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Our IdentityBy: Jim Goetz

Since my first day in chiropractic college, there has been an obvious lack of

identification in our profession. Why do we need two separate associations

representing our profession when there is only one profession to represent? There

is a saying, which has been used by many, such as Thomas Jefferson and George

Washington, stating, United We Stand, Divided We Fall. If this profession of ours

cannot stand united by even our representative associations, the inevitability of us

falling is overwhelming.

Evolution is as given as are the laws of our universe. The chiropractic

profession has evolved since its infancy and will continue to evolve as we

understand more and more on why our treatments help patients. As we find more

evidence based reasoning we learn new ways of treatment. The days of one

adjustment as the fix for all ailments, have since evolved into being able to utilize an

ever increasing bag of modalities to help patients cure what ails them. This progress

of our profession is good. This is not something that should be fought about amongst

ourselves. If we want insurance companies to reimburse us for services performed

to the extent that I know we should be reimbursed for, we should act as if we

deserve what we demand. If a doctor of medicine can be reimbursed a couple

hundred dollars for an office visit and a treatment, why should we not be

reimbursed the exact same amount for an office visit and a treatment? Our

education is just as good as a doctor of medicine or osteopathy. The main difference

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is that MDs and DOs appear more united in their mission than are DCs. Doctors of

Chiropractic are lacking a unified and National Identity.

If I get the flu, the first doctor I go see is a doctor of chiropractic. We are

trained to be a primary care physician. Primary care is the first entry into care for

what ails the patient, no matter what condition they may present with. If a doctor of

chiropractic is primary care, why then, with the education received in school and

continuing education, should they not be fully capable in treating a patient who

presents in their office with a flu virus? Why should a doctor of chiropractic not

encourage others to visit their office for reasons such as this? Doctors of

Chiropractic are lacking a unified identity to have the confidence to know who they

are. The Doctors of Chiropractic today have the education and knowledge that is

comparable to any doctor, no matter what the difference is in the belief of treatment

may be.

The divide in our profession and the root of the problem lies in the word,

medicine. Doctors of Chiropractic are legally recognized as physicians. Physicians

can be defined as health care providers who practices the profession of medicine.

When surveyed, the majority of people will define the word, medicine, as a drug

taken when prescribed by a doctor. In reality, the word medicine is taken from the

early 13th century Latin word, medicina, a historical root meaning the science and

art of healing. This does not in any way refer to the use of drugs. In reality, the

chiropractic profession is founded on the belief in innate intelligence. The

modalities in which this belief is implemented to treat patients are numerous. Why

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then is it this profession is so entirely divided when this is the time in our history

that we must be united more than ever?

One uniform scope of practice is not a feasible plan. There are many different

modalities and an array of treatments as no two patients and no two diseases are

identical. The common goal amongst doctors of chiropractic must be one that allows

each doctor of chiropractic to treat the patients needs, no matter what they are,

successfully and fully. The only way to successfully do that is to ensure that health

insurances reimburse chiropractors as equally as their medical counterparts are

reimbursed. Once this is accomplished doctors of chiropractic will hopefully branch

out more and realize they do have the knowledge to help patients with practically

any condition and treat them with confidence.

In the case for a National Identity for Chiropractic, the ACA will need to step

up once again and stand strong on a united front. All doctors must stand behind the

association, which represents them and support the mission of furthering this great

profession of ours. The doctors who elect the officials within the ACA do so in order

to have their voice heard and know these officials will represent them and our

profession to the highest capacity. Those doctors who are extremists to one side or

another are becoming more and more a minority. Unfortunately these small

percentages make the loudest noise. Evolution has shown us that genetically

speaking, survival of the fittest is a principle that holds true. These loud voices will

become quieter and quieter if we ignore them. Eventually their voices will not be

heard anymore, if no one pays attention and evolution will eliminate the problem.

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I would appreciate an opportunity to be put on a committee with the sole

purpose being drafting a statement defining chiropractic and the scope of practice

for government and insurance. The future of the practice is the profession of

medicine as defined by its Latin roots and not the preconceived idea in, which it has

become.

The scope of practice for a doctor of chiropractic is the focus of promoting,

maintaining, or restoring health of those living, through the study, diagnosis and

treatment of disease, injury or other physical or mental dysfunction using non-

surgical or pharmaceutical methods. The chiropractic profession shall not be limited

to any one particular scope of medicine and shall be considered broad. The focus of

practice of any physician shall be determined strictly by that physician based upon

their training and expertise.

With this National Identity for Chiropractic, our profession would fill any

shortages in the present health care system as well as replace certain existing

providers, as any State or National limits on scope of practice must be lifted.

This wonderful profession has helped millions of people and will help

trillions more if and only if we, as doctors of chiropractic, unite together now and

find our National Identity.