British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS)

Overview:

Profession(s): Acupuncturists
Member Type(s): Doctors, Dentists, Vets, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Nurses, Midwives
Scope: National - United Kingdom
Formed: 1980
Members: 2,500
Registration No.: Reg Charity: 1057 942
Address: BMAS House, 3 Winnington Court, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1AQ, UK
Phone: 01606 786782
Email: admin@medical-acupuncture.org.uk
Website: www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk

Description:

The British Medical Acupuncture Society was formed in 1980 as an association of medical practitioners interested in acupuncture. There are now over 2300 members who use acupuncture in hospital or general practice. Membership is open to any member of a health profession registered by statute in the UK.

Mission/Aims:

To encourage the use and scientific understanding of acupuncture within medicine for the public benefit.

Principal Activities:

The BMAS promotes the use of acupuncture as a therapy following orthodox medical diagnosis by suitably trained practitioners.

It seeks to enhance the education and training of suitably qualified practitioners, and to promote high standards of working practices in acupuncture among such practitioners, by means of tests, examinations, and accreditation procedures.

Member Benefits:

The opportunity to belong to a fully multidisciplinary medical acupuncture society which accepts only regulated health professionals as Members.

4 copies per year of the journal Acupuncture in Medicine - Acupuncture in Medicine (published quarterly).

A regular newsletter - The Point (Perspectives of Interest in Needle Therapy).

Reduced registration fees at the twice yearly Scientific Meetings and other BMAS meetings.

The opportunity through political lobbying to influence the future of medical acupuncture.

The opportunity to be listed as an Accredited member on the BMAS website.

Access to our low cost video and CDROM library.

Recognition of Accredited Members by a growing number of patient insurance companies.

Help and advice from the Society's Council and Committees.

Training/Licensing/Certification:

Training courses provided:

The Foundation Course
This introductory course covers the basic concepts of acupuncture and is run over two weekends (four days) or from Monday to Friday (five days).

Post Foundation Training Course
A day course to refresh and develop skills learnt on the Foundation Course.

The Intermediate Training Programme
A programme of face-to-face short courses that focus on enhancing your practical skills with particular reference to your knowledge and understanding of Western medical acupuncture in the treatment of specific clinical conditions.

Supplementary/Special Topic Days
These days supplement intermediate training amd continuing professional development.

Foundation Courses for Dentists
Provides an introduction to dental acupuncture.

Post Foundation course for Dentists
Refresh and develop the skills learnt on the Foundation Course.

Certification and Qualifications:

Certificate of Basic Competence (COBC)
Intended for practicing medical acupuncturists who have previously attended the Foundation Course.

The Diploma of Medical Acupuncture
BMAS accreditation and the Diploma are only available to UK registered medical doctors.

Other Educational Activities:

In addition, we hold a biannual Scientific Meeting and we have a number of Regional Groups who meet locally. BMAS doctors can attend the London Teaching Clinic.

Verification Criteria:

Professional registration with statory body.