Guest guest Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 I attended a workshop on Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (SKMCC)in February 2005. We were able to do rounds at the hospital as part of the training. I spoke at length with the adminstrator of the Integrative Medicine department about how they set up their program and how they hired their LAc's. She stated that they initially hired MD's with some acupuncture training, but found that they didn't work out like expected, and instead hired fully trained LAc's (one is also a PT). She stated that the salary is similar to or a little bit more than their PT's and nurse practitioners make. They are very pleased with the success of the program (as is the LAc working there)and were very helpful in sharing information with me. I co-chair a non-profit, the Turning Point Cancer Center, that is working to bring truly integrated onocology care to my state, Hawaii. Two hospitals here have already granted hospital privilages to LAc's, and we are working with the others. It is a process of education and networking with physicians and administrators. Having SKMCC's model to work from has been very helpful. As with many things that I have fought for in my 17 years in practice (insurance reimbursement, inclusion in work comp, scope of practice battles, MD exemptions from full training), hospital privileges for acupuncturists and truly integrative care requires vision, dedication and willingness to put in the time and effort. I also fully recognize that many TCM practitioners/LAc's want nothing to do with hospitals, and I completely support the many varied practice styles within our profession. I also see a great need for our care in acute settings where we can make such a difference (post surgical care, stroke and spinal injury rehab, cancer treatment) that requires an integrative approach. I truly see is as not " if " but " how " and " when. " With Aloha, Joni Kroll, L.Ac. > Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital here in NYC sent out a job > notification for a full-time acupuncturist last fall. They wanted a minimum of 5 yrs > in the field and said degrees in nursing or PT were a plus but not a necessity > for the job. I do not know who got the job, or the salary. > > I don't know if it really means much, but PCOM-NY has internships at St. > Vincent's Hospital here in Manhattan, as well as at NYU Medical Center/Hospital > for Special Surgery, and at a hospital in the Bronx. > > --roseanne s. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.