Helping Save Your Profession Has Many Rewards
Dear Editor:
Just a note to thank Drs. Pearson and Vaughn for their Jan. 29 article, "Save Our Profession for Less Than $200." They show very clearly how little money we need to contribute to help ensure the success of our profession. I too have been an officer at the state, national and international levels. I enjoyed it all and like most officers, heard all the reasons and excuses for lack of participation.
I think Drs. Pearson and Vaughn take away the argument of support being too expensive. Even during rough times, the vast majority of doctors spend $170 frivolously. I don't mean spending money on their family's enjoyment or for relaxing; I mean absolutely wasting it. It does take discipline to give $20 a month to a state political action committee, but if we can do it, we will have peace of mind when the legislative bodies meet to regulate what we do with our professional lives.
There are other things within the profession we can support. One of my favorites, being a past editor of Chiropractic History, is the Association for the History of Chiropractic. We could add that to the $170 (about $8.33 a month) and not even reach $180. (I hope no one thinks this is a shameless plug!)
Many around my age have spent a lot of time stating what Drs. Pearson and Vaughn stated, albeit without their clarity. When we see a man who doesn't provide for his family, we don't usually offer him any excuses. It should be the same way in a profession that needs everyone's help. Doing the right thing and standing on your own two feet has it own rewards. Helping save your profession for generations to come is only one of them. You certainly will have pride and satisfaction in knowing you did your part.
John C. Willis, MA, DC
Richlands, Va.
We're All in This Together
Dear Editor:
I have been a reader of DC for many years; my husband has practiced chiropractic for 26 years, and I have been his office manager for 19 years. We both have given countless hours and still are supporting, improving and promoting chiropractic.
That being said, I felt compelled to write this letter in response to a letter by Dr. Larry Basch (Sun City, Calif.) published in your Feb. 26, 2009 issue. He felt it was degrading to his profession to have an advertisement in DC for doctors of chiropractic to obtain a nursing degree. He further stated that it was degrading to obtain such a "lesser degree."
I have been a registered nurse for 39 years and am proud of it. Chiropractors have gotten so much disrespect over the years; what was respectful about Dr. Basch's comments toward nurses? How insecure is he that he would make such disrespectful remarks about nursing? Dr. Basch, which part of nursing insulted you? Our compassion, knowledge or education? Did you also feel insulted by the advertisements for a chiropractor to become an MD?
A degree doesn't give one class or respect. You earn it by giving the best you can to others – because you care. Before I was introduced to chiropractic, I never made derogatory remarks about it, even though I spent 20 years as head nurse for an osteopathic physician/surgeon.
Wake up, fellow caretakers. We are all in this together, and I thought the bottom line was caring and helping. That's the way to earn true respect.
Karen Bateman, RN
Schnecksville, Pa.
