Student's Project Featured at Medical Conference

Sergei Bluman may be a sophomore at the Rockland Country Day School (RCDS) but his scientific study drew the attention of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). Bluman of Tarrytown developed a project on “The Effect of Acupuncture versus Wine on Cognitive Functions” for the Congers school’s science fair in February. The judges selected it for submission to the Tri-County Science Fair at the end of April and then he then submitted it to the AAMA.

The 16-year-old will present his abstract on the project at the academy’s May conference.

“I am a little nervous about presenting to the medical community,” he said. “I will stand by my presentation and be available to answer any questions they may have"

Bluman’s project explored how relaxation achieved from wine consumption compares with that of acupuncture and the overall effect on cognitive and neurological functions. He submitted his project for the academy’s review. It was then sent for peer review and Bluman just learned it has been accepted for presentation. 

As for his future ambitions, he said, "I’m not 100% sure, but I will possibly pursue a career in the medical field."

Bluman is also a musician and active participant in the school’s drama department.

"We are very proud of Sergei's accomplishment, but not surprised," said Kimberly Morcate of RCDS. "Our program emphasizes the arts as well as academics, and that balance produces students who are creative thinkers, interested in engaging with the world around them.  It is not unusual on our campus for students to be just as strong in the arts as they are in their academic subjects and we encourage that." 

His project will be displayed as a poster at the AAMA’s 25thAnnual Symposium in Baltimore from May 2 through May 5. Bluman will attend to answer questions about the project, which will be included in the symposium’s syllabus. AAMA is an organization of physicians, which promotes the integration of acupuncture and Western medicine. 

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