Board of Directors
The governing body responsible for mission alignment, organizational oversight, and fiscal accountability of the American Society of Hirudotherapy.
Governing Board
The Board of Directors of the American Society of Hirudotherapy holds ultimate legal and financial authority over the organization. Board members serve without compensation and are required to submit annual conflict-of-interest disclosures. The Board meets quarterly to review organizational performance, approve financial statements, and ensure 501(c)(3) mission compliance.
Andrei Dokukin, MD
MDExecutive Director
Board Chair · Founder
Dr. Dokukin is a physician with extensive clinical experience in integrative medicine and deep familiarity with hirudotherapy practice spanning both European and American clinical traditions. His medical training includes formal study of hirudotherapy protocols, patient safety systems, and evidence-based practice design.
As Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Dokukin leads the Society's clinical content strategy, safety protocol development, and evidence synthesis programs. He holds primary responsibility for ensuring that all published materials adhere to the evidence-over-anecdote standard that defines the organization's mission.
Dr. Dokukin maintains the Society's FDA 510(k) regulatory documentation portfolio and serves as the primary point of contact for clinical and regulatory inquiries.
Areas of Focus
John Oppenheim
Administrator
Board Secretary · Administrator
John Oppenheim serves as the Society's Administrator and Board Secretary, responsible for organizational operations, member communications, and administrative compliance.
His responsibilities include coordinating Board meetings, maintaining corporate records, overseeing donor correspondence, and managing the Society's administrative infrastructure.
Mr. Oppenheim ensures that the Society's operational practices conform to 501(c)(3) requirements and applicable state nonprofit regulations.
Areas of Focus
Daria Ronsal
Director of Operations
Board Treasurer · Operations
Daria Ronsal serves as the Society's Director of Operations and Board Treasurer, responsible for day-to-day organizational operations, financial oversight, and project coordination.
Her work spans budget management, vendor relations, operational website management, and coordination of the Society's research and publication programs.
Ms. Ronsal ensures that the organization's operational systems support its mission of providing accessible, evidence-based information about FDA-cleared hirudotherapy.
Areas of Focus
Future Board Positions
As the Society grows, additional Board seats will be filled to represent multidisciplinary expertise in clinical medicine, research methodology, healthcare law, and patient advocacy. Candidates for Board positions are vetted for relevant expertise and absence of material conflicts of interest.
Clinical Advisory Board Member
Physician or advanced practice clinician with expertise in hirudotherapy or integrative medicine.
Research Methodologist
Expert in systematic reviews, evidence appraisal, or clinical trial design.
Healthcare Advocate
Legal expertise in nonprofit law, FDA compliance, or healthcare regulation.
Patient Advocate
Patient community representative with background in healthcare access and education.
Governance Policies
Conflict of Interest
All Board members submit written conflict-of-interest disclosures annually. Members with material conflicts recuse themselves from affected decisions. Disclosures are available upon request.
Fiduciary Duties
Board members serve without compensation and exercise the duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience in all organizational decisions.
Meeting Frequency
The Board meets quarterly. Special meetings may be convened by the Chair or upon petition by two-thirds of Board members.
Term Limits
Founding Board members serve a three-year term with one renewal. Subsequent appointments follow a staggered three-year structure.
Contact the Board
Contact the Board
For governance inquiries, conflict-of-interest disclosures, or Board correspondence, contact the Administrator.
24001 Calle De La Magdalena, #2246, Laguna Hills, CA 92654 USA