In the News

Pure Encapsulations Shows “PureLove” for Boston

“Thought Leaders Consortium” Explores a New Vision for Medicine

The New & Improved SuperbaKrill.com

What Pharmacies Must Know to Prepare for FDA Inspections

Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and American College of Physicians (ACP) Announce New Free Resource for Healthcare Professionals

Freezing Nerves Knocks Pain Out Cold

Is Fragile X the Key to Unlocking the Mystery of Autism?

Same Problems in "New" Research on Autism and Vaccines

New Study Shows Cognitive & Antidepressant Effects of Superba Krill

The Lancet Publishes SELECT Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of Daclizumab HYP in Multiple Sclerosis

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) Announces Acceptance of Licensed Naturopathic Physicians as Full Active Members

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) Announces John Dearlove as Newest Member of Advisors to Board of Directors

Pure Encapsulations Shows “PureLove” for Boston

On Friday, April 19, Pure Encapsulations, a leading manufacturer of research-based, hypo-allergenic nutritional supplements located in a Boston suburb, held an event to honor and support victims of the tragic events surrounding the Boston Marathon.

As a tribute, Pure Encapsulations’ employees wore running sneakers to work and walked a miniature marathon route on business grounds. At the symbolic yellow and blue finish line, employees were encouraged to express sentiments of support to those affected by leaving messages written in chalk. The event began at noon, with a moment of silence. All contributed funds were donated directly to The American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts, Boston’s local chapter, or The One Fund Boston, Inc, established to raise money for the victims.

“We are shaken as both a company and community to see one of Boston’s greatest traditions shattered by such senseless violence,” said Joy Devins, Vice President of Pure Encapsulations. “To honor the spirit of this event in our beloved city, we wanted to do our part to support the victims, and their families, and the first responders involved in that day’s tragic events.”

Appropriately named the “PureLove For Boston Fundraiser,” the event united Pure Encapsulations’ employees and neighboring businesses. Parent company, Atrium Innovations, as well as sister companies of Pure Encapsulations based in different locations worldwide, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Palm Beach, and Cottonwood. Subsidiaries in Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands also participated by hosting similar events.

“We are a family,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon President and CEO of Atrium Innovations. “By making PureLove for Boston an Atrium-wide effort, we proudly demonstrated our solidarity and ability to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

Through The PureLove For Boston Fundraiser, Pure Encapsulations hopes to inspire others to donate to their local Red Cross chapters for emergency and disaster preparedness, or to The One Fund Boston, Inc.

“Thought Leaders Consortium” Explores a New Vision for Medicine

Defining a new vision for medicine was the mission of the consortium of global leaders in healthcare who gathered in Seattle, Wash., April 12 – 14 for the first “Thought Leaders Consortium” hosted by the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI).

“All the attendees were drawn together by a common purpose and passion for transforming health care”

“With the epidemic of chronic illness across the globe continuing to diminish the ability of individuals to lead full and healthy lives, we need innovative solutions for the current system of medicine,” commented Jeffrey Bland, PhD, President and Founder of the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute.

“The presentations and discussions at our first Consortium focused on the connections between 21st century genomic, behavioral, and functional medicine approaches to redefine the future fabric of healthcare.”

The Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the importance of personalized lifestyle medicine as the right solution to address patient specific needs in chronic illness management, and reducing the rising global burden of these chronic health conditions. The PLMI was founded by Jeffrey Bland, PhD, an internationally-known biochemist and educator in lifestyle and functional medicine.

The “Thought Leaders Consortium” featured presentations by Institute for Functional Medicine faculty Drs. David Jones, Mark Hyman, Joseph Pizzorno, and Michael Stone; thirty-five key opinion leaders in global medicine from the United States and China; and experts in health media, nutritional and natural products industry leaders, health science researchers, and academic leaders.

The format was designed to encourage communication among experts of different disciplines on the evolving future of medicine. Questions discussed by the group included:

• How will social media power the evolution of healthcare and empower the consumer?
• How will the genomics revolution be incorporated into chronic disease prevention and management?
• How can more practitioners and patients become involved in personalized lifestyle medicine?
• How will new functional biomarkers be used to improve outcomes?
• How can the functional medicine model be applied to the delivery of personalized lifestyle medicine for improving chronic disease outcomes?

