Direct Access Bill Reintroduced
Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) recently reintroduced legislation to provide veterans direct access to doctors of chiropractic through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) health care system.
Rep. Filner originally introduced the "Better Access to Chiropractors to Keep our Veterans Healthy Act" in March 2004 as HR 4051, with the support of the American Chiropractic Association, the International Chiropractors Association, and others. The bill was referred to the House Subcommittee on Health soon thereafter, but no further action was taken.
As with the original legislation, the reintroduced Filner bill (now HR 917) seeks to amend Title 38 of the United States Code, permitting eligible veterans to receive direct access to chiropractic care at DVA hospitals and clinics. The measure would also directly prohibit discrimination among licensed health care providers by the DVA when determining which services a patient needs.
"Our nation's veterans deserve the best health care this country can offer, and chiropractic care is an integral component of that care," commented ACA President and U.S. Navy veteran Donald J. Krippendorf. "The ACA is proud to work together with Congressman Filner - a powerful and effective advocate for veterans - to protect the rights of doctors of chiropractic and their patients."
LACC Honors Former Student and Professor at Legacy Luncheon
Southern California University of Health Sciences' Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC) honored former student and professor Dr. John Gordon "J.G." Anderson at its first Tribute Luncheon in March. The event was sponsored by LACC's alumni association and was held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.
After being welcomed by Dr. Andrea Sinclair, chair of the SCU Board of Regents, Dr. Anderson was presented with a jacket bearing the SCU logo and an inscription that read, "Professor Emeritus." Dr. Anderson also received a plaque noting his contributions to the profession. Over 50 guests attended the event, and funds raised from the program have been dedicated to an Anderson scholarship fund. Future honorees will now receive the J.G. Anderson Award.
Dr. Anderson, 88, graduated from Southern California College of Chiropractic in 1946. He joined the faculty the same year and taught many different subjects, specializing in neurology.
Dr. Anderson authored a number of books, established a histology lab at the college and served as editor/photographer of the college journal, Chirogram. He later served as academic vice president and dean of Pasadena College of Chiropractic until his retirement in 1986.
Court Rules on Graston Technique
The U.S. District Court has ruled that the Carpal Therapy company may not use the name "Graston" or the name of its owner, David Graston, in connection with the promotion of any product or service that competes with TherapyCare Resources, Inc. The court ruling was issued on Feb. 23, 2005.
Both Indiana-based companies have instrument-assisted therapeutic devices and training services used for rehabilitation; however, only TCR's Graston Technique® is a registered trademark.
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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A central challenge in creating our identity is that chiropractic is a method of care, not a technique or procedure. This is an important concept for us to promote. Our patients are treated with lifestyle modification, exercise, nutritional supplements, diet and a whole-body approach to accelerate the natural healing process. We are not simply CMT providers.
The results of a global survey released late last year (2023) unveiled some startling findings among medical and nursing students. The “Clinician of the Future: 2023 Education Edition” surveyed 2,212 students, of which 446 were in the United States, from 91 countries.
