May/June 2008
International News
Practice Management
Continuing Education and Events		 State Legislative Activities
AAAOM Activities
AAAOM Student Organization		 National AOM Issues
Links
Products, Services, and Member Savings

Table of Contents:

International News


State Legislative Activities

Sponsors of:

National AOM Issues


Practice Management

Sponsors of:

AAAOM Activities


Links

Sponsors of:

Continuing Education and Events


AAAOM Student Organization

Products, Services, and Member Savings

Greetings AOM Members and Colleagues:

The AOM field keeps growing, and we all participate in that growth. One indicator of this trend is the increased web traffic on the AAAOM web site, something you can read about in this issue of the Qi-Unity Report. Take a moment also to consider the perspectives of Tracy Rudnicki and Jason Wright, two practitioners charting very different courses in the profession: a contrast that is a tribute to the diversity of paths available. Jason balances his academic pursuits by getting his hands dirty, planting herbs on university grounds in New York, while Tracy spends her time high in the Sierra mountains, pioneering her practice in a small town setting.

Meanwhile, Will Morris reports from Texas on the successful licensure of Juliana Cumbo. Marcy Newman looks into periodontal qi. The AAAOM-SO discusses preparations for the Chicago conference. As usual, we offer you our tossed salad of useful links, both international and national, on the web. John Weeks continues to provide the latest on the integrative medicine front.

Once again we extend our appreciation to Golden Flower, Kan Herb, and Mayway for choosing to sponsor the Qi-Unity Report. If you are one of our business partners, wouldn’t you like to join them? Your continued support invigorates the AAAOM and serves to remind us that the AOM profession is, in many ways, the sum of our collective efforts as a community. Thank you, sponsors, for your support. We ask our practitioner members to continually patronize those businesses that have put themselves forward to support your profession.

We hope this edition of the Qi-Unity Report has you thriving in the heat of the summer, and also anticipating the forthcoming Summer '08 volume of The American Acupuncturist.

The AAAOM is interested in your feedback. We invite you to use our General Feedback page to let us know your opinions and insights.

International News

Links to International AOM Articles

Canadian Medical Association meta-analysis of IVF finds acupuncture increases fertility rates.
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Tehran Times, Iran’s international daily newspaper, comments on U. S. acupuncture study.
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Ghana looking into closer regulation of traditional medicine practices there.
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Canadian practitioner establishes niche in Vietnam.
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German back-pain study continues to substantiate effectiveness of acupuncture, even in the often AOM-hostile UK Independent: “Do Alternative treatments really work? In some cases, alternative treatments may be more effective than conventional physical therapy and medication. A recent German study found that half the lower back patients who had two acupuncture sessions a week for six months reported a significant reduction in pain.”
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Australia establishes certification program to demonstrate TCM products are free of endangered species.
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This article from West Bengal, India, demonstrates how wetlands and herbal medicines used in India connect to a common environment preservation concern.

“At least 40 species of aquatic herbs are significant for their medicinal values. Among these few species are only marketed purely as herbal medicine. Eclipta alba (keshut) is marketed for its ability to improve the colour of the hair and the luster of eye. Brahmi leaves are commercially used in preparation of brain tonic. It is estimated that due to growing popularity of herbal medicine market demand of aquatic medicinal herbs is sharply increasing.”
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State Legislative Activities

Physician Referral Requirement Removed from the Indiana Practice Act

by Jennifer Meador-Stone, LAc , Legislative Committee Chair IAAOM

Indiana had a victory this year! The Indiana Legislature passed an amendment that completely removes the physician referral requirement from the Indiana Practice Act.

The Indiana Practice Act originally passed in 1999 without requiring acupuncturists to have a referral from a physician to see an acupuncturist. The law was amended by the chiropractic lobby in 2003 to require a written referral, written diagnosis, and proof that the patient had been treated by a physician in the last 12 months for the condition for which the patient wanted treatment.

In 2007 an amendment was drafted by Rep. Peggy Welch from Bloomington and attached to a health professions bill. Though the bill had strong support, the bill did not pass in 2007 due to a technical error unrelated to acupuncture.

In January 2008, the amendment was attached to a similar health professions bill, passed the legislature in March, and was signed into law by Governor Mitch Daniels in April. Starting July 1st, 2008, the law will become effective, and acupuncturists will have direct access to patients in Indiana.

The Qi-Unity Report interviews Jason Wright, LAc

QUR: Kindly introduce yourself.

My name is Jason Wright. I am a licensed acupuncturist and have been in practice for 12 years. I have maintained private practices of Oriental medicine in Seattle, WA, Carbondale, CO, and Cortland, NY. I have taught classes at Bastyr University, the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine and currently teach in the School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine at New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) in Seneca Falls, NY.

My wife, Julie, is a professional potter. We have a one year old daughter named Ruby.

QUR: How did you first become interested in AOM?

When I was in high school, I experienced some personal health issues that inspired me to investigate healthcare as a profession. I explored a variety of options including acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, and conventional medicine. Having a strong interest in simple living and self-sustenance, “natural medicine” strongly pulled my attention, and I was drawn to Bastyr College (now Bastyr University). While the naturopathic program initially drew me to Bastyr, it was eventually the AOM program that seemed to resonate most profoundly for me. The basis of the medicine in the laws of nature, coupled with acupuncture’s license-ability in New York State, were influential selling points. Once engaged in the study of Oriental medicine, I fell in love with it and have never regretted my professional path.

QUR: Did your experience in Brazil change the way you envisioned your future?

Being uncertain about my professional preferences immediately following high school, I opted to pursue a year abroad in Rotary International’s Youth Exchange program. I was not interested in beginning college without clear goals in mind, so upon graduation from high school I spent a year in Três Corações, Minas Gerais, Brazil. I spent my time in Brazil exploring the (foreign to me) country, culture, and my desires for future education. Through exposure to traditional herbal medicine use in Brazil, I was able to clarify my professional desires. I completed the year in South America with a relatively clear sense of what I wanted from college and what career I wanted to pursue. Once I returned to the U.S., I earnestly researched therapies within the field of “natural medicine.” I then enrolled in a science-based undergraduate educational track majoring in biology and chemistry, and I completed prerequisites for acceptance into the MSAOM program at Bastyr.

QUR: What was it like studying at Bastyr in the 90s?

When I studied at Bastyr (graduating in 1996), it was a little different from the university today. The college shared a public school building in Seattle with junior high school age students. The cafeteria at lunchtime was quite a conglomeration of 12 year olds running rampant and acupuncture & naturopathic students studying diligently. It was, and still is, a wonderful environment where individuals with a variety of approaches to healthcare come together to share their knowledge and skills. The exposure I gained to multiple modalities was an aspect of my education that many AOM schools cannot offer. As a student intern, then the first AOM resident, and eventually clinical faculty of the teaching clinic of Bastyr, I was exposed to a wide range of complicated clinical cases, and I left the school with a substantial grounding in the practice of Oriental medicine. I still continue to communicate with several of the faculty who were influential in my AOM education.