Specific presentations and presenters included:

• Dr. Martha Herbert, from Harvard University who shared her groundbreaking research on autism.
• Marc Brush, Len Monheit, and Fred Linder from New Hope Communications discussed how social media is influencing consumer attitudes about healthcare and driving consumers to seek out genomic testing and personalized care.
• Loren Israelsen, Executive Director of the United Natural Products Association, Mark Blumenthal, Director of the American Botanical Council, and Roger Colman, Vice President of Alticor Corporate Enterprises, explored the changing role of nutritional products and botanical medicines in managing chronic disease.
• Drs. Shirley Wei, Charles Cheng, and James Ho from China spoke on the rising tide of chronic disease and infertility, and how personalized lifestyle medicine can play an important role in delivering improved health.
• Alice Bast, Director of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, Dr. Patricia Fitzgerald, health editor for the Huffington Post, and Audra Davies, Vice President for Nutrition at Nutrilite, spoke on the changing health perspectives of the consumer.
• Drs. Roger Newton and Joe Pizzorno addressed the role played by research methods in defining the value and evidence-based support for personalized lifestyle medicine.
• Certified Nutrition Specialists, Mike Stroka and Corinne Bush, spoke on the implementation of personalized nutrition therapies by nutrition professionals.
• Clinicians who are using personalized lifestyle medicine - Drs. David Jones, Michael Stone, Mark Houston, Scott Rigden, Woodson Merrell, Graham Reedy, Joel Robertson, Bill Baer, and clinical dietitian Coco Newton - provided strong evidence from their own experiences of the value of personalized lifestyle medicine as an exemplary way to manage chronic illness.

“All the attendees were drawn together by a common purpose and passion for transforming health care,” noted Dr. Bland. “Many opportunities for collaboration were created through connections made at this powerful Consortium. The enthusiasm and synergy from this gathering will inspire innovative solutions to chronic illness for years to come.”

Photographs, videos, and audio takeaways from the meeting will be posted on the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute website (plminstitute.org) as well as the PLMI Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The New & Improved SuperbaKrill.com

Aker BioMarine, an integrated biotechnology company dedicated to the sustainable harvest of krill and development of krill-derived biotech products, has unveiled its new upgraded website at superbakrill.com. Designed with new user-friendly elements, enhanced graphics, infographics, videos and more, the new website offers consumers a 360-degree look at krill and its health benefits, as well as its purity and sustainability credentials.

There are some inaccuracies around krill and health as well as krill harvesting practices. With krill becoming a more popular and sought after solution for consumers, Aker BioMarine wanted to launch a website with reliable information on krill omega-3s, laid out in an easy-to-understand, elegant format that captures the beauty and simplicity of krill and where it comes from.

SuperbaKrill.com at a Glance

Beneficial: The body runs better on Superba Krill omega-3s
Superba Krill omega-3s address many areas, such as: heart health, brain health, joint health, healthy inflammation and women's health. The body better utilizes krill omega-3s because they are bound to phospholipids, which is unique among marine species. In studies, Superba Krill has been shown to increase the omega-3 Index faster and more efficiently compared to other marine sources.

Sustainability: Superba Krill is harvested under the strictest sustainability protocols
Sustainability has been at the core of Aker BioMarine's operations since its inception. Given the importance of krill as a keystone species in Antarctica, the company's commitment to ensuring its future and the future of the animals that depend on krill as a primary food source is paramount.

The Phospholipid Advantage:
Getting more omega-3s to the places you need them most

Phospholipids are present in every cell in the human body. They represent a distinct subgroup of lipids whose most vital role is determining the structure of the cell membrane. Krill omega-3s are unique in that they are bound to phospholipids, as opposed to triglyceride-bound omega-3s found in other marine and algal sources, making them preferentially utilized by the body. In fact, studies show that phospholipid-bound omega-3s get into cells up to 60 percent more efficiently.

"As krill continues to gain popularity as an ideal source of omega-3s, it is important to help people understand the full story on krill, including what it is, where it comes from and how it can improve human health," said Becky Wright, Communications & Marketing Manager, Aker BioMarine. "It is also important to educate consumers about the sustainability practices used in harvesting krill, especially those looking for environmentally-friendly products and green practices. To that end, Superba Krill is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being sustainable and 100 percent traceable from sea to shelf. Come visit us at superbakrill.com and see for yourself why krill represents the next generation of omega-3s."

