AAAOM Specialty Boards Task Force

Dear Colleagues:

A few months ago, we began getting inquiries from our members about the AAAOM's position on specialty boards. As we started talking about specialty boards, we discovered that there was a wide range of strong opinions. We also discovered that when people discuss specialty boards, they are not always talking about the same thing, and may actually differ widely from each other on just what the term "specialty board" means. So even though specialty boards and certifications have existed in the AOM world for many years, a new and passionate interest exists, focused on where this path may lead us as a profession.

As the sole national acupuncture and Oriental medicine professional organization in the U.S., the AAAOM is committed to creating an inclusive forum for the professional community to stimulate open and informed dialogue regarding specialty boards and other professional issues. Members of our board of directors recently met and generated several excellent ideas toward engaging our membership in this conversation. Initially, the AAAOM will convene a Specialty Boards Task Force, which will include experts and interested parties. This task force will move the process forward, inclusive of the professional community at large.

You will be receiving more information from the AAAOM about these and other activities in the next few weeks. Please let us know if you have additional ideas toward expanding discussion throughout our larger community.

This is an exciting time in the development of our profession. We believe that taking the time to hear all voices and perspectives is an important process that will facilitate general understanding of specialty boards, and help to determine what impact this level of organization may have on our profession. I look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Leslie McGee RN, LAc, DiplAc/CH
President, AAAOM