Since the early 1980s, MPI has been certifying doctors for their ability to understand and perform the necessary palpations and as to demonstrate the various adjustments that pertain to the fixations encountered. During the last few years the MPI programs have been altered and upgraded to reflect current knowledge. Old material has been dropped and new material added particularly in the neurological and kinesiological components of the subluxation complex. Coupled-motion palpation joint-play analysis that addresses multiple planes and a number of axes at the same time will replace the current palpation techniques that, although acknowledged the coupled-motion phenomenon, never took advantage of it. Coupled-motion adjustive procedures have also been added to the various MPI seminars so that doctors can upgrade their technique.
MPI's commitment to "quality and excellence" and the immense influx of new information has prompted MPI to reconstruct its certification program to reflect these changes and to adhere to MPI's mission policy. There are thousands of MPI doctors currently holding certification status; MPI would like to encourage these doctors to attend the current MPI seminar series, learn the new information, and be re-certified so that there is uniformity and continuity of information and treatment within the certification concept. MPI has created a master list of certified doctors so that a telephone call is all that is needed for you to have peace of mind when referring a patient to another MPI certified doctor of chiropractic.
The 1995 MPI certification format will be in force for a period of two years at which time the doctor of chiropractic will be re-certified and a new seal affixed to the certificate. One large certificate will be issued, and it will contain locations for all of the MPI continuing education program seals. Doctors of course have the right to choose which of the series they wish to be certified in, all or just one -- it's your choice. The S1 and S2, E1 or E2, and possibly the specialty seminars will be available to you in 1995.
The seminar certifications will be as follows:
- One certification for the S1 and S2 seminars. Doctors will be asked to demonstrate their ability to perform the motion palpation joint-play analysis, to be anatomically specific with respect to the contact, and to be biomechanically accurate. MPI is preparing a take home exam of approximately 20 questions for the doctor to answer. This exam has become necessary as all MPI seminars contain information germane to differential diagnosis. The exam has been designed to be a learning experience for the doctor and the answers are contained in the note package or within a lecture format. A typical question would be: "During the axial rotation of the cervical spine and occiput, what is the relationship between roll-glide and translatoric movement in the transverse plane and vertical axis of the C0-C1 articulation?" These are the normal coupled motions, and chiropractic needs to be in the forefront of the current status of research.
- The E1 lower extremity seminar will have its own certification as will the S2 upper extremity seminar. The examination format will be as above. A typical question could be: "Considering fixations between the calcaneo-cuboid articulation in a plantar to dorsal direction, should you choose to adjust the calcaneus? In which direction would the thrust be given with respect to the translatoric movement of incongruent surfaces and the IAR being in the convex partner?"
Seemingly difficult questions? Not really, if you understand the physiological coupled-motions of roll-glide and translation, the anatomy and biomechanical considerations of long-standing fixations of the extremities and the compensatory dysfunctions they cause elsewhere.
MPI is committed to this venture, and like all programs of this magnitude there are inherent costs to administrate this certification program. Therefore it has become necessary to charge a nominal administrative fee of $20 for the certification process.
During the next few months more information will be forthcoming with respect to the certification process and how you can go about becoming an MPI certified doctor of chiropractic.
Keith Innes, DC
Scarborough, Ontario
Canada
Editor's Note: Dr. Innes will be conducting his next Extremities 2 (E2) seminar November 19-20 in Chicago, Illinois, and his next Spine 1 (S1) December 3-4 in Seattle, Washington. To register, you may call 1-800-359-2289.
