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
2021
Over $1.5M transferred to the American Neuromuscular Foundation to increase research funding
First virtual spring conference held
ABEM moves from maintenance of certification examination to Core Comp – continuous certification
First NM Virtual Career Fellowship held
First APP education offered
2020
Membership provided guidance and resources related to the COVID pandemic
Virtual annual meeting held during COVID pandemic
Surinderjit Singh Young Lectureship Award added to the AANEM meeting
The Utility and Practice of EDX Testing in the Pediatric Population: An AANEM Consensus Statement published
Establishing Standards for Acceptable Waveforms in NCSs published
AANEM - IFCN glossary of terms in neuromuscular electrodiagnostic medicine and ultrasound published
NM Fellowship Portal created
Published the CTS measure set
Introduced our first federal legislation– HR 8780
2019
The AANEM for Foundation for Research and Education renamed the American Neuromuscular Foundation
ABEM adds NM US Certificate of Added Qualification examination
2018
First MACRA & the QPP: A Guide for AANEM Members provided to members
2016
Over $3M transferred from the AAENM to the AANEM Foundation
Establishing High-Quality Reference Values for NCS and Electrodiagnostic Reference Values for Upper and Lower Limb NCS in Adult Populations published
Training Program Partnership created
2015
Lobbyist in Washington DC hired to work with CMS and Congress to prevent fraud and abuse
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
Partners with Wake Forest to hold US Workshop
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
Joint AANEM and IFCN meeting held
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