On Jan. 24 1978, the New Zealand governor-general referred to a Commission of Inquiry an investigation to determine the desirability of providing for reimbursement of chiropractic benefits under the New Zealand Social Security Act and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Act. The commision's findings would impact chiropractic worldwide for decades to come.
John Sandell, DC -- Official Doctor of Jamaican Olympic Bobsled Team
Life is full of curious twists. Who would have thought Jamaica would field an Olympic bobsled team? But indeed they did, competing in Calgary in 1988 and Albertville, France in 1992. Those exploits have since been enshrined in a movie.
The Jamaicans are sure to draw attention in Lillehammer. If you tune in to the opening ceremonies as the athletes parade into the Olympic stadium, watch for John Sandell, DC, of Moscow, Idaho, the official doctor of the official doctor of the Jamaican Olympic Bobsled team. As Dr. Sandell commented, "You shouldn't have a lot of problems picking me out."
Dr. Sandell learned of the opportunity through the Jamaican team's brakeman, Christian Stokes, a University of Idaho graduate and former patient. Dr. Sandell completed the necessary applications, submitted a resume, and a month later got the confirmation call from Jamaica.
The pounding bobsleders take is not fully appreciated until you realize their 1,000 pound steel sleds have no suspension. "It goes from ice to steel to an athlete's body. It is very jarring and rough," explained Dr. Sandell. Low back and neck strains/sprains are common as the sleders whip around corners at speeds that would get one ticketed on the freeway (nb: bobsleders generally try to stay off freeways).
Dr. Sandell incorporates physical therapy and acupuncture in his practice. He will take an ultrasound machine along with his portable table.
At this writing, the Jamaican team is competing at the European Championships in Innsbruck, Austria.
Will keep you posted of Dr. Sandell's Winter Olympics experience.
SCCC Accreditation Process Advances
On November 11, 1993, Southern California College of Chiropractic (SCCC) was informed that its institutional report submitted to the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) had been accepted. The college will be visited by an accreditation site team March 14-18, 1994. SCCC sought accreditation status with the CCE following the loss of recognition of the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association (SCASA) in 1992 by then Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander.
In April 1993, SCCC, along with two other SCASA accredited institutions, was found eligible to apply for accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of the CCE, while retaining its straight chiropractic mission. SCCC continues to be accredited by SCASA, and remains approved by the California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, enabling its graduates to sit for the California state board. The US Department of Education (USDE) has also continued the college's eligibility to administer Title IV federal financial aid through June 1995.
US Navy Refuses Commission of San Diego DC
The Armed Forces in this country continue to drag their feet in commissioning DCs as officers. Dr. Gary J. Miller, a San Diego, California practitioner, recently applied for a position as a commissioned officer in the US Navy with the aid of Missouri Representative Ike Skelton. Navy Rear Admiral M.J. Evans sent Rep. Skelton a letter stating the Dr. Miller would not be commissioned and that "the Navy does not expect to commission chiropractors this year."
Foot Levelers Donates to Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center
Bobbie Doscher, DC, president and CEO of Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has announced the donation of $1,000 to the Center by Foot Levelers, Inc. The Chiropractic Center's mission is to help children with special needs and their families learn to live healthier lives through natural health care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Oklahaven had been challenged by the Foundation for Chiropractic Education to match their donation of $6,600 to update antiquated x-ray equipment in the clinic. According to Dr. Doscher, the challenge was not only met, but exceeded. "Thanks to Foot Levelers and other generous benefactors, our needy children have received the best Christmas gift ever -- the gift of good health," said Dr. Doscher.
"We are pleased we are able to donate to such a worthy cause," said Kent Greenawalt, president of Foot Levelers, Inc. "Dr. Doscher is a tireless worker for the Children's Chiropractic Center and is a credit to our profession."
For more information:
Oklahaven Children's Chiropractic Center
4500 N. Meridian Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73112-2404
Tele: (405) 525-2101