NMSAAM 2026 Annual Meeting
New Mexico DOM Talent and Skills
Saturday, August 22, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM
- New Mexico has a rich variety of expertise amongst our DOMs that reflects our scope of practice.
- Sample a few at this 2026 annual meeting!
Online via Zoom
- Zoom allows us to be on equal playing field across our state, the 5thlargest in USA. We largely hated it during Covid, but now we often realize how convenient it can be.
- The Zoom link will be sent to all DOMs who have chosen to be on the NMSAAM email list.
- We are limited to the 1st 100 attendees who join.
Schedule
10:00 – 10:30 AM President Dr. Yvette Arellano, DOM:
Welcome and Opening Statement
10:30 – 11:15 AM Candidate 2 min. statements and election.
11:15 – 11:30 AM Break
11:30 – 12:30 PM Dr. Shawn Weeks, DOM presentation
Abstract: Treating TBI with Neurelectric Acupuncture
TBI is the leading cause of permanent disability in the US, and one of the leading causes of death in patients ages 18-45. Brain damage can be difficult to treat, but there are methods that help to re-excite the electrical activity in the brain and help it to function once again. Neurelectric Acupuncture is a technique developed by Shawn Weeks DOM, using e-stim and points on the scalp and ears to stimulate the brain. It can be particularly helpful in cases with TBI. In this lecture we’ll discuss the neuroanatomical impacts of TBI and some basic Neurelectric protocols for stimulating the brain and helping it to heal. We’ll specifically discuss methods for locating where TBI damage might be in the brain based on symptoms, what frequencies of e-stim to use, how to select needle locations that will be most beneficial, and what ear points to supplement the treatment with.
12:30 – 1:00 PM Lunch
1-3:00 PM Dr. Steven Malins, DOM presentation
2 CEU’s Ethics category
Abstract: Cybersecurity
Review of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the HITECH act, final omnibus rule, and how it applies to best practices in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. Most modern practices are “covered entities” under HIPAA; and all providers have an ethical obligation to protect patient privacy. Students will learn best practices to fulfill their legal and ethical obligations and build patient trust. Real world examples and practical solutions will be provided and the instructor will facilitate student directed discussions on the current state of information security in the profession.
Learning Goals
- Understand legal and ethical obligations to protect patient privacy and access to patient health information
- Review common failure points and discuss ways to prevent breaches of trust and legal penalties
- Walk away with practical steps to implement common sense procedures and increase patient trust
3 – 4:00 PM Drs. Glen Wilcox, DOM and John Ross, DOM
Two pioneers in Expanded Practice
Abstract: A Legacy of Leadership in Expanded Practice
Since 1993, New Mexico has led the nation in defining the scope of practice for Doctors of Oriental Medicine (DOMs) and Acupuncturists. This leadership was further cemented in 1997 when the state authorized expanded practice certifications in injection therapy, IV therapy, and hormone therapy. While nine states currently license injection therapy for acupuncturists, New Mexico remains unique in its authorization of IV and hormone therapies.
The National Standard and Local Resurgence
Practitioners can now obtain a national certificate of qualification in Acupuncture Injection Therapy through the National Certification Board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM, formerly the NCCAOM). Locally, New Mexico is entering a new era of professional development. Since 2014, specific licensing board rules prevented the creation of Board-approved certification courses despite the provisions of the Practice Act. However, recent rule changes have finally cleared the path for the return Board-approved Basic Injection Therapy training courses that are required for certification.
Expert Guidance for Your Practice
- Wilcox was instrumental in creating the laws that authorized expanded practice in New Mexico.
- Ross served on the NCBAHM task force that recently developed the national learning objectives and examination for acupuncture injection therapy that are now in place.
- Both doctors hold certifications in all areas of expanded practice and were the last to offer Basic Injection Therapy training in New Mexico in 2014.
What You Will Learn
- This presentation is designed to help you become more aware of all aspects of Expanded Practice available to DOMs in New Mexico and nationally. The following will be included.
- Certification Details: Comprehensive information on the National Acupuncture Injection Therapy Certificate and the upcoming New Mexico Basic Injection Therapy training and certification.
- Expanded Options: An overview of advanced certifications in injection therapy, IV therapy, and hormone therapy.
- Regulatory Insights: An explanation of the previous board rules that stalled these courses and certifications, and a discussion about current changes that allow for their return.
- Professional Evolution: A discussion of how laws and rules can be changed for the better, and how you can become more involved in the future of expanded practice for DOMs.
- Learn how to incorporate these vital skills and substances into your practice to better serve your patients, grow your business, and contribute to the evolution of the profession.
4 – 5:00 PM Dr. Jason Hackler, DOM presentation
Abstract: Kototama Inochi Medicine
Kototama Inochi Medicine is a style of traditional Japanese acupuncture and bodywork that originated through the work of M. M. Nakazono, Osensei and Dr. Thomas Duckworth. Through Sensei Nakazono’s years of study, practice, and teaching of Aikido, natural medicine, and the Kototama principle, he created a unique and very powerful form of medicine. Combining his studies with legendary teachers such as Ueshiba Osensei, Osawa Sensei, and Ogasawara Sensei, he integrated his studies & experience to create a form of medicine that combines traditions of Japanese acupuncture & bodywork, traditional Japanese pulse diagnosis, and the principles of the Kototama. Dr. Duckworth spent 10 years with Sensei Nakazono, resulting in a doctorate of Kototama Medicine for his unique contribution to pulse diagnosis within the lineage tradition.
The result is a medicine that is rich in tradition, rooted in Eastern Medical studies, carries the authenticity of centuries of experience, and at the same time geared toward the future evolution of humankind relative to the Kototama principle. Jason R. Hackler, a senior student of Dr. Duckworth, will present an overview of various aspects of Kototama Inochi Medicine, a system based on disciplined pulse diagnosis, including a highly practical application of Japanese needle work, moxibustion, and traditional Japanese bodywork (Inochi Teate).
5:00 PM Closing Statements by the 2026-2027 NMSAAM President