“It is always an honor to host the AANP convention but the 25th Anniversary celebration was even more special because of the depth and breadth of continuing education,” says Karen E. Howard, executive director and CEO of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP).
Held August 11–15, 2010, in Portland, Ore., the theme of this year’s convention and exposition was “Celebrating the Foundation of Medicine.” Participants were able to choose from more than 30 concurrent sessions and more than a dozen research sessions to attend. Most of the sessions focused on naturopathic practice and philosophy and were led by respected leaders in the naturopathic profession. The convention was approved for a total of 26 AMA PRA Category 1 credits, and the NCCAOM approved continuing education for acupuncturists. There were 145 exhibitors who supported this event with more than 600 attendees.
According to AANP President Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc, the sessions featured information that provoked thought and also provided practical pearls that clinicians can use the first day back in the office. He said the convention helped participants “reconnect with friends and celebrate the growth and successes of the naturopathic profession over the past 25 years, as well as look forward to the future.”
The conference objectives, as outlined in the Proceedings, were for attendees to:
• Know more about naturopathic medicine in general and integrating its techniques in their own practice specifically.
• Evaluate the most recent research on practices and modalities in natural medicine and healing.
• Describe specific techniques that are working in clinical settings to help patients heal from a variety of illnesses, with a goal towards improving overall patient care.
• Devise more efficient ways to run their practice, which will help physicians in their endeavor to work more effectively and professionally.
The Convention Content Committee included Sara Thyr, ND (Chair); Wendy Weber, ND (Research Chair); Jami Kupperman, ND; David Field, ND, LAc; Michael Owen, ND; and Michael Slezak, ND. During the annual meeting, Michael Cronin, ND, was voted in as the President-Elect of the organization. This was the first time in the history of the organization that a membership based competitive election was held to choose the next President.
"Our annual convention reinforces the fact that this work is not only changing people's lives everyday, it is also changing everyday life and the future health of a nation," concluded Howard.
“Our annual convention reinforces the fact that this work is not only changing people’s lives everyday, it is also changing everyday life and the future health of a nation,” concluded Howard.
AANP Board of Directors
Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc—President
Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO—Past President
Corey Resnick, ND—Treasurer
Michael Cronin, ND—President-Elect
William Benda, MD
Trevor Cates, ND
Michelle Clark, ND
Tabatha Parker, ND
Kasra Pournadeali, ND
Michael Reece, ND
Sara Thyr, ND
For more information about the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians visit www.naturopathic.org.
