tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 2008-07-10T09:25:32-07:00 Maximizing productivity and office management. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32176 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

I was recently named chair of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) Membership Committee. I know why I joined the AAAOM and my state association, but I want to know why you have or have not joined yours. If you are not a member, what can we do to show that membership and participation in your national professional organization is a value and a benefit to you? Please go to www.aaaomonline.org/2010membershipsurvey to complete a short survey form.

By AAAOM Staff I was recently named chair of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM) Membership Committee. I know why I joined the AAAOM and my state association, but I want to know why you have or have not joined yours. If you are not a member, what can we do to show that membership and participation in your national professional organization is a value and a benefit to you? Please go to www.aaaomonline.org/2010membershipsurvey to complete a short survey form. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32183 2010-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Working with new and returning patients not only provides us with the opportunity to use training and diagnostic expertise, but also offers "teachable moments," during which we can be involved with health and wellness promotion and education. Treatment planning encompasses the spectrum of discussion that we initiate with patients that provides them a framework of what might be expected from treatment, as well as an estimate of the length of time required to gain clinical benefits. It is a mutual agreement between patient and provider that can set the tone for a positive and enriching healing experience.

By Kristen Porter, MAc, LAc and Beth Sommers, MPH, LAc Working with new and returning patients not only provides us with the opportunity to use training and diagnostic expertise, but also offers "teachable moments," during which we can be involved with health and wellness promotion and education. Treatment planning encompasses the spectrum of discussion that we initiate with patients that provides them a framework of what might be expected from treatment, as well as an estimate of the length of time required to gain clinical benefits. It is a mutual agreement between patient and provider that can set the tone for a positive and enriching healing experience. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32165 2010-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

The question invariably arises of why our profession needs the title of doctor. It comes down to credibility. In America, Chinese medicine is still in its infancy. Not every state even recognizes or legislates it. Of those that do, less than six give us the title of "Doctor." Even then, that designation is inconsistent, taking such forms as "Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM)," "Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD)" or "Acupuncture Physician (AP)." Remember, titles are legislated by the state, not conferred simply by degree. Regardless of the verbiage, those particular states have accepted the importance of recognizing us as the professionals that we are.

By Steven Collins, LAc The question invariably arises of why our profession needs the title of doctor. It comes down to credibility. In America, Chinese medicine is still in its infancy. Not every state even recognizes or legislates it. Of those that do, less than six give us the title of "Doctor." Even then, that designation is inconsistent, taking such forms as "Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM)," "Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD)" or "Acupuncture Physician (AP)." Remember, titles are legislated by the state, not conferred simply by degree. Regardless of the verbiage, those particular states have accepted the importance of recognizing us as the professionals that we are. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32122 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

The new year is here whether or not you are ready. Everyone is talking doom and gloom but you can be productive if you get to work right now. That is really the key phrase: "Get to work." This is not the time to sit back and feel sorry for yourself. Those who don't wallow will have a good year. Are you one of those who wants 2010 to really shine? If so, here are some ideas to make that happen.

By Stanley Greenfield, RHU The new year is here whether or not you are ready. Everyone is talking doom and gloom but you can be productive if you get to work right now. That is really the key phrase: "Get to work." This is not the time to sit back and feel sorry for yourself. Those who don't wallow will have a good year. Are you one of those who wants 2010 to really shine? If so, here are some ideas to make that happen. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32145 2010-02-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-02-01T12:00:07-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year! The year of the Tiger begins on the 14th of February. Let's consider the fearsome Tiger. Those people born under his sign are doers, movers and shakers. They manage to accomplish world-class projects. This description provides myriads of information about them and sets very high expectations for their great activities and achievements. The Tiger has many other attributes to its personality that are compatible to the time in which we are living and the current state of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the United States.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor Happy Chinese New Year! The year of the Tiger begins on the 14th of February. Let's consider the fearsome Tiger. Those people born under his sign are doers, movers and shakers. They manage to accomplish world-class projects. This description provides myriads of information about them and sets very high expectations for their great activities and achievements. The Tiger has many other attributes to its personality that are compatible to the time in which we are living and the current state of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the United States. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32126 2010-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2010-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Those of us in the United States share much with the United Kingdom. We speak the same language, despite George Bernard Shaw's famous quote to the contrary: "England and America are two countries separated by a common language." Historians have argued that the Magna Carta served as a springboard for our Declaration of Independence. Something else we have in common with our friends on "the other side of the pond" is the concept of duvet days within the workplace. A duvet day is essentially a guilt-free, pre-planned day that an employee can take off when they just feel too stressed, tired or overwhelmed to come into work.

By Marilyn Allen, Editor Those of us in the United States share much with the United Kingdom. We speak the same language, despite George Bernard Shaw's famous quote to the contrary: "England and America are two countries separated by a common language." Historians have argued that the Magna Carta served as a springboard for our Declaration of Independence. Something else we have in common with our friends on "the other side of the pond" is the concept of duvet days within the workplace. A duvet day is essentially a guilt-free, pre-planned day that an employee can take off when they just feel too stressed, tired or overwhelmed to come into work. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-32080 2009-11-01T12:00:32-07:00 2009-11-01T12:00:07-07:00

I want to share with you one of the most important lessons I learned in building my own practice over the past several years and in coaching so many acupuncturists to expand their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. What I see time and again is that acupuncturists are very passionate about the clinical end of their practice but don't have much regard for the business end of their practice. I see this as a major reason why acupuncturists so often struggle to build a thriving private practice. I have observed time and again that practitioners who commit to understanding marketing and practice management are the ones who have the most success in clinical practice.

By Kevin Doherty, LAc, MS I want to share with you one of the most important lessons I learned in building my own practice over the past several years and in coaching so many acupuncturists to expand their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. What I see time and again is that acupuncturists are very passionate about the clinical end of their practice but don't have much regard for the business end of their practice. I see this as a major reason why acupuncturists so often struggle to build a thriving private practice. I have observed time and again that practitioners who commit to understanding marketing and practice management are the ones who have the most success in clinical practice.