What Pharmacies Must Know to Prepare for FDA Inspections

In anticipation of new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, many companies are working toward correcting potential problems and attaining USP <797> compliance. A new white paper addresses the issues that compounding pharmacies must address prior to undergoing an FDA or state inspection. Titled, Compounding Pharmacy Inspections: What You Must Know to Prepare for the FDA, it is available to download at microtestlabs.com/whitepaper from Microtest Laboratories.

"The FDA requires all compounding pharmacies to comply with USP section <797>, which outlines the different standards and regulations for environmental control, testing, and personnel training. Currently, the operations of large-scale compounders do not fall under the scrutiny and regulation of the FDA. However, these facilities may now face inspections from both the state regulatory authorities and the federal government," said white paper author Steven Richter, PhD, president and scientific director of Microtest Laboratories -- and a former FDA official.

In the white paper, Dr. Richter advises compounding pharmacies on the critical issues to resolve prior to an FDA or state inspection, including sterile compounding regulations, quality testing, sterility testing of compounded articles, disinfectant validations, and endotoxin testing.

"In the aftermath of the NECC case, FDA and state actions regarding compounding pharmacies are relatively certain: regulations and inspections will both tighten and increase. The FDA, in some instances, will assume the role of lead auditor for the compounding pharmacy's operations," Dr. Richter said. "It is critical for compounding pharmacies to maintain a state of control in their controlled environments. While there may always be excursions, it is the actions that are undertaken after the excursions that will influence an inspector's responses and observations during an on-site investigation and inspection."

Download a copy of Compounding Pharmacy Inspections: What You Must Know to Prepare for the FDA, at microtestlabs.com/whitepaper. Or, request a copy by calling Microtest Laboratories 1-413-786-1680 or toll-free 1-800-631-1680.

Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and American College of Physicians (ACP) Announce New Free Resource for Healthcare Professionals

The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) and the American College of Physicians (ACP) are proud to unveil a brand-new free resource, "Excess Weight and Your Health – A Guide to Effective, Healthy Weight Loss," developed specifically for healthcare professionals treating excess weight and obesity.

"Excess Weight and Your Health – A Guide to Effective, Healthy Weight Loss" is a combination of a 32-page guidebook and DVD which provides healthcare professionals with a mechanism to introduce the topic of weight into their practices. From an in-depth look at weight to information on today's latest weight-loss options, this resource provides viewers and readers with a thorough look at excess weight and obesity, and its effect on health.

"As the OAC is the only nonprofit whose sole focus is representing individuals affected by obesity, and ACP, a leading physician organization, we welcomed the opportunity to work together on this project. The healthcare provider-patient conversation of weight is extremely important in the fight against obesity. It is our hope that this resource only further encourages that conversation," said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The DVD features two of the leading experts in the field of obesity discussing real patients who have battled, and continue to battle, excess weight and obesity. Dr. Christopher Still, DO, Medical Director, Center for Nutrition and Weight Management at the Geisinger Obesity Institute and Dr. Domenica Rubino, MD, Founder and Director, Washington Center for Weight Management and Research, provide an insightful look at how weight impacts health and what patients can do to manage their weight and improve their health.

"ACP is committed to helping patients understand their health, especially for complex conditions like obesity," said Molly Cooke, MD, FACP, ACP President. "'Excess Weight and Your Health' also will help our internal medicine physicians engage in conversations with their patients around obesity and weight loss."

To learn more about the "Excess Weight and Your Health – A Guide to Effective, Healthy Weight Loss" guidebook and DVD and to order a free copy today, please visit obesityaction.org/oacacpdvd.

Freezing Nerves Knocks Pain Out Cold

Using a tiny ball of ice, a minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment called cryoneurolysis safely short circuits chronic pain caused by nerve damage, according to data being presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology's 38th Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans.

"Cryoneurolysis could have big implications for the millions of people who suffer from neuralgia, which can be unbearable and is very difficult to treat," said William Moore, MD, medical director of radiology at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in Stony Brook, NY. "Cryoneurolysis offers these patients an innovative treatment option that provides significant lasting pain relief and allows them to take a lower dose of pain medication—or even skip drugs altogether," added Moore, an interventional thoracic radiologist at Stony Brook.

More than 15 million Americans and Europeans suffer from neuralgia, in which nerves are damaged by diabetes, surgery or traumatic injury, Moore noted. Sufferers often rely on pain medications, which have side effects and may not provide enough relief. Cryoneurolysis uses a small probe that is cooled to minus 10 to minus 16 degrees Celsius, creating a freezer burn along the outer layer of the nerve. This interrupts the pain signal to the brain and blunts or eliminates the pain while allowing the damaged nerves to grow over time, explained Moore.

