FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Sept 9, 2008

Contact:
Jennifer Gremmels
ASSH
847-384-1437
jgremmels@comcast.net

 
Hand Society Creates New Membership Category for Allied Healthcare Professionals

Affiliate Membership Provides Allied Healthcare Professionals Many Benefits

Rosemont, Ill. - The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) is pleased to offer an affiliate membership category beginning October 1, 2008, for licensed healthcare professionals, including hand therapists, to join the organization. Applications are available now at www.assh.org. Current ASSH members are encouraged to invite qualified associates from their staff to apply for membership.

“Hand surgeons work side by side daily with hand therapists, physician’s assistants, nurses and others dedicated to the comprehensive care of our patients,” said Dr. Steven Glickel, president of ASSH. “It seemed to be a logical extension of that collaboration to create an affiliate membership category in the ASSH which would enable us to work together in a different venue.”

There are several requirements for affiliate membership with ASSH. These include:

  • Members must be fully licensed as an allied healthcare professional (i.e., hand therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse, etc.)
  • The healthcare professional must specialize in the treatment and rehabilitation of disorders of the upper extremities
  • The professional must maintain Active membership in the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) if a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
  • The professional must be of high moral, ethical, and professional standing, as attested to by an Active member of the Hand Society. Potential affiliate members will need a sponsor letter from a current ASSH Active Member as an application requirement.

Membership benefits include:

1. A subscription to the Journal of Hand Surgery

2. Reduced prices for educational meetings and discounts on publications

3. Networking

4. Access to the online Journal Review Club

5. The ASSH Correspondence Newsletter and the Weekly Member Update

6. The ability to get certificates of participation and transcripts online


7. Ability to serve on ASSH committees 

We are already hearing positive feedback from the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT) regarding the opportunity.

“ASHT is pleased to support ASSH’s new membership program as the affiliate membership provides a great new opportunity for ASHT members to further network and interact with the hand surgery community,” said Paige E. Kurtz, MS, OTR/L, CHT and president of ASHT.

“Our affiliated colleagues can learn from us and us from them at ASSH meetings and courses by sharing the podium, the conference table and the hallways where we can exchange ideas and foster closer ties. It will give us an opportunity to better integrate our knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our patients,” said Dr. Glickel.

For an application and information on dues, please check out the ASSH website at www.assh.org. The first affiliate member class will be inducted October 1, 2008.

About Hand Surgeons
Hand surgeons have received specialized additional training in the treatment of hand problems in addition to their board certified specialty training in orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, or general surgery. To become members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, hand surgeons must have completed a full year of such additional training and must pass a rigorous certifying examination. Many hand surgeons also have expertise with problems of the elbow, arm, and shoulder. Some hand surgeons treat only children, some treat only adults, and some treat both. Common problems treated include carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, wrist pain, sports injuries of the hand and wrist, fractures of the hand, wrist, and forearm, and trigger fingers. Other problems treated by hand surgeons include arthritis, nerve and tendon injuries, and congenital limb differences (birth defects). Not all problems treated by a hand surgeon need surgery. Hand surgeons often recommend non-surgical treatments, such as medication, splints, therapy, and injections. Hand surgeons are specialists devoted to hand care.

About the ASSH
The mission of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) is to advance the science and practice of hand surgery through education, research and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners. Founded in 1946, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is the oldest medical specialty society in the United States devoted entirely to continuing medical education related to hand surgery.

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