President’s welcome

Firstly I would like to say ‘thank you’ to all the members that have been with the Association since it’s foundation and welcome to the many new members that have newly discovered OHPAA. Our student enrolments have increased dramatically over the last year which is a fantastic indicator of the growth of our industry and profession. There have been a number of changes during the last 12 months that will enable us to move towards a position of greater growth and awareness and I look forward to sharing the exciting updates with you along the way.

Our new and motivated executive board consists of Secretary-Kim Harris, Treasurer-Maria Johnston and myself as President. Together we will endeavour to enhance and expand OHPAA’s horizons for the benefit of members and the community at large.

OHPAA continues to be an industry leader in support of the integration of many styles of holistic health and traditional medicine practice. This is imperative as through observation, it is apparent that many others wish to isolate and ‘Westernise’ the practice of holistic medicine. This can only destroy the essence of the medicine as it draws it further away from the heart and spirit.

In keeping with key Oriental philosophical concepts, holistic medicine treats the mind and body as one, enhancing unity and not separation. This concept cannot operate in isolation or in application to one thing and not another. It is this phenomenon that allows respect and acceptance for each holistic modality under our umbrella and not superiority or preference for one over the other. Our members acknowledge this concept and demonstrate it in their practice. OHPAA recognises the importance of this and continues to search for others that are like minded.

Some of the new courses that were recognized by OHPAA during the past year include Oriental Psychology and Oriental Nutritional Medicine. Continuing education courses of Oriental medicine paediatrics and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture were also a success. It is important to remember that members must complete 15 CPE points this year. We are approving a number of marketing and business programs for CPE in 2008 as it is important to refresh our approach to our practice in order to stay aligned with our vision. It is our relationship to our vision that enables our connection to growth.

There will continue to be regular events scheduled throughout the year and many more to come showcasing international and local guests and gurus.

We have had a great response to our newsletter, ‘Essence & Life’. If you have any particular topics of interest that you would like OHPAA to look into or suggestions for seminars please let us know. You can contact OHPAA at any time via our email address enquiries@ohpaa.com

Wishing you all a productive 12 months in the Year of the Rat and I look forward to seeing you all at our events.

Warm regards,

Jaime Wilcox
President OHPAA
2008