Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher
With 1993 behind us, one can't help but wonder what this year will bring for chiropractic.
As the last years of the 20th century rush by, we hear the same question echoing time and again: What will life be like in the 21st century?
This ultimately brings us to examine who we are and how our ever changing world is affecting us. Looking over the events of the last year brings certain trends to mind. While the truth of chiropractic doesn't really change, tomorrow's chiropractors will have to strengthen various aspects of their practices. They will need to adapt to the changes that are upon us if chiropractic care is to fulfill the needs of the world.
Think about how your own practice has changed -- no, not the finer aspects of the treatment you deliver, but the demands placed on you by society, third-party payers, and government agencies. These factors make your life more burdensome and your practice more complicated.
The reality is that the world is changing. The essential attributes which make up an effective chiropractic practitioner (as opposed to clinician) are changing.
In the opinions of leaders throughout the chiropractic profession, there are certain qualities that will allow a DC to excel in the exciting (and uncertain) years to come. While you may think of other attributes, these are the qualities which are the most important:
Networking -- Even the medical community is beginning to admit that they don't have all the answers. The DC of tomorrow will be well integrated into a health care system that recognizes the value of many forms of treatment (as demonstrated by effectiveness studies). Better Informed -- As the chiropractic profession is increasingly integrated within the health care community, there will be a demand for DCs to be better informed. Staying current on the latest research findings will reflect on the professionalism of chiropractors and the effectiveness of their treatment choices.
Philosophical Acuteness -- Integration with other health care philosophies need not endanger our own. As health care professionals exchange ideas, the most insightful philosophies will influence the thinking of others. Chiropractors will need to be well grounded if we hope to share our philosophy effectively.
Research Involvement -- Just a few years ago, the chiropractic professions had very few researchers and almost no money for research. Today, we have more money (still not enough) with almost no increase in the "critical mass" (the body of DCs who are dedicated to conducting chiropractic research). The demands of today's health care policies require clinical outcomes research. If chiropractic care is to be included (and hopes to expand beyond back care), we must do a tremendous amount of research in a very short period of time. You will need to work with your chiropractic college to conduct the clinical studies necessary. This is part of our survival.
Your situation in the area where you live may be different. Even so, there are incredible changes occurring in health care that you must consider and adapt to.
Now, more than ever, the people of the world need what chiropractic has to offer. The medical model has driven the cost of health care far beyond what most countries can afford. You need to adapt your practice in order to effectively deliver much needed chiropractic care in the 21st century.
DMP Jr., BS, HCD(hc)
