The results of a Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) survey of 260 doctors of chiropractic who practice in rural areas where there are no MDs or DOs, show that many DCs are currently serving as first contact, primary care providers who stress wellness to their patients.
"Our study leaves little doubt that chiropractors are able to provide primary care services to those in need," said Stephen Seater, CAE, executive director of the FCER. "Furthermore, the study not only documents the fact that chiropractors in rural areas provide such services, but also that they have been doing so all along. Certainly members of Congress representing rural areas on Capitol Hill will take notice of this fact."
The survey demonstrates that 41 percent of the surveyed DCs are currently providing first contact care to between 76-100 percent of their patients, and another 23.1 percent provide first contact care to 51-75 percent of their patients. The survey further indicates that the DCs who are serving their patients in a primary care capacity are using standard and accepted procedures: taking histories; performing diagnostic tests; referring patients when necessary; and insuring that they are accessible to their patients.
Editor's note: If your interested in ordering this study, contact: FCER/Staying Well, 66 Washington Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314 or call 1-800-622-6309. Faxed orders may be sent to (515) 282-3347. Please request, "The Chiropractor as a Primary Health Care Provider in Rural, Health Professional Shortage Areas of the US." The cost of the study is $6.95.
Parker Alumni Help Tornado Victims Drs. James Clark, Frances Wisbauer and Don Griffis, all 1993 Parker College of Chiropractic graduates now in private practice, participated in a three-day chiropractic aid mission to Lancaster, Texas after the tornado devastated the area in late April. The Parker group is part of the Chiropractic Emergency Relief Team (CERT) that mobilizes chiropractic care during natural disasters to volunteer their services in local communities to help victims and other volunteer workers at the scene.
"We see many people at these disasters who are under terrific stress, both workers and victims alike," said Dr. Clark. "This manifests as headaches, painful shoulders, stiff necks, back aches, nausea, or other similar conditions." When asked why he became a CERT member, Dr. Clark stated, "That's easy, these people are hurting, both mentally and physically, and we can provide some relief. It's as simple as that."
Assoc. of Chiropractic Colleges Receives Grant from Nat'l Board At its semi-annual state of delegates meeting in Washington, D.C., in April, the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) board of directors unanimously voted to approve a grant of $2,500 to the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC). The grant will be used to defray the ACC's expenses in sponsoring an informational booth at the conference of the American Public Health Association (APHA). The conference will be held in Washington, D.C., October 30-November 2, 1994.
The NBCE will also be on hand to distribute a large quantity of its recently published Studies on Chiropractic brochure at the conference.
ICA to Present Conference on Imaging in Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada, will be the venue for a major three-day Conference on Chiropractic Imaging July 8-10, 1994, presented by the ICA College of Chiropractic Imaging. Speakers scheduled are Drs. Christopher Kent, Glenn Stillwagon, Clayton Reynolds, Patrick Gentempo, William Cockburn, Frank Holt, Michael Millican, and James Noia. Topics will include x-rays, MRI, thermography, EMG, and digitizations.
There will also be poster presentations of research papers and a two-hour interactive workshop where doctors can bring their case films for interpretation and discussion.
"The goal of this program is to enhance the confidence and imaging skills of the chiropractor and to show how imaging can be an effective and important diagnostic procedure in a chiropractic practice," said Dr. Frank Holt, chairperson of the ICA College on Chiropractic Imaging.
Private practitioner, researchers, faculty, and students who wish to make a poster presentation should send a titled abstract to: Dr. Frank Holt, ICA College of Imaging, International Chiropractors Association, 1110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201. For more information about the Conference on Chiropractic Imaging, or to register, call 1-800-423-4690.
Palmer College Names New Vice President of Academic Affairs Effective March 1, 1994, Don Betz, PhD, is Palmer's vice president for Academic Affairs. An educator with over 20 years of experience in academics and university administration. Palmer President Dr. Donald Kern characterized Dr. Betz as "a dedicated teacher, a highly respected educator and an outstanding leader."
"I have strong convictions about what is good for faculty -- teaching load, standards of competence, compensation -- the entire gamut of faculty issues," said Dr. Betz. "I fully intend to be a strong advocate for the faculty and the academic program."
Dr. Betz previously served as vice president of university relations and professor of political science at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
