Should Never Go Unspoken

Since 1986, Dynamic Chiropractic has sought to recognize the single individual, or group of individuals, who has had the greatest positive impact on the chiropractic profession during a particular year. Past recipients include U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, chiropractic researchers, chiropractic philanthropists, many noted doctors of chiropractic, and even a few non-DCs.

And while it is important to recognize the people who rise to the top each year, it is equally important to recognize that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others who give selflessly to make this profession greater than it was the year before. Almost every person recognized in DC has spent much of his or her life serving chiropractic in any number of ways for many years.

This year's Person of the Year, Reed Phillips, DC, PhD, is a classic example. From his groundbreaking workers' compensation research, to his success as chair of the Department of Veterans Affairs Chiropractic Advisory Committee, Dr. Phillips has done much for chiropractic this year - most of it unseen and unrecognized. Yet for the past 31 years, he has served our profession with his heart and soul.

But he is not alone.

Every year, many DCs and others do great things for this profession and don't receive as much appreciation as they deserve. And while we attempt to recognize their accomplishments in the pages of DC, it is impossible to report them all. Some things, by their very nature, are only effective if they can be accomplished quietly. Most of the time, the people involved aren't doing it for the recognition; their efforts go unnoticed simply because they don't promote themselves.

You may have done a number of important things for the chiropractic profession this year, such as:

• speaking to a small audience on the benefits of chiropractic;
• dispelling myths and prejudices held by other health care providers;
• taking time to explain how chiropractic works to a child; or
• being an example of the caring doctor in your community.

The list goes on and on. Each act, whether great or small, which further promotes our profession, has great value - now and in the future. You can never tell if the person you are educating about the benefits of chiropractic will end up sharing that knowledge with someone else, and by doing so, will ultimately open a door that has kept chiropractic out for decades.

All health care is personal. The people who make decisions about access to chiropractic care all have a health history. Those who understand and appreciate chiropractic usually work to provide greater access. Those who don't...

Chiropractic's reputation depends on the actions of our doctors. What you do and how you act say a lot about who you are and about this profession. And while we can't change every derogatory opinion, we can make those opinions the minority.

Almost every important advance for chiropractic is built upon a foundation of respect and appreciation. This is very true for chiropractic's entrance into the United States military. The actions of local DCs involved in caring for and supporting people in their community have created a level of respect among their legislators that prompted the U.S. Congress to pass the laws required to place doctors of chiropractic on military bases.

This is how we move forward: with everyone doing his or her part.

And so, we at Dynamic Chiropractic would like to say:

Thank you

...for everything you did this year to increase the awareness and understanding of chiropractic; for changing minds and setting an example; and for giving your time and your talents, not only for your patients, but also for your profession.

You are greatly appreciated!

DMP Jr.