As I begin to write this President?s message, I realize that it will be my last one as president of the WFC At the conclusion of our Q2 board meeting in Montreal, new executive officers will be elected to serve As I look back over my tenure, I am overwhelmed by the opportunities and experiences I have had in sharing chiropractic with the world.
I had two main goals when I took office The first was to continue to bring the profession together Only as a profession united by a common goal can we ever hope to survive and fulfil our mission and vision. Fundamental to that is the understanding that we will never agree on everything, but we can agree on most things.
The second was to proclaim the mission and vision of the WFCwherever I went WFCVision is ?A world where all people, of all ages, in all nations may enjoy access to evidence-based, people-centered, interprofessional and collaborative chiropractic care so that populations may thrive and reach their full potential.?Our mission is ?To advance awareness, utilization, and integration of chiropractic internationally ?I have yet to meet anyone within our profession that has any issue with these statements
Back in 2015, when Dr Gerry Clum asked if I would take his place on the WFCBoard, he recalled that the two most satisfying things he had been a part of throughout his long chiropractic career were serving as President of Life West Chiropractic and his tenure on the WFCBoard Gerry understood the importance of all sides of the chiropractic family coming together at the same table to work together for the sake of the health of the planet You see, that?s what it?s really all about, isn? t it?The health of the planet.
Clearly stated within our vision is a focus on patients and our wider society As the global burden of multiple health conditions continues to weigh heavy on the world?s populations, the time for inclusion and access to chiropractic has never
been more critical We should be doing everything within our power to break down any barriers to help ensure that, throughout the life course, people are able to access the best chiropractic care they can, whenever they need it, and wherever they may live
The WFCis constantly meeting with health care professionals and organizations from around the world to offer support to projects and initiatives and make it clear how chiropractic can contribute to a healthier world The WFCis creating greater opportunities for chiropractic colleges all over the world to work together to provide a quality education for students. The WFCis showcasing research and advancing research opportunities through regular communications and publications. The WFCcoordinates World Spine Day, a public health campaign that reaches millions around the world
As much as we are doing, there are new opportunities popping up every day. We only need to keep our eyes open and be ready when they do.
So, what season are we in?I live in a farming community in the southwest desert of the United States, the Palo Verde Valley on the Colorado River Because of our weather, we plant and harvest all year round Driving through our valley, you can see the farmers planting cotton in one field, cutting alfalfa hay in the next, cutting broccoli next to that, and planting melons to harvest in the summer. I think we should consider ourselves like my valley It?s always time to sow the seed It?s always time to water the crops It?s always time
to harvest. In other words, it?s always time to work towards our goal of making chiropractic accessible to everyone
In closing, I would like to thank a few people for their support. No words can express my gratitude for the support I have received from our board. Working together for the advancement of the profession has always been their mission
To our Secretary-General, Richard Brown, your effort on behalf of chiropractic and the WFCgoes well beyond what any
The first quarter meeting of 2024 took place via teleconference on February 13, 2024 Apologies for absence were noted and the minutes of the previous meeting, held in person October 7-8, 2023, in Gold Coast, were duly adopted.
The Board noted the outcomes of a delegate survey that had been distributed following the Gold Coast Congress, taking note of recommendations and other feedback
The Board noted that communications had been received from Bahçe?ehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye and that a new outpatient clinic was nearing completion The Secretary-General reported that he would be visiting Bahçe?ehir in the coming months for meetings with program leaders
The Board received an updated copy of the risk register, noting that there were no significant changes to the current level of risk for the WFC
An activity report from the Secretary-General was adopted. The Board noted the body of work that
organization could hope for. I?m pleased to call you a friend.
And finally, to those of you taking the time to read this: practicing chiropractors, educators, researchers, students, partners and donors. If it weren't for your selfless giving and love for our patients, communities and our wider society, chiropractic wouldn? t exist Every day, you overcome obstacles and challenges to advance our mission and improve the lives of populations globally You are my heroes
had been undertaken since the last meeting, including representation at the World Health Organization's Executive Board Meeting in Geneva.
Noting the Secretary-General's intention to step down from office at the end of June 2025, the Board accepted the terms of reference for a Succession Planning Committee and the appointment of an external consultant to oversee the process
Consequent on the approval of a WFCStrategic Plan covering the period 2024-2029, the Board agreed that its implementation should be a key focus at its upcoming Board meeting in May 2024
Updates were received from the respective chairs of the Research Committee (RC), Public Health Committee (PHC) and Disability and Rehabilitation Committee (DRC) A report was also received from the Global Patient Safety Task Force It was noted that the PHCfocus of work for 2024-2025 would be in the area of women's, children's and adolescents' health
Planning progress reports were received in respect of the upcoming WFCEducation Conference, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the 18th Biennial Congress, to be held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Board received updates on the WHO Benchmarking project, the International Chiropractic Education Alliance and the new International Test of Competence (ITC).
A statement endorsing the new WHO Guideline on the Non-Surgical Management of Chronic, Primary Low Back Pain in Adults in Primary and Community Settings was approved by the Board. An update on activities related to
the WFC's membership of the World Rehabilitation Alliance was also received
The Board received a communications report, setting out the WFC's media activity, including the latest issue of the QuarterlyWorld Report, and on its social media platforms
Membership status was reported to the Board, which noted that the Maltese association had been dissolved, with applications having been received from Laos PDRand Kuwait
The outcomes of the Board elections were noted, with four new representatives from the North American, Asian, Pacific
John Maltby (President) North American Region
Kendrah Da Silva (Vice President) African Region
Ryan Coster (Secretary-Treasurer) North American Region
Kei Takeyachi Asian Region
Efstathios Papadopoulos Eastern Mediterranean Region
Gian Joerger European Region
Jakob Lothe European Region
Carlos Ayres Latin American Region
Glenn Guilderson North American Region
Dana Lawrence North American Region
John Maltby North American Region
Holly Tucker North American Region
Andrew Lawrence Pacific Region
Corrian Poelsma Pacific Region
and European regions due to take office at the Q2 meeting
The Board received and approved a report detailing the nomination and election process, particularly the fact that the European region had received a total of six candidates for two places on the Board
The President noted the contributions of the outgoing Board members, namely Dana Lawrence, Corrian Poelsma, Gian Joerger and Kei Takeyachi and proposed a vote of thanks for their commitment and dedication to the WFC
The next meeting of the Board will take place May 16-18, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Sidney Rubinstein DC, PhD (Chair) Netherlands
Claire Johnson DC, MSEd, PhD (Chair) USA
Katie de Luca MAppSc, PhD (Chair) Australia
Richard Brown DC, LL M (Secretary General)
Rebekah Wilks BS, DC (Director of Strategy and Policy)
Khalid Salim (Finance & Administration Manager)
Sarah Villarba (Administrative Assistant)
Following a call for nominations for election and appointees to the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Board of Directors to represent each of its seven world regions, the WFCis pleased to confirm the thirteen members of the Board who will be taking up their roles for the 2024-2026 term of office
Other than the Canadian Chiropractic Association (two seats) and the American Chiropractic Association (one seat) who were eligible to appoint directors due to their membership numbers, the remaining ten seats were up for election in the WFCregions of Africa, Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Latin America, North America and Pacific
There are four new faces on the incoming Board: Dr Yi Kai Wong, representing the Asian region; Dr Pernille Popp, representing the European region;
Dr Dale White, representing the North American region; and Dr Hayden Thomas, representing the Pacific region.
In the European region, the six nominations for the two available seats resulted in a ballot of members to elect candidates Following a closely-fought ballot, the Norwegian and Danish candidates emerged successful.
Following an onboarding process of new directors, the new Board will meet for the first time May 16-18 in Montreal, Canada At this meeting, the new Board will elect its Executive Officers (President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer)
Directors are responsible for compliance with board governance principles and ensuring that the WFC's strategy is discharged
Carlos Ayres, of Lima, Peru is a past president of the WFCand was the first Latin American to hold the role, having previously served in all other executive offices. A 1981 graduate of New York Chiropractic College, Carlos worked in the USA for 20 years before returning to his native country of Peru in 2002. He is a longstanding president of the Peruvian chiropractors Association and served as the president of the Latin American Chiropractic Federation (FLAQ) from 2007 to 2012, where he continues to serve as its international advisor
Carlos manages several chiropractic offices in the northern and southern parts of the Peru as well as in its capital city, Lima
Ryan Coster, of Moncton, New Brunswick, serves as the President of the New Brunswick Chiropractors' Association A graduate of Macquarie University, Australia, Ryan received the Student of the Year Award and was a recipient of the Chiropractic Association of Australia's Academic Excellence Award. Dr Coster also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Mid-Sweden University, Östersund, where he majored in organizational management He is a strong advocate of evidence-based practice and has previously served on the Board of Chiropractic Australia He has a particular interest in sports chiropractic and was previously a voting member of Sports Medicine Australia
Kendrah da Silva, of Pretoria, South Africa is a three-term past president of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA), an association she has served for over a quarter of a century She divides her time between being in private practice and teaching on the chiropractic program at the University of Johannesburg She is a powerful advocate of public health in chiropractic, serving on the WFCPublic Health Committee as well as coordinating activities nationally for World Spine Day. She has leadership experience in relation to health equity and access to health services in underserved communities. She is frequently called upon to represent the chiropractic profession both internationally and nationally and serves as Chair of South Africa?s Professional Board of Osteopathy and Chiropractic
Glenn Guilderson, of Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada is a 2001 graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), prior to which he completed his undergraduate Bachelors degree in biology at Dalhousie University. He is the clinic director of a multidisciplinary center that integrates chiropractic, osteopathy, psychology, acupuncture and massage therapy. While at CMCC, Dr Guilderson served as president of the World Congress of Chiropractic Students (WCCS) He has previously acted as Secretary of the Council of the Nova Scotia College of Chiropractors and currently serves on the board of directors of the Canadian Chiropractic Association In his home town, he is an active member of his business community
Andrew Lawrence, of Melbourne, Australia is a past president of the Australian Chiropractors Association (formerly the Chiropractors Association of Australia) and served three terms of office During his first term of office (1986-1990), the motion for a world federation was discussed at a World Chiropractic Congress held in Sydney Most recently, as president of the ACA, he presided over an historic restructuring of the association. Initially trained as a pharmacist, Andrew qualified from Palmer College of Chiropractic and has been in continuous private practice for 44 years with a particular interest in family practice and health promotion He has been recognized for his service to health care with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Four
Jakob Lothe, of Oslo, Norway, has served on the WFCBoard since 2022. He is a 1988 graduate of AECCUniversity College in the UK and is the owner of a multidisciplinary practice in Oslo Jakob is a past-president of Norwegian Chiropractors? Association (2010-2018), during which time he concurrently served on the General Council of the European Chiropractors?Union Jakob chaired the Norwegian Council for Musculoskeletal Health from 2009 to 2021 and became a member of the International Coordinating Council of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (GMusc) in 2022. In this capacity, he is a representative to the WHO World Rehabilitation Alliance.
John K Maltby, of Blythe, California graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1977 and has 46 years of continuous private practice experience, with a particular interest in the care of older people. He has served on the WFCBoard of Directors since 2015 and was elected president in 2022 He has considerable leadership experience including two terms as president of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) (2005-2009) and a term as chairman of the Board (2009-2013) Throughout his professional career, John has been active at the state and national levels holding numerous leadership positions involving legislation, education and licensure He is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including ICA Chiropractor of the Year.
Four new faces as WFC prepares for new t erm of office (cont inued)
StathisPapadopoulosrepresentstheWFCEastern Mediterranean region
PernillePopp representstheWFCEuroperegion
Efst at hios PAPADOPOULOS
Efstathios (Stathis) Papadopoulos, of Nicosia, Cyprus is a 1981 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic Representing the WFCEastern Mediterranean region since 1992, he is the longest-serving member of the Board and served as president (2008-2010) As president of the Cyprus Chiropractic Association, Stathis sits on the General Council of the European Chiropractors? Union (ECU) and is the founding president of the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Chiropractic Federation. Stathis has served in many other leadership positions with chiropractic. He was instrumental in the formation of the International Board of Chiropractic Examiners (IBCE) and the European Academy of Chiropractic (EAC), the academic arm of the ECU
Pernille Popp is a 2003 graduate of the University of Southern Denmark She was initially employed in private chiropractic practice, but since 2009, she has worked as a chiropractor and department team leader at the Spine Center at Lillebælt Hospital, a regional hospital in Vejle, southern Denmark. Pernille is currently undertaking a 5-year post graduate program as a specialist chiropractor at the hospital, including time spent within the rheumatology and orthopedic departments In 2017, Pernille was elected to the Danish Chiropractors' Association?s board and served for six years During this time her focus was predominantly on chiropractors with employment outside of private practice and research She has a particular interest in working on improving social inequality for chiropractic patients.
Four new faces as WFC prepares for new t erm of office (cont inued)
Hayden Thomas, of Nelson, New Zealand, graduated with a BSc in physiology from the University of Auckland in 1999 and from the New Zealand College of Chiropractic in 2001 He is a practicing chiropractor and co-director of a multi-disciplinary practice. Between 2009 and 2023 Hayden served in a number of capacities on the council of the New Zealand Chiropractors? Association including as its president for six years, where he represented the association at WFC events around the world He has also served as co-chair on the board of Allied Health Aotearoa NZ, a group representing over 30 allied health associations and 30,000 healthcare professionals
Holly is a state Delegate of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and maintains a private practice in Wilmington, North Carolina. Following her graduation from Logan University, Holly completed an internship at the World Health Organization in Geneva She went on to obtain a Masters degree in Public Health (MPH), and pursues a focus in Community Health Education with a Certificate in Health Policy She currently serves as Section Councilor for the American Public Health Association - Chiropractic Health Care Section. Having first been elected to the WFCBoard in 2019, Holly serves on its Finance Committee.
Four new faces as WFC prepares for new t erm of office (cont inued)
Dale White Jr is a 1979 Texas Chiropractic College graduate His leadership experience includes having previously served on the Board of the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA), including two terms as its president Dale served on the TCA Legislative Committee for 16 years, ten of which as the Chairman. He is currently the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Legislative Committee Vice-Chairman. He was appointed to the ACA Legislative Commission in 2009. He has been an ACA House of Delegates Member representing the State of Texas since 2009 and served as the ACA Secretary to the Council of Delegates in 2016 Most recently, in 2017 Dale established what has become a successful integrated chiropractic and medical clinic in Fort Worth, Texas
Yi Kai Wong, of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is an early graduate of the chiropractic program at International Medical University and serves as a senior lecturer and course leader in the chiropractic program. With a Masters degree in Public Health, he has taken a key role in advocating for accessible, affordable, and evidence-based health and wellness He actively promotes the advancement of chiropractic in Malaysia and holds significant leadership roles in national and international bodies, including the presidency of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia He has been instrumental in advocacy work with the Malaysian Ministry of Health and serves as a member of the WFC?s Public Health Committee A passionate educator, he is committed to nurturing a new generation of skilled chiropractic professionals in the Asian region.
I've just returned from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges annual Research Agenda Conference (ACCRAC) in San Diego, California At this event, over 400 delegates attended and listened to the latest breakthroughs in research from both seasoned investigators and new, early career researchers.
Later this year, researchers will present their work at the WFCGlobal Education Conference in Kuala Lumpur, while next year, chiropractic's largest international scientific meeting will take place at the 18th WFCBiennial Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Curiosity has long been recognized as a driving force behind scientific and academic progress It is the insatiable thirst for knowledge, the burning desire to explore the unknown, and the relentless pursuit of answers that propel researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries
In the realm of research, curiosity serves as a catalyst, igniting innovation and pushing the boundaries of human understanding
Scientists and scholars who possess an unwavering curiosity are often the ones who challenge conventional wisdom, ask the daring questions, and embark on bold investigations that have the potential to reshape entire fields Their inherent inquisitiveness leads them to delve deeper into uncharted territories, unravel complex phenomena and ultimately unlock the secrets of the universe
Curiosity in research is not merely a fleeting emotion but a fundamental mindset. It is the willingness to embrace uncertainty, the openness to accept unexpected findings and the courage to venture into unexplored avenues It encourages researchers to think critically, question assumptions, and seek alternative perspectives, allowing them to uncover hidden gems of knowledge that might otherwise remain concealed
Moreover, curiosity fosters collaboration and
interdisciplinary approaches When researchers from different disciplines come together, driven by their shared curiosity, remarkable synergies emerge The exchange of ideas and perspectives sparks new insights and novel approaches, leading to interdisciplinary breakthroughs that have the potential to address complex and multifaceted challenges.
