Is the WFC aware of TCC’s training session for unqualified JCA/ Zenkenkai members who do not hold a chiropractic degree from an accredited institution?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) proudly recognizes and deeply respects the Japanese Association of Chiropractors (JAC) as its constituent member association representing Japan. The WFC is aware that Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) is offering a program of study to members of the [Japan] Chiropractic Association (JCA), an organization that is not the WFC’s recognized constituent member association for Japan. The WFC wishes to clarify that it has no affiliation or connection with the JCA and has no knowledge of the program being offered by TCC. Additionally, the WFC does not possess information regarding the qualifications or criteria for membership of the JCA. It is important to note that, at present, there are no institutions in Japan offering chiropractic programs that are internationally accredited in alignment with global standards for chiropractic education.
Is the WFC aware that ACA has made these unqualified JCA/ Zenkenkai members ACA associate members?
As the second-largest constituent member of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC), the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is highly regarded for its leadership and significant contributions to advancing the chiropractic profession globally. Earlier this year, the WFC noted a press release issued by the ACA announcing the addition of 200 members from the [Japan] Chiropractic Association (JCA) to its membership roll. It is the WFC's understanding that these individuals were granted associate membership status, which does not include voting rights or the full privileges of regular membership.
Is the WFC aware that JCA/ Zenkenkai is using the TCC training session and the ACA associate membership to suggest that their members are qualified chiropractors?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) acknowledges with concern the current unregulated status of the chiropractic profession in Japan. This lack of regulation includes the absence of minimum educational standards and protection of the chiropractic title. The WFC is mindful that in jurisdictions where chiropractic remains unregulated, there may be individuals who represent themselves as fully qualified chiropractors without having completed a recognized program of study. The WFC is firmly committed to promoting and upholding high standards of conduct and practice in chiropractic to safeguard patients and the public. We unequivocally oppose any actions that misrepresent qualifications or fraudulently portray individuals as qualified chiropractors. Such practices are deemed by the WFC to pose a significant risk to public safety and undermine the integrity of the profession.
Is the WFC concerned that the actions of TCC and ACA will erode the value of chiropractic in Japan and hamper the chiropractic profession’s ability to establish itself in Japan?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) values its close collaboration with its constituent member for Japan, the Japanese Association of Chiropractors (JAC). The WFC commends JAC’s steadfast commitment to upholding high standards of professional conduct and practice, exemplified through initiatives such as the Japanese Society of Chiropractic Science (JSCS) and the Japan Chiropractic Register (JCR). These efforts reflect a dedication to advancing evidence-based, patient-centered, interprofessional, and collaborative chiropractic care. The WFC firmly believes that such initiatives will continue to enhance the standing and value of chiropractic in Japan. The success of the chiropractic profession globally has been built upon rigorous educational standards and an unwavering commitment to ethical, high-quality care. The WFC is confident that the dedication and actions of JAC members will contribute to the sustained recognition and development of chiropractic in Japan.
Is the WFC aware of any other circumstances where TCC and ACA are offering similar training session and membership to unqualified persons in other countries?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) acknowledges that, beyond publicly available information, it has no specific knowledge regarding the activities of Texas Chiropractic College in relation to international partnerships. With respect to its constituent member national associations, the WFC is aware that several offer categories of overseas membership, each with distinct features and benefits. However, the WFC is not aware of any constituent member national association offering overseas membership categories that include full voting rights.
Is the WFC concerned that, based on the highly profitable activities of TCC and ACA, that they may decide to offer training session and membership to unqualified persons in other countries?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) does not possess, nor does it seek, information that would allow it to comment on the profitability of commercial activities undertaken by institutions offering chiropractic degree programs. The WFC recognizes that the development of international partnerships is a significant focus for many higher education institutions and that such partnerships are being established globally. The WFC respects the autonomy of its constituent member organizations, including decisions regarding their membership categories, features, and benefits. The WFC would only address such matters if they were found to be in fundamental breach of the WFC Bylaws.
Given that the JAC is an association of doctors of chiropractic who have graduated from accredited institutions, and is facing this crisis within Japan that is watering down chiropractic in order to create retailers for Zenkenkai products, what is WFC doing to support JAC, its member association in Japan?
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) greatly values its close and collaborative relationship with the Japanese Association of Chiropractors (JAC). The WFC holds deep respect for the significant efforts of the JAC in promoting high standards of education, professional conduct, and practice throughout Japan. The WFC remains committed to working alongside the JAC, sharing resources, knowledge, and expertise to support its mission of advancing chiropractic in Japan. With regard to the activities of third-party commercial organizations, the WFC is not in a position to provide comment.
