New Text on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Leads With Chiropractic
Chiropractic is the very first chapter of the new text Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare: From Knowledge to Practice. Each chapter is dedicated to a health profession, including medicine, nursing, dentistry, dietetics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy, and communication sciences, and authored by experts in EDI / workforce diversity.
The 30-page chiropractic chapter, “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Chiropractic: Aligning the Profession to Serve Tomorrow’s Diverse World,” includes an evidence-based review of workforce diversity within the profession, along with suggestions for solutions / improvements. It features an international team of authors* led by Dr. Claire Johnson, professor at National University of Health Sciences. In a press release detailing the project, she stated:
“It was a great honor to work with this international and diverse team of experts. While working on this project we found that the chiropractic profession has room for growth, which means there are opportunities to improve even more. We have outlined action steps that will help to improve chiropractic uptake and reach out to even more people. These actions will benefit not only underserved and marginalized populations, but pretty much everyone.”
*Editor’s Note: In addition to Claire Johnson, the authorship team included Bart N. Green, Sumaya F. Ahmed, Lyndon G. Amorin-Woods, Kara D. Burnham, Waleska Crespo-Rivera, William K. Foshee, Kelley M. Humphries-Mascoll, Dr. Craig S. Little, L. David Peeace, Jean-Nicolas Poirier, and Christopher Yelverton.
In Memoriam: Tom Bergmann, BSc, DC (1947-2024)
Editor’s Note: The following tribute was penned by Paul J. Osterbauer, DC, MPH.
“Always Put Your Best Foot Forward!”
Dr. Tom Bergmann, an esteemed educator, clinician, and author in the chiropractic profession, passed away peacefully on Oct. 1, 2024. His pioneering contributions have left a lasting legacy, elevating chiropractic care to new levels of clinical excellence and academic rigor.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Tom’s journey began with a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University. After marrying his high-school sweetheart, he started his career as an elementary school teacher. However, inspired by a deeper calling, he transitioned into chiropractic care, earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the National College of Chiropractic in 1977.
Guided by mentors such as Drs. Alfred States and Joseph Janse, Tom developed a profound interest in chiropractic techniques and spinal manipulation. At a time when the field was hindered by proprietary approaches and fragmented ideologies, he dedicated himself to integrating diverse perspectives and advancing the science and art of chiropractic.
Tom’s passion for education took him across the globe, starting with a faculty position at the International College of Chiropractic, now part of RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. There, he helped foster a collaborative academic environment rare for its time. He later joined Northwestern College of Chiropractic (NWCC, now Northwestern Health Sciences University), where he served as chair of the Methods Department. In this role, he designed and implemented comprehensive curricula that blended chiropractic techniques, clinical principles, and philosophy, aiming to establish a strong scientific foundation for chiropractic care.
An advocate for continual learning, Tom was deeply invested in understanding the biomechanics, anatomy, and neurophysiology underpinning manual therapy. He authored and co-authored several influential works, including the textbooks Chiropractic Technique: Principles and Mechanically Assisted Manipulation (Mosby Publishing). He also developed a series of ibooks to educate the next generation of chiropractors.
Tom’s editorial contributions further strengthened the profession. As the founding editor of Chiropractic Technique, a peer-reviewed journal, and a reviewer for Clinical Chiropractic, he played a vital role in fostering evidence-based practices. His efforts extended to shaping national health policies, consulting for Medicare, and participating in the Mercy Center Consensus Conference – which established pivotal guidelines for chiropractic quality assurance and practice standards.
In addition to his academic and policy work, Tom was a dedicated clinician. He treated patients in faculty and research clinics at NWHSU, bringing his wealth of knowledge into practice. He also spearheaded a chiropractic residency program that combined teaching, clinical care, and research, setting a high standard for postgraduate education in the field.
Tom’s vision for the profession was both ambitious and compassionate. He sought to move beyond the “thumping lumps” mindset, advocating for a patient-centered approach grounded in science and clinical expertise. His life’s work was dedicated to ensuring chiropractic care remained relevant, effective, and impactful.
After a distinguished 32-year career at NWHSU, Tom retired with Professor Emeritus status. His contributions continue to inspire and guide chiropractors worldwide.
Dr. Tom Bergmann is survived by his beloved wife, his family, and countless students, colleagues, and patients whose lives he touched. He will be remembered for his tireless dedication, his integrity, and his unwavering belief in putting your best foot forward.
Editor’s Note: Share Your News! Chiropractic state and national associations, educational institutions and other chiropractic organizations are encouraged to keep the profession abreast of their activities in the pages of Dynamic Chiropractic. Please submit your press release via email to editorial@mpamedia.com as soon as the news you are sharing occurs, as our publication schedule falls in advance of print date. Note that press releases will not be republished verbatim; and that not all releases will be used due to various considerations including issue space, relevance and timing of submission.