The final keynote speaker in San Diego was Scott Haldeman Dr Haldeman has probably done more than any other researcher to advance the chiropractic profession and he exemplifies many of the qualities set out above. At a time when chiropractors were vilified in many jurisdictions, he threw himself into interprofessional collaboration, obtaining an MD degree and pursuing a PhD when such moves were virtually unheard of in the chiropractic profession
Despite having entered his ninth decade, Dr Haldeman retains a voracious appetite for research, continuing to work on a multitude of continued
Richard Brown, WFCSecretary-General
projects that push the boundaries of our understanding of how chiropractic can contribute to better human health and well being
As a profession we have a moral obligation to ensure that our early career researchers are supported and encouraged in their work. We must promote freedom of thought and allow the creative energy of innovation to flourish within the chiropractic profession as new ideas are brought forth and explored
At the same time, this creativity should not be stifled by those with seniority, who may wield considerable influence and have the ability to control resource allocation and both nurture and empower new leaders. The value of mentorship cannot be overstated and by sharing their knowledge and insights, senior researchers offer a wealth of practical knowledge, research methodologies and critical thinking skills, honed over years of dedicated work
By imparting these valuable lessons, senior researchers equip young researchers with the tools they need to navigate the complex landscape of chiropractic research.
It is critical that these senior researchers serve as advocates for early career researchers within the broader chiropractic community By serving as their cheerleaders, and by actively promoting their work, providing networking opportunities and helping them establish connections with researchers and institutions, they help ensure that their contributions are recognized and celebrated, boosting their confidence and propelling their careers forward.
In a world where research is constantly evolving, curiosity remains a powerful force that propels us forward It fuels the passion for discovery, inspires intellectual curiosity, and drives the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
By embracing and nurturing curiosity in research, we open a door to a world of endless possibilities and ensure that the quest for understanding never ceases RB
Writ e t o us:
World Federation of Chiropractic, 2 St Clair Avenue West,Toronto, Ontario M4V1L5, Canada
Call us:
+1 647 255 8030
Em ail us:
General enquiries info@wfc org
Richard Brown rbrown@wfc org
Khalid Salim ksalim@wfc org
Sarah Villarba svillarba@wfc.org
The WFCwelcomes news items, digital images and feature stories to include in the QWR Send all submissions QWR@wfc org
Please note all submissions may be subject to editing
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The World Federation of Chiropractic reserves the right to decline advertising
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Oct ober 31 - Novem ber 2, 2024
Kuala Lum pur Convent ion Cent re, Kuala Lum pur, Malaysia
This year's highly anticipated WFCEducation Conference heads to the exciting and dynamic city of Kuala Lumpur
Taking place between October 31 and November 2, the conference will explore the intersection of technology and innovation in shaping the future of chiropractic education
Traditionally attended by the chiropractic profession's educational community, WFC Secretary-General Richard Brown, stresses that this is an event for a much wider range of attendees
"Education is the foundation stone of the chiropractic profession and is fundamental to its growth and success," he says. "The sustainability of chiropractic in countries around the world is based upon a culture of delivering high quality, evidence-based chiropractic education with programs that are internationally accredited and which produce chiropractors that are able to seamlessly transition into the global health workforce
"Supporting and promoting chiropractic education is therefore everyone's responsibility, including national association leaders, testing agencies, accreditation bodies and even students themselves We look forward to welcoming everyone with an interest in chiropractic education to Kuala Lumpur "
Hosted at Malaysia's leading event venue, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), in the shadow of the iconic Petronas Towers, this conference will bring together educators, practitioners, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to share insights, discuss best
practices and explore emerging technologies that can revolutionize chiropractic education
The conference will feature keynote and plenary presentations, interactive workshops, and the latest education research and networking opportunities.
Conference objectives include the following:
1. Explore the latest technological advancements and innovations applicable to chiropractic education
2 Discuss the potential impact of technology on teaching methodologies, curriculum design
and student engagement
3. Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among educators, practitioners, researchers and industry leaders.
4 Identify strategies to leverage technology for enhancing diagnostic skills, treatment techniques and patient outcomes
5 Address challenges and opportunities associated with integrating technology into chiropractic education
6. Inspire participants to embrace innovation and adapt to the evolving landscape of technology and healthcare education.
Previous attendees of the WFC's Global Education Conference will be familiar with its mix of plenary sessions, panel discussions, presentation of education research and workshops. This year's conference will also feature a visit to International Medical University for a tour of the institution and a cocktail reception.
The conference's preferred accommodation venue is the Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, part of the Shangri-La group. Commanding a prime central location, it boasts outstanding views of the Petronas Towers, and provides sleek comforts and simplified luxury. Just a short, covered walk to the KLCC, Traders Hotel is in the very heart of the city and is also close to the prestigious Suria KLCC Mall
Kuala Lumpur boasts a well developed infrastructure, making it convenient for visitors to navigate the city. The efficient public transportation system, including the MRT and the monorail, connects various parts of the city.
Kuala Lumpur's multicultural environment is a significant draw for visitors coming to Malaysia
The city is a melting pot of various ethnicities, including Malay, Chinese, Indian and others. This diversity is reflected in the city's architecture,
festivals and cuisine, providing a rich cultural tapestry to explore
Food enthusiasts will find Kuala Lumpur a gastronomic paradise. The city offers a vast array of cuisines, from traditional Malay dishes to Chinese, Indian and international fare. Street food stalls, night markets and upscale restaurants serve up delicious delicacies, allowing visitors to embark on a culinary adventure
Wednesday, October 30
- Onsite registration opens
- Expo set-up
- Welcome reception, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Thursday, October 31
- Registration
- Conference day 1
- Welcome and opening ceremony
- Keynote and plenary sessions
- Research presentations and workshops
Friday, November 1
- Conference day 2
- Keynote and plenary sessions
- Research presentations and workshops
- Tour of International Medical University and cocktail reception
Saturday, November 2
- Registration
- Conference day 3
- Keynote and plenary sessions
- Research awards
- Consensus statements
- Closing ceremony
For more information, visit the conference webpage at www.wfc.org/educonf2024.
The 2024 WFC Global Educat ion Conference aim s t o explore t he int ersect ion of t echnology and innovat ion in shaping t he fut ure of chiropract ic educat ion.
Abst ract subm issions and w orkshop proposals focusing on t echnological innovat ions and innovat ions in t eachoing and learning are preferred but not obligat ory. All t opics relat ed t o educat ion and t raining in chiropract ic w ill be considered.
For m ore inform at ion and inst ruct ions on how t o subm it , visit t he abst ract subm ission w ebsit e:
surveym onkey.com / r/ WFC2024EDUC
For quest ions, please em ail:
2024w fc.educat ion@gm ail.com
Subm ission deadline: Oct ober 1, 2024
First prize: $1200
Second prize: $800
October 16th marks World Spine Day, an annual event recognized as the largest public health initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the global burden of spinal pain and disability.
World Spine Day brings together individuals from various backgrounds, including health professionals, exercise and rehabilitation experts, public health advocates, schoolchildren, governments and the wider public
This celebration extends across all continents and emphasizes the universal significance of spinal health.
?Support Your Spine? has been announced as t he t hem e of World Spine Day 2024
The 2024 initiative urges individuals to spread awareness about the worldwide impact of spinal pain and disability It aims to empower people of all ages, across all nations to adopt evidence-based strategies for maintaining spinal health under the slogan "Support Your Spine "
The campaign will feature a distinctive two-toned blue and green ribbon, with further details available on the website
An estimated one billion people suffer from spinal pain [1] with 540 million people at any one time [2]. Low back pain is the single leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide with neck pain ranking fourth [3]. Experts estimate that as many as 4 out of 5 adults will experience a back problem at some time in their lives [4]
In numerous low and middle-income countries, conventional healthcare resources and dedicated spinal health professionals are often inaccessible Consequently, it is essential to prioritize empowering populations and communities to self-manage their conditions.
Moreover, the impact of back pain on industries and economies is substantial, even in high-income
countries, underscoring the critical importance of effective management and prevention measures
World Spine Day emphasizes the critical importance of global efforts to address spinal pain and disability by urging governments, communities, and public health bodies to take action For experts in spinal health, this occasion presents an excellent opportunity to actively participate in their communities and make meaningful contributions.
"Support Your Spine" is a call to action for individuals to prioritize spinal health across all aspects of life.
Whether at home, in the workplace, schools, or within our communities, fostering healthy habits is essential to support the spine throughout the various stages of life.
It is imperative for people of all backgrounds to recognize the importance of staying mobile, avoiding prolonged periods of physical inactivity and refraining from overloading their spines with excessive weight or strain Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle choices such as weight loss and smoking cessation can significantly contribute to spinal well-being
World Spine Day Global Executive Committee Co-Chair & Project Lead, Dr Rebekah Wilks said "The World Spine Day public health initiative presents a platform for collective action in addressing global concerns surrounding spinal
pain and disability Our objective is to empower individuals to champion prevention efforts and implement robust management strategies for spinal conditions and spinal health promotion.?
We call on everyone worldwide to get involved in World Spine Day 2024's ?Support Your Spine? campaign.
To find out more, go to www worldspineday org, Facebook, Instagram, Threads X.
[1] Hurwitz, E.L., Randhawa, K., Yu, H. et al. The Global Spine Care Initiative: a summary of the global burden of low back and neck pain studies Eur Spine J27 (Suppl 6), 796?801 (2018) https://doi org/10 1007/s00586-017-5432-9
[2] Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention Lancet 2018;391:2356?67 10 1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X
[3] GBD 2021 Low Back Pain Collaborators Global, regional, and national burden of low back pain, 1990-2020, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 Lancet Rheumatol 2023 May 22;5(6):e316-e329 doi: 10 1016/S2665-9913(23)00098-X PMID: 37273833; PMCID: PMC10234592
WFCSecretary-General Richard Brown was a keynote speaker in February at NCMIC's annual Board retreat
Held in Scottsdale, Arizona, Prof. Brown was one of a group of speakers invited to present to the
L>R:WayneWolfson, ZwadeMarshall, Richard Brown, Brandi Childress, Sam Wangand MikeMcCoy
board, which oversees the running of what is the world's largest chiropractic malpractice insurer
In his presentation, UnleashingPotential:Shaping theFutureof Chiropractic, Prof Brown reflected on the importance of early accomplishments, but stressed the importance of 'removing the side view mirrors' and instead focusing on the horizon and upcoming opportunities for the profession
Speaking on his experience as a global leader, topics including the global burden of disability, the expanding ageing population and the opioid crisis were covered, as well as the social determinants of health He touched on the WFC's #BeEPICcampaign and stressed the importance of shifting to a biopsychosocial model in chiropractic.
He concluded by offering solutions to how potential could be unleashed for the benefit of the global profession
Dr Mart in Cam ara describes his react ion t o being t he first recipient of t he WFC/ Logan Universit y Mast ers of Chiropract ic Pediat rics scholarship
During the WFCBiennial Congress in the Gold Coast, Australia, I had the incredible opportunity to present my work on bringing chiropractic care to marginalized communities in the Philippines.
Following my presentation, I was approached by the WFC's Richard Brown and Elise Hewitt, head of Logan University's Masters of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics, who generously offered me a scholarship
The timing of this offer was truly serendipitous, as the days that followed were filled with enlightening lectures showcasing the scientific evidence and impact of chiropractic on the pediatric population. This experience solidified my decision not only to accept the scholarship but also to begin my studies immediately
I am immensely grateful to the WFCand Logan University for granting me this invaluable opportunity to delve deeply into the field of Chiropractic Pediatrics. As I near the end of my first trimester, I can confidently say that the program has exceeded all my expectations.
One of the standout features of the program is its flexibility. Despite juggling the responsibilities of being a parent to a toddler, running an active chiropractic practice, managing an integrated practice with four locations and multiple healthcare providers, and overseeing a foundation that delivers Chiropractic Care to impoverished communities, I have been able to seamlessly integrate my studies into my busy life
Moreover, the curriculum is evidence-informed, which I find highly enriching. The combination of excellent lectures, comprehensive coursework, and engaging case studies has truly solidified my understanding and application of the material
The fact that this program is nationally recognized and awarded a Master in Science degree adds to its appeal, setting it apart from the numerous certificate
L>R:EliseHewitt, ClayMcDonald, Martin Camara, Brian McAulay, Donald McDowell
programs available.
I am eagerly looking forward to applying my newfound knowledge and skills within our Integrated group practice and our Community Health foundation work With this advanced training, we can provide exceptional chiropractic care to individuals of all ages, furthering our mission of improving the health and well-being of our community, and eventually the entire Philippines
Professor Nick Klomp is the Vice-Chancellor and President at Central Queensland University. His annual research excellence awards celebrate outstanding researchers across the broad focus areas of regional communities, education, engineering, energy, agriculture, the environment and health Previous VCresearch award winners have been in the areas of maternal health, technology and business and law
In 2023, both the School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences Dean?s Outstanding Researcher Award and the VC?s Award for Outstanding Researcher ? Mid Career was won by Associate Professor Katie de Luca Dr de Luca was awarded for her exceptional and sustained research performance and leadership which support research activity at CQUniversity
Dr. de Luca has consistently worked towards improving the knowledge and delivery of healthcare to people with musculoskeletal conditions She has been awarded more than $3 5M in research funding, and since her appointment at CQUniversity, has published 25 peer-reviewed articles (and 67 in total) Notably, she recently worked with the Global Burden of Disease study 2021 musculoskeletal estimates. The publication of the low back pain prevalence and disability burden estimates in Lancet Rheumatologyreceived more than 160 news mentions globally, reaching at least 3 million Australians and 40 million people worldwide. Dr de Luca?s track record in producing research with global reach, and research that is extensively drawn upon by the scientific and political communities, has greatly benefited CQUniversity?s research performance
Additionally, Dr. de Luca was acknowledged for her national and international research reputation, as well as her significant contributions in achieving exceptional research outcomes This includes building research capacity through Research by Higher Degree supervision, the CQUniversity
Katiede Luca chairstheWFCDisabilityand Rehabilitation Committee
chiropractic research committee and seminars, Summer Research Scholarship students, and international collaborations with Erasmus University in the Netherlands and Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr. de Luca is extremely honored and delighted to be awarded. ?I am passionate about being a chiropractor and producing high quality chiropractic research. The research space is fraught with complexities, and it is easy to get worn down, so to be acknowledged in this way, by the University Executive, was very humbling I am very thankful to the CQUniversity chiropractic team and my external collaborators, as research is really based on good relationships, and I am very lucky to have worked with so many amazing people.?
In January, the WFCwas invited to participate in a special event hosted by AECCUniversity College designed to support graduating students in their transition to becoming early career chiropractors
The 'Pathways to Practice' day featured keynote speakers along with opportunities for final year students to interact and network with potential employers. The event was also attended by the president of WFC's member for the UK, Dr Tim Button, and the Royal College of Chiropractors, which administers the Pre-Registration Training Scheme (PRTS) for new graduates - a program
WFCSecretary-General Richard Brown
that supports chiropractors in their first year of work.
In a presentation titled 'The World Is Your Oyster', Prof Brown spoke about the range of career options for chiropractors, including clinical practice, research, education, health policy and public health He stressed that there were now countless opportunities to pursue alternative pathways beyond clinical practice as the benefit of chiropractic was increasingly recognized.
The day also featured Dr Jess Davey, a member of the BCA's communications committee, who gave an excellent summary of managing expectations, embracing opportunities and making the most of clinical practice in the early years.
There are currently just over 3800 registered chiropractors in the United Kingdom The profession is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council, whose roles are to protect patients and the public, set standards of education and to ensure the development of the chiropractic profession.
