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
Journal of Chiropractic Education Indexed in PubMed
The National Library of Medicine recently announced the Journal of Chiropractic Education (JCE) will be indexed in PubMed Central, the National Institutes of Health digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Inclusion in PubMed Central means the journal is included in the primary indexing system health care scholars utilize to search for peer-reviewed research.
"One of our first goals after I assumed the role of editor was to prepare the journal for inclusion in PubMed Central," said Bart Green, DC, MSEd, editor in chief. "I am delighted we were able to achieve this important step for the journal and for the chiropractic profession."
This achievement is due to the combined supportive efforts of David O'Bryon, executive director of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC), Robyn Patkus, ACC director of member services, and the publisher, Data Trace Publications. The JCE is the official journal of the ACC.
The stated mission of the JCE is "to promote excellence in chiropractic education through the publication of research and scholarly articles concerned with educational theory, methods, and content relevant to the practice of chiropractic; to encourage and contribute to the professional development of chiropractic educators; and to recognize their achievements." Journal content is available online at www.journalchiroed.com. To access peer-reviewed research indexed by PubMed, visit www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.
Arizona DC Saves Boy's Life
Dr. Jesus Bernal saved a life on May 26, 2008, but not in his chiropractic office. Dr. Bernal resuscitated a 2-year-old boy who fell into a swimming pool at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tuscon, Ariz.
"I just got in the zone," said Dr. Bernal, who practices in Rio Rico, Ariz. "I did what I was trained to do. ... I think the credit for this should go to Desert Fire CPR because they're the ones who did a great job with the training."
Following this experience, Dr. Bernal says he is committed to saving more lives. He's starting in his own practice, where he'll provide patients with water and summer safety tips.
Source: "Tuscon Man Gives Back After Performing Life-Saving CPR on a Two-Year-Old Boy." News 4 Tuscon.
CCCKC Cuts Ribbon on New Health Center
Officials from Overland Park, Kan., and the greater Kansas City area, including Overland Park Mayor Carl Gerlach, joined Dr. Carl Cleveland III, president of Cleveland Chiropractic College Kansas City (CCCKC), Dr. Jeffrey Miller and others at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the college's new public health center. The new facility, of which Dr. Miller is the director, gives interns the opportunity to provide chiropractic care and other services under the supervision of licensed DCs.
CCCKC also maintains a health center in the Brookside area of Kansas City, Mo. That facility received more than 40,000 patient visits last year. Interns also have the opportunity to treat patients as part of the college's interdisciplinary partnerships with Truman Medical Center-Lakewood, the Kansas City Veterans Administration Hospital and the Kansas City Free Health Clinic.
"Before I came up here, I was speaking with a young woman I think many of you know. Her name is Dr. Ashley Cleveland and she is a fifth-generation doctor of chiropractic and a member of the Cleveland family," said Mayor Gerlach during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "And that's when it really sunk in with me and I thought, 'This is not just a college, it's an institution sustained as a family tradition.' Overland Park is a community about families, and has a strong foundation in higher education, so having Cleveland Chiropractic College here is a great fit."
TCC Dedicates Education Center
Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) has dedicated the school's newest building to Dr. Yasunori Iwama in recognition of his $700,000 donation - the largest individual donation in the history of TCC. The 35,180 square-foot facility, which opened in spring 2006, is now named the Dr. Yasunori Iwama Education Center. It houses a 750-seat auditorium, 45 faculty offices, a secretarial suite, a large chemistry laboratory, an assessment center and additional classroom space.
Dr. Iwama formed the Nippon Chokuhan Group and the Japan Chiropractic Association (JCA) in 1977, both of which have contributed to training new chiropractors in the integrative approach to patient care and treatment. Beginning in the 1980s, Dr. Iwama and the JCA facilitated exchange programs with organizations in the U.S. and other countries, In 2004, the U.S. exchange program relocated to TCC. Visiting Japanese students receive two weeks of intense instruction in anatomy, technique, physical medicine and rehabilitation under the guidance of TCC faculty.
"To have the honor of having my name placed on such a wonderful facility gives me a real pleasure along with a true sense of responsibility and a feeling of honor," said Dr. Iwama. "I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that through the use of this building and the facilities therein, this will not only benefit the United States, but also international chiropractors that graduate from this wonderful school."
"We are proud to have the name of Dr. Yasunori Iwama associated with this building," added Dr. Richard G. Brassard, TCC president. "Dr. Iwama has been a pioneer in improving health care delivery in his native Japan. We are honored by [his] generosity and look forward to continuing our work with the JCA."
SCU Affiliates With Massage Therapy Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) has announced its affiliation with Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy (WIN Therapy). The partnership expands the university's educational offerings by featuring WIN Therapy's 1,000-hour certificate program that encompasses in-depth courses in relaxation therapy and clinical treatment.
According to Melea Fields, MEd, EdD, dean of the School of Professional Studies at SCU, "This affiliation will provide students with an evidence-based education that is the most comprehensive sports-based massage therapy program in Southern California, delivered by a dedicated and highly trained faculty. In keeping with the mission of SCU, the affiliation with WIN Therapy will allow SCU/WIN Therapy to move forward as the premier institution for massage therapy training."
2008 Sports Chiropractor of the Year
Robert C. Nelson, DC, DACBSP, FICC, is the 2008 recipient of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) Sports Chiropractor of the Year Award. Dr. Nelson received the award at the board's annual sports symposium in Weston, Fla., on May 17.
Dr. Nelson is past president of the ACBSP, president of the Colorado Chiropractic Sports Council, and a past president and longtime board member of the Colorado Chiropractic Association. He practices in Lakewood, Colo., and lectures across the country on sports chiropractic.
Minnesota Legislator Named NHSU Alumnus of the Year
Rep. Jim Abeler (R), a 1979 graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University, is the NHSU Alumnus of the Year. Dr. Abeler is serving his fifth term in the Minnesota House of Representatives (representing Anoka County), and will seek re-election in November. He serves on the Education Committee, the Health and Human Services Committee, the Ways and Means Committee and two finance subcommittees.
"I thought I could make a difference," Dr. Abeler said. "My father was active in chiropractic matters and gave me a good example. My own interests include education, the environment, economics, and of course, health care."
Dr. Abeler must rely on his chiropractic colleagues when the House is in session. "I can only fit in a part-time practice," he said. "It gets a little busy. I miss work a lot and have to rely on my associates, who are very talented and helpful."
Life West Adds New Technology at Health Center
Life Chiropractic College West and Precision Biometrics, Inc., recently announced a partnership whereby Life West will offer the latest MyoVision technology at the Life West Health Center.
Dr. Gerard Clum, president of Life West, and David Marcarian, president of Precision Biometrics, announced the partnership last month.
The new system, now operational at the center, provides a five-electrode sEMG static scanner for full-spine tests and a specialized device that allows for simultaneous measurement of range of motion and dynamic sEMG. Life West is the first site to offer the new technology.
"It is exciting to be able to offer our students and faculty another first in the history of the profession," said Dr. Clum. "Providing efficient technologies to document a patient's condition as well as changes in that condition under chiropractic care is the kind of opportunity we dream about!"