physician/acupuncturist in Alexandria, VA. Full or part time. Expanding practice, no insurance participation. Flexible hours. Available May 1, 2004. Contact Marie Steinmetz, MD (703/823-5770, acuneedles@erols.com).
• Medical acupuncture and herbal medicine practice available near Los Angeles/Malibu, CA. Large income potential, two treatment rooms, one laser/massage/skincare room, one doctor's office, waiting room, and areas for retail sales, kitchen/clean and lab. Contract with Kaiser Permanente for acupuncture referrals. Owner will carry financing. Call Teri at 818/704-5500 or visit www.rainbow-center.com.
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Medical Acupuncture Advisory Committee Update
Why We Need the AAMA
By William D. Rutenberg, Chair
MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Although we hold the profession of medical acupuncture in high regard and presume a similar perception by our colleagues and the general public, that may not always be the case. The following 2003 regulation from the State of Alabama Medical Licensure Commission was incredulous to me.
"Acupuncture is deemed by the Medical Licensure Commission to be an experimental procedure of which the safety and medical effectiveness has not been established. The Commission, therefore, determines that while acupuncture practice by licensed physicians should not be absolutely prohibited, some safeguards are necessary to ensure that the public is not harmed or victimized by unprofessional practices, such as the unskilled or uninformed application of acupuncture treatment, or unfounded claims of effectiveness:"
This regulation came to our attention via Netscan, a subscription service that notifies us daily of legislation and regulations affecting the practice of acupuncture. Once notified, I responded with a strong letter citing the NIH consensus report on acupuncture, as well as a number of studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals demonstrating the efficacy and safety of medical acupuncture. To date, there has been no response from the State of Alabama.
AAMA members are encouraged to submit data, views or arguments concerning the proposed new rule(s) and regulation(s) in writing to: Amy T. Dorminey, Executive Assistant, Alabama Medical Licensure Commission, PO Box 887, Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0887.
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Opportunity for Program Officers in CAM
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a component of the NIH, is seeking qualified research scientists to serve as Health Science Administrators (Program Officers). Applicants should be highly motivated individuals with excellent judgment and well-developed communication, analytic, interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills. These individuals will help shape the future of extramurally funded research of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. To see the full announcement and how to apply, go online to
http://reports.cit.nih.gov/jobsnih/icvacancies.asp?vacIC=NCCAM
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ABMA cites diplomates, moves forward with plans
By Hiroshi Nakazawa, MD, PA, FAAMA
CHAIR, AMERICAN BOARD OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE
As 2004 arrived, ABMA proudly announces that 318 physicians have become ABMA Board Certified, with 89 in the wings going through the process to be diplomates (DABMA) soon.
In December 2003, Jan T. Hendryx, DO, was elected to become a new Board of Trustee member. He took the place of Michael Coomes, MD, who resigned as Trustee because he's now vice president of AAMA.
On behalf of the ABMA Board, I want to express our sincerest appreciation to Mike for his devotion to ABMA, especially his dedication to the Educational Program. Good luck, Michael, with your new endeavors, and welcome, Dr. Hendryx, to your new venture with ABMA.
This year, ABMA seems to have the financial resources to go ahead with some programs that were planned last year (i.e., validating the Board Examination, item writing and active involvement in the Educational Program).
At AAMA's Symposium in Chicago in April, trustees will meet some Directors of Physician Acupuncture Training Programs approved by ABMA, during which there will be an exchange of ideas for the Educational Program.
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Acubriefs receives grant, outlines upcoming changes
Acubriefs is happy to announce that the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation (MARF) has provided a grant that allows the online service to continue and expand. Corporate sponsors also continue to generously support the website.
Visitors to www.acubriefs.com will recognize several improvements, such as an online acupuncture manual that will facilitate the review of the literature. Additionally, you will soon be able to visit the site with your PDA and have the screen appropriately formatted.
Besides these free improvements, they are offering affordable translation services. Please see their Translations page (www.acubriefs.com/translations.htm) for details.
