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Regenerative Medicine Grows Fast

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 25, 2009

The fastest growing medical specialty worldwide is anti-aging and regenerative medicine. The goal of this relatively new field is not merely to prolong life but to insure this extended length be vital and productive. Prevention, early detection, treatment and reversal of age-related disorders are the cornerstones of this fascinating branch of medicine.

In 1992, doctors Roland Klatz and Robert Goldman created the non-profit American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, usually referred to as A4M. This academy has become an advocate in advancing worldwide information and clinical delivery of anti-aging specialties. It also acts as a resource for physicians, scientists, and citizens who wish to know and benefit from frequent breakthroughs in the field.
A4M currently oversees education and training of more than 50,000 physicians in this expanding field. Most of A4M's physician members are board certified in primary medical specialties that are recognized by the American Medical Association. Specialists in anti-aging medicine typically devote at least 80 percent of their time to the early detection and treatment of age-related diseases, disorders and dysfunctions. Information about A4M educational programs can be obtained at the World Health Network, worldhealth.net.

It also participates in sponsoring international conferences. In the past three years this has grown from two international conferences to 20 annual international conferences in 2008.

Asia has become a prime area for development in this field and A4M is providing support for anti-aging conferences in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and India.

China is an interesting example of a country that has embraced anti-aging medicine. It has one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world.

A number of Chinese business groups are considering investing in creating large anti-aging hospitals and clinics that offer comprehensive anti-aging medical care.

What an exciting time for all of us. This field is truly a delight to follow.

Loys Rafferty is a psychologist and author. She contributes this column on behalf of the Sun City Center Coalition for Mental Health and Aging. She can be reached at (813)634-0902 or by e-mailing raffbob@aol.com. The Coalition's Web site is coalitionmha.c

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