The WFCPublic Health Committee continues to develop relevant materials to address public health information needs for the chiropractic profession
Currently, published patient-centered sources are lacking in topics related to chiropractic public health practices for specific patient groups These populations include adults (women?s and men?s health), youths (infant/children/adolescents), seniors (older/aging adults), workers (including athletes and military), and underrepresented people (underserved, high risk groups, racial/ethnic minorities, people with disabilities)
Since these are the people who seek chiropractic care, it is imperative that more materials related to chiropractic are developed for these populations The WFCPublic Health Committee is currently working on several public health related projects that will focus on patient-relevant and special populations.
WFCPublic Health Committee actions will include engaging relevant researchers, educators, and practitioners to contribute to projects that will develop additional resources and position statements for these patient groups.
In addition to these projects,
recent PHCmember public health and health promotion activities include the following
L. David Peeace is a co-author of a chapter for the textbook Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Healthcare Across the Globe: From Knowledge to Practice
This text, published by Elsevier, offers a comprehensive review of the landscape of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the health professions. Each chapter is dedicated to one of the health professions and will be authored by a team of experts in EDI and workforce diversity in their respective discipline The submitted chapter Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Chiropractic: Aligning the Profession to Serve Tomorrow's Diverse World reports on the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the chiropractic profession.
Yi Kai Wong is a co-author of the manuscript Global status of chiropractic education research: a scoping review This scoping review is a comprehensive analysis of the literature and reports the volume and nature of indexed publications relating to chiropractic learners and programs worldwide. Major components of professional competencies related to public health are included in this manuscript
Daw n Dane, Kendrah Da Silva, and Mayda Serrano are working with Claire Johnson as co-contributors on the paper
Chiropractic Day 2024: The Importance of Professional Service.This qualitative study discusses the importance of chiropractors being involved in professional service in their communities Service in the chiropractic profession has been understudied and this paper sheds light on this important topic that relates to health promotion and social justice
Must afa H Agaoglu is a co-author of the presentation The Im pact of Tobacco Product s on Musculoskelet al Healt h He has delivered this presentation to both underserved people in his local community and to primary school students to help them be more aware of the negative effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting.
Almost 200 years ago, Hans Christian Andersen wrote his beloved fairy tales, most of them from his home in Copenhagen This enchanting city still contains plenty of inspiration for authors and is known as the home of the world's greatest fairy tales
There is an infinite number of things to do in Copenhagen A visit the iconic waterside statue of the Little Mermaid, is a must You can also drop by Amalienborg, the residence of King Frederik X, which proudly bears the Danish flag when the king and his family are in residence Copenhagen is also home to world-class museums and art galleries that can be explored for hours on end. For walkers, Copenhagen is also a great city to
explore on foot, with dozens of beautiful waterfront areas and green spaces.
In a nutshell, Copenhagen is a treasure trove of old and new nestling side by side in a wonderful, lively, and safe city, where historical monuments mingle with innovative, modern Danish architecture. As soon as the sun shines, Copenhagen residents are out in the street restaurants or in the parks whenever they have something to celebrate, when the day?s work is over, at the weekends or when they are on holiday
Bicycles are everywhere in Copenhagen If you want to do what the locals do, rent a bicycle from your hotel But be careful: Copenhagen cyclists are the kings and queens of speed!
Eight unm issable sight s in Copenhagen
Rundet årn (The Round Tower) King Christian IV built The Round Tower as an observatory in 1642 You can go all the way to the top via the ascending Spiral Ramp.
Tivoli The world?s oldest amusement park was founded in 1843 right in the center of Copenhagen and offers both modern and classic amusements ? and big concerts on Fridays
Am alienborg and Marm orkirken (The Marble Church): The axis between the royal residence
Amalienborg and the massive church
Marmorkirken is the centerpiece of Frederiksstaden, a new district that was launched by King Frederik Vin 1748
Christ iansborg Slot (Christiansborg Palace): Christiansborg Palace serves as the backdrop for the official role of the royal family The Palace is also the home of the Danish parliament and the Supreme Court The current palace was built in 1928, but there has been a palace here since the 12th century
Rosenborg: You find Rosenborg castle in Kongens Have (Rosenborg Castle Gardens) in the center of Copenhagen. The castle was built by King Christian IVas his personal leisure getaway in 1606-1633 Among other things, it is the home of the Danish crown jewels
Kongens Nyt orv: Kongens Nytorv (the King's New Square) is a square in the heart of Copenhagen's old town. The square dates back to the 17th century, when it was built as a tribute to King Christian Vand surrounded by many elegant buildings
The Royal Theat re, Hot el D'Anglet erre and t he art gallery Kunst hal Charlot t enborg (form erly Charlot t enborg Palace) sit s on Nyt orv.
Nyhavn: Colorful, captivating Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen?s most iconic sights and one of the favorite places for locals to go for a cold beer on a hot day Nyhavn used to be a commercial port welcoming ships and trade from all over the world. Today, the beautiful old houses have been renovated and restaurants dominate the old port as people enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great food
Christ ianshavn: Christianshavn was founded in the 17th century as an independent neighborhood close to Copenhagen. Christianshavn covers several small islands and is
known for its trendy café culture and canals with colorful house boats. Hotspots include Copenhagen Street Food, with international food and the free town Christiania, an alternative local community consisting of odd-looking houses, galleries, and music venues
Copenhagen is safe
It takes no time to become part of city life when visiting Copenhagen Strolling through the city?s neighborhoods, it will soon become apparent that it is both a clean and safe city Indeed, Copenhagen was voted the world?s safest city in 2021, which opens it up for safe exploration
In May, Copenhagen offers many hours of sunshine and hardly any rain, with temperatures around 16 ? 18 degrees Celsius (60 ?65 Fahrenheit) during the day May offers bright nights and sunset at 9pm
There is no need for a taxi when you arrive in Copenhagen Airport. For just ?3 per person, the reliable, clean and accessible Metro takes you straight from the airport to central Copenhagen in just 15 minutes
Tivoli Hot el & Congress Cent er
The WFCBiennial Congress will be held at the Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center, a modern hotel in
the center of Copenhagen. See more about the hotel here: https://wfc25cph.org/venue/
Chiropract ic in Denm ark is a fairy t ale
Hans Christian Andersen is not the only one to create fairy tales in Denmark Thursday May 8, 2025, will celebrate exactly one hundred years since a group of Danish Chiropractors decided to form the Danish Chiropractors?Association Be part of these unique celebrations, which will reflect a proud history while celebrating contemporary healthcare at its best
Start planning now for what will be the chiropractic event of 2025 The World Federation of Chiropractic and the Danish Chiropractors? Association along with the Chiropractic Knowledge Hub invite chiropractors from all over the world to take part in a celebration of chiropractic practice and research to honor this historic event
Start planning now how you can be part of this global event and discover in this beautiful city the power of focused collaboration and evidence-based practice
We are committed to Copenhagen 2025 being a fairy tale event. It will look to the horizon and envision what is possible. It will bring together chiropractors from the WFC's seven world regions It will be a groundbreaking experience and will showcase all that is good about chiropractic in the twenty-first century
Registration opens on May 8, 2024, but start your planning now Copenhagen airport is well served by international airlines and we expect hotel space to sell fast!
Make 2025 your year to explore Copenhagen and immerse yourself in everything chiropractic. WFC Congresses are unlike any other with the greatest mix of nationalities all under one roof. With inspiring plenary speakers, stimulating panel discussions, groundbreaking research and deep-dive workshops, these really are unique events
Read more on the congress website: https://wfc25cph.org/
The global ageing population is a significant and ongoing demographic trend that has profound implications for societies around the world This has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, which designated 2020-2030 as the Decade of Healthy Ageing.
In January, WHO held its customary Executive Board Meeting, which was attended by WFC Secretary-General Richard Brown He was accompanied by Dr Henrik Wulff Christensen, Director of Denmark's Chiropractic Knowledge Hub.
During the meeting there was an opportunity to meet with Dr Yuka Sumi, unit head of Ageing and Health at WHO
The WFChas long had an affiliation with healthy ageing at WHO, and initiated discussions with Dr Sumi's predecessor, Dr John Beard, regarding a WHO guideline for low back pain that was relevant to older people
Those early discussions eventually led to Prof. Jan Hartvigsen being appointed to a steering committee before the WHO Guideline for the Non-Surgical Management of Chronic Low Back
WFCSecretary-General Richard Brown, Head of HealthyAgeing and LifeCourse, Dr Yuka Sumi, and director of theDanish ChiropracticKnowledgeHub, Dr HenrikWulff Christensen.
Pain was published in December 2023.
Dr Sumi was a speaker during the online 2020 WFC Biennial Congress and has since spoken at the Japanese Association of Chiropractors' annual conference.
During the meeting, the WFC's commitment to supporting WHO healthy ageing initiatives was emphasized It was agreed that by keeping older people moving with chiropractic care, comorbidities could be helped, including social isolation and loneliness
The WFCwill be back in Geneva in May for the World Health Assembly
At what is now considered to be the largest chiropractic event in the world, February saw almost 5000 attendees descend on Caesar's Forum in Las Vegas for the annual Parker Seminar.
Featuring over 40 keynote speakers including Simon Sinek, Nina Farahany, David Goggins, Ryan Holiday, Patrick Bet-David, and William E. Morgan, chiropractors from around the world flew in for the 3-day event to learn, network and be inspired
As well as the main stage speakers, there was a host of classes and workshops in side
rooms and one of the largest Expo events in the chiropractic industry.
This year's event saw the entire Drai's nightclub taken over for a party night, attended by none other than the legendary rock star Gene Simmons
WFCPresident John Maltby and Secretary-General Richard Brown attended the seminar as guests of Parker President William Morgan and throughout the event were able to meet with corporate partners, donors and supporters
Speaking after the event,
Richard Brown said, "Parker Seminars really is an unmissable event in the chiropractic calendar. For the WFC, it gives us a unique opportunity to connect with so many of the people and organizations that support us year in, year out We're extremely grateful to William Morgan and the entire Parker team for making us feel so welcome "
Next year's Parker Las Vegas event will be held February 20-22, 2025 For details of this and other events being hosted by Parker Seminars during 2024, visit parkerseminars com
WFC
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WFC in Las Vegas for huge Parker Sem inars event (cont inued)
During a recent trip to Tokyo, WFC Secretary-General Richard Brown had a chance to catch up with outgoing WFCAsia Board member, Dr Keisuke Takeyachi Dr Takeyachi has served on the Board since 2015 and held the role of Secretary-Treasurer for several years.
As part of a dynasty of chiropractors stretching back several generations, Dr Takeyachi runs a thriving practice in Tokyo, which he operates with his father As he steps down from the WFCBoard, Dr Takeyachi will focus more on clinical practice and continuing his work with the Japanese
Secretary-General Richard Brown was at the University of South Wales in March, where he gave a presentation on biopsychosocial factors in chiropractic practice to Welsh Institute of Chiropractic final year students.
During the lecture, he emphasized the growing recognition of adopting a model of care that focused not simply on the biomechanical elements of a patient's clinical presentation but also lifestyle and psychosocial factors that have been shown to have a bearing on prognosis, self-efficacy and long term management
Chiropractic students at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic are trained to adopt a biopsychosocial approach to patient management and the presentation reinforced the value of a holistic approach in optimizing patient outcomes and enabling individuals to become active participants in their own care by adopting healthy behaviors, managing psychological factors and understanding the complex nature of spine health.
Association of Chiropractors, for which he served for many years as President. The JAC, which has 350 members, maintains the Japan Chiropractic Register, which recognizes those with internationally accredited chiropractic qualifications However, as a nation without legislation governing chiropractic, there are many with substandard training who use the title and claim expertise
During the session, Prof Brown also described the international work of the WFCand its vision and mission to extend chiropractic to people across the life course in all nations. He spoke about the WFC's role as a non-state actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the increasingly important role of rehabilitation in ensuring maximum functional capacity
In response to questions from students about international volunteering opportunities, Prof Brown explained the work of World Spine Care, which has clinics in Botswana, Ghana, India and the Dominican Republic, and opportunities for graduates wishing to volunteer.
Three doctors of chiropractic, all members of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), have been appointed to serve on three separate advisory councils of the National Quality Forum (NQF), a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working to improve healthcare outcomes, safety, equity, and affordability
NQF, an affiliate of the Joint Commission, aims to bring together all voices to the table to forge multi-stakeholder consensus on quality measurement and improvement standards and practices
This marks the first year that NQF has established advisory councils to participate in this work
Advisory council participants have the opportunity to have deeper dialogues and share stakeholder-specific concerns, questions, and experiences.
ACA members selected to serve in 2024 on NQFadvisory councils are:
Michael Braccio, DC, DACRB, appointed to the Healthcare Professional Stakeholder Advisory Council. Dr. Braccio practices in Seattle, Wash., where he specializes in rehabilitation and performance training.
Morgan Price, DC, appointed to the Healthcare Provider Organization Stakeholder Advisory Council Dr Price is a staff chiropractor at the Veterans Administration (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, Washington.
Zacariah Shannon, DC, MS, PhD, appointed to the Research, Development and Solutions Stakeholder Advisory Council Dr Shannon is an assistant professor at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research in Davenport, Iowa.
Stakeholder groups represented in NQFinclude not only healthcare providers but also patients, caregivers, and advocates, as well as healthcare purchasers, payers, and solution vendors. Professional associations representing stakeholders are also included ACA became an NQFmember in 2023, enabling it to connect with similar organizations regarding stakeholder challenges and to learn from one another.
The Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong (CDAHK) has put in place a newly elected cabinet, heralding a new era of leadership and continuing the legacy of excellence in the chiropractic profession.
Dr Eric Chu has stepped down after a decade of service as the chairman of CDAHK Under Dr Chu?s stewardship, the association has seen significant growth His academic work was also recently recognized with a paper voted as one of the top 3 research papers for 2023 in Nature's Scientific Reports.
Dr Valerie Chu has been named as the new chairperson of CDAHK With her extensive experience serving on the executive committee since 2014 and as the current Chair of the Hong Kong Chiropractors Council (HKCC), Dr Chu brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the role. Her recent appointment to the Medical & Health Committee, Council of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau, underscores her commitment to promoting chiropractic in the region Dr Chu?s unwavering dedication to enhancing the public image of chiropractic in Hong Kong is admirable, and she seeks the continued support of the community to further serve the profession
Joining her in leadership is Vice Chairman Dr Jacky Yeung, who has been an integral part of the executive committee since October 2020 As a passionate advocate for public relations, Dr Yeung will continue to work towards raising public awareness and enhancing the chiropractic profession's standing in Hong Kong
The role of Honorary Secretary will be held by Dr Kary Lam, whose 14 years of service on the CDAHK executive committee have been marked by integrity and strategic decision-making Dr Lam?s experiences across various committees have honed her skills, crucial for the association's progress
The newlyelected CDAHKBoard for 2024
The cabinet also welcomes Dr. Cherie Chau as the new Honorary Treasurer. A registered chiropractor with international experience and education, Dr. Chau is committed to holistic care and the promotion of optimal health and wellness
For the PRcommittee, Dr Lee Wai Ting steps in with a track record of significant contributions to CDAHK?s events and research projects. His ongoing studies and proactive engagement in the community are invaluable to the association's outreach
Lastly, the Ethics/Education committee will benefit from the expertise of Dr. Anthony Lai, DC, whose international experience and dedication to chiropractic principles will be instrumental in guiding CDAHK?s educational initiatives.
The WFCcongratulates Dr Chu and her entire new cabinet on their election and are excited for the future of chiropractic care in Hong Kong under their capable leadership.
The CDAHK is the largest chiropractic organization in Hong Kong The association is dedicated to promoting the chiropractic profession through advocacy, education, and research, enhancing public health and wellness
The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has been working on an integrated communication strategy to elevate its corporate narrative across all platforms and firmly own its expertise and leadership. At the heart of this new strategy are their members who are working in collaboration with the BCA's team of experts to confidently articulate their expertise and demonstrate that BCA chiropractors are leaders in their field, building credibility as evidence-informed, ethical, experts within the modern healthcare team
This positive development for the Association follows the 2023 launch of its new thought leadership resource, the BCA Knowledge Hub, for members, stakeholders and the wider public. This is forming a huge part of the BCA's public relations and public affairs strategy, demonstrating the positive impact BCA members have in their communities and the population as a whole
As a result, in the first half of 2024 the BCA reports seeing a significant diversification of its media coverage which includes more thought leadership pieces in influential national and regional trade media titles, reaching new audiences and showcasing the value, relevance and expertise of chiropractic within the modern healthcare landscape It is delighted to bring the news for this development to the international chiropractic community and it encourages you to visit the BCA Knowledge Hub via the link below and read its most recent thought leadership articles
In other news, Chiropractic Awareness Week 2024 will take place on 22-28 April and this year?s theme is a true representation of the BCA's Vision The theme is Makingchiropracticintegral:building connectionsand nurturinga communitywith the peopleand placesthat matter to you
This year, the BCA is celebrating everything that chiropractic means to its valued members, equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to effectively engage and build connections with their communities and healthcare peers
Sharing her excitement about the event, BCA Communications Committee Member, Jessica Davy, said, ?Our clinic always sees Chiropractic Awareness Week as a time to positively highlight everything we do as chiropractors It?s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with our past, current and new patients, and showcase what our team has to offer ?