QUR: What is the focus of your current work?

Currently I work for the School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine at NYCC where I teach acupuncture and herbal medicine courses, see patients in their community health center, instruct student interns, and coordinate the clinical education delivery for the AOM programs. I also have a love for plant medicine and have developed a beautiful Chinese medicinal herb garden on the campus of NYCC. We have eight large stone beds with a gorgeous flagstone patio to house dozens of varieties of medicinal plants that are taught in the Materia Medica courses. It is quite a resource and love of mine.

QUR: Do you think case report research will help to expand legitimacy in the AOM profession?

Acupuncture research is an ongoing challenge for our profession, especially with the continued expansion of our services into conventional healthcare settings such as hospitals. Insurance companies and conventional systems want research to justify the incorporation of AOM into their offerings. AOM does not fit easily into the randomized controlled studies model, thus funding for research and qualified researchers can be limited. It is up to us, as practitioners and teachers, to share reports of the results of our medicine. Case reports do accommodate the unique nature of our treatments and provide an avenue to convey the strength of our medicine while maintaining the integrity of its essence & spirit. So, yes, I do believe that all AOM students and practitioners should be well versed in the composition of professional publishable case reports. It is up to us to tell the story to support our medicine. The proof is out there; we need to be able to bring it forward.

QUR: Are there specific issues that affect acupuncture in New York you would like to discuss?

There are some exciting things happening currently in the state of New York. The biggest is a legislative effort spearheaded by the New York State Acupuncture Coalition (NYSAC). NYSAC is working through the state legislative process to achieve the following goals:

  1. Amend the acupuncture license to acknowledge and protect the use of traditional herbal medicine for acupuncturists.
  2. Include acupuncturists in mandatory reporting of child abuse.
  3. Change the licensed acupuncturist representation on the NY State Acupuncture Board to include a higher percentage of licensed acupuncturists, bringing the board in line with other NYS professional boards.
  4. Allow for an out of state, or country, visiting faculty instructor to maintain the legal right to perform acupuncture inside of an educational context.

All of these goals stand to strengthen the professional existence and scope of practice for acupuncturists within New Yorkstate, and hold New York legislation as an example for other states to follow. The School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at NYCC is a strong supporter of these efforts as are numerous other schools, companies, and professional organizations. The amount of professional consensus in support of NYSAC has been impressive and inspiring.

QUR: As an educator, what do you see as upcoming challenges to young practitioners?

As I mentioned earlier, AOM practitioners are challenged to develop documentation and research that support the practice and integration of our medicine into mainstream healthcare. That has always been a challenge of AOM in the United States, and today the profession is substantially poised to enter the conventional system. Developing strong research studies and a plethora of case reports will be keys to raising the perception of legitimacy amongst conventional medical circles. Along with that, however, practitioners are further challenged by not neglecting any of the true personality and spirit of Oriental medicine in order to “sell it” to the West. Further, young practitioners are challenged with an aspect of Oriental medicine that I have always found particularly appealing. It is a field of thought and practice to which you can devote an entire lifetime of study without even scratching the surface. Never stop learning and loving the medicine!


National AOM Issues

Visually Disabled Juliana Cumbo Granted a Provisional License to Practice Acupuncture

by Will Morris, DAOM, MSEd, LAc

Juliana Combo is qualified and safe to practice. After meeting the requirements of clean needle technique, passing the National Certification examinations and treating hundreds of patients in her residency, Juliana Cumbo encountered the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBAE). In the fulfillment of their obligation to protect the public, the Board refused licensure to Juliana. However, questions arose about the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on a state agency that receives federal funds: which requires compliance with the ADA. After an appeal and videotaping her practice of treating patients with a variety of diagnoses, Juliana demonstrated competency that proved "instructional" to members of the board. They voted to allow Juliana Cumbo a license to practice with certain restrictions such as practicing in a group.

Juliana changed the terrain. No longer are the media people saying "would you have acupuncture?" Rather, they are saying "would you have acupuncture from a blind acupuncturist?" This is a tipping point in terms of the cultural assumptions about acupuncture.

The odd thing is that the practitioners who countered Juliana's licensure had no awareness of the some 30,000 visually disabled practitioners in Japan. There are two Universities of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China that are conducting acupuncture programs for the visually disabled. The culture of the visually disabled is different than that of the visually able person. Touch, sound and smell are heightened in a way that is difficult to imagine. Consider attempting to read Braille. The Japanese have used acupuncture as a means of employment for the blind since the Edo Period (1603-1867).

The Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin is delighted to see that the Board has chosen to grant Juliana Cumbo a license, but with concern about the additional requirements imposed on her. She has shouldered this burden for all persons who are ably challenged. Juliana is a hero. She has been an unstoppable force in her quest to gain knowledge. I am proud to have served as her teacher. Congratulations to Juliana for taking a leadership role in transforming lives and communities, and meeting these challenges with heart and skill.

Periodontal Qi

by Dr. Marcy B. Newman, DOM, MPH, RDH

Periodontal diseases are by far the most frequently occurring oral conditions known to man and the leading cause of tooth loss among the American population. In Western dentistry, it has been discovered that multiple periodontal diseases can afflict both adult and juvenile populations, thus the term diseases is used. The dental profession has already found that these diseases occur in over 70% of the United States adult population . From an Oriental medical standpoint, these statistics illustrate an increase of each manifestation categorized within our Chinese periodontal differentiations. According to my research, periodontal disease is classified as: ya xuan = gaping gums, ya lou = leaking gums, and ya nu = bleeding gums.

As quoted by the American Academy of Periodontology, the causes of periodontal diseases are multiple and include:

Note that these above factors are usually visible upon inspection of the oral cavity by a dental professional. As a dental hygienist, from an initial glance I can often detect which factor has been influencing my patients. What must be mentioned here is that each patient’s oral hygiene habits and their frequency of dental cleanings play crucial roles in their oral disease status!

Please refer to the periodontal diagram in order to visualize the process and its destruction to the periodontium as the disease progresses. Note the alveolar bone and its fibers that connect it to the cementum or root surface dissolve as the pathogenic process progresses.

From a Western standpoint the periodontal disease process begins with gingivitis or red, puffy gingiva (gums) – as illustrated on the right side of the above illustration—due to the presence of specific bacteria within dental plaque (bacteria, food, and saliva) that adheres to every tooth surface. This biofilm aggravates the tissue by causing an inflammatory response. A professional prophylaxis or cleaning usually performed by a dental hygienist, along with good oral hygiene at home and a plaque-reducing diet (limited carbonated beverages, low carbohydrate intake, and frequent crunchy snacks), can eliminate or minimize this gingivitis sequence of events. However, if the patient does not follow the above recommended treatments, their disease process can progress.

