Ronald Reimer, M.D.

My primary area of research focuses on the use of medical acupuncture for autonomic dysfunction. A particular area in which this has been effective is the management of severe postop and perioperative nausea and emesis (PONV).

Many solid organ transplant patients struggle with failure to thrive and associated autonomic dysfunction. More than 20% of the patients we have treated successfully have had liver, kidney or heart transplants. This treatment has positively impacted their recovery, by eliminating nausea, improving appetite, expediting removal of feeding tubes, with advancement of their diets and activity. It also has shortened their length of hospital stay.

I also have participated in a double-blinded IRB study with Philip Metzger, M.D., investigating the effects of acupuncture on ilues in post-colectomy patients. The patients were divided into laparoscopic and open procedures. We studied various parameters, including need for pain meds and antiemetic meds, gastric motility and length of stay. We hope to participate in further IRB studies in the future.