They are instituting "Personal Librarian" support, where staff can search our in-house database (with the same references as our on-line version) using software that permits more sophisticated search terms and limits. They can generate reference lists in several formats and obtain full text articles from hard-to-find and out-of-print journals, as well as offer a quarterly mailing service of current citations in clinical specialties. See their Librarian page (www.acubriefs.com/librarian.htm) for details or e-mail librarian@acubriefs.com.
They will no longer be sending monthly e-mail newsletters. Instead, there will now be a separate section online to review references recently added to the database.
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ICMART being planned in Australia this fall
By Bryan L. Frank, MD, FAAMA
The Brazilian Medical Association of Acupuncture (AMBA) and International Council of Medical Acupuncture and Related Techniques (ICMART) convened the World Congress of Integrated Medical Acupuncture ICMART/AMBA in Guarujá, Brazil, Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2003. More than 1,200 physicians attended, including approximately 150 international delegates. Dr. Ruy Tanigawa served as congress president, with Dr. Otavio Hara as AMBA president, and Dr. Francios Beyens as general secretary of ICMART.
Our Australian friends Drs. Danny Traum and Chin Chan and the Australian Medical Acupuncture College (AMAC) announced the ICMART XI World Medical Acupuncture Congress will be held Oct. 1-4, 2004 in Sydney, Australia at the Shangri La Hotel (formerly the ANA) of the historic Rock's district, with spectacular views of Sydney Harbor and the famous Sydney Opera House. Information on this Congress is available from Des Kennedy, conference organizer (kgce@bigpond.com, +61 7 3295 9565, fax +61 7 3295 9566), or on ICMART and AMAC websites at www.icmart.org and www.acupunctureaustralia.org.
REVIEW OF ICMART 2003
Congress sessions and workshops were presented in eight concurrent settings for much of the time, with general sessions for the entire assembly at the opening and closing of the event. Topics ranged from general body acupuncture for various diseases and syndromes to Microsystems (Ear, Hand, Scalp) to veterinary acupuncture. Brazilian physicians made many of the fine presentations, as well as familiar friends of the AAMA, including Drs. Danny Traum and Chin Chan of Australia, Francois Beyens and Gilbert Lambrechts of Belgium, Walburg Maric of Germany, Toshi Yamamoto of Japan, Steven Aung of Canada and Jacqueline Filshie of the UK.
As a representative of the Academy, AAMA ICMART co-delegate, vice president of ICMART and Congress Scientific Committee member, I participated in a session on A Critical Assessment of Functional Ear Points and their Clinical Implications and on a panel on Sport Medicine Acupuncture. AAMA Immediate Past President Marshall Sager, DO, FAAMA also represented the Academy as AAMA ICMART co-delegate and participated in important sessions regarding international education standards for physician acupuncture training. Considerations raised included scope of training, scope of acupuncture practice, paradigm(s) of practice and other issues.
Many Congress participants were interested in learning current AAMA activities, policies and standards of training, certification, and organization. The Academy is seen as a leader in the international medical acupuncture community and has experienced many positive interchanges with our international colleagues through ICMART activities.
The XII ICMART Congress will be held in Prague in 2005, followed by the XIII Congress hosted by AAMA in the USA in 2006.
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Medical Qigong Study trip to China offered to members
Academy members are invited to join Tony Lu, MD, for a Medical Qigong Study and Treatment Trip to China (Beijing and Inner Mongolia) Sept. 2-12, 2004, including a medical mission trip to an orphanage in Da Tong.
 Participants will conduct a study on the effects of Qigong treatment on neurotransmitters in urine at Beijing International Medical Qigong Institute. Three specimens will be collected at specific times before and after Qigong treatments, and results shared with individual participants. Neurotransmitter replacement therapy will be offered.
There also will be Taoist music and tea ceremonies, medical mission work with Master Wan, Kung Fu and Qigong demonstrations, Temple visits, massage, health meditation, sightseeing and more.
Additional lectures on Qigong, Tui Na, Bone Setting, Kung Fu and therapeutic nutrition are being planned at the end of the trip for those who wish to remain for $90/day. (See AAMA website for details.)
This trip is limited to 20 people, so if interested, please contact Martha Grout, MD right away (602/787-8500, drmarthagrout@qwest.net).
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