Although it's still early in the year, the NCCAOM is already changing things up ... again, with a "CEO transition." A message from Afua Bromley, a member of the board of commissioners, said "It is with both sadness and gratitude that I announce the upcoming departure of Dr. Kory Ward-Cook as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), effective December 31, 2019. Since November of 2004, Dr. Ward-Cook has played a critical role in the development, growth and success of the NCCAOM. We have been fortunate to have benefited from her leadership and while we will miss her extensive contributions to the organization, the NCCAOM Board of Commissioners wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors, both professionally and personally."
Dr. Ward-Cook served as CEO for the NCCAOM for nearly 15 years and was instrumental in several of last year's accomplishments—including California's "Route to Certification," an initiative for Diplomates that have a terminated certification status.
In her time at NCCAOM she implemented computer adaptive testing in 2006; created the first NCCAOM Governance Policy Manual, linked to all management policies and procedures; successfully orchestrated the re-accreditation of the NCCAOM certification programs and the first accreditation of the Oriental Medicine certification program in 2008 and 2012.
There is no indication about the reason behind Dr. Ward-Cook's exit, just a general farewell wish. The message closes with assurance that more information will follow with their search for a new CEO.
Whether you accept it, avoid it or live somewhere in between, insurance coverage has become a defining issue for our profession. Patients increasingly expect to use their benefits, practitioners want to be compensated fairly for their time and expertise, and the system itself remains – at best – fragmented. The encouraging news is that coverage has expanded in meaningful ways. The challenging news is that reimbursement, across the board, remains inadequate.
While the formation of erythema and ecchymosis is an anticipated skin response to cupping therapy, the appearance of post-treatment vesicles remains less discussed in clinical literature. This article presents a case study of vesicle formation following cupping therapy, explores underlying pathophysiology, and offers management guidelines to support practitioners in addressing this phenomenon safely and effectively.
Facial movements are essential for communication, expression and function. But when these movements become involuntary, they can lead to conditions that are not only physically uncomfortable, but also socially and emotionally distressing. Today, we’re taking a closer look at three common facial motor disorders – blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and facial tics – and how both Western medicine and TCM view and treat them.
