Dear Dad:
It's hard to believe that it's already been 10 years since you left us. A lot has happened since you passed on. Some things would surprise you; other things remain the same.
The toughest challenge facing our profession is staying excited and motivated in an era that is so hard on struggling chiropractors and their families. It really isn't fair, Dad. After so many years of tough classes and long hours, many DCs, especially those who have been practicing for five years or less, are having a extremely difficult time succeeding in practice.
It seems like concerns for our individual well being have stifled if not paralyzed many chiropractors. And to be frank, Dad, I don't really know how to get everyone focused on all the good things that are happening for chiropractic.
You always taught me that anything worth accomplishing would involve struggles and challenges. The past few years have held many perfect examples.
This year we had three DCs running for Congress. Can you imagine doctors of chiropractic on the congressional floor, their words being recorded in the Congressional Record, authoring new legislation and voting on bills that affect the health care of the country?
Unfortunately, apathy has struck again. Two of our candidates lost their primaries. They lacked enough support from the profession. We're down to one last hope. It's someone you know, Dr. Pete Ferguson from Ohio. If only the DCs around the country will wake up and support him.
Another exciting development is happening. It's called the Internet. It's based on a global network that allows DCs from around the world to communicate with each other and share ideas instantly via computers. It also holds many possibilities for us to report the news to the profession hours after it happens instead of weeks.
There are many opportunities facing us. The old prejudices are giving way to a much more open, sometimes encouraging attitude about chiropractic and what it can do. This can be best seen worldwide in countries where chiropractic is just beginning to make inroads.
Another new chiropractic college just opened in the Philippines, with more planned in other countries, including Russia. We have a chance to make chiropractic an integral part of the health of every person in the world.
The only thing stopping chiropractic right now are a few die-hard anti-chiropractic strongholds and our own unwillingness to work together. Yes, unfortunately, that hasn't changed.
It seems impossible to get all the profession moving in the same direction and working toward the same goal. There are still too many acting out of self interest.
If there is any way you can help change this, it would do a world of good. We need to recognize that when chiropractic grows we all benefit. When we all focus on ourselves, the power we hold corporately is dissipated to insignificance.
Well, that's about it for now. The staff here has grown to 30. They all continue to work very hard. You would be proud of them.
Those that have joined us after your passing hear about you and see your picture as they come in each morning. You are in our thoughts constantly.
I love you, Dad, and appreciate all you taught me. You laid the groundwork for our success.
With love, your son
P.S. Dr. Virgil Strang, the president of Palmer College of Chiropractic, has recently gone on to join you. Please give him my warmest regards. I hadn't talked to him for a few months before he passed away.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