The BCA looks forward to celebrating with the whole chiropractic community worldwide and it will be releasing more exciting updates in the coming weeks Keep an eye on the BCA website and social channels, and follow the hashtag #CAW2024 for more information
?
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) installed new leadership during its annual meeting in January in Washington, D.C.
Dr Leo Bronston was elected president of the association, while Dr Marcus Nynas was re-elected vice president for the 2024-2025 term by members of the ACA Board of Governors (BoG).
Dr Bronston, who runs a private practice in Wisconsin, has been a member of the ACA board since 2019 He is chair of the ACA Health Policy and Advocacy Committee and has been ACA?s representative to the American Medical Association?s CPT® Health Care Professionals Advisory Committee (HCPAC) for more than a decade. Dr. Bronston was also recently appointed to serve on AMA?s CPT Editorial Panel
Dr Nynas is a staff chiropractor with the Montana Veterans Administration (VA) He has been a member of the board since 2023. He previously served nine years as ACA?s Montana delegate and has chaired several committees in areas such as payment policy and Medicare.
In other elections, members of the ACA House of Delegates selected Kris Anderson and Adrian Stratton to join the BoG
Dr Anderson, who works at a federally qualified community health center (FQHC) in addition to running a private practice, serves as vice chair of the ACA Health Policy and Advocacy Committee He is also an advisor to the ACA's RVSUpdate Committee (RUC) HCPAC.
Mr Stratton is a general management executive and partner at GAACC, a global-focused management consultancy He is a registered and certified parliamentarian and has published and lectured extensively on parliamentary topics
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has launched a Health Policy Fellowship to educate doctors of chiropractic about health policy, coding and other complex issues and to prepare them to advocate on behalf of the chiropractic profession in the future
ACA members selected to participate in the fellowship?s first cohort are: Cynthia Chapman, Della M. Schmid and Morgan Price.
?This is an opportunity for members to develop knowledge and skills that will expand ACA?s capacity to influence policymaking at the national level,?said ACA President Leo Bronston, who has been active in health policy and coding initiatives at ACA for more than 10 years and was recently appointed to the American Medical Association?s CPT® Editorial Panel.
The one-year fellowship will begin with an orientation period, after which participants will gain firsthand experience in AMA?s procedures for developing and valuing physical medicine codes by regularly attending CPT meetings and observing the process and related discussions.
Fellows will also learn about areas such as coding guidance, payer engagement and payment reform
Over time, ACA hopes to build a cadre of experts who will be equipped to contribute to the policymaking process in a variety of contexts, from submitting comments to federal agencies to representing ACA and the chiropractic profession within external healthcare organizations, coalitions and other initiatives pertaining to national health policy
In a landmark decision, the Ministry of Finance of Malaysia has officially announced the exemption of service tax to seven recognized Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) practice areas under the Malaysian Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775), including chiropractic care
This exemption, effective from March 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the chiropractic profession and T&CM practices in Malaysia, promoting greater accessibility and affordability of holistic health services for the Malaysian population
This progressive move by the Malaysian government follows comprehensive feedback from stakeholders across the health sector and is in alignment with the Malaysia MADANI concept and the MADANI Economy framework These initiatives emphasize the empowerment of people through improved health, comfort, and prosperity, underlining the government's commitment to enhancing the well being of its citizens.
The service tax exemption applies to the seven recognized T&CM practice areas under the T&CM Act 2016, including Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine,
Traditional Indian Medicine, Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Islamic Medical Practices. By removing the financial burden of service tax, this policy not only makes these vital services more accessible to the general public but also acknowledges the essential role of T&CM practices in the national healthcare system
It also positions chiropractic care as an even more attractive alternative for individuals seeking non-invasive and holistic approaches to health management. Patients stand to benefit immensely from this policy change, gaining increased access to chiropractic care without the additional cost of service tax This is expected to encourage more Malaysians to explore chiropractic care for their health concerns, contributing to a broader acceptance and utilization of chiropractic care within the country's healthcare landscape.
YB Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Second Finance Minister, highlighted that the exemption is part of broader efforts to support the T&CM sector, which is a significant employer in the country and has the potential for growth both locally and internationally.
The decision reflects the
government's acknowledgment of the need for domestic demand reliance for business sustainability, especially for services that contribute to the health and wellness of Malaysians.
Malaysia's proactive stance offers a valuable example of how legislative and fiscal policies can be effectively leveraged to promote the health and well being of a nation.
The service tax exemption for Traditional and Complementary Medicine, including chiropractic services in Malaysia, is a testament to the evolving landscape of healthcare in the country It represents a forward-thinking approach to health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of accessible, holistic healthcare solutions.
As the world moves towards more integrated health systems, Malaysia's initiative stands as a beacon of progress and inclusivity in the global chiropractic community.
The sole focus of chiropractic regulation is to protect the public How to accomplish this differs
For most nations, the practice of chiropractic is legal. Credit is due to the tireless efforts of chiropractors involved in their national associations and the World Federation of Chiropractic Happily, there are presently very few countries where a person practicing chiropractic may find themselves hauled off to jail simply for healing people However, the regulatory design varies
In countries with what we refer to as ?full? regulation, there is a governmental authority (often called a ?board?) that operates under a legislative practice act to license or register individual chiropractors These bodies administer the practice act and regulations, including awarding the right to practice, ensuring compliance with standards of practice, and adopting requirements for continuing professional development (also called continuing education). Finally, and most crucially, they can restrict or remove the practice privilege in accordance with a defined due process. They maintain a publicly accessible list of those who are authorized to practice chiropractic under the terms of the law
Sometimes the government authority is solely delegated to chiropractors, but it may also function under an umbrella of allied health professions Some examples include the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, Guam Board of Allied Health Examiners, Norwegian Registration Authority for Health Personnel, and Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care
In other countries, there may be recognition of chiropractic practice specifically by law However, there may not be a specific board or agency to evaluate individual applicant credentials, require
ongoing compliance, and remove the right to practice In those nations, the professional association may play the important role of maintaining a public list of chiropractors who have met the standards of practice adopted by the association.
In still others, such as Mexico, the government may maintain a public list of those whose qualifications have been registered with the government, but there is not a mechanism for ongoing investigation and, if warranted, removal of the practice privilege per a delineated due process
In some cases, a separate organization may be created to set the registration standards and maintain the list of those who meet the requirements for education, examination, continuing professional development, and/or standards of practice A good example of this is the Japan Chiropractic Register The JCRgrew out of efforts by the professional association to develop an independent body until the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare establishes an appropriate government regulatory body. The list is public and is provided regularly to the Ministry
The ICRScommends the many various solutions that individual countries have embraced to help protect the public. The gold standard that we hope all countries will ultimately adopt is to have full regulation, which includes both awarding and restricting/removing the practice privilege under due process However, we recognize that this can take many years of work by chiropractic advocates Formalizing the process of regulation in law takes time to establish relationships and trust by governments
ICRSmaintains links to facilitate mobility: https://www chiroregulation org/links
Like all healthcare professions, the chiropractic profession has a responsibility to improve patient safety and quality. Reporting safety incidents is a way to do this, allowing individual chiropractors to reflect on incidents and share their experience with the profession.
The United Kingdom's Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) has launched an updated version of its Chiropractic Patient Incident Reporting and Learning System (CPiRLS).
CPiRLSwas first launched in 2009 by the RCC The system was designed to allow chiropractors to report their experiences of safety incidents i e any deviation from clinical care that has the potential to result in patient harm
Incident reporting systems are used internationally throughout many healthcare systems to identify patient safety requirements but under-reporting of incidents has been identified as a continuing issue
To update the existing system, in 2020 the RCC formed a CPiRLSdevelopment group, comprising representatives of the UK Educational Institutions and directors of the RCC
Members of the group analyzed the first ten years of incident reporting on CPiRLS(for further details visit the link here). From this analysis, the development group published six Safer Practice Notices:
- Reducing the risk of falls from a chiropractic table
- Reducing the risk of rib fracture
- Reducing the risk of harm associated with patient syncope
- Reducing the risk of pelvic girdle post treatment pain and/ or bruising
- Reducing the risk of missing a serious underlying pathology
- Reducing risks associated with discontinuity of patient care
The Safer Practice Notices are available to view at
https://rcc-uk org/tag/safer-practice-notice/
The CPiRLSdevelopment team have also redeveloped CPiRLSwith the aims of improving functionality of the system, reducing the time taken to report and improving clarity around incident reporting This process was undertaken to reduce some of the known barriers of reporting on the CPiRLSsystem and facilitate the profession to engage with the system
CPiRLS2 0 was officially launched at the RCCAGM in January 2024 New changes include halving the
number of subcategories available and introducing a word limit to make the system user-friendly and timely to use CPiRLSis secure and password protected with all reported incidents remaining anonymous.
CPiRLS2 0 is currently accessible to all registered chiropractors within the UK and members of the European Chiropractic Association (ECU) at https://cpirls org/
The RCCencourages anyone eligible to use CPiRLS to report all safety incidents at https://cpirls org/ Interested associations who may wish to use CPiRLSare advised to contact admin@rcc-uk org for further information
Despite its association only having existed for just over a quarter of a century, the Islamic Republic of Iran is arguably the nation with the widest scope of practice for chiropractors anywhere in the world
With the profession having gained a significant foothold in the country, since 1998, it has achieved significant popularity with the public and is currently viewed as an important contributor to Iran's health care system, plugging an important gap in the non-surgical
Dr Hossein Sabbagh addressesIrCAmembersduringa scientific session
management of musculoskeletal disorders.
Effective regulation of the profession has been achieved through the formation of the Iranian Chiropractic Licensing Board as well as the Commission on Chiropractic Clinical Practice Guidelines (CCCPG) Under the leadership of Dr Hossein Sabbagh, who is responsible for having led both initiatives, steps have been taken to further ensure high standards of academic background and clinical competency of every licensure candidate.
With a dedicated focus on the prevention of chronicity, chiropractors in Iran have become acknowledged experts in the management of spinal pain and disability. Suboptimal results from many forms of spinal surgery in Iran have
Leadingmembersof theIran ChiropractorsAssociation
further popularized chiropractic care in the republic.
Despite modest numbers, licensed chiropractors, who are members of the Iranian Chiropractic Association (IrCA), have become established and enjoy a broad range of practice privileges, positioning chiropractic as experts in conservative spine care.
Protection of title in Iran means that only licensed Doctors of Chiropractic are legally permitted to use the term chiropractor or any close derivative of the title Regulations prohibit any other health care professionals from calling themselves chiropractors or from describing their treatment techniques as constituting chiropractic care.
With practice rights have come responsibilities for chiropractors in Iran This has included both academic expectations and clinical competency requirements for practicing chiropractors.
With the current health care environment becoming increasingly challenging for all clinicians, chiropractors are further challenged by the often complicated patient cases they are required to manage, as well as being more closely scrutinized by regulatory authorities. Despite the success of chiropractic, there is currently no educational program to train chiropractors in Iran.
Iranian chiropract or urges cont inued focus on driving up academ ic st andards (cont inued)
Dr Hossein comments, "As a result of the chiropractic profession being subject to constant scrutiny in Iran, despite the overall success of the profession, there is a need to ensure that chiropractic clinicians become better equipped for this increasingly challenging environment.
"The gap between the minimum requirements set by Iran's regulatory bodies, and competencies being displayed by candidates from accredited institutions has been increasing at an alarming rate.
"This is an issue which can only be managed through international collaboration and perhaps re-evaluation of the current academic standards governing academic institutions "
Dr Sabbagh is a graduate of Life West Chiropractic College. On returning to Iran he undertook an orthopedic residency and served for many years as president of the Iranian Chiropractors Association He has also served as a member of Iran's medical council, under which chiropractors in Iran are licensed He currently chairs the Commission on Chiropractic Clinical
Dr Hossein Sabbagh addressesIrCAmembersduringa scientific session
Practice Guidelines and has been closely involved in setting standards for licensure in Iran
Iran is part of the WFC's Eastern Mediterranean region. There are approximately 50 chiropractors in the nation, many of whom practice in the capital, Tehran
The Turkish Chiropractic Association (TCA) has undergone a significant management change following the relocation of its founding member and esteemed president DCMustafa A?ao?lu to the UK to take up a teaching position at AECC University College
Umut Yasa, who has been serving as the general secretary of the TCA since 2020, has been elected as the new president of
the association. Dr Yasa, who graduated from Bahçe?ehir University with a Master?s degree in Chiropractic in 2020, is known for his professional knowledge and dedication to the association
Umut Yasa received his bachelor?s degree from the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Dokuz
Eylül University in 2002 He began the Chiropractic Master?s
Program at Bahçe?ehir University in 2016 and graduated in 2020, taking over the role of TCA General Secretary the same year During his tenure from 2020 to 2024, he worked to increase the national visibility of the association and for the legal recognition of the chiropractic profession. Under the leadership of Umut Yasa, the TCA is expected to further advance chiropractic awareness and practices in Türkiye
When Logan Radik was growing up in Nebraska, bobsledding was not a sport he thought he would be involved in one day.
?I grew up wrestling, so bobsledding was not on the horizon until much later,?he said
Logan came to Maryville University in St. Louis to wrestle and earn his bachelor?s degree in psychology. His senior year was during the pandemic, which caused wrestling to slow down. That is when he saw an ad for a bobsled combine and decided to look into it
?Many bobsled athletes are retired college athletes, and I felt like I could meet the metrics required, so I trained for a year and a half, did the combine, and they invited me to a training camp,?Logan said.
While at Maryville, Logan also met his fiancée, Chelsea Brooks, a trimester 8 Doctor of Chiropractic student at Logan University Logan was looking for a suitable master?s degree, so Chelsea recommended he apply for the Master of Science in Strength and Conditioning program at Logan. He did and graduated in May of 2023.
He now works as a strength and conditioning coach at the Central Institute of Human Performance in St Louis, which he started doing while pursuing his master?s degree. He helps patients manage pain and injuries through treatment and exercise and works closely with many chiropractors.
?I received care at the Montgomery Health Center on Logan?s campus, and I can appreciate what chiropractic, combined with strength and conditioning, can do for an athlete?s overall well-being,?Logan said.
In 2023, after a training period, Logan became an official bobsled team member He now trains in Lake Placid, New York, and Park City, Utah
?As a rookie, I am training for the North American Cup and then the World Cup training would be next, and hopefully with enough experience, I could make
a run for the Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Olympics,?Logan said.
Currently he is competing in the U S and Canada, and his two-man bobsled team has been performing well with several top finishes in 2023. While the training can be intense and take him out of town frequently, he is learning to balance work and the bobsled team.
?My colleagues have been great with working with my training schedule, as well as helping me stay in shape and healthy,?Logan said ?It?s the best place I could be to fulfill both my training dreams.?
At the start of 2023, I left my life in Johannesburg, South Africa as a chiropractor in private practice, moved to Botswana, and worked as a clinic supervisor and clinician in the World Spine Care clinic at the Mahalapye District Hospital. Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and when you are in an underdeveloped/underprivileged community with crippling back or neck pain, the effect spills over to your family and community There are many socioeconomic factors involved Chiropractic care, for the most part, in many developing countries, is unfortunately a very privileged type of healthcare, exclusive to those who can afford it or have medical insurance There is a huge lack of public health facilities/clinics for any musculoskeletal conditions.
