Federation for Manual Musculoskeletal Medicine

FIMM International Academy for Musculoskeletal Medicine is the Scientific Arm of Federation Internationale Medicine Manuelle (FIMM) or International Federation of Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Our aims are:

• to enhance and develop scientific approaches that focus on musculoskeletally related problems,
• to encourage collaboration between scientists and teachers, based on individual membership thereby creating a scientific platform independent of National Society interest and representation.

A brief history of the Academy

 

• FIMM

Throughout its 40 years existence, The Federation for Manual/Musculoskeletal Medicine (FIMM) has offered a platform, or forum, for representatives of the national societies to exchange experience and knowledge. Within European national societies in particular, the development of “schools” of M/M Medicine is a notable expression of cultural pluralism throughout Europe that has yielded diverse views and expressions on a multitude of topics over many centuries. The day of the guru may have passed, but allegiance within M/MM to traditionally held beliefs and systems persists. Within that framework, the Scientific Committee attempted to pursue the collation of evidence for diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions, allied to the preparation of guidelines and conditions for best research.

 

• IFMMM Academy

On its formation in September 2004, the FIMM International Academy recognised the existence of diverse schools of Manual Medicine in Europe, and Osteopathic Medicine in the USA. Whilst respecting the traditions of these schools or approaches, the Academy has proscribed political statements or ambitions. The Academy is aware of the need to identify and broadcast the evidence base for these beliefs, concepts and practices should they exist. Much work has been undertaken by the Science Board of the Academy, supported by the entire Academy membership, in the “pioneer” phase from inception to the present. The productivity of the Academy is demonstrated by the large number of academic presentations at Academy events, some of which have been published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Medicine (soon to become “International Musculoskeletal Medicine”), over recent years. Additionally, the Academy has held a successful conference in Leipzig ( Germany), and Instructional courses in reproducibility in Montreux ( Switzerland) and Prague ( Czech Republic). Further courses and conferences are planned.

 

The Academy promotes expertise and collegiality among physicians involved in Manual and Musculoskeletal Medicine, and recognises that inter-disciplinary co-operation is in the interests of patients and future progress of Manual Medicine. Accordingly, membership of the FIMM Academy is encouraged from healthcare practitioners in a number of disciplines, whose University based training and clinical practice comprises or supports the concepts of Manual Medicine. Currently, in October 2007, the Academy has a membership of 65 clinicians from a large number of countries. Regrettably, as yet, there are fewer members from some countries, for instance the German speaking countries in mid-Europe, than anticipated.

 

• Mission

Within the Academy, scientists work closely with educationalists. Additional steps are being undertaken to fully integrate the two groups – with the expectation that implementation of scientific truths by national societies and their members may be facilitated. The FIMM Academy has always valued good relations with the national Societies. National Societies have been encouraged to nominate or alternatively support the candidature of educationalists and their participation in the activities of the FIMM Academy. In the future, Associate membership of the Academy will be offered to national societies.

 

• The future

The future of Manual and Musculoskeletal Medicine lies in the continued insistence for an established and sound scientific base for our specialty. With increased activity in mind, the Academy has taken steps to become financially sound. Initially funding has been from the parent organisation, FIMM, and through member subscriptions. Should the Academy membership rise to 100 members, it is likely that the Academy will become financially independent of FIMM. Additional financial support from institutions, pharmaceutical companies, orthopaedic manufacturing companies and national societies is being sought, in line with the latest Academy business plan.

Undoubtedly, many National Societies wish for increased status of Manual Medicine within their own countries, within Europe and indeed globally. The Academy supports the future work of the Health Policy Board of FIMM in its lobbying of WHO and UEMS with respect to the validity and status of Manual Medicine.

 

 

Michael Hutson

Chairman, Executive Board