Acupuncture group continues push for specialty

By Veterinary Practice News Editors

The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture intends to reapply for official recognition after its petition was denied by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties, which found “a lack of scientific basis” for an acupuncture specialty.

The board recommends to the American Veterinary Medical Association whether a specialty field should be approved.

AVMA guidelines state that a distinct field of veterinary medicine must be supported with scientific knowledge and practice in order to be recognized by the profession.

“Other requirements include showing that the specialty will improve veterinary medical services, having enough potential diplomates to run a governing body with a certification process, and establishing training and examination standards for the specialty’s diplomates,” AVMA said.

The acupuncture group exhaustively reviewed the scientific literature in human and veterinary acupuncture, said President Neal J. Sivula, DVM, Ph.D., FAAVA.

Dr. Sivula, who owns Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center in Richfield, Ohio, said the three-year evaluation was constructive.

“We are committed to continuing the advancement of veterinary acupuncture, both from a medical as well as a traditional Chinese veterinary medical perspective, and continuing to foster cooperation between the veterinary acupuncture training programs,” he said.

AAVA surveys confirm that many veterinary acupuncturists want advanced training and board certification, he said.

Originally published in the August 2016 issue of Veterinary Practice News. Did you enjoy this article? Then subscribe today!