From a successful campaign against S.1955 to the recent Humana settlement, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) had plenty to celebrate at the House of Delegates annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., in early September. At the same time, the ACA took time to remember the late Dr. Jerome McAndrews, a diligent supporter of the profession and longtime ACA national spokesperson; and approved several key policy statements that will guide the association's actions for the coming year.
Delegates from across the country applauded the efforts of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) campaign, which is reaching the mainstream through ongoing ads in Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, U.S. News & World Report, USA Today and other prominent national publications.1 A resolution was adopted urging members to support the campaign, and directing the ACA to contribute between $20,000 and $50,000 with in-kind and financial support during the 2007 fiscal year.
A number of other resolutions were approved during the HOD meeting, including:
ACA leadership stressed the need for member support by highlighting the recent defeat of S.1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act, a bill that could have made state-mandated chiropractic coverage exempt from small business health plans.2 Also highlighted was the $3.5 million settlement by Humana, one of the defendants in the Solomon v Anthem, et al., class-action suit.3
"We have kept the playing field even, but to advance we need more," stated ACA Chairman of the Board, Dr. Lewis Bazakos. "It's membership that brings us the money that allows us to support research, public relations, political action, litigation and education. We need your help to get the resources to continue advancing our profession."
Board of Governors elections also took place at the meeting, beginning with the re-elections of ACA President Dr. Richard Brassard, Chairman Dr. Bazakos and Vice President Dr. Glenn Manceaux, comprising the executive committee. Other doctors of chiropractic re-elected to the board include Rick McMichael, president of the Council of Delegates; Keith Overland, council vice president; David Herd, council secretary; and Robert Mastronardi, council representative to the ACA Finance Committee. Dr. Herd also was elected ACA representative to the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.
Also continuing service on the board are Drs. Donald Krippendorf, immediate past president; William Pfeifer, District 1 governor; Mario Spoto, District 3 governor; John Gentile, District 5 governor; and Jerry Gerrard, District 6 governor.
Newly elected board members are Dr. Dow Bates, District 2 governor, replacing longtime board member/delegate Dr. Linda Zange, who stepped down; and Dr. David Madison, District 7 governor, replacing Dr. Paul Smith, who also stepped down.
At a dinner hosted by the ACA Ladies Auxiliary, awards were presented to recognize doctors of chiropractic who made noteworthy contributions to the profession in the past year. Dr. McAndrews, who passed away in early June,4 was honored as the Chiropractor of the Year; his son, Patrick McAndrews, DC, accepted the award. With a half century of involvement in the chiropractic profession, Jerry McAndrews was said to have had a vision for the future, taking the time to mentor younger DCs to take over a profession he had helped to cultivate. Aside from his numerous professional roles and positions, he was a true voice for chiropractic, whether testifying before Congress or answering questions from reporters for hundreds of articles over the years.
John Wanda, former ACA vice president of finance and administration, was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year award for his work to open the Arlington Academy of Hope, a school in the Ugandan village where he was raised. Other doctors of chiropractic receiving awards included: David Madison, Delegate of the Year; Christine Choate, George B. McClelland Researcher of the Year; David Seaman, Academic of the Year; Jack Kessinger, Drs. John Flynn-Robert Lynch Memorial Award; and Gary Carver, Alternate Delegate of the Year.
References
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?