From a Western diagnostics viewpoint, any adult patient ought to receive a periodontal screening at least once per year. The dentist or dental hygienist performs this screening by placing a periodontal probe marked in millimeters in the sulcus, or healthy space, between the gumline and the tooth to record six readings in different locations. The depth of the readings reflect the extent of inflammation or disease present (as a patient, if you hear your dental professional calling out three millimeters or less, you’re in good periodontal health). Aside from periodontal probing, radiographs (x-rays) are essential in diagnosing the bone level and extent of any bone loss that may be present. Unfortunately, as with hypertension, periodontal disease is often painless until its later and more morbid stages.

The patient shown here may not have been aware of any symptoms aside from some increase spacing, slight bleeding upon brushing, and increased tooth size (due to recession of the gingiva). Upon returning to the dentist after several years absence, the hygienist found pockets or increased spaces of 6-7mm between the gingival and teeth and advanced bone loss on the radiographs.

The above radiograph (x-ray) illustrates a dramatic level of bone loss (#B) with a widened periodontal ligament space. This example illustrates advanced periodontal disease due to pathogenic influence as the disease process extends beyond this premolar to the premolar adjacent to it. In normal periodontal health, the bone height ought to be level with the tooth-root margin or Cemento-enamel junction (#A).

Let’s now look at the periodontium and its associated conditions from an Oriental medical perspective.

Chinese Differentiations of Periodontal Disease

In Relation to the Four Heat Levels

In conclusion, patients are incredibly fortunate to be able to turn to us, as acupuncturists and herbalists, to quell their periodontal pain, bleeding, and other symptoms. Our ability to address the causation factors, such as Kidney/Spleen/Yin/Yang/Heat imbalances, immune suppression, hormonal imbalances, grinding/clenching and smoking (to name a few) could tremendously benefit the prevention, severity and prevalence of periodontal diseases. Also, as holistic practitioners, aside from our treatments, we need to advise our patients to visit their dentist for regular check-ups, periodontal evaluations, and thorough dental prophylaxis! Our patients need to partake in their oral health with good hygiene practices, healthy dietary habits, and no smoking.

Any questions, please write Dr. Marcy B. Newman, DOM, MPH, RDH – drmarcy@dentalacupuncture.net.

Integrator Blog News & Reports

Integration, by nature, asks us to open our peripheral visions. We are served to look at the whole of the field. We need to develop new fascia, new connectivity. Opportunities crop up in new places. The Integrator Blog News and Reports is meant to provide you with information, insights and tools to enhance integrated care in the environment you serve.

- John Weeks, publisher-editor

Next Generation Integrative MD Leader David Rakel, MD on ABIHM, CAHCIM and Family Medicine

Integrative medicine is producing its second wave of leaders. Among these is David Rakel, MD. Rakel is a board member of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, an executive committee member of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine and editor of the 1300 page tome Integrative Medicine. The Integrator spoke with Rakel recently about the movement, and his day job, at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, where his focus is on a new model of family medicine. More ...
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Columnist Michael Levin: Deloitte Survey of Health Consumers Offers Insights for Integrative Medicine

Integrator columnist Michael Levin shares intriguing outcomes of a healthcare survey from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. The authors examine opinions and practices of over 3000 consumers, identifying use of alternative healthcare services as a key identifier of behavior across a series of consumer types. The six types range from "content and compliant" to "out and about" (the most significant alt-med users) to "shop and save." Current complementary medicine use represents a fraction of the openness expressed by these consumers. Paul Keckley, PhD, co-author and director of the Center was formerly the head of integrative medicine planning for Vanderbilt University. Levin is correct: there is much here to ponder about integrative care and the changing nature of the healthcare consumer. More ...
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Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Multi-Disciplinary Team Plots Course Out of Paranoia

Dialogue over the integration of herbs and nutrients into clinical practice has focused on potentially negative impacts on the value of prescribed pharmaceuticals. Missing has been a view which respects these concerns, but which puts the patient, rather than the pharmaceutical regime, in the center of clinical concern. The recently published 930 page Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies (Stargrove, McKee, Treasure) offers a measured walk for clinicians which Tieraona Lowdog, MD, chair of the US Pharmacopoeia Dietary Supplements Information Committee calls, in a forward, "appropriate balance between recommendation and risk based on the overall strength of the scientific evidence and their own clinical experience." More ...
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Notes on Integrative Care and Health & Productivity Management from the Employer-Focused IHPM Conference

From March 31-April 2, 2008, an unusual cross-disciplinary group of complementary, alternative and integrative medicine (CAIM) practitioners and researchers gathered with a much larger group of employer organizations at the Institute for Health and Productivity Management's Fourth Annual Health Management Conference. The conference was entitled The Employer-Sponsored Value-Based Health System: New Key to Global Competitiveness. The questions on the table were whether and how CAIM practices might be useful to an employer’s cost-conscious health and productivity agenda, and, if so, were the two parties ready to take advantage of the opportunity presented. This reports some of that meeting. Next conference: Oct. 15-17, Scottsdale. More ...
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Content from May issue…

Bravo! Canadian-British Team Brings Research Home with Launch of the IN-CAM Outcomes Database

Bravo to Marja Verhoef, PhD and her team with the Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research (IN-CAM)! On March 31, 2008, IN-CAM unveiled the IN-CAM Outcomes Database. The project, funded through the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation, brings together a huge set of instruments with which practitioners and researchers can explore their outcomes. While one might quibble with the non-inclusion of presenteeism and economic indicators, this database should become the center of the universe for the most productive research in complementary and integrative medicine. Ever wonder why it is leaders from Canada and not the United States who have taken the lead in this work? More ...
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Academic Advances: AMSA & NMSA, SPARC, UCLA, Harvard, NUHS, NIH-Yoga, Yale, NYCC, New Consortium Members, plus

Breakthrough: American Medical Student Association formally recognizes the Naturopathic Medical Student Association as an affiliate ... Fønnebø to propose "peace treaty" in "research battleground" at May 18 SPARC meeting ... Harvard integrative clinic featured ... UCLA program offers seven approaches to back pain in consumer-focused event ... Formerly chiropractic-only schools gain recognition for AOM and ND programs ... Yale's kick-off event draws overflow crowd ... NIH to have May Yoga week ... U Mass natural products Master's degree now largely internet-based ... BU and Northwestern Feinberg bring to 41 the members of the Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine ... Master's in Integrative Health in development for 2008 at National University, San Diego. More ...
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Columnist Michael Levin: Opportunities for Integrative Medicine in a Recent AARP Report on Drug Price Escalation

Integrator columnist Michael Levin, founder of Health Business Strategies, is a long-time promoter of integrative medicine strategies that challenge the often costly, unsafe and quality of life damaging interventions promoted by Big Pharma. So when Levin, who has been an executive with both Pharma and dietary supplement firms, saw the new AARP report on drug price trends pre and post the implementation of the Medicare Drug Benefit, he analyzed it both for what Pharma had already extracted, and for what integrative medicine might. Here is Levin's brief report and view of opportunities. More ...
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After Obama's Talk on Race - Reflections on Parallels in Healthcare Integration

