Oldest School of Acupuncture in United States Inaugurates Sixth President

NEWTON, Mass., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a ceremony full of old and new traditions, Susan L. Gorman was sworn in as the sixth president of New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The Inauguration and Investiture ceremony began at 3 p.m. in Lindsay Hall on Bentley University's campus and included a formal procession of trustees, distinguished guests, and faculty, with a reception following the ceremony.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120604/DC18459)

"Embracing the Past; Inspiring the Future"

In her Inaugural address, President Gorman celebrated the past achievements of the school while laying out her vision.

"Our past has been exhilarating, meaningful, and momentous, but it is, nonetheless, our past. Today belongs to the present and the future. The question remains 'What are we going to do in our time?' 'Where will NESA be in 10, 20, 30 years?', and 'How can We Inspire the Future?'"

President Gorman identified the theme of her Presidency –"Building Bridges." Core to the theme is innovation – bridging traditional practices with new techniques and ideas.  As the oldest acupuncture school in the United States located near bustling medical facilities, NESA must continue to be the leader in both education and research. In order to retain our leadership, NESA will pursue regional accreditation and doctoral programs. 

NESA will build upon existing relationships with healthcare practitioners and providers to develop innovative partnerships and help educate the community as to the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

"I want to continue to help educate biomedical providers on the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  There is a shift going on already; just this week I had two different conversations with friends who had a primary care doctor recommend acupuncture." 

Many don't realize that acupuncturists must complete a Master's degree, over 3,000 hours of study including 600 hours of clinical practice in order to sit for the national exam to become licensed.

Finally President Gorman showed a picture of a potential future campus for NESA.  The vision is for NESA to serve more students with more services and offer a larger clinic.

While noting that her vision is both ambitious and difficult, President Gorman stated that it was the right thing for NESA to do.

"We've got what we need. With the right vision and the right people we can determine our future.  We have passion, focus, creativity, and drive. We only need a collective vision and the collective commitment to see that vision realized."

"It's our time now."

President Gorman closed with asking the audience to try acupuncture if they hadn't already and to advocate for the profession.

About New England School of Acupuncture

New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) was founded in 1975 by Dr. James Tin Yau So – one of the most influential figures in American acupuncture – along with several of his students.  Beginning as a one-year diploma program, NESA has flourished into an institution with two master's degree programs, a renowned Research Department, six satellite clinics and affiliations with many well-known biomedical institutions.

The oldest school of acupuncture in the United States, NESA has over 1,600 alumni.  With 200 students enrolled, the school offers training in Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, plus a program in pain, research, education, and policy with Tufts University School of Medicine. Continuing Education makes available additional certificate programs, post-graduate programs and opportunities to learn from highly-accomplished practitioners.    

SOURCE New England School of Acupuncture