I applied to work for World Spine Care, a Non-Profit Organization that sets up spinal health clinics and research programs in underdeveloped countries Pre-COVID, WSChad clinics in the Mahalapye District hospital with a satellite clinic in the Shoshong village (80 km north). Unfortunately, they have been closed for the last 2 years due to the pandemic and lack of volunteers.
Working in public health offers an opportunity to be part of the greater medical team, to help those regardless of their economic situation, and maybe the people that need care the most. Here you are working in the public sector, in the hospitals, receiving referrals from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and family physicians. You are next door to the Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy departments, two halls away from the X-ray and CT department
So I packed my bags and whatever else could fit into my little car and moved to Gaborone. That same day I arrived, I submitted all the necessary
paperwork to BHPC(Botswana Health Professions Council) to register as a chiropractor. I spent a week observing one of the clinics in Gaborone and familiarizing myself with all the paperwork and databases that have to be completed with every patient, and just how different it all is in public health
The biggest initial task was getting the clinic room ready. I went and introduced myself to the superintendent at the hospital, and at the morning meeting, he introduced me to all the hospital staff We work with Medical Auxiliaries as assistants, similarly trained to nurses, but adapted to working and helping out in any department in the hospital They are also vital for translation and
assisting with the patients and paperwork
It didn? t take long for the doctors in orthopedics and casualties to hear that we had opened, and before long, the referrals came flooding in. I do enjoy how the consult is set up, how the paperwork is laid out, and the whole flow of the history, assessment, and treatment We use the Global Spine Care Initiatives classification system Every patient gets a diagnosis, as well as a GSCI classification Every patient is also part of a greater research program where we are able to map out the prevalence of each of the GSCI Classes in different countries around the world and look for correlations, similarities, differences, etc.
The reality of how busy the clinic schedules are just highlights the faults of many healthcare systems The WSCclinics are fully booked for the next 2-3 months and on top of that often have waiting lists for new patients. Very few manual therapists are booked that far in advance with such a huge list of patients just waiting for an appointment date. And that?s not because there isn? t a need - there definitely is - but because there is no affordable option And as a result, people live in chronic pain
The top things I've learned from my time in the clinic:
Patient rehabilitation is crucial for managing chronic musculoskeletal conditions Our role as healthcare providers involves diagnosing the condition and empowering patients to take charge of their daily management This includes educating them about their condition, offering advice on posture and biomechanics, and prescribing exercises tailored to their needs. Emphasizing lifestyle changes, such as modifying daily habits, is essential for long-term pain relief and improved function By implementing a combination of group and personal rehabilitation programs alongside
manual therapy, patients can make significant progress, but commitment is key to achieving positive outcomes
It's essential to take the time to educate patients about basic biomechanics, their diagnosis, and prognosis. Many patients come to us after seeing multiple healthcare providers without fully understanding their condition or treatment plan By providing clear explanations and realistic expectations, we can empower patients to actively participate in their recovery journey
Rather than focusing solely on degenerative diagnoses, such as degenerative joint disease (DJD), it's important to present these conditions as manageable processes Arthritis and degeneration are natural aspects of aging, requiring a holistic approach to treatment, including lifestyle modifications and regular exercise By reframing the narrative and emphasizing the need for ongoing management, patients can better cope with their conditions and maintain a good quality of life.
The need for musculoskeletal healthcare is often underestimated, overshadowed by the focus on communicable diseases like HIV, TB, and COVID-19 However, musculoskeletal conditions, though less fatal, have a significant impact on global health, particularly in developing countries where labor-intensive work is common. Initiatives like the WHO rehabilitation initiative and global clinic guidelines for managing chronic low back pain signal a promising shift towards prioritizing musculoskeletal health worldwide It's a step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality care for chronic musculoskeletal conditions
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) presented its 2024 Annual Awards in January during its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
The awards recognize chiropractors and other individuals for their exceptional service, achievement and/or leadership within the chiropractic profession
Quinn Jam es received the ACA?s highest honor, the Chiropractor of the Year Award, honoring his advocacy on behalf of the chiropractic profession and the patients its serves As ACA?s Missouri delegate and a member of the ACA Legislative Committee and ACA-PACBoard, Dr James stood out for his ability to rally support for pro-chiropractic legislation on the federal and state level. In addition, he shares the effective strategies he has learned with other volunteer advocates and chiropractic students, and he encourages his colleagues everywhere to speak up for their profession.
Mark Bronson received the Humanitarian of the Year Award, honoring his work to advance the chiropractic profession through excellence and collaboration.
He is currently both chief examiner of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and president of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners He also works with the Texas Department of Insurance, evaluating on-the-job injuries and working to settle disputes within the system. Dr. Bronson is a past recipient of the Texas Chiropractic Association?s Doctor of the Year Award.
Eric Roseen received the George B McClelland Researcher of the Year Award, recognizing an individual for developing, refining and/or expanding the body of knowledge in chiropractic. In addition to his practice, Dr. Roseen is an assistant professor of family medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine/Boston
Quinn James(R) receivestheACAChiropractor of theYear Award from immediatepast president, Dr Michael Martin.
Medical Center, where he also directs the Program for Integrative Medicine and Health Disparities. His research includes a focus on the implementation of non-pharmacologic treatments for musculoskeletal pain in underserved communities
William Lauret t i received the Academician of the Year Award. Dr. Lauretti is a respected professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Northeast College of Health Sciences in Seneca Falls, where he leads a course on chiropractic technique He has also developed courses on coding, documentation, patient education, and practice management and the law
Quinn Jam es and Alli Tot zke-Hit zerot h, DC, received the Delegate and Alternate Delegate of the Year Awards, respectively Both awards recognize members of the ACA House of Delegates who have demonstrated exceptional service, achievement and/or leadership
Cait lin Walt er received the Flynn-Lynch Award, which recognizes an outstanding member with no more than five years of experience serving in the House of Delegates
Spine Health Africa had their third outreach to Gutu, Zimbabwe in November 2023. The project is an ongoing mission focused on improving musculoskeletal health in Africa championed by two chiropractors: Dr Kudzai Zvenyika and Dr Mufudzi Chihambakwe
What began as a two-man scouting trip in 2018 has grown into a dynamic team of medical doctors, physiotherapists, nurses and community health workers. In addition to this, we had a remarkable team of individuals who we temporarily employed on the ground in Gutu who handled logistics on the ground to allow the clinical team to focus only on seeing patients. Spine Health Africa has a goal to use these outreach trips as a way of sowing the seeds for more sustainable long term work in musculoskeletal health across Africa
The project began in Zimbabwe as this is home for the founding doctors seeking to embody an African value of charity beginning at home. The project has attracted the interest and support of a number of African professionals who live in the diaspora and are seeking to uplift their communities of origin and so Spine Health Africa serves as a vehicle for the use of international
resources for African local projects
Beyond the clinics, Spine Health Africa has created a school adoption project
Chivasa primary school is a school in Gutu, Zimbabwe and serves as the location of one of the clinical outreaches for the mission. During the initial scouting trip in 2018, the team discovered that a number of children had not been able to complete their primary school studies because their families could not afford to pay their fees. Children would drop out and start taking care of family livestock from as young as eight years old. Spine Health Africa partnered with several
individuals from around the world and has sponsored over fifty of the disadvantaged children at the primary school. Last year there were also several donations made to the primary school in terms of stationery, sanitary pads, school uniforms and other educational assistance
The project has taken steps to partner with the local government in Gutu District in Zimbabwe and has received the attention of several officials in the Ministry of Health. The goal is to upskill existing musculoskeletal health practitioners and create a long term presence for quality musculoskeletal health in the region
Being a non-profit organization that conducts annual outreaches will not suffice During the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was paused due to restrictions on travel and many health care systems were not able to channel as many resources into non-communicable disease management. As such it has become increasingly clear that sustainable, long term efforts are needed for adequate care in underserved communities
In 2024 Spine Health Africa plans to pivot the organization to be more embedded in the existing health care system
All of this is only possible because of the ongoing support of all our partners, donors and volunteers in adding their contribution to make this project a reality We would like to give special thanks to Foot Levelers who donated our medical equipment for this year's outreach including chiropractic tables as well as other consumables. We are grateful for their generosity
Service to the poor is expensive and often complicated. Fortunately, there are other organizations to learn from and a community of people that want to give back
These conditions and others have made projects such as Spine Health Africa possible as it is an excellent use of our skills as chiropractors to serve in places where so little is available
In 2023 the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) came to the end of its three-year strategic plan and embarked on a process to determine the next phase for the association
The chiropractic profession remains strong in Canada and enjoys self-regulation in all 10 provinces The CCA, as the national voice advocating on behalf of the profession, spent a considerable amount of time ensuring the voice of chiropractic was represented at the appropriate health care tables Focus was placed on creating stronger interdisciplinary healthcare relationships and taking advantage of the cultural authority chiropractic has earned in Canada.
As its board and staff started the planning process in spring of 2023, the CCA took stock of what it had achieved, what still needed to be addressed, and how it was going to make its way forward It also recognized the importance of reaching out to and actively listening to its members and stakeholders. This took the form of focus groups and in-depth meetings over several months.
In January 2024, the CCA launched its new strategic plan with a new purpose statement: Support ing Chiropract ors for a Healt hier Canada
The new strategic plan?s four objectives are:
1 Change t he conversat ion: Through advocacy and awareness building efforts, the CCA will enhance the public?s understanding of chiropractic, influence improved patient access to care, inform public policy, and advance the profession as evidence-based, people-centered, interprofessional, and collaborative
2 Support our m em bers: The CCA will strive to exceed members?expectations of their national association by providing tailored professional support, enhancing member benefit offerings, creating learning
opportunities, investing in improved technologies, and cultivating country-wide relationships
3 St rengt hen our part nerships: The CCA will nurture relationships with provincial associations, the CCPA, chiropractic stakeholders, and other healthcare professions to further integrate chiropractic care into Canada?s healthcare system and work collaboratively on behalf of members.
4 Em pow er our t eam :The CCA Board of Directors and staff will be provided with timely and relevant tools, resources, opportunities, and training to deliver the best possible member experience
The CCA is firmly in support of the WFC?s EPIC principles and these can be found in strategic objective one Strategic objective three speaks to strengthening its partnerships and this includes our membership in the WFC It is proud to be the largest constituent member of the WFCand is committed to help further WFC?s vision, ?A world where all people, of all ages, in all nations have access to evidence-based, people-centred, interprofessional and collaborative chiropractic services so that populations can thrive and reach their full potential.?
The profession is in an excellent position in Canada to take advantage of chiropractors? unparalleled expertise in neuromusculoskeletal health The CCA feels its new strategic plan moves it forward towards achieving important goals, and will continue to push for changes that will benefit Canadians and chiropractors both nationally and internationally.
Anna Papadopoulou?s ?Secrets to an Aligned Pregnancy ?has been celebrated at a prestigious book launch which took place in March at Nicosia?s Gallery Theatro Chora Korai 1
At what was a well-attended event, the Mayor of Strovolos and a number of doctors, gynecologists, midwives and other healthcare providers as well as local expecting parents came to witness the launch of the new text, which featured five speeches, a question and answer session and a productive discussion. The presentation marked a big step for the chiropractic profession in Cyprus specifically for the new fields of pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care
??Secrets to an Aligned Pregnancy??was designed to be user friendly and with simple and actionable steps to guide new and experienced parents through four important areas of pregnancy: (1) understanding the ?why?behind nutritional advice offered; (2) guidance on exercise and physical activity; (3) the 3 step process of identifying family needs when investing in baby products and equipment; and (4) mindfulness and birth preparation for all the family
This unique workbook includes a number of reflective exercises, which are aimed at creating conversations between new families It also serves to identify further areas that can be explored with the overall health care team
The book can be utilized both by clinicians as a guide for their patients, as well as by patients themselves The book in now world widely available via Amazon, currently in English with versions in Greek and Spanish soon to be released.
Secrets of an Aligned Pregnancy is authored in a workbook style with sections dedicated to commonly-encountered issues during pregnancy, checklists, and nutritional and exercise advice.
The book takes a holistic view on pregnancy, looking at the biological, psychological and social issues surrounding pregnancy with helpful tips and advice for expectant parents. Written in language suitable for a lay audience, Dr Papadopoulou has taken care to produce a book that can be applied on a number of levels
Speaking after the book?s release, Dr Papadopoulou said, ?It is my hope that this simple yet effective tool will help chiropractors globally that are starting out in the field of chiropractic pediatrics as well as experienced pediatric chiropractors who are looking for tools in a busy practice to support their work in chiropractic pediatrics.?
For a quarter of a century, the Portuguese Chiropractors Association (APQ) has been at the forefront of promoting and defending chiropractic in Portugal. Established in 1999, the Association has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of healthcare in the country, achieving legal recognition of the profession in 2003 This year, the APQ celebrates its 25th anniversary
Throughout the years, dedicated APQ members have worked to elevate the standards of chiropractic care From advocating for legislative recognition to advancing research and education, APQ members have been instrumental in shaping the future of chiropractic healthcare.
To commemorate this significant milestone, the APQ is delighted to announce a special conference. This event, taking place May 24-25, 2024 in Lisbon, serves as a tribute to the
dedication and hard work of APQ members and celebrates the advancements made over the past 25 years.
The conference will feature presentations from esteemed professionals in the field, covering the best strategies to master the communication of the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic care. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, network with peers, and gain valuable insights that will enrich their practice
As it reflects on the past 25 years and looks towards the future, the APQ remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting excellence in chiropractic care. The APQ invites chiropractors and their staff to help them in celebrating this occasion
Sports chiropractor Paul Cheung knows a thing or two about testing circumstances As the former chiropractor to the Formula One Red Bull racing team, he understands what it takes to take care of drivers in the most punishing of environments, where men and women push themselves to the limits in scorching temperatures and take their vehicles to extremes
This year's Desert World Rally Challenge was Paul's fifth as team chiropractor to the Emirates Motor Sport Organization. This year, however, there was a particular difference: Paul was accompanied by his son, chiropractor Daniel Saxton-Cheung
Over the course of five grueling days, this intrepid pair were key elements of a highly sophisticated and experienced medical team, setting up their bivouac clinics and transporting equipment with treatment tables strapped to the roof.
The two chiropractors became instantly popular members of the health care team, managing musculoskeletal injuries, aches and pains, experienced by drivers and their back-up teams.
At the end of each day all of the kit was packed back into the medical team vehicles to move on to the next stage of the desert challenge
Injuries were commonplace and varied, at times calling on the assistance of the air ambulances that were on hand to medically evaluate those requiring hospital attention From pelvic fractures to insect bites, the members of the team each complemented each other with a range of skills and approaches
Both chiropractors were kept busy and a steady stream of competitors and team personnel knocked on the door of the clinic seeking attention Against a backdrop of revving engines, the hum of electrical generators and periodic thunderstorms, Paul and Danny tackled everything put in front of them
Once in a while, an opportunity of a lifetime presents itself For Curtis Wildes, that opportunity came in the form of a phone call last March
?I had just received a contract to provide performance medicine services for a residency show in Las Vegas at the Wynn,?said the adjunct professor for both the Master?s in Strength and Conditioning and Master?s in Sports Science & Rehabilitation programs at Logan University ?I felt like I was in the right place, doing the right thing Then I received a phone call that changed my life ?I was asked to join Taylor Swift?s Eras Tour ?
Wildes accepted the position as the sports medicine therapist, and 11 days later, he began a whirlwind year, traveling across the U S, Central and South America
It may be Dr Wildes?early career mindset that has opened so many doors for him ?Traditional schooling in athletic training and sports medicine is focused on primary and secondary school sports programs,? he said, ?but I wanted
more and never wanted a particular setting or patient population to limit what I was capable of doing.?
Dr Wildes started his career working in professional baseball and later began working with Team USA Olympic and national team athletes. After traveling the world for several years, Dr. Wildes started looking for more of a work-life balance, so he shifted settings
again and moved into performance medicine with Cirque du Soleil
That experience introduced new skills within sports medicine. ?It taught me a lot about the importance of an integrative approach to manual therapy and helped to improve my emergency management skillset,?he said.
?Each show, act and performance required a different problem to be solved. The emergency management aspects of the job provided a great opportunity for problem solving skills for each individual EAPwe were creating. Those experiences made me a better provider, by making me more well-rounded both in the clinic and out in the field ?