In the study, 20 patients received cryoneurolysis treatment for a variety of neuralgia syndromes and were evaluated using a visual pain scale questionnaire immediately after treatment during one-week, one-month and three-month follow-ups after the initial procedure. Prior to treatment, patients' pain plummeted from an average of 8 out of 10 on the pain scale to 2.4 one week after treatment. Pain relief was sustained for about two months after the procedure. Pain increased to an average of 4 out of 10 on the scale after six months due to nerve regeneration, Moore said. He recommends repeat cryoneurolysis treatments as needed per patient, however, some patients will receive up to a year of pain relief from a single treatment, he said.

In the treatment, an interventional radiologist makes a nick in the skin near the source of pain and inserts a small probe about the size of an IV needle that is used to draw blood. Under imaging guidance, the probe is advanced through the skin to the affected nerves. Cooled with pressurized gas, the probe creates ice crystals along the edge of the nerves. "The effect is equivalent to removing the insulation from a wire, decreasing the rate of conductivity of the nerve. Fewer pain signals means less pain, and the nerve remains intact," he explained. Additional comparative studies are needed, said Moore.

More information about the Society of Interventional Radiology, interventional radiologists and minimally invasive treatments can be found online at SIRweb.org.

Is Fragile X the Key to Unlocking the Mystery of Autism?

There continues to be exciting news of research advancements on the Fragile X gene and its links to autism. New research studies are discovering more pathways linking Fragile X and autism. In addition, bi-partisan support is growing in Congress to continue building on the success of the federally funded Fragile X research. Parents who have children enrolled in promising clinical drug trials around the country are raising awareness through social and traditional media as well as directly to their elected representatives. Later this spring, Congressman Greg Harper (R-MS) and the National Fragile X Foundation will host a Congressional Roundtable to explore how best to realize the full potential of these research breakthroughs linking Fragile X and autism. The White House clearly sees this potential as well, as the proposed $100 million brain mapping project will only accelerate the pace at which Fragile X and autism will be conquered. Members of the House of Representatives are also expected to introduce legislation later this month to reallocate up to $200 million from public funding of presidential elections and party conventions to NIH research.

New Research Findings:

MIT researchers reverse symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome.
Neuroscientists at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory report in the March 18 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) that they have reversed autism and Fragile X symptoms in adult mice with a single dose of an experimental drug.

The work from the laboratory of Nobel laureate Susumu Tonegawa, the Picower Professor in the Department of Biology and a principal investigator at the Picower Institute, points to yet additional potential targets for drugs that may one day improve Fragile X and autism symptoms such as hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors and seizures by modifying molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

"These findings suggest a possible novel therapeutic target for the treatment of fragile X syndrome (FXS) — the most common inherited form of autism and intellectual disability," said Eric Klann, a professor of neural science at New York University.

Parents Speak Out and People are Listening:

After nearly 200 parents of individuals living with Fragile X convened in Washington DC on March 5-6 to advocate for continued funding and more efficient use of the dollars our federal government invests in research, the word is now spreading throughout the nation. Letters to the Editors have been published in Michigan, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Colorado, Mississippi, Arizona, North Carolina, Utah and Kansas as families continue to spread the word about the closely related conditions of Fragile X and autism. Here's one example from the Dearborn Press & Guide (MI)

To the Editor:
In the past year, ground-breaking research has uncovered precise genetic links between autism and Fragile X syndrome giving families like ours hope that treatment for many of the core symptoms of both conditions is on the horizon. New drugs currently in clinical trials have been shown to have a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of severe social impairment in people with autism or fragile X syndrome. Many families in Michigan are participating in these exciting trials. Reducing repetitive behaviors and improving social skills would allow our family members to lead more independent lives.

While most people know about autism and autism spectrum disorders, not as many are aware of fragile X syndrome. Fragile X syndrome is closely related to autism, is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disabilities, and is the most common genetic cause of autism.

It is imperative that the advancements made through these ground-breaking research projects continue to be built upon. We have just returned from Washington, DC, where we met with members of Congress to raise awareness of Fragile X, this breakthrough research and its potential. Wise stewardship of federal research dollars would encourage continued investment and expand the scope of research into the links between Fragile X and autism.

