Eight years ago, F. Garrett Moscos, DC, ventured to a land without any apparent medical professional animosity, a part of the world that lacked many of the so-called "medical advances," a place where natural health care was considered desirable. In September of 1991, he was invited to take up residence to practice chiropractic here in the heart of the restless Middle East: al-Mamlaka al-'Arabiya as-Sa'udiya -- Saudi Arabia to Western ears.
The roots of this opportunity began when Dr. Moscos treated Andrew Miller, a therapist from a sports club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at his practice in Newport Beach, California in 1985. The treatment program for Mr. Miller's chronic sciatica allowed him to return to active participation in softball and tennis. His recovery became, as Dr. Moscos recounted, "a windfall for chiropractic half a world away."
Mr. Miller encouraged the president of the Saudi Arabian Track and Field team, Prince Nawaf Bin Mohammed al-Saud, to import chiropractic care for his team. Dr. Moscos was invited on several occasions to journey to Saudi Arabia to work with their athletes, and to help rehabilitate injured Saudi athletes at his Newport practice.
It was Prince Nawaf who convinced Dr. Moscos to move to Saudi Arabia to practice chiropractic. Dr. Moscos began as part of the official health care staff of the royal family, one of 20, doctors, the rest being MDs.
Normally, being the only chiropractor in an entire country would be an up-hill struggle through prejudice and jealousy. But this was Saudi Arabia. Not only was Dr. Moscos welcomed, but with genuine interest and respect.
During the first four months Dr. Moscos was overwhelmed with requests for chiropractic by the general public, and a clinic was established. The practice of chiropractic was legally instituted by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health on January 27, 1992; legislation is pending.
Soon, two more DCs were invited to practice in Saudi Arabia: Charlie Jones, DC, and Dan Muriyama, DC. Together, they serve many prestigious patients in the capital city of Riyadh.
But now it is time to expand. The second clinic is expected to open this April in the city of Jiddah, along the Red Sea. Presently Dr. Moscos is back in the United States to interview several chiropractors to fill two positions for the Jiddah clinic.
Saudi Arabia is a country in the midst of change. The old customs and cultures are giving way to a more modern society. Likewise, as chiropractic care becomes better known, the number of chiropractic patients and advocates are growing, even into other Middle East countries.
Three more clinics are planned in this initial phase of chiropractic's introduction into Saudi Arabia. Dr. Moscos will soon be returning to Saudi Arabia to put the finishing touches on the first chiropractic licensing law in the Middle East.
How big could chiropractic become in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East? Dr. Moscos would tell you that the possibilities are limitless, but he will insist on adding only a few DCs at a time. He believes this cautious course is warranted if chiropractic is to develop and reach its full potential in this part of the world.
Editor's note: Dr. Moscos' address: P.O. Box 22491, Riyadh 11495, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tele: 010-966-01-464-4370. Fax: 010-966-01-465-8326.
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