Dr Wildes said working with Cirque also provided the biggest shift in his personal mindset.
"My job", he said, "is to ensure each one of the artists feels good and can focus on performing at their best, whatever it means to them
?The idea of performance metrics is very different,? he said. ?There?s no traditional KPI in this setting, the objective is just put on a ?good show ?Good is subjective to each person ?
After a few years, the journey to earn his PhD presented an opportunity to find a new setting and patient population to work with: the U.S. Air Force. Focusing on human performance optimization, Dr. Wildes worked with the military special ops warfare divisions, working alongside chiropractors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports physicians and strength conditioning specialist in an integrative approach to care
After completing his PhD, Dr. Wildes saw an opportunity to become a medical concierge for entertainers and residency artists in Vegas Now, with the Taylor Swift: Eras Tour, Dr Wildes finds his past skills and work experience in the fields of sports medicine, athletic training and manual
therapy converging
?In sports, you would always aspire to be better than the competition. Not performance though. There?s no competition, no weekly build-up towards a game. It can feel like Groundhog?s Day. You want every show to look and feel exactly like the last show,?Dr. Wildes said.
?In these embedded positions, you have to become creative in the therapeutic approach. You have to keep patients engaged and I have to keep myself mentally engaged too. I might see patients for an hour visit 5 to 6 days a week, whereas traditional therapy may look more like 12 visits over the period of 6 weeks So it?s a real shift in creative thinking ?
During the U S leg of the Eras Tour, Dr Wildes traveled to 28 cities for 50 shows where he was primary responsible for the artists and crew. ?The production staff alone is more than some university athletic rosters, which included backstage assistants, wardrobe, lighting, and rigging,?he said
?Essentially, I try to assist wherever I can with any department, provide guidance on exercises and deal with the issues that come up acutely.?
One thing that Dr Wildes said he?s been impressed with is the work-life delineation that?s been established as part of the performance culture
?On this level, everything is so honed ? like a well-oiled machine,?he said ?Everyone is conscious of each other?s own time and respects personal time away for family Even though you are working with a global superstar, it?s nice knowing there is a good separation of work time and personal time ?
When he?s not on the road working or taking time for himself, Dr Wildes is in front of Logan students where he is sharing real-life experiences He said the biggest benefit of his current work experiences
is the ability to open his students' eyes to the possible employment opportunities after graduation
?When you?re in a dedicated program, you can have blinders on and may be thinking this is only way it can be done. Being in so many different settings has given me an opportunity to work with so many types of practitioners. We all have the same goal, but we may have different titles or techniques to help us reach our goals. It?s an integrated approach, and it?s helped me see outside the box as far as learning and having a more fluid experience with my patients and other
practitioners. It?s true of any concept in life.?
Dr Wildes said he appreciates the timing of his decision to become an instructor around 2018 when Logan was making the shift from a chiropractic college to a chiropractic and health sciences university. ?I loved being on the ground level of the program, and to see how much it has grown in such a short time,?he said.
The Eras Tour is now making its way around the globe until August 2024 Dr Wildes may never know what the next call will bring but until then, he?s loved every experience he?s encountered
Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality From the thundering Victoria Falls to the serene shores of Lake Tanganyika, Zambia's natural wonders offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Rich in biodiversity, its national parks, including South Luangwa and
Kafue, teem with wildlife, making it a paradise for safari
enthusiasts Yet, beyond its stunning scenery, Zambia is a country of resilience and growth, embracing modernity while cherishing its heritage With a diverse population representing various ethnic groups, Zambia's cultural tapestry is woven with traditions, music, and art.
Whether traversing the
savannahs, delving into local markets, or engaging with communities, Zambia promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and connection
Piers Reeve-Tucker graduated in 2005 with a first class degree and a distinction in his Masters in Chiropractic from AECC University and started his career in London In 2007, Piers and his wife, Natasha, decided to
relocate to Zambia. Zambia had never had a permanent chiropractor within the country and thus begun the pioneering journey of bringing chiropractic to a country that had no regulations and no previous experience with the profession of chiropractic
Initially, the easiest route to working as a chiropractor and as a foreigner to the country was to secure an Employment Permit and this was done with a local well established medical clinic, Corpmed Medical Centre The clinic was located in the country?s capital, Lusaka, and had an American Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tim Meade, who was excited to bring a chiropractor on board
This enabled Piers to start working in late 2007
Initially, the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), did not have a Register for Chiropractors and so the Register for Osteopaths was used to facilitate registration. The HPCZ promised to have a Register for Chiropractors set up quickly but this turned out to be an on-going and a rather more lengthy process than first expected! Eventually, after much hard work and pushing and some setbacks, this was finally achieved in 2019 with the help of the World Federation of Chiropractic
Patience and persistence can be helpful when in Zambia. Therefore, the HPCZ now officially recognizes the profession of chiropractic and this
has made the process much smoother for the development of the profession and other chiropractors wishing to come to Zambia to secure the immigration requirements to live and practice within the country
With the Zambian Association of Chiropractic (ZAC) members of both the World Federation of Chiropractic and the African Chiropractic Federation, there is no shortage of support for the association Piers has also sat on sub-committees in an advisory role for the HPCZ and helped facilitate the assessment and registration process for future chiropractors
Currently, to work in Zambia as Chiropractor, an employment permit is required, which requires that one secures an employer prior to registration with the HPCZ The employment permit lasts for two years and is renewable on an on-going basis Due to the shortage of chiropractors in Zambia, renewal is a fairly straightforward process and does not fall foul of the ?Zambianisation?laws that require a national Zambian to be employed in place of a foreigner where appropriate.
In early 2014, Piers set up Zambia?s first independent chiropractic clinic, Lusaka Chiropractic & Wellness, in a central suburb of Lusaka The development of the clinic as a multi-disciplinary clinic with a focus on chiropractic and manual therapy was interesting in the beginning due to the lack of any other chiropractors in the country. The clinic has focused on a natural approach to health and wellness with a strong emphasis on manual therapy In 2016, Dr Christine Du Plessis, a chiropractor from South Africa, joined the clinic
In 2018, Christine left to further her career and join her family in Ireland and Dr Dayna Lombard, another chiropractor from South Africa, joined the practice During this time the clinic started to focus on the manual therapy aspect of the clinic
and established a physiotherapy department and rehabilitation area.
In 2020, a small satellite clinic was established in another suburb of Lusaka called Leopards Hill
Initially, this was a one treatment room clinic and reception area but in 2021, Dr Lombard came on board as a partner with Piers in this clinic and relocated to new premises and established a much larger clinic that currently boasts five treatment rooms. The Rhodes Park clinic was also expanded at the same time to include two more treatment rooms and a large rehabilitation area
Currently, the clinics have a broad range of practitioners ranging from chiropractors, physiotherapists, an exercise rehabilitation specialist, a practitioner of Myofascial Release Therapy, a Body Stress Release practitioner (BSR),
massage therapists as well as a homeopath, a clinical dietician, a clinical psychologist and a life coach.
The potential for growth for chiropractic in particular is very encouraging The clinics have a very well-established reputation and enjoy referrals from local medical clinics and hospitals as well as well-established relationships with all the local and international insurance providers. The insurance-based model of health care has grown within Zambia over the years, and one of the benefits is that it allows a broader range of the Zambian population to access care at the clinic and in particular to be introduced to Chiropractic, which is a relatively new form of health care that is still being ?discovered?within the developing country of Zambia
Zambia is a peaceful country that has experienced a number of trouble-free transitions of power between different political parties and has a wide range of communities all living together Zambia is a stable and safe country to live in and with the country?s abundant natural resources and central location within Southern Africa the long-term outlook has to be positive for continued growth and development of the country
Lusaka Chiropractic and Wellness continues to grow the profession of chiropractic within Zambia and offers opportunities to bring on board more chiropractors to meet the increasing demand
The prospects are good for long term employment as well as shorter term locums and assistance is available to help with the smooth transition to settling and working here.
If you are interested in working in Zambia, please contact Piers Reeve-Tucker on +260 979069674 or at piers@lusakachiropractic comor Dayna Lombard on +260 962589091
dayna@lusakachiropractic com
The world renowned University of Pittsburgh has announced that it will be commencing a brand new Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program within its School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS), the first of its kind in a U S public university
?Major drivers of this program include an accumulation of scientific evidence showing that chiropractic care is a safe and effective approach to the treatment of pain and the important role it can play in mitigating opioid use for back and neck pain through non-opioid interventions,?said Dr
Michael Schneider, a professor in SHRSand the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Pitt, who will be the program?s acting director.
?According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 619 million people live with low back pain It is the leading cause of disability worldwide,?Dr Schneider added.
?Opening a Doctor of Chiropractic education program in a research-intensive university is a bold and innovative step toward advancing health care education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and improving patient outcomes,?Dr Delitto said
This program will focus on evidence-based training for spine and musculoskeletal conditions and prepare students to work within interprofessional health care settings and private practice
Chiropractic care has been covered by most health care plans for years and is widely utilized by consumers. With a bill under consideration in the Senate proposing the expansion of Medicare coverage of chiropractic services, the field is increasingly seen as an integrative part of mainstream health care, making the need for more research-based training especially timely
?Our students will follow all public health initiatives and recommendations and will receive clinical training side-by-side in an integrated setting with physicians, physical therapists and other health care providers,?Dr Schneider said.
Leveraging the university's reputation for academic excellence and collaboration across disciplines, the chiropractic program can offer rigorous academic training, clinical experiences and research opportunities, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their careers,?said Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and the John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of
This will be the only chiropractic program in the United States led by a faculty member with National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. Dr Schneider practiced as a Doctor of Chiropractic for more than 25 years, then received his PhD in rehabilitation science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and moved into academic research He has been a principal or co-investigator on 16 research studies funded by NIH and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and is currently a co-investigator on four NIH-funded clinical research studies totaling about $30 million.
Applications for prospective students will be accepted in fall 2024 with the first cohort of 40 students starting in fall 2025 Over the following two years, the program will grow to accept 60 students. This will be an eight-term program, shorter than most DCprograms. The curriculum will emphasize research evidence in both the classroom and clinical training. Students will work with real patients beginning with observational rounds in the first year and culminating in the last semester with full-time chiropractic clinical training within an integrated health care system
The program has established a clinical affiliation with VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, whose growing chiropractic care program includes on-site services at the University Drive campus and multiple community-based outpatient clinics.
WFCSecretary-General Richard Brown said, ?The launch of this
Doctor of Chiropractic program at the University of Pittsburgh is a game change for chiropractic education and for chiropractic generally in the United States and beyond.
?With such a dedicated focus on evidence-based, people-centered, interprofessional and collaborative approaches, the U.Pitt DCprogram is completely
aligned with the WFC?s #BeEPIC advocacy and is set to be a world-class program.
?The WFCoffers huge congratulations to Dr Mike Schneider and Dr Tony Delitto, who have both worked tirelessly to bring this program to fruition.?
Further details about the program can be found at the University of Pittsburgh website
Last year, the triad of Health Campus Braunschweig, the German Chiropractors? Association and the Hochschule FreseniusUniversity of Applied Sciences implemented what numerous German chiropractors had been hoping for, for a long time: The first group of students started their course in ?Grundlagen der Chiropraktik (B.Sc.)?(Fundamentals of Chiropractic) in Braunschweig Up until this point, there had been no chiropractic course or study offered in Germany according to CCEI standards Therefore, the opening of the Health Campus definitely will go down in history as a big milestone for chiropractic in Europe and gives hope to the practicing German chiropractors, who have been experiencing a lack of young colleagues for a long time now.
The long-awaited moment indeed required months of hard work by numerous people Curricula had to be written, professors and lecturers had to be hired, the study rooms had to be completely renovated and most importantly, enough students had to be recruited. But despite all the frustration and challenges this process brought up, the drive to make chiropractic study in Germany possible was strong enough to get the first course up and running on time.
Chiropractic is not as established in Germany as it is in many other regions of the world: Currently, the German Chiropractors?Association only counts around 150 members, which is representative for the small number of chiropractors in this country. Moreover, chiropractic treatments are still not covered by most health insurances, neither is the chiropractic profession recognized or regulated There is therefore an obvious need for rethinking and development in these areas since the establishment of the profession in Germany The Health Campus and its new offer might be the next step in this regard
The course consists of a Bachelor?s degree (B Sc ) followed by a Master?s degree (M Sc ) and most importantly includes lots of practice-orientated teaching to guarantee a high quality education for the graduates. This is primarily possible because many of the lecturers are all active members of the German Chiropractors?Association themselvesthe students are therefore taught by practicing chiropractors and can learn directly from their experiences and individual techniques right from the beginning of their journey towards becoming chiropractors themselves
Everyone involved is looking forward to the Health Campus growing and welcoming more young people into the chiropractic profession in the following years - to ensure a great future for chiropractic in Germany
Logan University?s Women?s Health Specialty Clinic at Montgomery Health Center, established in 2024, embodies a commitment to providing patient-centered, empathetic, evidence-based care uniquely crafted for women with a focus on non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical methods.
Dr EmilyKliethermes
Through chiropractic adjustment and/or acupuncture treatment, the Women?s Health Specialty Clinic is positioned to help alleviate symptoms related to neuromusculoskeletal conditions This encompasses a wide spectrum of issues including, but not limited to, bone health, chronic pain management, pregnancy pain and headaches
This comprehensive approach to care encompasses chiropractic services, diagnostic imaging and nutritional counseling and is priced to make it accessible to those in the community. The Women?s Health Specialty Clinic is located with the Mongomery Health Center and is overseen by Emily Kliethermes, DCwho brings over 25 years of expertise to ensure comprehensive and personalized care Her background includes owning and operating her own chiropractic practice, working as an independent contractor and associate, and teaching in higher education
Dr Kliethermes states "Women?s health is at the forefront of Healthcare and we are beyond excited to be a leader in this area It is very important that women feel heard, and their symptoms are taken seriously I am honored to help women in the St Louis area to live their best lives and help their bodies work at optimal level through chiropractic, nutritional and lifestyle modifications ?
Logan University is the first chiropractic institution worldwide to house a Women?s Health Specialty Clinic on its premises, holding true to Logan?s commitment to excellence in health, education and service
Dr Jeffrey King, Associate Professor and Director of Chiropractic at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) has announced the College will commence an annual one-year Doctor of Chiropractic Fellowship beginning July 1, 2024
The program is designed to provide recent Doctor of Chiropractic graduates with an educational pathway that integrates evidenced-based didactics with the cultivation of clinical and professional skills acquisition through clinical care experiences, interprofessional education and scholarship Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year
Dr Jeff King, AssociateProfessor, Medical College of Wisconsin
were accepted during the month of January 2024 and interviews took place in early February The applicant pool was very competitive On February 14, Dr King offered the fellowship position to Dr Aubrianna Jones from Logan University, and she accepted the position
Dr Jones earned a Bachelor of Science with a Minor in Psychology at the University of South Alabama She then went on to earn her Doctor of
Dr Aubrianna Jones
Chiropractic from Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri Last Fall, while completing her Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr Jones was selected to participate in MCW?s Doctor of Chiropractic Preceptorship Program.
As the Fall preceptee, Dr Jones worked under the supervision of the Preceptorship Director, Dr Jordan Gliedt, gaining experience in direct chiropractic patient care from a multidisciplinary approach including neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain psychology, and physical and occupational therapy.
The application window for 2025-2026
academic year will be January 2 through January 31, 2025 Interviews will be held in early February
For more information on the program and for eligibility requirements, please see the MCW website
Northeast College of Health Sciences opened the new Imaging Sciences wing of its Anatomy Center, unveiling cutting-edge sonography and radiological suites, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 13, 2024 During the event, community and state leaders also recognized the College for advancing healthcare education in the region
The new Imaging Sciences facilities provide advanced learning spaces for students in Northeast's NEW associate degree programs in radiologic technology and diagnostic medical sonography The suites are also the latest addition to the College?s state-of-the-art Anatomy Center, which already features the Computerized Anatomy Resource Lab (CARL) containing 3D virtual Anatomage technology, an extensive cadaveric dissection lab and an observation theater.
