It began with years of hard work that had gone before. The chiropractors of Oklahoma knew they needed to be united, but were asking the same question we all ask: How?
Oklahoma has three chiropractic associations: the Chiropractic Association of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Chiropractic Physicians Association and the Fellowship of Chiropractic Physicians. Each year, these three associations would conduct their own license renewal seminars, further dividing the 450 chiropractors of Oklahoma among them.
But, in 1990 something historical happened.
The three association presidents decided to conduct one unified convention. The convention began with a Dixieland band at the Presidents' Reception. An impressive (and doubtless a record) turnout of almost 80% of the chiropractors in Oklahoma were there to witness the event. Because of the large attendance, the convention planners were delighted to find they needed to rent the entire Oklahoma City Marriott!
To underscore the new spirit of unity in Oklahoma, the title of the convention was "Strive for Excellence in 1990." Drs. James W. Parker and Carl Cleveland,III were among the speakers at the convention. The highlight of the event was the "Celebration Of Unity" Banquet Saturday night. And indeed it was.
The three associations insured that this seminar would not only improve the knowledge of the chiropractors, but simultaneously improved legislative's knowledge of chiropractic. Numerous senators, legislators and governatorial candidates were present at convention.
If any one part of the event outdistanced the rest, it was definitely the spirit of brotherhood and unity generated at the convention. The proceeds were put into a joint account that was opened by all three associations. This money will be used in joint legislative efforts that are currently being conducted by the Joint Legislative Committee.
When asked the "eternal secret" of how unity was able to take place, Dr. Gaylord D. Snitker, President of the Chiropractic Association of Oklahoma said, "If you don't have an axe to grind and can control your egos, miracles can happen."
When I graduated from chiropractic college in 1981 and started practice, I heard it all, and very little was positive. “You are a quack; you do not know what a subluxation is; you couldn’t get into a real health care program, so you chose the one that is slightly above a mail-order degree; you have no proof that chiropractic works; Are you really licensed?”, and so much more.
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