As I reflect on the history of chiropractic, I recognize so much good in this profession. I appreciate the foresight of Dr. Daniel Palmer in discovering a health care premise so ahead of its time. I value the strength and perseverance of Dr. B.J. Palmer in developing the educational foundation for this profession. I admire the courage of the early chiropractors who practiced without a license because they believed so much in this industry - even though it sometimes meant spending a night in jail. I love the passion displayed by Dr. James W. Parker in promoting chiropractic and teaching chiropractors and their assistants how to run their practices and educate patients effectively. I respect our past leaders for getting licensure in every state, pioneering chiropractic in other countries, and fighting for this profession to receive the recognition and respect it deserves.
While I have a smile on my face and a happy tear in my eye thinking about all of our profession's wonderful accomplishments, I also cannot help but think of the things that have held us back - things that have kept us from serving more people, having more credibility and being integrated in the health care system. Some of these factors are reasons why people have a negative perception regarding chiropractic.
We must recognize that chiropractic has a long and diverse history, including more than 400 chiropractic schools - each with its own distinct identity and philosophy. We need to understand that instead of one association that represents all of us, we have many. We have to realize that the majority of chiropractors don't understand the importance of politics and lobbying, or appreciate the amount of money necessary to do that. We must realize we have scopes of practice that vary from state to state. Most advertising the public has seen on billboards, television and radio has promoted only the treatment of work and auto injuries. We have not funded enough research over the years. We have fought against one another, and have undermined our individual and collective efforts.
Albert Einstein said, "We cannot solve the problems of today with the same level of thinking that created them." Today, I would like for you to join me in thinking differently! Let's take an inventory of all that we are currently experiencing in this profession and in the global health care marketplace. We know that people, especially baby boomers, are looking to be healthier. We also know that medicine has had a tough time in the media due to the side effects of many drugs and surgical procedures.
Chiropractic has been searching for an identity, one that defines our profession. We realize that we are mentioned on television series, commercials and movies. We know that some of our patients are the most influential people in the world. According to Fast magazine, we are a very attractive profession to consider as a career. And we're growing! In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor has said we will be the fastest growing health profession until 2012. We have grown internationally as well; in fact, currently, we have more chiropractic schools outside the United States than inside.
In our 112-year history, the one thing I believe we have not done is an effective public education campaign. It's amazing to me how we have shared the wonderful success of chiropractic among ourselves. We go to seminars, hear inspiring stories and feel so good about what we do, but what about the average person who has not experienced chiropractic or heard the right message from us? Who is promoting the value of chiropractic to that person?
That void was filled with the creation of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. When I first heard about the foundation, I realized we should have done something like this long ago. It just made sense. But like anything else, who was going to take the initiative to get it done? A good friend, strong supporter of our profession and regular author of this column, Kent Greenawalt, decided he would do it and put his money up front to get it started. As you know, we raised money for the foundation, primarily from vendors, and began to put ads in popular magazines and newspapers.
The time has come for the individual practitioner to help fund this great cause. We need your help so the foundation can take our message to more people. Every chiropractor is encouraged to contribute at whatever level they can. You can fund a small portion of the greatest public education campaign ever developed in our profession.
You'll also benefit as more prospective patients realize the importance of chiropractic care and begin to flood our offices.
Are you ready to help grow this profession? Are you ready to give a little and get a lot back in return? Are you ready to make chiropractic the leading health care industry in the world? If your answers to these questions are yes, then it's time to show up and be counted!
Join the chiropractors who have already given to the foundation and help us support this profession. Please check out the foundation's Web site at www.foundation4cp.com and make your pledge today. Thank you!
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
P. O. Box 560
Carmichael, CA 95609-0560