[From my Integrative Practitioner Online column] "I have always viewed work in healthcare “integration” as deeply akin to the effort to racially integrate the culture we inhabit. So I was riveted when Barack Obama addressed the nation with a speech which was, as the Daily Show’s Jon Stewart put it, the first time “a prominent politician spoke to Americans about race, as though they were adults.” I listened as a child of parents who took me on Open Housing marches in Seattle 45 years ago. I also listened from within my 25 years of involvement with thousands of you in the plodding advancement of the “integration” of health care disciplines and practices. The parallels are profound. Between the dominant school of medicine and any healing-oriented, whole person approach, there exists a huge cultural and economic chasm." More ...
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Chiropractors in the Nation's Largest Health System: Anthony Lisi, DC on Integration into Veterans Health Facilities

When Yale University School of Medicine recently chose to bring a chiropractor into their first Integrative Medicine Symposium, Anthony Lisi, DC was the chosen presenter. As director of the Veterans Health Administration's Chiropractic Service, Lisi sits in the hot-seat for the most significant complementary and alternative healthcare integration effort nationwide. To Lisi's account, practitioner-to-practitioner relationships and patient reports are overcoming the deep reluctance with which most of the VA's medical directors greeted this Congressionally-mandated program. The Integrator caught up with Lisi to learn more about this pioneering initiative. More ...
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Resources

Integrator Archive by Subject for January-June 2007
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Integrator Archive by Subject for 2006: All Hot-linked
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Practice Management

Hanging the Acupuncture Shingle in a Small Mountain Town

by Tracy Rudnicki, LAc

If you are on of those people who likes to get outside and see the stars, trees and mountains, setting up an acupuncture practice outside of the city might be appealing to you. It may be a bit difficult if you plan to set up shop in a town where you have not previously lived. First of all, after you take the board exam, you have to wait to see if you passed it before you can put your listing in the phone book. Most phone books only come out once a year, so you may have to wait quite a while before you are listed in print. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get your name out there on the internet.

Another challenge is getting to know the people in the town. Most of my patients come mainly from word of mouth and referrals. This means that once you are established, you will have a nice patient load, but starting out takes a while. In the mean time, it is crucial to join business organizations, like the Chamber of Congress or Rotary Club. The Chamber of Commerce will help with advertising, for example, and will often write articles about new businesses. I have been to many "mixers" to get my name out there. People in small towns do a lot of community service, and I try to be very involved in these events. For example, I volunteer with Disabled Sports USA Far West and teach skiing to people with various disabilities. I donate acupuncture treatments for their fundraisers as well as other groups, such as Tahoe Women's Services and the Humane Society.

I have written several articles about acupuncture and TCM for local newspapers and have done lectures at various schools. It is a good idea to hold seminars for people in the community on various various issues you see that are prevalent in the area. In Tahoe I see mainly younger patients with sports injuries and women with infertility issues, but I don't limit the types of patients that I treat. I see people with sleep issues, stress, digestive problems, cancer and many others.

I do take insurance so that patients who may not normally be able to afford acupuncture on a regular basis have the opportunity for treatment. I do not necessarily recommend accepting insurance because it is a lot of extra work, but it does help to promote you when you are first starting your practice. If you do, I highly recommend taking an insurance billing seminar to learn proper billing procedures and you will want to purchase software to complete the forms.

Where I live, I rarely see tourists as patients. Some tourists will call me if they want to stay on their treatment plan and are going to be in town for a while or if they get injured while they are here. Many of my patients have second homes in Lake Tahoe and will come during the months they are in town. This takes a bit of getting used to because you may not hear from patients until the following year, even though--more often than not--they will come back to you. The other strange thing about living in a town with a heavy tourist population is that locals tend to go on vacation during the "low season," resulting in fairly drastic lulls in my practice during spring and fall. This is when you should go on vacation or go to one of the AAAOM conferences to take advantage of your free time. Speaking of free time, in Tahoe, Mother Nature will provide this as well. I will often get a lot of cancellations on snow days due to the road conditions. If all of my appointments cancel for the day, then I get to go skiing. You'd be amazed at how many patients who felt reluctant to drive to your office will make it to the ski resort that day!

When you are looking into setting up a practice, it is important to check the size of the population and see how many acupuncturists already practice in the area. Obviously, the more practitioners, the more competition--but it is also a good way for you to get treatments for yourself.

It is also a good idea to see if there is a local hospital and make contact with the doctors there. This is an excellent way to get referrals as well as finding who to refer your patients to as well.

Tracy Rudnicki Biography
Ten days after completing my Master of Arts in Recreation Administration, I found myself on a plane heading to Osaka, Japan to teach English. At that point, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do with my career. I knew from previous experiences overseas that living in Japan would be a great opportunity to live in another culture, study another language, meet a lot of new friends, and travel.

I had no idea how much my experiences there would influence the direction of my life’s path. Several of my students had careers in medicine, although, the most intriguing of them all was Shintaro, a fifth generation acupuncturist. We talked extensively about Oriental medicine and how the people in his family had been treating patients with acupuncture for well over 150 years. All the different types of conditions that could be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine amazed me. At one point, I asked Shintaro if he thought he could help me treat a neck injury that I had for six years. He felt my neck and told me that it was “very bad, but he would try“. Six acupuncture treatments later, my pain had vanished. The idea of putting a few needles in my body to alleviate chronic neck pain fascinated me. It seemed to be a miracle and very unlike anything I had experienced with western medicine.

After much deliberation and meditation, I decided I wanted a career that would help people. I thought about becoming a western medical doctor but found that I was drawn more toward Oriental medicine due to my recent experiences with it. I felt compelled to share these experiences with others. I applied to Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in Berkeley, CA, which is the sister school to the one my acupuncturist went to in Kyoto, Japan. (Meiji has since changed its name to Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College of Berkeley.)

While attending school full time, I also worked two to three days a week in a Chinese herb shop and volunteered in my professor’s acupuncture clinics to gain as much knowledge as possible. When I was in school, I also joined and participated in three professional Chinese Medical Associations organizations to learn about the political side of my profession as well as keep up to date with the latest research and publications. I am still very active in these organizations.

I graduated with an MS in Oriental Medicine from Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College of Berkeley. I have been working as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist in Tahoe, California for five years now.

Three years ago, I went back to Japan for a month with Rotary International on the Group Study Exchange program, which gave me the opportunity to visit various acupuncture clinics and hospitals and meet many different health care professionals. I was also asked to lecture at universities and acupuncture schools during my time there. I feel fortunate to have had such an extremely valuable learning experience.

I enjoy many outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, SCUBA diving, swimming, and hiking.

