Outcomes of "Think Acupuncture First": An acupuncture-training program during Family Medicine Residency

Background and purpose: Medical acupuncture is an additional treatment for pain management, in which physicians are increasingly being trained. Methods: We surveyed graduates of the Nellis Family Medicine Residency/Acus Foundation Acupuncture Training initiative. We asked them about their acupuncture practice patterns, satisfaction with their practice, and queried other aspects affecting their practice. Results: 85% (50/59) graduates responded. All graduates were still practicing acupuncture, and reported that the most common ailment treated was back pain. Respondents reported that they are happier and prescribe fewer opioids than they did before learning acupuncture. Conclusions: Medical acupuncture can be learned during Family Medicine Residency and results in more satisfied physicians who report prescribing fewer opioids. Published by Elsevier Inc.