 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Catherine Dower, JD, Univ of California, San Francisco - Center for the Health Professions, 3333 California Street, Suite 410, San Francisco, CA 94118, 415.476.1894, cdower@itsa.ucsf.edu
Although acupuncturists in California number in the thousands and provide a significant amount of health care to the state’s population, relatively little is known about the workforce itself. This study presents an overview of the profession of acupuncture in California. Who are acupuncturists and what do they do? It includes workforce size and growth and a discussion of the education and training that acupuncturists go through prior to entering the profession. The state’s regulation of acupuncturists and private sector reimbursement policies for acupuncture treatments will be summarized as well as an overview of the current research agenda on safety and efficacy. Finally, issues of concern to the profession and challenges it faces as it evolves will be discussed. As one of the fastest growing among the emerging professions, the acupuncture workforce deserves better attention and understanding among other health care professionals, public health administrators, health delivery institutions and policy makers. What role will the profession of acupuncture play in the delivery of care to Californians in the future?
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Access and Services
Related Web page: futurehealth.ucsf.edu
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment at the university where study being done.