Tips for a Secure Retirement

by Bill Reddy, BS, MS, LAc

Time seems to be accelerating, don’t you think? Twenty-five years old seems to be yesterday. For those of you who are consistently contributing to your 401K or individual retirement account (IRA), I commend you, but still recommend you discuss your retirement goals with a financial advisor. For those of you who are NOT contributing to an IRA, I strongly suggest you waste no time in getting it started immediately.

My sister has a spotty employment history. She’s 44 years old and has roughly $40K in her retirement account and is considerably behind the power curve. A lot of people would agree that $250,000 is a significant sum of money set aside for retirement, but before we pop the champagne corks let’s do the math. This amount will provide an income of $50,000 per year for five years. Uh-Oh. You plan on living longer than 5 years after retirement?

You’re not alone. The average American today lives to the ripe old age of 78, (source: www.cdc.gov) and you’re a healthcare professional, which puts you in the upper reaches of that statistic. Your choices are to hold off retirement until your mid-to-late 70s…or start saving early. If your previous occupation was in corporate America, you’ve been getting funds matched by your employer (free money!)

Now you’re probably on your own and must consider your financial future now rather than later. The beauty of talking with a financial advisor is that they will get an idea of what your retirement desires are in today’s dollars (such as $50K per year income), the age you’d like to retire, and how long you think you’ll live. Based on that information, they’ll “guesstimate” the annual inflation rates and average return on investment to project a $50K income and work backward to identify a monthly contribution required for you.

There are a myriad of savings options from traditional IRAs to SEP and ROTH IRAs and simple IRAs to 401Ks and 403Bs. Your financial advisor will walk you through your options describing the tax benefits and investment strategies with regard to where you are in life and the level of risk you’re willing to take. Words to live by are “Save early and often.” Set up an automatic withdrawal from your bank account with the largest sum you can live without at this time. Too many people put off thinking about retirement planning until its too late. Don’t delay. IRAhelp.com is a great website to help you navigate your way through this. Investment options and websites such as www.mint.com and www.wesabe.com can assist you in budgeting and they’re free. And remember, the foundation for any financial plan is a budget.


AAAOM Activities

AAAOM Storefront Goes Live – Expo 2008 Registration Opens!

As our “thank you” to YOU - a 5% Introductory Discount Applies!

The AAAOM Storefront has officially opened its doors featuring Expo 2008 Registration.

Let’s go to Chicago!

Expo 2008 registration has fully transitioned to the AAAOM Storefront, so choosing the terms of your expo attendance has never been easier. We think you’ll find registering to be a straightforward, hassle-free experience; one that also saves you money. Why not plan ahead and take advantage of the 5% discount?

Look a little closer at what the store can do for you.

First, all of your member needs may be served in one central location. Your shopping cart leads to central check-out. Worried about entering your credit card information online? The AAAOM store features advanced encryption technology providing stress-free, secure transactions. Find your way easily to the store from the AAAOM homepage, or get there directly: www.aaaomonline.com.

Once you try it, you won’t want to go back to the old ways... In fact, we think you’ll enjoy it so much you’ll want to use it again and again.

Check back to keep tabs on our periodic and recurring discounts and fringe benefits. For instance, this summer we will post "check-out" discount coupons from AAAOM business members and service providers – reaching out to members and non-members alike. The benefit of membership will translate into cost reductions/savings made directly available to you! This way you can also extend your support for the AOM profession to those who support the AAAOM. Doesn’t that make sense?

You may be wondering... "Can I save money right now?" Yes, there’s no time like the present. Take advantage of our Introductory Special! Through June 30, we’re offering a 5% discount on everything purchased in your AAAOM Storefront shopping cart. This offer applies to new and renewing memberships, to an “early” early bird discount for Expo, and to lower prices on "About Acupuncture" Brochures!

Shopping Questions? If you have them, we’re here to help. Just email Brian Smither, our IT manager, at info@aaaomonline.org or call 866-455-7999.

Yours in Health,


Rebekah Christensen
AAAOM Executive Director

AAAOM Website Reaches Unprecedented Benchmark: 12,000 Individual Host Visits

by Douglas Newton

All signs point to a growing interest in AOM in the U.S. Recently, AAAOM statistics have verified one specific indication of this growth—increased traffic to the AAAOM web site. Last month the AAAOM site www.aaaomonline.org received just fewer than 12,000 individual host visits. According to Brian Smither, AAAOM IT manager, this means that 12,000 individual users have visited the AAAOM website. This statistic does not account for hits (many of which could belong to just one user) on the AAAOM site—a number far higher (212,000) than the individual host visit figure. Host visits indicate bona fide, individual visitors.

What accounts for this increase in traffic to our site? Perhaps more and more people recognize the prominence of the AAAOM as the national authority on acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession. People visit this site to read articles, seek research data, or keep apprized on the many issues the AAAOM addresses on behalf of its membership and the profession at large. Perhaps the quality of The American Acupuncturist has directed more people to the AAAOM site. Or could the trend be partially due to the often-praised, high caliber of articles appearing in the Qi-Unity Report?

AAAOM recently opened its new online store that allows visitors to register online for the Chicago Expo 2008 classes to be held in October. This is definitely a draw. Perhaps the general public and the media is recognizing more and more the essential place of AOM. They are learning to seek out and use the voluminous resources available at www.aaaomonline.org. Well, we can’t say for sure, since there are so many good reasons to visit. But whatever the rationale, AAAOM continues to explore ways to enhance the online resources for the good of our membership, the AOM profession, and the public we serve.

Links

March Links

Here you may find links to articles of AOM interest on the internet:

Is it “consumer protection” or an attempt to regulate herbal medicines and remove natural health therapeutic products from store shelves? Bill C-51 regulating herbal medicines is currently pending before the Canadian Parliament.
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Prehistoric acupuncture...
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Two Boston-area clinics, in Arlington and Boston, MA, provide free community-style acupuncture treatments for veterans and their families and caregivers. Similar clinics are beginning in locations across the country as part of the AcupuncturistsWithout Borders program.
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Hillary Clinton says acupuncture coverage should figure into universal health plan.
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Acupuncture found effective against Xerostomia in RCT.
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New data from a randomized, controlled trial found that acupuncture provided significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and dry mouth in head and neck cancer patients after neck dissection.
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A summary of Five Element Acupuncture: The Underlying Principles.
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Common Causes of Back Pain Treated with Acupuncture
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Concise summary of why alternative medicine is good for you. Chinese medicine and acupuncture head the list.
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Tai Sophia Institute’s Robert Duggan, president of the graduate school of healing arts and sciences, is awarded the Richard G. McCauley Leadership Award from the Horizon Foundation, a decade-old health and wellness philanthropy based in Columbia, MD.
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A practicing acupuncturist discusses acupuncture and a natural way to get a face lift.
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Brief explanation of how acupuncture along with arthritis medication treatment can work together.
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After witnessing two operations and speaking to the president of the Shanghai Medical University, who himself had undergone two thyroid operations with acupuncture, Dr. Sherwin B. Nuland, clinical professor of surgery at Yale and prolific writer, comes away a believer — even though the procedure “has still not been explained in terms acceptable to most orthodox Western scientists using orthodox Western investigative methods.”
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How does an acupuncturist reply when asked, “Can acupuncture treat backache, asthma, assist weight loss, depression? Can acupuncture help me with my memory, my lack of energy, my annoying boyfriend? Will acupuncture cure my urinary infection, reduce my appetite, erase my wrinkles, or take 20 years off my knees?”
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Continuing Education and Events

American College Voted "Best of the Bay" by San Francisco Weekly Newspaper

May 28, 2008 (San Francisco) - Local college, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM), was recently named a winner by the San Francisco Weekly newspaper in its annual "Best of the Bay" readers poll.

