Q. Why Should I join ACAM?
A. ACAM is the premier and oldest Medical Association (established in 1974) educating physicians about Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine (CAIM). Through its AMA approved Continuing Medical Education programs, educational sessions, membership, medical students outreach program and other initiatives, ACAM advances medicine and shapes the clinical practice of Integrative Medicine.

ACAM is committed to providing physicians, medical students and other health care professionals (from novice to expert), with Educational Excellence in Integrative Medicine. ACAM educational offerings provide physicians with both the evidence based research and the clinical resources that allow them to offer their patients safe and effective complementary and/or alternative diagnosis and treatment procedures, which they integrate with conventional care.

As a benefit of membership, ACAM offers its members:

• CAIM information and resources, including discussions of effective therapies, clinically effective protocols, updates on legislation and public policy, research studies, etc.
• Discounted conference registration fees for ACAM’s CME and CE accredited educational conferences and workshops.
• Free access to other educational resources
• Free listing on Physician (MD and DO) Member Directory
• Free subscription to ACAM’s Newsletter
• Referral service to the public of ACAM members with clinical practice
• Provider Directory Listing for Public on ACAM Website
• Discounts on Products (books, etc) listed on the Market Place of the website
• Access to ACAM’s Bulletin Board and Website,
• Professional networking opportunities with other CAIM practitioners committed to advancing medicine nationally and internationally
• Opportunity to receive ACAM awards and recognition
• Access to over 600 business partners and exhibitors

Q. Who are ACAM members and where do they practice?
A. ACAM members come from all over the world. They are Medical Doctors MDs), Osteopathic Physicians (DOs), Doctors in Dentistry (DDS), Naturopathic Physicians (NDs), Researchers, and other healthcare professionals that are interested in learning and incorporating CAIM therapies into their clinical practice, research or professional work. ACAM members use their knowledge and/or practice in diverse environments: hospitals, private practice, wellness centers, medical schools, nationally and internationally. Many of our members are also well-known guest speakers at several educational programs sponsored by industry and other organizations invested in the advancement of CAIM.

Q. What clinical resources are available to members?
A. We have clinical resources covering a wide-range of topics including: Chelation Therapy, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Nutrition, Immunology, Cancer Prevention, Mesotherapy, Vitamin Supplementation, the National Health Institute sponsored Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) study, Nutrition, Cardiovascular Health, Practice Management and CAIM Legal Issues, Xenobiotic and Heavy Metal Detoxification, etc. We also offer information on latest research and legislative policy. In order to meet everyone’s needs, these resources are available in a variety of mediums, i.e. ACAM’s website, educational programs, articles, books, open forums, etc.

Q. In addition to clinical resources and CMEs, what benefits does ACAM offer to members?
A. As indicated on a previous answer, in addition to those listed benefits, ACAM offers the opportunity to network with experts in the field and colleagues, peer-consulting on integrating CAM into your clinical practice, discounts on registration for educational programs, referral services to increase your clinical practice, opportunities to present at conferences, marketing and sales of books and other members’ publications. ACAM continuously looks for other opportunities to increase membership benefits, and these are communicated regularly.

Q. Can I join ACAM in my community?
A. As part of ACAM membership, all members join at the national level. International membership offers some regional opportunities on designated countries. ACAM is looking at expanding its regional presence and in the future we hope to grow chapters worldwide. We are always looking for volunteers that would like to support the ACAM goals and help us expand regional presence.

Q. Can I join ACAM if I am a student?
A. Absolutely! ACAM offers a special discount membership rate for medical students from accredited medical schools. You can visit our website www.acam.org or call us for information on these discounted rates. Student members receive all the same benefits as Active members with the exception of no voting rights, or ability to hold an officer position of the Board. However, ACAM offers students leadership opportunities by allowing them to participate in leadership opportunities in different capacities.

Q. Do I have to be an MD or DO to join ACAM?
A. Absolutely not! The current By Laws allow other membership categories for a variety of professionals in the healthcare field that are interested, are practicing or are doing research in the field of CAM and Integrative Medicine. Please contact us if you have questions about your qualifications for membership.

Q. How expensive is to join ACAM?
A. ACAM membership rates are lower than many comparable professional associations. ACAM’s goal is to grow its reach and presence so we offer special promotional discounts throughout the year. Please check our website for those opportunities. ACAM also offers convenient payment plans for every member category. Membership rates are posted on our website or you can call the office at 800-532-3688 Ext 12. There is no registration cost for medical students attending an accredited medical program. Faculty members from those schools also benefit from special discounted membership rates.

Q. What is your refund and return policy?
A. No refunds for canceling membership are granted by ACAM unless prospectus applicant is found to be non-eligible for membership.