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?
News in Brief
ACO Supports New FCER Resource Center
In July, the Academy of Chiro-practic Orthopedists (ACO) awarded a grant to the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) for the development of its Evidence-Based Chiropractic Resource Center (EB-CRC). This marks the third year that the ACO has awarded FCER a $250 unrestricted grant.
"This grant from ACO is very important to FCER as we begin the necessary fundraising to construct this 'virtual,' online professional resource," stated FCER President Vincent Lucido, DC. "We need grants such as this as well as donations to make the EB-CRC a reality."
FCER's Evidence-Based Chiropractic Resource Center is still in the developmental stages. Highest on the list of needs is access to the latest scientific research. The center will consist of a Research Information Center (RIC), complete with a digitized, searchable global database, and encompass various programs involving grant writing; project and position funding for professionals; capital funding; and much more.
A Lifetime of Recognition for Dr. Monty Greenawalt
A lifetime of friends and family gathered recently in Las Vegas to celebrate the achievements of Dr. Monte Greenawalt, founder of Foot Levelers, Inc. Nearly 100 guests honored Dr. Greenawalt during the "roast and toast" ceremony, which featured food, live entertainment and of course, friendly banter. There was also an abundance of warm-hearted praise, including a letter from President George W. Bush.
"You have led a remarkable life, and your experiences and contributions have helped strengthen our great Nation," wrote President Bush in the letter addressed to Dr. Greenawalt. "I appreciate your dedication to the health and wellbeing of your fellow citizens. Your commitment to excellence and innovation in the chiropractic profession has earned you the respect of your colleagues and competitors, and your success continues to serve as a source of pride in your community and across America."
President Bush's letter was only one of many sent in support of Dr. Greenawalt. Dr. Richard Brassard, ACA president, told Greenawalt, "Your life has been marked not only by great success, but also by selfless devotion to your profession," while Dr. John Allenburg, president emeritus of Northwestern, remarked, "Having you in the presence of students would inevitably lead to their being happy about their career choice, having deeper convictions about the great benefit of chiropractic for people's health, and being more prepared to establish successful professional practices."
CCEI Goes to Portugal
In May, in conjunction with the World Federation of Chiropractic Biennial Congress and the European Chiropractors' Union Convention, the Councils on Chiropractic Education International (CCEI) held its annual board meeting to elect its new officers, each of whom will serve a two-year term. The CCEI board elected Prof. Peter Drake (Australia) as president, Dr. Peter Bon (Switzerland) as vice president and Dr. Joseph Brimhall (U.S.) as executive member-at-large. The board also welcomed new directors Dr. Markus Fechler (Europe) and Dr. Luc Bernard (Canada). The two-year appointments became effective July 1.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for the CCEI board to hold a consultation session with representatives of chiropractic educational programs around the world, and to clarify its mandate as an association in which the four accrediting agencies, located in Australasia, Canada, Europe and the United States, have established the Model Core Educational Standards, to which all adhere, and have implemented a system for the mutual recognition of each other's accredited programs.
While the CCEI does not conduct accreditation activities, it is ready to assist chiropractic institutions, organizations and regulatory bodies around the world that would like to establish accrediting agencies in countries without such an agency. The CCEI's member institutions also can offer accreditation services to programs located in those countries.