?There is already a master's program in diagnostic imaging here at Northeast that is a model in its field. So Northeast has always been well set up to
Northeast College'snew state-of-the-art imagingsciencescenter
offer imaging sciences education,?said Director of Imaging Sciences Roger Weeden "This new wing (for undergraduate study) pulls it all together We have the infrastructure, the knowledgeable faculty and the technology at the forefront of imaging sciences education. We are ready to move our new sonography and radiologic technology programs forward with Northeast?s ever-better philosophy and commitment to academic excellence ?
After opening to the public in February 2019 the Spine Care Clinic at Keiser University?s College of Chiropractic Medicine (KUCCM) recently celebrated its Third Anniversary
Cliniciansand internsat Keiser UniversitySpineCare Clinic
The growth of the KUCCM Spine Care Clinic over the past three years has included the addition of faculty clinicians who lead student interns in managing patients with a variety of conditions In addition, they play a vital role in initiating community service opportunities, the acquisition of new technology, and the establishment of educational partnerships
With the mission of graduating caring and critically thinking healthcare professionals who are focused on spine-care, the Keiser University Spine Care Clinic provides a variety of treatments, administered by senior student interns under the direct supervision of attending faculty clinicians
The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) has completed a five-year process to review and revise its Accreditation Standards At its January 2024 annual meeting, the Council reviewed the Final Draft DCPAccreditation Standards and Residency Program Accreditation Standards based upon its review of public comments and recommendations forwarded by the Standards Review Task Force (SRTF), and approved the Standards by unanimous vote. The new Standards will become effective in January 2025
Periodic review of accreditation standards is an essential responsibility of an accrediting agency to continually monitor and improve its effectiveness, and thereby provide a means to ensure continuous quality improvement in its accredited programs.
The standards revision process consists of a series of activities to ensure that the CCEAccreditation Standards are revised in a consensus-driven and transparent process, involving all relevant
stakeholders The revision process began with the first meeting of the SRTFin October 2020 The process continued over the next 3+ years with the formation of working groups focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Student Achievement Outcomes, Admission Standards, Competency Based Education and Direct Assessment. The CCE is grateful for the high volume of input received from educational programs, students, field practitioners and many other stakeholders in the profession Noteworthy changes can be viewed on the CCEWebsite (www cce-usa org)
The Council also held elections for the 2024-2026 Council Executive Committee and the results are as follows: Chair, Kristina Petrocco-Napuli; Associate Chair, Heidi L. Henson; Treasurer, Jennifer Randazzo; and, Councilor at Large, Tracey Ramirez, This is the first all-female leadership team in CCE?s history
From 18-28 March, staff and students from AECC University College ran a two-week pop-up initiative, aimed at fostering positive health and community well-being
The event offered a range of free health and support services, including both practical health tests as well as interactive sessions. The services and information at the pop-up event were provided by the AECCUCtogether with local partners including Help & Care, BEAFArts Co, CAN (Community Action Network), Healthwatch and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The range of free practical health tests on offer at the event included musculoskeletal triage, a service to assess muscle or joint problems and signpost visitors to the most appropriate treatment, including an on-site diagnostic ultrasound test and self-help advice There were also free foot health checks, NHShealth checks (for those aged 40-77), blood pressure checks, a simulation area and a community support hub
Alongside the practical health checks, visitors were encouraged to attend a range of free sessions, including a music and well being session from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Smoking in Pregnancy advice from a midwifery team, everyday fitness sessions, breastfeeding support coffee mornings, creative workshops, stress awareness and prevention sessions, diet and healthy eating sessions, back pain myth busting interactive sessions and lots more.
Daniel Heritage, Chiropractic Clinic Lead at AECC University College, commented: ?We are really excited to be supporting our local community with this two-week initiative
?This pop-up aims to act as a ?one-stop shop?to allow people to access health and support advice We are aware that poor health can impact significantly on people?s work and can therefore
have a major impact on local economic growth and productivity."
Dr Neil Langridge, Director of Clinical and Rehabilitation Services at AECCUC, continued: ?This event aims to bring health care directly into the community that it is designed to serve It brings a combination of wellness, activity, and mental and physical well being, supported by a multidisciplinary team and supported by our students.
?Population-based health care is commonly based on the premise that the health care system knows what?s best for the population This event is flipping the narrative to ensure that the population has healthcare brought to them. That?s really exciting.?
The event, which aimed to cater for individuals and families who may not typically engage in healthcare services, was funded by the Regional Innovation Fund (RIF) RIFfunding focuses on knowledge exchange activities that support economic growth and productivity, addressing local and regional priorities.
In a significant move towards global collaboration in healthcare education, the International Medical University (IMU) has established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with two chiropractic institutions in the Philippines, the Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences (CICS) and Intercare Chiropractic Centre This initiative marks a new chapter in chiropractic education and research, transcending geographical boundaries
The partnership with CICSaims to revolutionize chiropractic services, focusing on mobility,
teaching, learning, and research This collaboration is set to provide IMU students and faculty with unparalleled opportunities, significantly enhancing professional development and industry placements. Such initiatives align with global trends in chiropractic education, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare
Similarly, the alliance with Intercare Chiropractic Centre represents a stride toward enriching educational experiences It encompasses student and staff exchanges, faculty mobility programs, clinical attachments, and joint research initiatives These engagements are designed to foster innovative chiropractic practices and cultivate future leaders in the field, while also facilitating a
rich cultural exchange and international networking.
"This collaboration is not just about advancing chiropractic education; it's about creating a global community of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care worldwide," says Dr Martin Camara, Founder of CICSand Director of Clinics of Intercare Chiropractic Centre.
Dr Janice Chan, Director of the School of Complementary and Alternative Medicine at IMU,
Dr Hal Grass, a member of theCICSfaculty, demonstratinga chiropractic technique
Int ernat ional Medical Universit y forges new pat hw ays in chiropract ic educat ion w it h Cam ara Inst it ut e for Chiropract ic Sciences and Int ercare Chiropract ic Cent er (cont inued)
adds, "Our commitment to excellence in healthcare education is reinforced through these partnerships We're not only educating the next generation of chiropractors but also contributing significantly to the global chiropractic community "
This initiative stands as a testament to IMU's dedication to excellence in healthcare education and its vision to expand global partnerships The collaborations are set to make substantial contributions to the chiropractic community, ensuring that IMU continues to lead in healthcare education innovation
The Camara Institute recently obtained accreditation from the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare, Department of Health (PITAHC, DOH) This accreditation signifies that our graduates will be eligible for legal registration and practice as chiropractors in the Philippines
The combination of an excellent academic program, supervised clinical experiences in a multidisciplinary setting, and exposure to a large number of patients will lay the foundation for outstanding chiropractic professionals The goal of the Camara Institute is to cultivate chiropractic professionals in the Philippines who possess the following competencies:
1 Heightened Social Consciousness
2. Community-Oriented Mindset
3 Clinical Competence with Excellent Chiropractic Adjustment Skills
4. Appreciation for Chiropractic History and Philosophy
PITAHC'sDirector General, Dr. AnnabelleDeGuzman with Dr. Martin Camara,conductinga siteinspection of thefacilitiesat theCamara Institutefor ChiropracticSciences
5 Holistic, Evidence-Based, People-Centered, Interdisciplinary and Collaborative care (EPIC)
The Camara Institute's faculty members hail from the United States, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Additionally, we have appointed five international faculty members based in the Philippines who are equipped to teach essential skills, chiropractic techniques, orthopedic examinations, and provide exceptional supervised clinical experiences
The Camara Institute's vision is rooted in the belief that "All Filipinos Deserve Access to Chiropractic Care,".
Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) has announced that later this year it will begin offering a credit-based, course-based competency-centered curriculum, the first of its kind in the United States.
?We already have the second highest board scores in the country, and more hands-on time than any other chiropractic school,?said Dr Katie Burns Ryan, Dean of the College of Chiropractic ?But to better serve this generation of students, we challenged ourselves to make a top program even stronger ?
A new generat ion of st udent s needs a new m odel
Nationally, enrollment in chiropractic programs has stagnated, while the need for chiropractic care remains high.
?In the face of the continued chronic pain epidemic, we need to attract more talent to the chiropractic field, where we know they can make a meaningful difference for their patients,?explained Dr. Deb Bushway, president and CEO. ?To do that, we needed to modernize how we teach, train, and deliver content The learner has changed, but the model has not.?
What is a com pet ency-cent ered m odel?
The competency-centered model prepares students to graduate confident, with de-siloed learning, flipped classrooms, and clinical internships beginning trimester one
?What?s special about a competency-centered model is that students will need to demonstrate mastery of each competency in order to move forward,?shared Dr Bushway ?Professors will check in early and often Students will keep learning until they demonstrate competency, rather than having one opportunity or test to capture what they know ? or don? t know ?at that moment in time ?
Dr. Burns Ryan added: ?For example, in a traditional model a student could pass the Methods 4 class without mastering a side posture adjustment How?Because tests are graded with an overall score, students could ?compensate?for a lack of competency in side posture technique with other things that they?re grasping more easily In our model, they won? t pass Methods 4 without competently executing a side posture, along with other required competencies ?
However, NWHSU was keen to stress that this doesn? t mean students will be left behind ?This is a person-centered curricular model,?said Dr. Bushway ?It allows professors to gauge how students are doing early and support them every step of the way ?
Students entering NWHSU?s chiropractic program in Fall 2024 will learn in the competency-centered model, while current students will continue with the model in which they started The level of rigor and content of the curriculum will not change
?Our curriculum was already evidence-informed and effective,?shared Dean Burns Ryan, citing again NWHSU students?board passing rates. ?We?re not changing what we?re teaching, we?re just changing how we teach it ?
For more information about the competency-centered model, visit NWHSU?s blog (nwhealth.edu/blog)
Over the course of the past 12 months, Dr D?sjon Thomas, assistant dean of clinical education, achieved three distinctions She was elected to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) as a Category 1 Employee of a CCE Accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Program, named as faculty representative at the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Item Writing Workshop for the Part IVPilot Study, and was selected for the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Test Committee
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) is committed to ensuring people of all nations may enjoy access to high-quality chiropractic services
Her term with the CCEbegan in January For the NBCE committee on which she serves, Thomas is a subject matter expert and is responsible for reviewing, editing, and creating content for the re-developed Part IV exam.
Other CUKCfaculty representatives also served on the NBCEPart II Test Development committee: Dr. Katherine Rechelhoff as a subject matter expert in Associated Clinical Sciences, Dr Robert Moore in Neuromusculoskeletal Diagnosis, Dr. Steven Reece, serves on the Physiotherapy Test Development committee, while Dr Shannon Vandaveer, Dr Nishawn Dabbagh, and Dr Paul Rupp also hold NBCE roles
A longstanding chiropractic educational leader was recognized in March at the annual meeting of the Society for the Promotion of Chiropractic Education (SPCE).
Professor David Byfield was awarded a Fellowship of the SPCEin recognition of his years of service to chiropractic education
During his career, Prof Byfield taught at AECCUniversity College, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and,
Dr D'sjon Thomas, of cleveland University KansasCity, hasserved in a number of committeerolesover thepast 12 months.
for over 25 years, has served at the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, where he has led the program and now serves as head of clinical services.
An expert in chiropractic technique, Prof Byfield has authored a textbook as well as several book chapters and has delivered numerous presentations at international events
The event also saw Lady Sharon Oliver honored with a Fellowship for her work in educational standards
Thestudent chiropracticclinicat TeessideUniversityhasreceived the RCCClinicManagement QualityMark
A student-led chiropractic clinic at Teesside University has been recognized with an excellence award
The Clinical Management Quality Mark (CMQM), awarded by The Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC), recognises excellence in terms of operating within a structured and managed clinical environment
The award demonstrates excellence in a range of areas, including patient satisfaction, management procedures and operational policy.
The student-led chiropractic clinic opened in May 2023 and is part of the University?s Health & Wellbeing Hub, which provides clinical services to students and staff, along with members of the surrounding local community. The Health & Wellbeing Hub clinics, based in the University?s School of Health & Life Sciences, include chiropractic, health and wellness, sports
performance, sports therapy, rehabilitation, and dental clinics They are all student-led, operating under the supervision of qualified professionals and offer a range of treatments to enhance health and wellbeing
Daniel Moore, Senior Lecturer and MSci (Hons) Chiropractic course lead, said: ?As an institution, we always aim to embed quality and excellence into our activity This quality award really demonstrates our commitment to excellence across all aspects of our learning and teaching mix, in this case the clinical practice experience we have developed for students, and importantly patients.? Faye Deane, Senior Lecturer Chiropractic, added: ?This award, which demonstrates excellence across a range of clinical areas, is testament to the collaborative efforts of the chiropractic course team, the clinical tutors, Health & Wellbeing hub clinical manager and of course, our dedicated and committed final year chiropractic students."
The New Zealand College of Chiropractic (NZCC) has recently announced that it is now the home of the BioDesign Lab (https://biodesignlab co nz/), an independent research entity
Established in 2013, the BioDesign Lab serves as a collaborative hub where researchers, clinicians, and affiliates from various organisations converge to develop innovative health solutions and intellectual property
With a joint clinical/engineering leadership structure, the BioDesign Lab fosters collaboration among professionals from diverse health and engineering disciplines, as well as clinical and industry affiliates.
This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the culture of trust and design-centric research philosophy cultivated at the Centre for Chiropractic Research (CCR), making NZCCan ideal home for the BioDesign Lab.
The BioDesign Lab encompasses several specialised groups, including Metabolic Health Monitoring and Modification, Technology and Human-Microbe Interactions, Autonomic Nervous System and Biorhythm Monitoring and Modification, Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Biomechatronics, Wearable Sensor Signal Processing and Integration, Brain Signal Processing and Integration, and Artificial Intelligence, e-Health Technologies, Immersive 3D Data Visualization, and Augmented Breathing
This diverse expertise enriches the capabilities of the CCRteam, enabling the exploration of a wider range of research avenues.
The BioDesign Lab's expertise in the autonomic nervous system, microbiome, and metabolic health aligns seamlessly with our future research endeavours exploring the central
TheBioDesign Lab ishoused at New Zealand ChiropracticCollege
Additionally, its presence strengthens plans at NZCCto establish MSc and PhD programmes. By offering specialised training in areas such as the impacts of chiropractic care on metabolic health, microbiome, autonomic nervous system function, and biorhythms, promising students can be attracted to advance the field
Dr Imran Khan Niazi, Director of the CCR, has been the driver behind the integration of the BioDesign Lab into NZCC. He has collaborated with its research team on various projects in the past and with his significant expertise in bio-engineering he is well placed to foster this new endeavor
From its humble beginnings with a small team in the research department, the CCRhas undergone remarkable growth in the last two decades.
Established almost twenty years ago by Dr Heidi
Haavik, the CCRnow boasts 34 researchers with diverse backgrounds, reflecting the commitment and dedication to advancing chiropractic care Dr Kelly Holt, President of NZCCand one of the original researchers from the CCR's early years, has played a pivotal role in fostering this growth and expertise
NZCCnotes significant growth and success would not be possible without the support of our funders and acknowledges the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, NCMIC, the Hamblin Trust from the New Zealand Chiropractors?Association and chiropractors from New Zealand and around the world that support and donate to the CCR
In summary, the BioDesign Lab holds immense potential for the future of chiropractic care As the CCRlooks forward to the transformative impact these collaborations will have, the institution is poised to lead advancements in the field, building on its impressive journey from modest beginnings to a global hub for chiropractic research and innovation.
The escalation of spine care (imaging studies, injections, surgery, opioid prescription and emergency department visits) are costly, low value and frequently result in poor outcomes
A recent study looking at over 11,000 unique back pain episodes has concluded that low and moderate dose spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was associated with significant reductions in the relative risk of
escalated spine care.
Low dose (1 treatment), moderate dose (2-12 treatments) and high dose (more than 13 treatments) were compared to a control group (no treatment).
Following the data analysis, it was found that low and moderate dose SMT groups were associated with a 55%and 42%reduction, respectively, in risk of escalation
These findings are consistent with other studies showing a reduced risk of escalation to opioid use with SMT.
Reference: Anderson BR, Whedon JM, Herman PM Dosing of lumbar spinal manipulative therapy and its association with escalated spine care: A cohort study of insurance claims. PLoS One 2024 Jan 5;19(1):e0283252
Having been established in March 2023, the Swiss Foundation for Chiropractic Research, based in Bern, anticipates commencing operations in May this year The purpose of the foundation is to promote research and quality in the field of chiropractic. The foundation is non-profit, has a charitable character, and is exempt from taxation in Switzerland.