The promise of this research gives hope to many of us in Michigan who have family members with autism and fragile X syndrome that independence and social acceptance are within reach in our lifetime.

Same Problems in "New" Research on Autism and Vaccines

A new book chapter on statistical methods in Recent Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorders by University of Northern Iowa researchers, DeSoto and Hitlan, documents major methodological flaws in the data set said to disprove the link between Thimerosal-preserved vaccines and autism by Price, et al. More recently DeStefano et al. used the same data set while attempting to disprove a link between the number of vaccines and autism.

"Both researchers tested whether any increased risk of autism was associated with increased exposures via vaccination. To do so, they must compare different levels of exposure. They failed to do so when they matched cases to controls on birth-year and HMO. Birth-year, by itself, defines exposure level and HMOs further ensures similarity guaranteeing cases and controls were nearly identical on the exposure," said lead author Dr. Catherine DeSoto. "This is a design flaw called overmatching, it forces cases and controls to be artificially similar and renders the results invalid."

The number, type and timing of vaccines US children receive is a function of birth-year. Formulations purchased and administered would be the same within a given HMO.

"By matching on birth year and HMO, they eliminated the variability right from the start," said Sallie Bernard, President of SafeMinds. "Here's a perfect example of the cascading impact from problem data analysis. The same statistical flaws in Price's 2010 research resurface in De Stefano's 2013 research."

"Once again, media reported exactly what CDC released last week without critically reviewing the information," said Eric Uram, Executive Director at SafeMinds.

Prior to approving Price et al. research, an appointed panel reviewed the study methodology raising design concerns. Ultimately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization Program dismissed them. In 2010, SafeMinds challenged the Price et al., article's claims by highlighting flaws related to errors in the design. "Peer reviewers should reach agreement," concluded Bernard. "With Price, final approval processes were tipped to accept flawed methods."

SafeMinds maintains listings on peer reviewed research performed by independent scientists documenting neural risks associated with thimerosal and vaccination. Reporters are encouraged to review and then contact the doctors and scientists doing high-quality work on the issues.

New Study Shows Cognitive & Antidepressant Effects of Superba Krill

Researchers from Aker BioMarine have published a new study on krill oil in Lipids in Health and Disease. The study performed at ETAP, a preclinical research centre in France and the University of Bergen, Norway, investigated the effects of Superba krill oil supplementation on cognition (learning acquisition and working memory) and depression in rats. Modulation of genes linked to memory and changes in neuronal connectivity was evaluated as well.

After seven weeks of treatment administration, the cognitive and antidepressant effects of krill oil were monitored with behavioral tests and compared to the effects of Imipramine, a reference antidepressant drug. The results showed that Superba(TM) krill oil was able to significantly improve learning and working memory and displayed antidepressant-like effects. Furthermore, krill oil enhanced expression of Bdnf, which is a gene implicated in neuronal growth and differentiation.

The Scientific & Medical Director of ETAP, Michaël Messaoudi, PhD, commented on the study: "We found that in comparison to Imipramine, administration of krill oil did not lead to sedation, which is a regular problem with classic antidepressants. Instead, krill oil treated animals remained alert and showed improved learning and memory functions, while displaying antidepressant-like effects."

Study coordinator Lena Burri, PhD, Director of Scientific Writing, Aker BioMarine, added: "There is clearly potential for krill oil to aid in the management of depressive disorders, while avoiding sedative effects. The special combination of omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipid form in krill oil might give it a further advantage over other omega-3 sources."

Matts Johansen, Chief Operating Officer, Aker BioMarine confirms: "We are very excited about the results from this preclinical study on depression and cognitive function. This lays an excellent foundation and provides added confidence we are moving in the right direction by investing in additional brain health studies."

The Lancet Publishes SELECT Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of Daclizumab HYP in Multiple Sclerosis

Today Biogen Idec announced that results from the daclizumab high-yield process (DAC HYP) SELECT clinical trial have been published as an online article in The Lancet. SELECT was a Phase 2b study designed to determine the efficacy and safety of DAC HYP in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Published results demonstrate that both 150 mg and 300 mg subcutaneous injections of DAC HYP, administered once every four weeks, met the study’s primary endpoint by significantly reducing annualized relapse rate (ARR) by 54 percent (p<0.0001) and 50 percent (p=0.0002), respectively, compared to placebo at one year. In addition, results demonstrated that DAC HYP reduced multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions compared to placebo.

