Because they have yet to pass national legislation protecting the chiropractic profession, Japanese DCs are in a similar situation that U.S. DCs faced. We were fortunate enough to be able to pass chiropractic licensure state by state. The DCs in Japan must accomplish this nationally, which has proved to be an extremely difficult task. And in spite of their efforts, Japanese DCs are currently faced with two chiropractic professions.
News in Brief
Medical Home Tool Kit for DCs Now Available
The nonprofit Foundation for Chiropractic Progress has developed a comprehensive tool kit, " A Doctor of Chiropractic's Guide to PCMH Success," created, in the foundation's words, to " leverage the foundation's recently released white paper, 'The Role of Chiropractic Care in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH).'" According to the foundation, the tool kit includes a national PCMH directory, a sample introductory letter for primary care physicians, and a Frequently Asked Questions section.
" This guide will help DCs thoroughly understand the PCMH concept and process, and the roles available to them," said Dr. Gerard Clum, foundation board member and a contributor to both the white paper and tool kit. " It provides materials to help familiarize oneself with the model and initiate constructive dialogue with local PCMH organizers, as well as outline the potential role of a DC as a PCMH director."
" It is important that chiropractic professionals take advantage of what has been laid out for them in regards to the PCMH opportunities," Dr. Clum added. " These materials provide the potential for chiropractic to be recognized for its valuable service, and allow DCs to work simultaneously with other providers within mainstream healthcare establishments. The benefits can only grow from here."
2012 Acupuncture Symposium, Diplomate Exam Announced
The 2012 Council of Chiropractic Acupuncture (CCA) Symposium is scheduled to be held Sept. 28-30 in St. Louis. Kicking off the three-day event is the American Board of Chiropractic Acupuncture (ABCA) diplomate exam, which is the last chance to sit for the examination before the standards change. Exam review is available the day prior (Sept. 27) via a " Go To Meeting" Webinar. To register for the exam, click here; to register for the Sept. 27 exam review, click here (on both sites, click on the " Register" tab at the top of the Web page).
The theme of the 2012 symposium is " Exploring New Horizons in Acupuncture and Wellness." In addition to the diplomate exam, the symposium features an annual meeting / dinner on Sept. 28 and continuing-education courses on Sept. 29-30, including presentations by scheduled speakers Drs. Norman Kettner, Stephen Cowan, Arthur Annis and Gary Ditson.