According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection - the most frequent childhood illness after the common cold - accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits each year; what's more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the condition.
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation and specifically recommend a period of "watchful waiting" since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication; the guidelines suggest medical intervention only in cases that do not subside after three months or are particularly severe in nature.
[Editor's note: CD columnist Dr. Claudia Anrig discussed the AAP guidlines in the June 3 issue: www.chiroweb.com/archives/22/12/01.html]
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) commends the AAP on the guidelines and emphasizes that chiropractic care is a "good first option" for treating ear infection conservatively.
"Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success - helping them avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery," said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. "Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort."
Dr. Krippendorf added: "The ACA is pleased that a medical organization such as the [AAP] is advocating restraint against unnecessary drugs and surgeries, especially for our nation's children. Not only are antibiotics and other drugs often prescribed unnecessarily, but they often carry side-effects not involved with chiropractic manipulation."
Sherman College of Chiropractic recently appointed Ralph Boone, PhD, DC, and William M. Decken, BA, DC, as the new director of research and philosophy chair, respectively.
A Sherman graduate, Dr. Boone was the director of research at the New Zealand School of Chiropractic in Auckland, from 2000-2002, and interim CEO of the school from 1998-2000. Dr. Boone has a "proven track record as both a researcher and college administrator," according to Sherman Executive Vice President and Provost Myron D. Brown, DC. "His impressive accomplishments in the area of scholarly publications, bode very well for the future of Sherman's College research agenda."
As philosophy chair, Dr. Decken will oversee the ongoing development of a solid philosophy program at Sherman. Dr. Decken, also a Sherman graduate, holds a BA degree in environmental science and biology from Marist College, and has operated a private practice in Spartanburg since 1986. He was named Faculty Member of the Year in 1991 and Chiropractor of the Year in 1998, and is a member of the Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations, and founder and president of the Palmetto State Chiropractic Association.
The South Dakota Chiropractic Association recently named Thomas Stotz, DC, its Chiropractor of the Year - an award granted annually by the association in honor of professional excellence, leadership and community service.
According to an article in the Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, Dr. Stotz, founder of First Chiropractic Center in Yankton, credits his education for his unique approach to patient care. "The National University of Health Sciences was the National College of Chiropractic when I graduated there, in Lombard, Ill.," he said. "Another thing that separates our practice is the postgraduate training that I completed."
In addition to running a successful practice, Dr. Stotz has held numerous positions on the South Dakota Board of Chiropractic Examiners for the past eight years, including president; however, he notes that he could not have won the award without the support of his family and colleagues at First Chiropractic Center:
"This is really an honor. It wouldn't have been possible without the wonderful support of my spouse and my family. My partners and staff are a tremendous help, allowing me the freedom to do some things away from work. They have all been outstanding."
Source: Sorensen L. Local chiropractor honored by peers. Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan, May 18, 2004.
The Southern California University of Health Sciences' (SCUHS) Los Angeles College of Chiropractic held its graduation ceremony in April. Among the 67 students graduating from the program was Roy Boesiger, a native of Switzerland, who was presented with the Technique Award for his outstanding knowledge of chiropractic technique, service and clinical aptitude, and for his ability to accomplish all this while suffering from a disability: blindness.
"He is an exceptional student who, I feel, will be an exceptional practitioner," commented Dr. Susan Holm, who supervised Boesiger during his internship at the University Health Center-Whittier. "I don't believe being visually impaired added to his willingness or eagerness to learn. I think that's just the way he is."
Dr. Paige Morgenthal agreed. "We believe his selection for the Technique Award sends a powerful message about overcoming obstacles if you want to overcome them."
Other students honored during the ceremony were Andrea Lyn Heermance, recipient of the President's Award and the E. Maylon Drake Humanitarian Award; and Andrew Anthony, recipient of the Student Service Award.
David Wickes, DC, is leaving his position as senior vice-president and provost of National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) to accept the position of chief academic officer at Western States Chiropractic College (WSCC) in Portland, Ore.
Dr. Wickes, a 1977 graduate of NUHS (then National College of Chiropractic), has a wealth of professional experience, including serving on the Board of Directors for the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE); coordinating and authoring National's institutional self-study for reaffirmation of programmatic accreditation during 2000-2001; writing several educational and clinical papers; and serving as a consult to other chiropractic institutions.
"I am really excited to join Western States," said Dr. Wickes. "It is a terrific college with an excellent program and outstanding faculty."
Dr. Wickes is also a member of the American Chiropractic Association, Illinois Chiropractic Society, ACA Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders, the American Association of Higher Education and the American Association of Medical Colleges. He officially assumes his new position at Western States in June.
Norman W. Kettner, DC, DACBR, chairperson of the radiology department at Logan Chiropractic College, was interviewed recently for a television segment on acupuncture and its beneficial effects.
During the feature, which aired during the weekend of April 9 on KSDK-TV Channel 5 in St. Louis, Dr. Kettner discussed research currently underway by Logan College in partnership with the Athinoula A. Martins Center for Functional and Structural Neuroimaging at Massachusetts General Hospital. Researchers are utilizing functional MRI to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on neural networks of the brain involved with pain processing. Dr. Kettner also discussed the preliminary results of research on acupuncture and its effects on the neural mechanisms involved in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Logan alum Dr. Patrick Kennedy was also featured on the segment; he discussed the overall process of acupuncture treatment.
Parker College of Chiropractic is now offering prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, and physics during the summer terms. The new courses, taught by faculty instructors of the chiropractic program, enable prospective chiropractic students to enter Parker College earlier in their educational career, providing them the full range of benefits the campus has to offer, including the use of campus facilities and admission to the Parker Seminars. The courses also apply toward the Bachelor of Science in Anatomy available to chiropractic students who meet the appropriate requirements. A single registration fee facilitates entrance into both the prerequisite program and the chiropractic program.
For more information, visit www.parkercc.edu.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
