A new national organization, the American Association for Teachers of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AATAOM) has been formed to "spearhead the development and advancement of teachers of acupuncture and Oriental medicine" and "strengthen the profession's position in the health care field." Membership is open to all teachers of any of the branches of Oriental medicine and colleagues who support the growth of Oriental medicine in the U.S.

The stated mission of the AATAOM 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 21^st-century demands in the Oriental medicine community." To accomplish this, the association hopes to provide a unique forum for educators to share ideas, concerns, strategies and innovative teaching methodologies.

AATAOM is currently working towards offering:

• a comprehensive Web site (www.AATAOM.org);
• access to information on employment and career opportunities through AATAOM networking and an online job search directory;
• a free newsletter;
• a free listing in AATAOM's directory;
• workshops to improve teaching skills;
• access to textbooks and teaching materials resource guide;
• discounts on 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 the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM);
• legislative updates; and
• online links to industry associations and publications.

The AATAOM will convene its first annual meeting on Oct. 21, 2006, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, during the American Association of Oriental Medicine's (AAOM) 2006 conference at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Ariz. The focus of the inaugural meeting is to set the scope and direction of the organization. Anyone interested in participating in the AATAOM is welcome to attend.

To join the AATAOM or learn more, visit www.AATAOM.org. To receive the association's brochure, please call (512) 454-0006.

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