Remembering Allen McDaniels

Abstract

Medical AcupunctureVol. 32, No. 2 TributeFree AccessRemembering Allen McDanielsRichard C. NiemtzowRichard C. Niemtzow—Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, Editor-in-ChiefSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:16 Apr 2020https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.29139.rcnAboutSectionsPDF/EPUB Permissions & CitationsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail Allen McDaniels, MDAllen McDaniels, MD, in San Pedro, California, suddenly and without warning, passed on during a beautiful winter day in California. His passing was a shock, especially to the members of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). As the news made its way through this vast circuit of friends, there was disbelief and ensuing sorrow that touched deep into our very souls. In fact, for a moment, it took our breath away as his face suddenly filled our minds. We all asked the eternal question: “Why did this have to happen now?” We were stunned and overwhelmed as tears filled our eyes and streamed down our faces. We sensed that Allen was staring at us with his deep penetrating eyes and warm calming smile saying: “It will be all right.” But we shook our heads and said bluntly: “No!” We felt alone.The man that helped create and organize the AAMA and stood as a pillar to be admired as a timeless teacher and physician was gone. A man who helped patients battle their diseases and taught physicians the courage to learn new strategies, such as acupuncture, had suddenly disappeared, but his spirit remains in all of us that he touched.I met Allen in 1994 when I enrolled in the Helms Acupuncture Course. Allen steadied my hands and brought me confidence as I navigated through the complexity of learning acupuncture. He was gentle and inspiring. His patience was never ending. We became friends, and I admired him. His wisdom was genuine and everlasting. He contributed much to this Journal, and his reviews and comments were exceptional. We did not always agree when I became President of the AAMA and introduced some policies for consideration. But it did not impact our friendship. I knew I could always count on Allen. And I was a better person for listening to him.Allen has left on another journey that eventually all of us will take. Allen's spirit will enrich the universe forever. He has affected many of our lives throughout the Academy. We are grateful for his guidance with Medical Acupuncture. I remember his pleasant demeanor and confidence as he steered us through the business of the Academy. His wisdom and courage will always be remembered. For those of you that did not know Allen, he was one of a kind you only meet once in a lifetime. The fact that you are reading this tribute is because of Allen's resolve and investment as one of the founding fathers in helping establish Medical Acupuncture and the Academy.Many exclamatory words will be said about Allen. This issue will capture Allen from people who knew him well both personally and professionally. He stood up for his principles and was unrelenting in his practice of medicine as a world-class act. This was also reflected in his everyday activities outside the field of medicine. Life fascinated him and he fascinated life. And he fascinated us as a man.Eventually, you will read through this issue and your thoughts will move on to the everyday activities of your life and the words about Allen will begin to fade. He will, however, take a place of honor in your soul, and every needle you place in a patient will be another scintillation for Allen's magnificent splendor that will glow forever. From all of us: “Thank you Allen!”FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 32Issue 2Apr 2020 InformationCopyright 2020, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishersTo cite this article:Richard C. Niemtzow.Remembering Allen McDaniels.Medical Acupuncture.Apr 2020.55-56.http://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2020.29139.rcnPublished in Volume: 32 Issue 2: April 16, 2020Online Ahead of Print:March 19, 2020PDF download