NEWS RELEASE:

• ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR TEACHERS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE, AND A CALL FOR NEW MEMBERS ,

We are pleased to launch a comprehensive national organization dedicated to teachers of Oriental medicine. The American Association for Teachers of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AATAOM) will spearhead the development and advancement of teachers of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and will offer an invaluable source of news, information and educational opportunities. Membership is open to all teachers of any of the branches of Oriental medicine and to those colleagues who support the growth of Oriental medicine in the United States.

AATAOM’s mission is to support excellence and proficiency in the Oriental medicine teaching profession, to provide training and resources, and to promote the ever-changing evolution of education to meet 21st century demands in the Oriental medicine community. AATAOM will provide a unique forum for educators to share ideas, concerns, strategies and innovative teaching methodologies.

AATAOM ‘s benefits will include::
• A comprehensive website – www.AATAOM.org
• Access to information on employment and career opportunities through AATAOM networking and online job search directory
• Free newsletter
• Free listing in AATAOM’s directory
• Workshops to improve teaching skills
• Access to textbooks and teaching materials resource guide
• Discounts to educational and professional seminars
• Online forum discussions of current events and teachers’ issues
• Discounts for books, supplies and teaching materials
• Online tutorials for CEUs and PDAs approved by NCCAOM
• Legislative updates
• AATAOM website links to industry associations and publications

The first annual meeting of the AATAOM will be held on Saturday, October 21, during the AAOM 2006 Conference at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona, from 9:30am to 12:00noon. The focus of the meeting is to set the scope and direction of the organization. All those interested in participating in the AATAOM are welcome to attend.

AATAOM’s goal is to elevate the Oriental medicine profession and strengthen its position in the healthcare field. To join the AATAOM, or for more information, please visit our website at www.AATAOM.org. To receive our brochure, please call 512-454-0006.