Editor's Note: The following excerpt is from a tribute published in the World Federation of Chiropractic's Quarterly World Report, April 2019. Read the complete tribute, reprinted with permission, next month in our May issue.
The WFC is saddened to report the passing of one of its past presidents, John A. Sweaney, AM, DC, DSc (Hon.), FICC, FACC, who died on March 13, 2019, at the age of 72.
Dr. Sweaney held the office of president from 1995-1998, a period of great achievement for the WFC. Under his leadership, the WFC was accepted into official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). His greatest professional achievement was being invited by WHO to act as consultant and principal author of the 2005 WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic, which has since been translated into 11 languages and has been used to influence chiropractic legislation and education globally.
At the WFC Assembly of Members, held recently in Berlin, Germany, leaders from around the world stood in silent tribute as a mark of respect, while on the day of his funeral, friend and former colleague Mr. David Chapman-Smith delivered a moving tribute to Dr. Sweaney at the WFC Congress, outlining his outstanding contribution to chiropractic in Australia and around the world.
Dr. Sweaney served as the president of the Australian Chiropractors' Association from 1979 to 1981 before serving as its executive director from 1985 to 1999. During this time he was the principal author of many association submissions to government and health authorities.
As a leader in the Australasian Council on Chiropractic Education and on the Councils on chiropractic Education International (CCEI) he played a major role in the development of chiropractic education in Australia and Asia.
Committed to the charity Hands On Health, Dr. Sweaney is remembered as a warm and caring advocate for disadvantaged communities, women and Aboriginal health.
Dr. Sweaney is survived by his wife, Inger Villadsen, also a chiropractor, and sons Rhys and Jens. His son Seth pre-deceased him.
When I graduated from chiropractic college in 1981 and started practice, I heard it all, and very little was positive. “You are a quack; you do not know what a subluxation is; you couldn’t get into a real health care program, so you chose the one that is slightly above a mail-order degree; you have no proof that chiropractic works; Are you really licensed?”, and so much more.
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