Dr. Niemtzow’s many contributions to the specialty of medical acupuncture included being the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, Medical Acupuncture; serving as President of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture; and engineering the integration of acupuncture into military medicine and the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. As a result of his influence, the journal has been awarded an impact factor, and achieved inclusion in PubMed Central, indicating compliance with scientific, editorial and production quality standards. Dr. Niemtzow hosted a number of roundtable discussions that provided readers with expert opinions on a variety of acupuncture-related subjects, as well as providing thought provoking editorials with each issue.
Other leadership positions where he tirelessly advocated for the advancement of medical acupuncture included being the first Consultant for Complementary and Alternative Medicine to the US Air Force Surgeon General, serving as President of the Maryland Medical Acupuncture Society, being a longstanding member of the NIH Advisory Council on Integrative Medicine, and representing the US Airforce on the NATO Committee for Integrative Medicine. He was also Principal Investigator in many clinical studies.
Dr. Niemtzow provided acupuncture services in a clinic at Joint Base Andrews both before and after his retirement. Additionally, he treated patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and the White House.
Researcher, clinician and teacher; known for his gentle, kind demeanor; Dr. Niemtzow was loved by patients, colleagues, and staff, alike.