Each year, the Weekly asks its some 700,000 readers to participate by voting for their favorite local businesses and attractions. Categories of the poll covered People & Places, Shopping & Services, Food & Drink, and Arts & Entertainment. ACTCM won the playful title, "Best Place to Get Pins Stuck in You", under the Shopping and Services category.

This is not the first time the American College has won this recognition. It received the honor of “Best Affordable Acupuncture” in 2005 and “Best Free Acupuncture” in 2000. The college has also received similar "Best of" honors from San Francisco's other major weekly newspaper, the San Francisco Bay Guardian. This paper named ACTCM the "Best Free Help for Kicking a Bad Habit" in 2005.

An excerpt from the Weekly notes: "For certain ailments, it's best to hit up Western doctors and get their prescriptions for chalky pills. Other times, only a more holistic cure can help with what ails you. From depression to join pain to the common cold, the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers remedies combining acupuncture and herbs....You can get treated by interns for a sliding-scale cost at the Connecticut Street clinic, or visit the twice-weekly drop-in ear ("Auricular") clinic down the street at 555 De Haro, where the price is free (but you'll be asked for a donation)."

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. The ACTCM clinic features its own full-service herbal dispensary that carries an extensive selection of high quality raw herbs, powdered herbs and herbal pills. On average, over 135 students treat more than 350 patients in the clinic each week, resulting in more than 17,000 patient treatments yearly. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

For more information on ACTCM's Community Clinic, academic programs, or classes for the public, please call (415) 282-7600 or visit www.actcm.edu.

Join the Faculty of ASAOM

ASAOM is growing, and we are actively seeking qualified part-time Faculty and Clinic Supervisors. We are located in sunny Tucson, Arizona within view of the beautiful Catalina Mountains. We have been around for 12 years, and we’re the oldest school of Acupuncture in Arizona. We have been accredited since 2003.

Faculty positions involve classroom instruction of acupuncture, Oriental medicine, and related studies. Requirements include:

Clinic Supervisor positions involve supervision of 4-5 student interns during a 4-hour shift at the ASAOM community clinic. Requirements include:

If you would like to talk to us about joining our ASAOM team, please mail, e-mail or fax your resume to:

Dee Sohler, Education Director
Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
4646 E. Fort Lowell Rd, Suite 103
Tucson, AZ 85712
dee@asaom.edu
(520) 795-0787
Fax: (520) 795-1481

Complementary and Integrative Medicine

May 12-15, 2009 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Hilton Minneapolis, 1001 Marquette Ave, Minneapolis

Peer-reviewed scientific meeting to include five keynote addresses, concurrent plenary sessions, workshops, symposia, and poster presentations.

For information, call 612-767-7984 or, visit: www.imconsortium-conference.org

Dayan Qigong at ACTCM

Beginning this summer, ACTCM will offer an 18-week Dayan Qigong program. This program is available to current students as well as the public.

Dayan Qigong ("wild goose qigong") is an ancient Chinese martial art for health and longevity. It consists of a complete set of exercises including warm up exercises, meditation, self massage and the first 64 movements. Dayan Qigong promotes health and immune function, increases energy, flexibility and balance, and reduces stress. It is part of traditional healing in that it balances the yin and yang in our bodies, regulates the functions of all of our organs, and helps the meridians, blood vessels and other fluids to flow freely. The form was originated 1,700 years ago. It has been proven safe and effective through generations and tens of thousands of people practicing in China and all over the world. This course has been taught at Wen Wu School of Martial Arts for 25 years and is coming to ACTCM for the first time.

Level One (first 9 weeks):
Includes warm-up and stretching exercises, self-massage Part 1 (body & face) and movements 1 through 32.
Dates: June 30th - August 25th
Day: Mondays
Time: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Classroom F (Pioneer Square)

Level Two (second 9 weeks)
Includes self-massage Part 2 (legs & arms), meditation, and movements 33 through 64.
Dates: Winter 2008/2009
Day, Time & Location: TBD

About the Instructor:
Robert Rosenbaum, PhD is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area, a senior teacher of Dayan (“Wild Goose”) Qigong assisting Master Hui Liu, and a senior student of Sojun Mel Weitsman at the Berkeley Zen Center where he has also been Shuso (head student), Director of Meditation Retreats and Chair of the Ethics Committee.

In addition to his expertise in Single Session and Brief Psychotherapy, he is the Head of Assessment Services at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Behavioral Medicine (Oakland) and has developed the psychological portion of its chronic pain management program. The author of numerous articles and the book Zen and the Heart of Psychotherapy, Mr. Rosenbaum has given presentations and workshops throughout the United States, Nepal, India, Australia, Japan, Europe and South America.

American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a non-profit institution, has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture and Chinese medicine since 1980. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted "Best of the Bay" by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

For more information on ACTCM or its classes for the public, please call (415) 355-1601 x14.

Sand To Sky

Conversations with Teachers of Asian Medicine
by Pamela Ellen Ferguson and Debra Duncan Persinger, PhD © 2008
Published in hardback, paperback, and e-version, by www.iUniverse.com

Austin Texas - Friday June 13 from 6-9pm at the Academy of Oriental Medicine (2700 West Anderson Lane, Austin TX 78757) together with an open-house East West panel discussion on the topic EXPLORING PAIN - Medication or Meditation ? and including contributors Lorena Monda and Yuxia Qiu. (see the listing under informal classes on www.AOMA.edu)

Sand To Sky is the first ever anthology to document the innovative methods and experiences of a broad range of teachers of Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Chinese Herbs, Biomedicine, Therapist-Patient Interactive Skills, Ethics, Psychosocial Aspects of Clinical Training, and Exam Development skills.

Sand To Sky uses a lively, readable, Q&A style to enhance the personalities and insights of 26 teachers from across the USA, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, China and Japan, who have adapted Asian Medicine, new schools, programs and vocabularies for diverse 21st century western students, patients, and clinical practice.

Sand To Sky is by teachers for teachers, practitioners and patients, who relish sharing stories and anecdotes about their classroom and clinical experiences, and their assorted practical thoughts on topics like "What Makes a Good Diagnostician?" and "How to avoid Burnout".

