After a member-wide vote, the American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM) now recognizes Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners (ARNP), physician assistants, dentists and chiropractors as members with full voting rights.

Allen “Buddy” Green, MD, president, ACAM said after much discussion ACAM’s “borders” are now open.

“As many of you know, there are a growing number of other integrative medicine education organizations and internet-based educational venues where people can choose to learn,” said Dr. Green, adding that ACAM was the first and only organization of its kind and still remains an important leader in this educational field. “Our effort to keep ACAM successful and at the leading edge of quality education led us to this point – placing the vote in members hands – and the resulting outcome.”

According to the president, these additional practitioners are dedicated healthcare workers who have long supported ACAM by “going to our conferences and workshops both as presenters and attendees.” Many of them have been paying members of ACAM, but only at the “affiliate” or “associate” status levels with no voting privileges.

“It only makes sense that they should also be able to play a more active role in shaping ACAM’s future. We thank our members for voting and giving these members full voting rights,” said Dr. Green, adding that as the president he supports the change and feels it will help ACAM grow its membership to become a more successful organization.

“Now help us get the word out – spread this news to your fellow colleagues, friends and other healthcare professionals, all while reminding them that the annual meeting in November is the perfect place to experience ACAM at its finest,” said Dr. Green.

For more information, visit www.acam.org.