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American Academy of Ambulatory Care
The American Academy of Ambulatory Care, Inc., (AAAC) is the professional organization for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who practice in ambulatory and acute care medicine. Ambulatory Medicine exists in a niche between Family Practice and Emergency Medicine. It was established in September 1997 and already has some 4,000 members nationwide.There is also an American Board of Ambulatory Medicine (ABAM) which provides physicians who qualify a nationally recognized board certification. There is a grandfather clause for qualified physicians in a practice experience phase until the end of 2000. And in 2001, the ABAM will enter a CME and testing phase of certification. As a physician assistant, I was most impressed with this organization for one very major reason. The AAAC provides an Associate Member status for physician assistants and nurse practitioners. This is a major statement by a large and growing group of physicians that indicates their acceptance of physician assistants as one of the major players in health care. Throughout their literature that I have seen it refers to "practitioners" usually, and only to "physicians" when that area pertains only to physician members. It appears they have gone out of their way to make their Associate Members feel welcome and truly part of the Academy. I do not recall any other physician dominated organization that takes such a broad minded approach. They are to be commended for this. They have a website that is very well done and is located at http://www.ambulatorymedicine.com/. As a physician assistant, and a webmaster myself, I was most impressed with their site for several reasons. The home page is brief and states right up front that AAAC is for physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who work in the ambulatory care setting. As a result of my contact with their President, they have included the FAPA website as a link on their website. The rest of the website is done very well in a professional manner. There is an online membership application form, or you can print it from the site and submit it.They offer both yearly and lifetime memberships for all members, including the mid-level providers. So take a few minutes and check out the site. They do a very good job of pointing out what their membership benefits are for their members. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. I personally feel this is a good deal for PAs in ambulatory medicine. ; Just click on the website address above and it will take you there. I recently received their information brochure from their Academy office when I received my membership certificate and benefits package. Below I have excerpted several sections for inclusion here to give you some more information on the AAAC. The American Academy of Ambulatory Care The American Academy of Ambulatory Care (AAAC) is comprised of physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners actively engaged in the field of Ambulatory Care/Urgent Care Medicine. Ambulatory/Urgent Care is defined as provision of immediate medical service (no appointment necessary) offering outpatient care for the treatment of acute and chronic illness and injury. Ambulatory Care requires a broad, comprehensive fund of knowledge to provide such care. Purpose of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care The purpose of the AAAC is to contribute to the field of Ambulatory Care/Urgent Care Medicine in the areas of professional growth, scientific and medical research, and medical education, all to improve the overall quality of medical care. Mission Statement of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care To advance the profession of Ambulatory Care/Urgent Care Medicine by elevating its standards through education, basic and advanced training, and Board Certification. Goals of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care
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