CEO ’ s Report
Annie Gibbins | ATMS CEO
Greetings members of ATMS ,
As we near the close of another incredible year , I am inspired by the remarkable dedication , resilience , and innovation demonstrated by our members . It has been a privilege to lead ATMS through this period of growth and transformation , and I am proud to share the strides we ’ ve made together .
One of our recent highlights was the Powering a Growth Mindset Seminar & AGM in Brisbane , which brought together a vibrant community of practitioners and thought leaders . The energy in the room was electrifying , and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive . Events like these remind me why our profession is so special - it ’ s about connection , learning , and collective progress .
Enhancing Member Resources ATMS continues to prioritise offering high-value resources to support your practice . Our member portal continues to improve and free access eMIMS and EBSCO has shown to be popular . These additions are designed to make your practice more efficient and compliant , empowering you to focus on your clients .
Advocacy in Action Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission , and I ’ m pleased to report that we ’ re actively engaging in critical conversations at the highest levels . We eagerly await the findings of the Natural Therapies Review , where our goal is to secure the reinstatement of natural therapies in private health insurance . We are also advancing discussions around recent NDIS changes , aiming to position our members as trusted providers in these essential services .
Celebrating Member Achievements This year , we ’ ve seen an extraordinary number of members achieving recognition for their contributions to natural medicine through our Simon Schot and Natural Medicine awards . Your successes reflect the quality and professionalism that ATMS stands for .
At the AGM we were thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 ATMS Research Grant , which allocates up to AU $ 20,000 to support natural medicine research aligned with the ATMS Strategic Plan . This year , two $ 10,000 grants were awarded to :
Dr Deep Jyoti Bhuyan – NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University , for his research : Can probiotic gut bacteria enhance the bioavailability and bioactivity of Kakadu plum antioxidants ?
Dr Isabella Leung – Western Sydney University , for her research : Transforming the acupuncture practice scope to encompass the paramedical context : a scoping review with implications for extending practices for natural medicine professions .
Congratulations to both grant recipients for their outstanding contributions to the field of natural medicine .
New Initiatives and Services As announced at the AGM , ATMS Biz Club is set to launch 30 January 2025 , providing a dynamic program to help members grow their businesses . This initiative reflects our commitment to your success , offering structured support across areas like marketing , lead generation , and scaling your practice .
We ’ re also excited to launch the Friends of Natural Medicine program , which will help connect our members with a broader audience while driving awareness and support for the profession . This initiative is all about amplifying your impact and raising the profile of natural medicine in our communities .
Strengthening Our Team The strength of ATMS lies in its people , and I ’ m delighted to watch the ATMS team embrace new service offerings and quality improvements . Together , we ’ re working to enhance the service and support we provide to members , ensuring ATMS remains your trusted partner in practice .
Looking Ahead As we prepare for 2025 , I ’ m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead . From our robust CPE program to new initiatives that support emerging practitioners , we are committed to helping you thrive in your professional journey .
On a personal note , I want to thank you all for the warm welcome I ’ ve received since stepping into this role . Meeting so many of you – whether at events , on Zoom , or over a coffee – has been a true highlight . Your feedback and insights guide our path forward , and I ’ m deeply grateful for your trust and support .
Together , we ’ ll continue to elevate the profession , advocate for positive change , and build a healthier future for our communities . I look forward to working alongside you as we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead .
To your continued success ,
Annie Gibbins CEO
JATMS | Summer 2024 | 199