Sand To Sky contains a chapter on pulse diagnosis by Will Morris, world renowned expert on pulse diagnosis.

Sand To Sky will be useful for teacher training in theoretical, practical and clinical aspects of Complementary Medicine, and will also be a unique reference for anyone contemplating a career in any branch of the Health Profession.

Sand To Sky showcases teachers who use theatrical props like masks and wigs, lyrics, and tongue dyes to teach the Theory of Chinese Medicine, and use art to teach classes for Trauma, and who take students on vigorous Five Element courses through the Alaskan wilderness, or who teach Pulse diagnosis using drums and the flow of water in pipes.

Sand To Sky documents the work of those who honor the medical discoveries of Chinese Physicians from 5000 BC to 1911 AD, and those Acupuncturists who created 24/7 therapy centers for New York’s post 9/11 police, fire and rescue workers.

Sand To Sky‘s co-writers/co-editors Pamela Ellen Ferguson Dipl ABT, AOBTA®-CI, LMT (TX) and Debra Duncan Persinger PhD, DipTchg bring totally different teaching skills to the anthology. Dr Persinger is Executive Director of the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and best known in Asian medicine for her development of six national exams in three languages for four different professional board certifications, as former interim CEO and Executive Director of Testing and Certification Services, of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Pam Ferguson teaches advanced shiatsu in Germany, Holland, Austria and Switzerland, is former Dean of Asian Bodywork of the Academy of Oriental Medicine, Austin Texas, and former Board Member/ Director of Council of Schools and Programs of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA ®). Her several books include - The Self Shiatsu Handbook (1998) and Take Five – the five elements guide to health and harmony (2000).

For further information contact: Debra Duncan Persinger PhD at 913-626-2726 or Pam Ferguson 512-467-1859 or Email sand2sky@gmail.com

Amherst College And Shang Shung Institute Host Historic U.S. Tibetan Medicine Symposium June 14-15

Speakers include members of the America Tibetan Medical Association and visiting Tibetan physicians.

Amherst, MA - This June, the Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations at Amherst College and Shang Shung Institute are honored to sponsor Tibetan Medicine in America www.shangshung.org/specialevents/symposium/symposium.php, a historic symposium featuring speakers from the American Tibetan Medical Association (ATMA) and Tibetan doctors from around the world.

"It is important for the study and practice of Tibetan Medicine to have a stable foundation in American society. For that reason Shang Shung Institute’s school and ATMA were formed. SSI's role is to keep the lineage of the medicine alive, spread the knowledge and benefit people with it. In order for that to function, ATMA's role is to help establish regulations for new doctors and standards of education in the field so that it can be a protected practice in America. This symposium is a milestone for these aims in presenting this knowledge openly to the public and bringing Tibetan doctors who live in America together to discuss the future of its practice in this society. We are grateful that the Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations at Amherst College is generously supporting these important aims to preserve Tibetan culture for future generations." - Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo, president of the American Tibetan Medical Association and director of the Shang Shung Institute’s School of Tibetan Medicine.

All symposium sessions are free and open to the public, and will be held at Amherst College, in Pruyne Hall, Fayerweather. Sponsors include the American Tibetan Medical Association; the Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, the Dean’s Office, the Hamilton Fund, the President’s Office, and the Tagliabue Fund, Amherst College; and by the International Shang Shung Institute.

Chinese Herb Certification Program

Tai Sophia Institute

Expand your knowledge. Expand your healing.

Tai Sophia is pleased to announce the next offering of our Chinese Herb Certificate Program. This program is designed for those who are new to Chinese herbs, as well as current practitioners who wish to broaden their knowledge and deepen their diagnostic skills.

The 30-month course provides you with a solid grounding in TCM theory as it relates to herbal formulas and treatment strategies and includes over 200 hours of clinical training with experienced practitioners. Completing the 660-hour ACAOM accredited program grants you eligibility to sit for the NCCAOM herbal examination.

Classes begin in September 2008 and are offered in an executive weekend format.

We invite you to learn more by calling 800-735-2968 ext. 6647, emailing admissions@tai.edu, or downloading a brochure on our website at www.tai.edu.

Join our community and learn more about additional learning opportunities.

7750 Montpelier Road, Laurel, MD 20723 • 1-800-735-2968 ext. 6647 • © 2008 Tai Sophia Institute

Eleventh World Congress on Qigong/TCM

September 19-23, 2008 in San Francisco at the Golden Gateway Holiday Inn Hotel

Eleventh World Congress on Qigong/TCM and the 11th American Qigong Association Conference sponsored by the East West Academy of Healing Arts and the American Qigong Association.

The Congress will Benefit Sichuan, China Earthquake Relief Efforts

Congress and Exhibit Hall 9/19 evening-9/21 at 5pm with additional Pre & Post Conference events, Master Workshops Consultations and Special Sessions 9/19, 9/22, 9/23

"Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Individual and Planetary Health II: An Essential Balance"

The Congress highlights a body, mind and spirit cultural education for the professional and the community. Our theme addresses the planetary plight of environmental degradation and global warming. In Qigong, TCM and basic Taoist theory, the actions of human beings integrally affect the planet and vice versa. This fusion of science and traditional healing arts is one of our primary objectives for the Congress and we promise 2008 will be the best Congress yet!Showcasing over 65 presenters including world renowned Qigong Masters, prestigious scientists and physicians from all around the globe to share their findings and expertise. This fusion of science and traditional healing arts is one of our primary objectives for the best Congress yet.

Experience remarkable Qigong/TCM spontaneous healing, and health-promoting martial arts featuring an entire Chinese cultural system's concepts of whole person healing; including theory, science, experiential sessions with instrumental measuring of the Qi and instant healing demonstrations. You will take home a multitude of self-healing skills to use for yourself, family, or patients.

East West Academy of Healing Arts
www.eastwestqi.com

CEU's from Mayway

The Best of Master Tung's Magic Points
with Susan Johnson, L.Ac. July 19-20, 2008, 10am - 5:30pm

Susan has used Dr. Tung's points in her practice exclusively for the past 24 years and has specially selected the points and point patterns discussed in this course for their clinical usefulness. Although there are many extraordinary points from Master Tung's work, which can yield immediate and lasting results, this class will cover the "heavy hitter" points Susan finds herself using all day, every day. Approved for 12 California CEUs & NCCAOM PDAs.

Herbal Formulas to Treat Painful Conditions
with Laura Stropes, L.Ac. & Alisa Wrinkle, L.Ac.

Come for breakfast and get a free CEU!
Sunday July 20, 2008, 8:45am - 9:45am

Join the Mayway Herbal Consultants for breakfast before the lecture and a presentation on Chinese herbal products associated with common painful conditions. Topics will include TCM pattern differentiation, classical functions and indications of formulas, and the application of traditional Chinese herbs for biomedically defined complaints. Relevant clinical information on dosing, administration, and combining herbal therapies will be offered. Approved for 1 California CEU and 1 NCCAOM PDA.

