Two of the most important annual events have just occurred and most of the profession doesn't even realize it.
The direction of the chiropractic profession has been molded and yet very few took the time to participate.
Less than four hundred total chiropractors exercised their right and privilege to hear and speak about the direction the chiropractic profession has adopted.
WHY WEREN'T YOU THERE?!?
Hopefully, if you are a chiropractor in Europe, Canada, Australia or one of the other countries besides the United States, you are not making the horrible mistake that chiropractors are in this country.
Ten chiropractic students from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC) traveled almost 3,000 miles to participate, while most DCs with substantially better financial status decided they couldn't afford the time away.
Sadly enough, you probably don't even know what I'm talking about.
On May 9-10, 1990, the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference occurred. If you are interested in seeing unity at work in a meaningful way, this is the place. The ICA and the ACA join together each year to discuss the issues and explore what can be accomplished to change the plight of the profession.
This is a time when each participant is taught how to visit their senator and congressional representative in order to inform them about chiropractic issues. This is a time when you can make your needs as a chiropractor heard on a one-to-one basis.
It is also a time when the politicians evaluate just how dedicated the chiropractic profession is and how badly it wants changes in the legislature. This year, senator and congressional leaders confirmed their suspicions -- "Not all that interested."
Imagine if you will, the capital: Twenty thousand chiropractors and their families are walking through the halls. The police have to enact special traffic control. We have to take out a permit just to move from place to place. Every office of every legislator is filled to overflowing with DCs making their convictions and their influence felt.
Think it will never happen? That's what the AMA thinks.
The other event that will have resounding effects for decades to come was the International Conference on Spinal Manipulation (ICSM).
This occurred on May 11-12, 1990. Yes, that's right -- you could have attended one right after the other. They both occurred in the same hotel.
During these two days, the most important research papers over the past year in the United States were presented by the investigators. You could actually ask questions about how it was done and what does it mean.
"Research" -- there's that word again. It almost makes your head hurt just to read it.
NONSENSE! (The word nonsense was chosen because this is a family publication.)
If a non-DC can listen, understand, learn, and get excited, you should find this one of the best experiences of the year.
This is where chiropractic is metamorphosing. It is evolving in dramatic ways right under every nose and most don't even see it.
Yes, it's true. I must admit it. When the plane landed in Washington D.C. (seems fitting to have our two most important conferences in "D.C.") with me in it, I was there out of responsibility.
But once the ICSM began, I knew I would never miss another one. From early in the morning to very late at night it was happening. This was the golden opportunity to argue with John Triano, D.C., tell jokes with Dana Lawrence, D.C. and explore new vistas with Al Adams, D.C. As my wife will tell you, from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., it was a very exciting time. The future development of the chiropractic profession was being played out for all to see, and I was fortunate enough to be there to watch. I couldn't imagine how I would have felt if I had been a DC.
In the next issue (as soon as the film is developed) "DC" will present as much information as these pages will hold about these two exciting events. For additional information on the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference, please call the ICA (202-528-5000) or the ACA (703-243-2593).
Fortunately, the 1990 International Conference on Spinal Manipulation was audio-taped and the papers are published in one text of proceedings. Both are extremely low in price. The proceedings are only $30 for over 450 pages. No, this isn't comic book reading. It's to be digested over the year until next May. The audio tape package for the entire two days is only $$$$. Both can be ordered by calling (800) 327-2289.
If you couldn't be there, this is the next best thing.
But as you finish this article, you should make yourself (and your profession) a promise:
NEXT YEAR IN WASHINGTON D.C.
DMP, Jr., BS, HCD(hc)
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