A student stands over a patient, needle poised. They have a “perfect” prescription: a textbook combination of points harvested from a lecture slide on chronic lower back pain. But as the needle meets the skin, the student hesitates - the symptom of a quiet habit that has taken hold of our profession. We routinely say we “prescribe” points. It sounds efficient. It echoes the authority of biomedical culture and fits neatly into the insurance field. But vocabulary is never neutral; repeated long enough, it dictates behavior.
New ASA Chair: Paul Magee
Paul Magee is the new chair of the American Society of Acupuncturists, assuming the role effective Sept. 1, 2025, with Dr. Olivia Hsu Friedman transitioning to immediate past chair and remaining on the ASA board in the coming year “to help ensure a smooth and successful leadership handoff.” Per an ASA press release announcing the transition:

“Paul steps into this role with a wealth of experience, insight, and steady leadership that make him uniquely suited to guide the ASA through its next chapter. From 2018 to 2023, Paul served as the first Lead Acupuncturist for Allina Health’s expansive integrative health program, which spans over 20 locations across Minnesota under the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing. In that role, he provided clinical oversight to a team of 36 licensed acupuncturists, was instrumental in developing a five-year strategic plan, and led efforts to align acupuncture services with the broader healthcare system, including mental health, spine care, and clinical research initiatives.”
Paul is a 2006 graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University, worked in private practice until 2015 and currently has a full-time clinical practice at Allina Health. As of press time, we were coordinating a Q&A with Paul to provide insight into how we plans to help the ASA – and the profession – reach new heights under his leadership. Stay tuned.
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