Provider: Mayway Corporation
Location: 1338 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607

www.mayway.com
Tel: 510 208 3113 x 8137
Fax: 510 208 3070
Contact: Rachel Jensen

AAAOM Student Organization

Dear AOM Student,

On behalf of the AAAOM and your national student organization, the AAAOM-SO, we’d like to invite you to join us at the AAAOM ’08 Chicago Conference & Expo. Stamp your “passport to better health” at the AAAOM Expo 2008, October 16-19, 2008. Gather with us once again to survey the landscape of the profession, to deepen our knowledge, and to contemplate our collective future as we celebrate the present.

We’re encouraging all students across the country to “help choose the direction of your future” by personally attending this outstanding event.

The AAAOM is offering a very generous student conference fee of only $75.00 for all AAAOM-SO student members who attend the AAAOM-SO Student Caucus Saturday from 10am to 2pm. This low fee includes the entire conference, Thursday through Sunday, as well as the Thursday pre-conference address on 5-Element Acupuncture with Judy Worsley!

Also available is a Work-Study Scholarship Program that lets students volunteer to help out at the Expo and attend an equal amount of conference time for free! Additional volunteers are still needed. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Maureen Woyci, at mwoyci@yahoo.com. For more information, a conference brochure, and registration instructions, visit www.aaaomonline.org. The AAAOM Chicago Conference & Expo promises to be an exceptional event – you’ll want to be there!

Students from across the nation are invited to attend the Expo ’08 Student Caucus meeting and celebration. This is an amazing opportunity to “help choose the direction of your future” in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The AAAOM-SO leadership is interested in your ideas, passion, and support. It provides a fantastic opportunity to bring your local concerns to national attention, as well as to expand your perspective on national issues. Topics for the Student Caucus include reports by the AAAOM / AAAOM-SO Joint Committee Representatives will provide updates on AAAOM action items, practice management discussion and tips, step-by-step information on how to establish AAAOM-SO local chapters at your home college, AAAOM-SO officer elections, and plenty of discussion time to hear each student’s point-of-view. The AAAOM-SO exists for and because of us—students of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. We look forward to meeting you there!

The AAAOM will host a silent auction at the Chicago Expo. This is a sale in which items are displayed along with their bid sheets. Rather than using an auctioneer, people will "silently" place their bids on the bid sheets for everyone to see. Hopefully this will engender some spirited competition! We’d like to invite all our Chicago students to join us as we hunt for special contributions for the silent auction.

AAAOM-SO student efforts for the silent auction will continue the tradition of jointly working with the AAAOM to further the interests of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. For students this is an excellent opportunity to get involved, network, and contribute in a very meaningful way to our annual AAAOM Conference and Expo. For AAAOM professionals it is a chance to work with students in a mentoring and leadership capacity, to help individuals reach their goals and potential. We’ve attached a list of auction items we’re working to provide. Additional items are very welcome as well, such as unique jewelry, gift certificates for national department stores or boutiques, and such. For questions about participating in the Silent Auction, please contact Patty Fullin by e-mail at pfullin@aol.com

Your attendance at the AAAOM Chicago Conference & Expo brings the gift of your unique thoughts, ideas, insights, and inspiration to everyone. Remember, “We’re all angels with just one wing, and it’s only when we embrace that we can fly.” Come soar with us and other AAAOM-SO students members nationwide at the AAAOM Chicago Conference & Expo!

We appreciate your efforts in helping to create a superb national student organization, one that will represent the interests of all students nationwide and serve as a successful and effective vehicle to achieve common goals--for us as well as all future students of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to help create your future and the future of your profession. We look forward to sharing this great event with you in Chicago!

Warm regards,

Amanda Troelsen and Patty Fullin
AAAOM-SO Co-Presidents

AAAOM-SO Welcomes Contributions

by Melissa Monroe, LAc
AAAOM-SOC SW Pacific Regional Director
AAAOM-SOC Media and Publications Co-Chair

Attention fellow AAAOM-SO student members! We have the unique opportunity to provide content for the AAAOM's monthly on-line newsletter, The Qi Unity Report. This is a great vehicle for our student organization to become more involved and visible on a national level, so hone your writing skills and let us know what you have to say.

The SOC Media Committee which is responsible for creating and finding submissions is in its infancy. We need your help to increase our visibility! We have been invited to contribute several submissions every month, all due on the 11th of each month. What we really need are writers who deliver! Is that you?

We are eager to hear from any of the AAAOM-SOC local chapters: what they are doing, fundraisers have held or have planned, guest speakers they are hosting, etc. Submissions may be presented in a "news item" format rather than as a standard article form if that is preferable.

Send your articles (or even an idea about an article you would like to write) or news items to Jolene Habeck jhabeck@nwhealth.edu or Melissa Monroe mmmonroe2000@yahoo.com.

Here are some ideas for short articles and of course feel free to go with your own.

  1. What are the challenges facing a student who is shifting careers. Many AOM students are second-career people. Why do people choose to go into AOM? There are stories and testimonials that would be inspirational and interesting for current students (and our membership beyond students) to read. These can be done in an interview format where you email the interviewee a list of questions that they would respond to either verbally as you go through the questions with them in person or on the phone, or by their emailing their replies back to you.
  2. What challenges face a student approaching graduation? This article could be a fairly academic analysis of the AOM job market, together with a chance to explore the various models of employment for up-and-coming practitioners.
  3. Where is the AOM field headed? What changes can practitioners expect to see, based on current trends? What are the best ways to prepare oneself as a student to address these prospects?
  4. Continuing Education: The challenge of getting the classes you want in your region. Many people feel that the pursuit of CEUs can be a challenge for various reasons. What creative means are people using to earn their CEUs?
  5. What companies offer CEUs and how best can a prospective graduate navigate this landscape?

The AAAOM has given the AAAOM-SO their own section in the Qi-Unity Report; a great opportunity to gain national exposure at the student level. We sincerely hope that you join us and take advantage of this chance to shine.

Products, Services, and Member Savings

Dear Prospective Advertiser:

Investing your advertising dollars in The American Acupuncturist and the Qi-Unity Report makes good sense for so many reasons:

Join our current advertisers to infuse growth into the field your products and services benefit. The reunified organizational force behind the AAAOM means more power toward serving the growth of alternative medicine.

With so much to gain, what better time is there to advertise in The American Acupuncturist and the Qi-Unity Report? Please contact me to learn more at (866) 455-7999.

Yours in Health,

Douglas Newton
Manager, Program Development and Business Services, AAAOM
866-455-7999
916-443-4766 (fax)
info@aaaomonline.org

ENCLS: AA/QUR Ad Card (PDF); Adv. Contract (PDF)

In closing,

As always, your feedback serves as a useful lens through which we may look at how well we are serving our members. Please take a moment to express your thoughts to us.

General Feedback

In Health,


Rebekah Christensen,
Executive Director
Douglas Newton,
Managing Editor