“DAC HYP represents the type of innovative research we are focused on cultivating as part of our MS pipeline because it potentially targets the disease in a new way,” said Gilmore O’Neill, MD, vice president, Medical Research at Biogen Idec. “Based on these initial data from SELECT, we believe DAC HYP would complement our robust portfolio of four approved MS products by potentially offering people with MS a new treatment alternative. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners at AbbVie to progress the DAC HYP program further.”

Both doses of DAC HYP met key secondary endpoints in the study by significantly reducing the proportion of patients who relapsed at one year, as well as MS brain lesion activity, including the cumulative number of new gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions between weeks eight and 24 and the number of new or newly enlarging T2-hyperintense lesions at one year. Both doses of DAC HYP also demonstrated a trend in improvements in quality of life (QoL) compared to placebo as measured by the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) physical impact score.

“Because MS is unique to each person, we need a variety of treatment options to attack the disease in different ways,” said Ralf Gold, MD, professor/chair of the Department of Neurology at St. Josef-Hospital/Ruhr-University in Bochum, Germany, and author on the manuscript published in The Lancet. “The results seen in SELECT suggest that DAC HYP potentially offers a new approach to treating people with MS.”

As a tertiary endpoint, SELECT findings also demonstrated that DAC HYP had a positive effect on slowing disability progression, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs) and treatment discontinuations was similar in all study groups (79 percent placebo group, 73 percent DAC HYP 150 mg group and 76 percent DAC HYP 300 mg group). Serious adverse events (SAEs) over the course of the study, excluding MS relapse, occurred in six percent in the placebo group, seven percent in the 150 mg dose group and nine percent in the 300 mg dose group. Serious infections (2 percent versus 0 percent), serious cutaneous events (1 percent versus 0 percent) and liver function test abnormalities greater than five times the upper limit of normal (4 percent versus < 1 percent) occurred more frequently in the DAC HYP groups than in the placebo group. There was one death in SELECT due to a complication of a psoas muscle abscess in a patient recovering from a serious skin adverse event.

Detailed data from the SELECT study were also recently presented at the 65th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in San Diego.

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) Announces Acceptance of Licensed Naturopathic Physicians as Full Active Members

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), a leading provider of integrative medicine, today announced the Board of Directors and the General Membership of ACAM by a margin of nearly 9-1 has approved licensed naturopathic physicians (NDs) as full active voting members into ACAM. While NDs have been afforded full membership into ACAM in the past, they had previously been classified as professional affiliate members and as such had no voting rights relative to membership meetings.

"Many of us have naturopaths within our offices and see the validation of their profession by universities where they work side by side with their MD/DO colleagues," stated Dr. Neal Speight, current President of ACAM's Board of Directors. "We are thrilled of this decision and welcome licensed naturopaths into our organization as full active voting members, a decision that is long overdue," he added. "Over the years, we have watched the practice of naturopathic medicine evolve into a highly sophisticated, rigorous practice model, with defined standards and scientific substantiation. There is increased legitimization of the field via recognition of naturopaths by universities and government programs like the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine," added Dr. Ron Hoffman, former President of ACAM and current member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Lyn Patrick, an ND herself who has served as an Advisor to the Board of Directors states, "I believe it is in the best interests of ACAM to include naturopathic physicians as full members for several reasons. Many NDs feel more at home at ACAM than with our other membership organizations; we are a diverse population of providers with diverse modalities and many NDs who have practices that focus on IV nutrition and chelation derive their continuing education credits from ACAM." Dr. Patrick continues, "Certainly, as an ND myself, I feel that I have been treated as a peer, I think I have proven that over the years as a Board Advisor. I believe that we as NDs have a lot to teach and contribute to ACAM as well as a lot to learn."

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) Announces John Dearlove as Newest Member of Advisors to Board of Directors

American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), a leading provider of integrative medicine, announced that John Dearlove has been appointed and accepted a position as an Advisor to the ACAM Board of Directors effective immediately. "John brings years of business experience and passion to our organization," states Michael Boutot, Executive Director of ACAM. "I have grown to appreciate his level of knowledge in our industry and his professionalism," added Boutot. "I am honored to be invited to participate on the ACAM Advisory Board," stated Dearlove. He continued, "I have found ACAM to be a group of the most open and inviting physicians. This is an organization of medical professionals truly focused on advancing the cause of integrative medicine and I welcome the opportunity to assist ACAM in disseminating cutting edge information on the prevention and remission of disease."