In 1951, a small group of physicians practicing clinical electromyography and electrodiagnosis expressed a desire to organize a professional society dedicated to the growing medical specialty. They wanted to create a professional network; to build a platform for discussion of research; and to establish standards and measure quality. A society for medical professionals practicing electrodiagnostic medicine did not exist at the time. On August 29, 1953, another gathering took place at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL, to formally organize the American Association of Electromyography and Electrodiagnosis (AAEE).
Timeline & Highlights
2014
Value Based Payment position paper created
ABEM eliminates oral examination and approves moving to a testing center
Guidelines and Summary for Limb Girdle and Distal Dystrophies approved
On Site/Real Time position paper created
AANEM creates Choosing Wisely statements
2013
Reporting The Results of Diagnostic Neuromuscular Ultrasound published
Laboratory Accreditation extended to laboratories located in Canada and US government laboratories offered abroad
2012
AANEM reaches 100 laboratories accredited
Significant reimbursement cuts implemented by CMS for 2013
2011
Tim Dillingham Proposes NCS Standardization Task Force
First laboratories approved
First Technologist Examination offered by ABEM
First neuromuscular medicine SAE offered
Bylaws changed to add collaborators to membership
Neuromuscular Medicine Qualifications Position statement published
2010
AANEM launches Laboratory Accreditation
CNCT credential developed
Grandfathered AAET certification
2009
Allied Health membership proposed to Bylaws and is rejected. Instead, technologist and researchers are added.
NM ultrasound qualification published
2007
Lawrence Phillips, II, MD becomes new Muscle & Nerve Editor
First teleconference offered by AANEM
2005
Olney Lecture Established
MI bill passes making EMG the practice of medicine
Reporting the Results of Needle EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies published
2004
AAEM becomes AANEM to reflect the broadening of its scope
Symposia and ultrasound added to the annual meeting
2003
Members dues are $245
2002
ABEM holds first maintenance of certification examination
1989
Membership votes to change name to American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AAEM)
AAEM publishes first practice parameter
1988
Jun Kimura, MD, becomes editor of
Muscle & Nerve
1987
American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (ABEM) formed
AAEM's application for a seat in the American Medical Association House of Delegates is accepted
Tom Swift, MD, and Ian MacLean, MD, serve as AAEM's first HOD delegates
1984
Workshops and video tape library added to annual meeting
1982
Muscle & Nerve becomes official journal of the AAEE with Walter Bradley, DM, FRCP, as editor
News & Comments becomes regular feature in Muscle & Nerve
1980
Case report series added as member benefit
First glossary published
Watch: Dr. Jasper R. Daube Prioritized Financial Stability and Education During Presidency
Watch: Dr. Austin J. Sumner Reflects on the "Golden Age" of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
1979
Rochester, MN, becomes AAEE's home office
Ella Van Laningham is hired as executive secretary
First set of guidelines published
1978
Courses added to the annual meeting
1976
Monograph series started as member benefit
Gisela Wiederholt named AAEE's first executive secretary
1973
Gisela Wiederholt hired as part-time secretary
Watch: President Ernest W. Johnson, MD
Watch: Dr. John L. Melvin Discusses the Organization's Focus During 1979-80
1967
First examination given to 26 individuals on a trial basis
1955
First newsletter sent to members
Y. Thomas Oester, MD, served as newsletter editor
1954
First annual scientific meeting held in Washington, D.C.
1953
American Association of Electromyography and Electrodiagnosis (AAEE) founded at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL
Membership dues were $10
1951
James Golseth holds meeting at the Shirley-Savoy Hotel in Denver, CO, to discuss creating an organization for electromyography
Watch: Dr. James Golseth: AANEM's First President
Watch: Dr. George H. Koepke Reflects on AANEM's Early Years