Congratulations to the BAcC

Congratulations to the BAcC on its 25th anniversary! Beverley de Valois

BAcC Fellow: Middlesex

I do remember attending one of the early AGMs – possibly before I had even qualified – at Regent’s College in London. There were a handful of members there. How things have changed over 25 years. There have been lots of ups and downs and many challenges over that quarter century! These are the aspects of the BAcC that I have particularly valued.

Research and ARRC

As both a researcher and practitioner, I have valued the BAcC’s commitment to research. The Acupuncture Research Resource Centre (ARRC), set up in 1994 and managed by Mark Bovey since 1998, has maintained a research strategy committed to developing the evidence base for traditional acupuncture. This is much needed. One of its many activities is the annual ARRC symposium, a key event for showcasing acupuncture research. ARRC has offered a wonderful opportunity for me to present research I have been involved in and to find out about the work of others. I have missed very few of these since I began researching in 2000.

The BAcC’s commitment to funding research has been variable over the years. When grants have been available, they have enabled grass roots projects that would not have been possible without such support. Mark’s professional and personal commitment to supporting members who are interested in research has been invaluable. I can still remember the long email he sent me in 2000, when I was embarking on my research career, detailing the various aspects of research and what it entailed. Thank you, Mark, and the BAcC, for supporting acupuncture research.

EJOM

EJOM – the European Journal of Oriental Medicine – is another BAcC resource I particularly value. It ‘aims to stimulate and inspire through informed debate, creative interchange and critical reflection’. As such, it enables practitioners to develop and share information on all aspects of acupuncture – from theory to practice to research and more. EJOM is the first journal I wrote for as a research acupuncturist; it’s where I developed the skills and confidence to write and to publish. I am extremely grateful for the platform it offered to communicate my work, and to read about the ideas and work of colleagues. Many thanks to Jasmine Uddin, Sara O’Neil and the editorial team for the work they do in maintaining such a unique resource.

Supervision

The BAcC has been slow in recognising the importance of supervision as an essential part of the skills development. Supervision has been a constant in my life as a practitioner, and I have participated in this form of continuing professional development (CPD) faithfully since before I qualified. I am glad to see that supervision and mentoring are now getting more attention and promotion from the BAcC, and being recognised as a vital part of professional development. Thank you to Isobel Cosgrove for her initiative and perseverance.

These three aspects have been integral to the development of my career as a researcher and practitioner. I trust that the BAcC will navigate through the chaos caused by Covid-19, and continue to support and develop these vital activities.

I am glad to see that supervision and mentoring are now getting more attention and promotion