Dr. Chris Vallee's president's report about some of ATCMA's recent successes, meetings, and work progress, as well as a glimpse into some of ATCMA's priorities for the second half of the year.
President’s Report
ATCMA
June 2025
Dear Members,
It is with great pride and optimism that I share some of the work we have been doing over the first half of the year. Our association has made significant strides in advancing the recognition, integration, and sustainability of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) within the BC Healthcare System.
1. Strengthening Government Relations
Our engagement with provincial government this past 6 months has been encouraging and shows that our current government is openminded and willing to work towards solutions for healthcare. We have actively participated in regulatory consultations, ensuring that the voice of TCM professionals is not only heard but respected. Notably:
- We have met with many MLAs to share our continued challenges to get our Modernized TCM Regulations addressed.
- We recently presented to the Ministry of Health discussing current TCM regulations and addressing the Modernized TCM Regulations that could be an option prior to the HPOA being finalized. These events resulted in commitments to further explore options for addressing our concerns within the year.
- We recently presented to the Budget Committee to address current MSP coverage, cost savings that TCM can provide, and addressing mutual benefits to both the government and TCM professionals.
- Working nationally with other TCM associations to address the current challenges that our federal government is proposing with the Natural Health Products which includes Chinese Herbs as well as on the recent compendium that serves as an important Canadian health workforce document.
- Meetings ongoing with the Non-Prescription and Natural Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) branch of Health Canada to discuss the impact that “cost recovery” is going to have on our future access to Chinese herbs.
2. Building Alliances with Professional Associations
Collaboration with other professional health associations has been a cornerstone of our strategy to gain a presence for TCM within mainstream healthcare:
- We continue to work with other allied healthcare professionals to find ways we can work together to create change and solutions that benefit both our healthcare system and us, the professionals.
- Our ongoing work with the Integrative Health Coalition has facilitated dialogue with allied health professionals, fostering mutual respect and shared learning.
- Continuing to bridge the TCM profession, engaging with other TCM associations in British Columbia to find common goals and projects to work on together so that we can create unity for TCM professionals. Ultimately trying to create ONE VOICE for TCM Professionals.
- Created an updated survey to ensure our TCM professionals’ needs are being heard from the TCM Registrants. Of which over 80% support a Modernized TCM Regulations that we continue to ask for from the Ministry of Health.
3. Benefits for ATCMA Members
Our board has been working hard to get you the members exclusive benefits:
- A new program offering for extended healthcare insurance benefits!
- Savings on educational events, both ours and with partnering TCM conferences.
- Insurance savings: Discounts in home insurance, professional insurance
- Cost savings with TCM supply companies
- Cost savings with retail purchases
- An opportunity to get free or discounted rates to post about items you are selling or looking to buy, positions or clinic space you are offering or looking for, and more
- A ton of resources and information to keep you up to date with your profession
- Access to support for your ICBC issues
- And many more…………
Looking Ahead
The path toward full recognition and integration of TCM into public and private healthcare systems is a journey that requires persistence, collaboration, and unity. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of traditional practices while embracing opportunities to innovate and grow. As our healthcare system moves forward into the next phase of Regulation, the HPOA is going to be a very important piece that we the profession need to be aware of. The ATCMA is focusing on ensuring we are the Stakeholders that the MOH engages with for feedback and possible collaboration. We continue to be the voice of the TCM in Profession in BC.
In the 2nd half of the year, our priorities will include:
- Expanding public education efforts around evidence-based TCM
- Continuing work with other TCM associations to Bridge the TCM Community and push for a more united voice that can help move our profession and strengthen our position in BC healthcare
- Advocating for greater inclusion of TCM in wellness and mental health programs
- Advocating for Modernized TCM Regulations prior to the HPOA
On behalf of the Board, thank you for your trust and your dedication to this shared mission. Together, we are shaping a future in which Traditional Chinese Medicine is valued as a vital part of health and healing across our communities.
With respect and gratitude,
Dr Chris Vallee DrTCM
President, ATCMA
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