The election of the foundation board is carried out according to the statutes by the ChiroSuisse board. This ensures democratic legitimization and integration of the foundation within the chiropractic profession in Switzerland
In its founding composition, the foundation board consists of the following individuals: Dr Longin Korner (President), Dr Martin Wangler (Vice President), Dr Martine Randoll-Schmutz (Treasurer), Dr Lukas Mayr, Dr Thomas Thurnherr and Dr Michael Vianin. Additionally, during the past year, Dr. Henrik Wulff Christensen, Director and Head of Research at the Chiropractic Knowledge Hub in Odense, Denmark, an outstanding and internationally well recognized expert in chiropractic research, was recruited to the foundation board
In its founding year (2023), the foundation board dedicated
itself to the preparation of all necessary documents for a proper and transparent operation The strategic direction has been defined as part of a five-year plan The foundation plans to commence operations in May 2024
In an initial phase, the foundation board will focus primarily on fundraising efforts In addition, the members of the advisory board provided for in the statutes are to be elected in the near future Once sufficient financial resources are available, the foundation will make its first call for applications for financial support among researchers in Switzerland.
L>RMartin Wangler, Longin Korner, Sabine Schläppi, ThomasThurnherr, Martine Randoll Schmutz, Michael Vianin, LukasMayr
The creation of a culture of scholarship and research requires an alignment of institutions values, priorities, policies and resources Within chiropractic institutions, there are significant discrepancies in investment and research output arising from scholarly activity
A recently published scoping review has called upon educational institutions building research capacity among chiropractic faculty to create a cultural environment where scholarly activity is expected, valued and rewarded
The review, which analyzed 14 eligible articles, reflected a lack of research in the area of study. Most studies were based in the United States.
A key finding was that when the philosophy of a chiropractic educational institution towards research was inconsistent, or even hostile, scholarly activity was suppressed
Barriers were described as a lack of incentive, lack of protected time for scholarly activity, a lack of mentorship and an excessive teaching load
The authors concluded a need for tangible support, such as research policies, resources, and space, advanced training, funding, and release time, must be available. Faculty are encouraged to build upon key facilitators, evaluate interventions to address barriers to chiropractic faculty research, and publish their results
Reference: Anderson B, Shannon K, Baca K, Crouse J, Ferguson A, Margrave A, Meyers M, Percuoco K, Schneider P, Smith J, VanNatta M, Wells B, Nightingale L, Salsbury SA A scoping review to identify barriers and facilitators of research participation among chiropractic faculty JChiropr Educ 2024 Mar 4;38(1):50-59
Evidence show s chiropract ic leads t o low er spinal pain healt hcare cost
In a recent systematic review study by Farabaugh et al. featured in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compelling findings underscored the value of chiropractic care for patients experiencing spine-related musculoskeletal pain. The study revealed that individuals who initially sought treatment from a chiropractor saw a significant reduction in healthcare costs compared to those under medical management alone.
Specifically, spinal pain patients who consulted chiropractors as first providers needed fewer opioid prescriptions, surgeries, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, specialist referrals and injection procedures.
The findings prompt a reconsideration of healthcare policies and benefit designs Given the growing recognition of chiropractic care's role in the medical landscape, it is increasingly evident that chiropractors integrated into healthcare teams could yield substantial financial savings for patients and systems. To align with the evolving trends in healthcare, it may be advantageous for U.S. healthcare organizations and governmental agencies to explore avenues for reducing barriers to accessing chiropractic services By embracing this shift, we can enhance patient outcomes while optimizing healthcare expenditure for management of musculoskeletal pain
Reference: Farabaugh R, Hawk C, Taylor D, Daniels C, Noll C, Schneider M, McGowan J, Whalen W, Wilcox R, Sarnat R, Suiter L, Whedon J. Cost of chiropractic versus medical management of adults with spine-related musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review Chiropr Man Therap 2024 Mar 6;32(1):8
There are now a total of five educational institutions offering a variety of chiropractic programs within the UK These include AECC University College (AECCUC), McTimoney College of Chiropractic, The Welsh Institute of Chiropractic (WIOC) at the University of South Wales and more recently London South Bank University (LSBU) and Teesside University (TU). In addition, the UK has a chiropractor in the post of Senior Research Fellow at the University of Central Lancaster (UCLan) The institutions vary in relation to size of the programmes and research departments
Research is supported and funded via various sources within the UK. Specifically, within the profession, we have been lucky to have the support of the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC) and the Chiropractic Research Council (CRC) which was formed and funded by members of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA)
Ken Young said, "Within the UK, there has been significant research focus, outputs and impact from the established educational institutions With the intention of expanding current research
capacity within the UK, we felt it timely to establish a collaborative working group representing all research faculties. The Institutional Strategic Research Group (iSRG) for Chiropractic was formed in June 2023 at our inaugural meeting hosted by the AECCUC, Bournemouth. The main aim of the group is to facilitate and promote research collaboration and impact within UK chiropractic education institutions Through collaboration and undertaking projects we aim to further develop research culture at our teaching institutions "
iSRG is currently working on a multisite RCT with all the UK chiropractic educational institutions This is being led by Teesside University and is looking into the impact of contemporary neuroscience pain education on chiropractic students The group is progressing numerous project streams led by different institutions respectively, providing additional opportunities for staff and students with a desire to become further involved in research.
If you are interested in becoming involved in chiropractic research within the UK please contact iSRG via Ken Young - kjyoung1@uclan ac uk, who will be able to comment on behalf the group
In March, Ontario Soccer announced a new innovative research program involving a partnership with the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF) and participating Ontario Universities operating sport related research. Led by a newly formed Ontario Soccer Research Advisory Committee,the new research program launched in April 2024 with the mandate to manage and finance various research initiatives that support the growth, safety and development of the sport of soccer in Ontario
Ontario Soccer?s newly formed Research Advisory Committee is an Operational Committee under the oversight of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee is responsible for assisting Ontario Soccer operations and the Board of Directors by providing counsel and research funding related to current and future research projects specifically related to the sport of amateur soccer in Ontario
?Since 2015, Ontario Soccer has made concerted efforts to integrate within its operations the importance of evidence-based decision making or motivation to make a proven difference in soccer and in sport at large, in Ontario and throughout Canada?, said Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer?s CEO
?While Ontario Soccer historically has conducted or partnered in various soccer or sport research projects, the organization has never formalized the concept of ?scientific research?into its day-to-day operations. Today?s announcement - introducing Ontario Soccer?s newly formed RACand research program with the CCRFand our Ontario based universities - does just that ?
The Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF) is a registered charity dedicated to funding evidence-based national research to cost-effectively improve health outcomes for Canadians In the past five years, the foundation has awarded over $1,500,000 to support high-impact, peer-reviewed studies published in respected scientific journals
?This exciting partnership is a major step forward, as we continue to invest in both sports science and community-based health projects?says Robert Harris, Executive Director, CCRF ?It?s also another clear demonstration that organization-to-organization collaborations create exceptional opportunities to share best-practices that will benefit all stakeholders, from clinicians to researchers, coaches to players.?
?By sharing resources and supporting the goals of allied organizations, we multiply opportunities and accelerate impact in the healthcare, sports, institutional and government sectors,?added Misley. ?We believe deeply that well-structured partnerships have a positive influence on health policy, research modernization, interdisciplinary understanding and operational efficiency, and I look forward to seeing where this new initiative, bringing sport and science together, will take the game of soccer and sport in general ?
The new research program is scheduled to begin in April 2024, with its first study RFPpromotion and intake on varying soccer related studies. Follow Ontario Soccer?s digital channels to stay up-to-date on the initiative
Neck pain rarely occurs as an isolated occurrence, but is frequently episodic and manifests on numerous occasions over the course of a lifetime This recurrent and persistent condition impacts on quality of life
A recent paper, published in Chiropracticand Manual Therapies, reported the outcomes of an observational study undertaken in Norway looking at 172 people presenting with a new episode neck pain
Patients were treated by their chiropractors, and were asked at a four-week point whether they would be recommending continuing preventative care and the clinical indicators they were using to make this decision
There were three clinical indicators:
(1) Previous episodes of neck pain
(2) A history of a long duration of neck pain
(3) Improvement four weeks after initial treatment
Long duration of neck pain was found to be strongest clinical indicator for continuing care beyond four weeks. If all three indicators were present, 39%of study participants recommended continuing care If two indicators were present, 25%of study participants recommended continuing care If only one clinical indicator was present, 10%of study participants recommended continuing care
Interestingly, reporting improvement at four weeks was not found to be correlated with recommending continued care
The outcomes of this study were different from those when continuing care for low back pain was studied.
The study authors found that there were numerous factors associated with the use of maintenance care
Only39%of participantsrecommended maintenance careeven if threeclinical indicatorsexisted
In this study, no associations were identified between the characteristics of chiropractors (place of training, gender, age, year of graduation, years in practice, etc.).
Reference: Myhrvold, B L , Vøllestad, N K , Irgens, Pet al.Clinical indicators for recommending continued care to patients with neck pain in chiropractic practice: a cohort study.Chiropr Man Therap 31, 33 (2023).
If a partner dies or experiences an accident, if one loses a pet, or if one faces financial problems, older men have a higher risk of developing back pain, according to a new study based on an American MrOScohort
The MrOScohort was originally established to study the health of older men, with a focus on osteoporosis and fractures, but the database contains information on various health factors
The database includes data from more than 5,000 men over the age of 65
The purpose of the study was to determine the association between stressful life events and the development of new lower back pain in older men aged 65 years. 5149 men provided information on whether they had experienced a stressful life event and had lower back pain in the past 12 months before participating in the study Participants were then followed for a year, during which data related to their lower back pain was recorded three times 57%of the participants had experienced at least
one stressful life event in the year before the study. The researchers found that those who had experienced a stressful life event had a 39 % higher chance of reporting lower back pain in the year following the event and an 80 %higher chance of reporting pain that limited their daily activities compared to those who had not experienced a stressful life event, even after the researchers adjusted for several other risk factors for developing back pain.
Jan Hartvigsen was involved in publishing the study along with an international research group that includes members of the Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL)
Reference: McNaughton, D. T., Roseen, E. J., Downie, A , Jenkins, H , Øverås, C K , Young, J J, Fink, H A , Stone, K L , Cawthon, P, & Hartvigsen, J (2024). Stressful life events and low back pain in older men: A cross-sectional and prospective analysis using data from the MrOSstudy European Journal of Pain, 28, 263?272.
The editorial team of Chiropractic & Manual Therapies has named the paper
Multimorbidityin patientswith lowbackpain in Danish chiropracticpractice:a cohort studyas the Paper of the Year 2023.
The paper was selected as the best paper of the year in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies from the 50 papers published by the journal in 2023
The paper is based on data from
ChiCo, and the researchers conclude that chiropractors should be aware that patients with low back pain may suffer from multimorbidity with poor general health Patients with multimorbidity also have poorer recovery from low back pain than people without chronic disease and clinical follow-up may be indicated.
Reference: Rafn, B S, Hartvigsen, J, Siersma, Vet al.
Multimorbidity in patients with
low back pain in Danish chiropractic practice: a cohort study Chiropr Man Therap 31, 8 (2023)
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference (ACCRAC) took place March 21-23 in San Diego California
Over 400 researchers, educators and leaders from around the world descended on the Sheraton Hotel to hear keynote speakers and experience groundbreaking research presentations The WFCwas represented by President, John Maltby, and Secretary-General Richard Brown, both of whom expressed their gratitude to ACCfor the opportunity to attend.
Led by Executive Director Ann Marie Munson and ACCPresident Dr David Wickes, the program celebrated 30 years ACCRACand focused on how chiropractic education and research has and will be impacted by the healthcare evolution - giving rise to the theme of this year's event.
Researchers from across the United States and beyond delivered platform research and poster presentations featuring education research, clinical sciences, health policy and a range of other topics
Keynote speakers included Dr Ellen Lee, who presented on the subject of ageing, Dr Michele Maiers on the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis, Anthony Lisi on the work of chiropractors within the Veterans Affairs Administration, and David Acosta MD, Chief Diversity and Inclusion office at the American Association of Medical Colleges
Keynote speaker on the final day of the event was Dr Scott Haldeman,
who delivered a compelling presentation on the past, present and future direction of the chiropractic profession
Presented by NCMICPresident Dr Wayne Wolfson, Dr Katie Pohlman, vice-chair of the WFCResearch Committee, received the NCMIC Foundation George and Jerome McAndrews Memorial Research Award, while Cynthia Long, Miron Stano and Ian Coulter were each recognized as recipients of the NCMICFoundation George and Jerome McAndrews Pioneer Memorial Research Award.
Awards were presented for prize winning papers, sponsored by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE).
The event concluded on the Saturday evening with a gala dinner at which Dr Scott Haldeman was recognized for outstanding service to the profession.
The 2025 ACCRACwill take place March 20-22 in New Orleans
The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is the primary voice for chiropractors in Australia. With over 3,000 members, it provides a strong, unified voice for all chiropractors The Association?s purpose is to lead the profession by supporting members in the provision of excellence in person-centered chiropractic healthcare.
As the largest continuous funder of chiropractic research in Australia, the ACA is committed to supporting research Current projects include PhD scholarships, the CARL Fellowship program and BACE-Australia Past programs included the ACORN Practice-based network and Masters of Research scholarships
As part of this ongoing commitment to research, the ACA established the Australian Chiropractors Education and Research Foundation (ACERF), a registered charity and public ancillary fund regulated by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
The aims of ACERFare to fund research, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and foster partnerships between researchers and clinicians
The call for Expressions of Interest under the initial 2024 ACERFResearch Grant Scheme opened in June 2023 with full applications due in September of the same year. The call was for small grants of up to $20,000 over a two-year period The focus of the 2024 scheme was to increase knowledge relevant to chiropractic and/or have an impact on the practice of chiropractic.
The call produced applications across a range of topics from a variety of researchers and institutions. Four applications were successful in being awarded funding
ACA are delighted to announce that the
Aron Downie, Michael Swain, David McNaughton and Carlo Rinaudo
recipients of the 2024 ACERFgrant round are:
Project title: A feasibility study for integrating physical and psychological care for persistent low back pain in primary care.
- Invest igat ors: Dr David McNaughton (School of Psychological Sciences and Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Professor Simon French (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Professor Mark Hancock (Department of Health Professions, Macquarie University), Professor Blake Dear (School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University), Dr Alana Fisher (School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University) and Professor Michael Jones (Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University)
- Grant : $19,997
Project title: Vestibular rehabilitation and manual therapy intervention in the management of mild traumatic brain injury: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
- Invest igat ors: Dr Carlo Rinaudo (Director, The Brain Hub), Dr Roger Engel (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University) and Dr Reidar Lystad (Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University)
- Grant : $19,998
Project title: Cross-cultural adaptation, validation, and responsiveness of the English version of the Young Spine Questionnaire (YSQ) and Young Disability Questionnaire ?Spine (YDQ-S) in adolescents aged 13-18 years.
- Invest igat ors: Associate Professor Michael Swain (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Professor Lise Hestbæk (University of Southern Denmark), Associate Professor Henrik Lauridsen (University of Southern Denmark), Dr Benjamin Brown (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Ms Nichole Phillips (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Dr Amy Miller (AECC University College), Professor Katie Pohlman (Parker University), Ms Isabelle Bogard (University of Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District), Dr Tiê Parma Yamato (University of Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District) and Professor Steve Kamper (University of Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District)
- Grant : $19,833
Oneof thestudieswill belookingat vestibular rehabilitation
(Canadian Memorial College of Chiropractic), Mr David Starmer (Canadian Memorial College of Chiropractic) and Mr Luke Ross (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University)
- Grant : $17,733
ACA would like to congratulate all four recipients and look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition over the next two years
Project title: Measurement of HVLA-SMT in the management of upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain in young adults: a feasibility study.
- Invest igat ors: Dr Aron Downie (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Associate Professor Michael Swain (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Dr Benjamin Brown (Department of Chiropractic, Macquarie University), Dr Martha Funabashi
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