medical team, including sports medicine specialists, orthopedic surgeons, mas- sage therapists, chiropractors and sport psychologists. Interdisciplinary co-oper- ation was one of the first priorities for this team. With the medical team con- sisting of such a wide range of profes- sional specialties, everyone contributed a different perspective. This is often the most difficult aspect of these assign- ments, as most of us are used to work- ing alone or within a specific specialty. Egos must be checked at the door and team members must always be willing to incorporate the differing approaches, ideas and help of other professionals. If the common goal is forgotten and team members start to become territorial, problems will develop. The ability to work effectively alongside other practi- tioners, often sharing patients, is one of the most important skills necessary to be an effective member of the medical team. Secondly, as an Olympic team medi- cal delegate, one should have a detailed knowledge of World Anti-Doping guide- lines in order to monitor athletes and advise them on which pharmaceuticals and supplements they may safely use. Also, one needs to be familiar with dop- ing control procedures, in order to be able to assist and supervise the athletes, should they be selected for drug tests. To be a member of this team is a great honour and privilege. The Canadian Olympic medical team did an incredible job setting up a tempo- rary clinic in the athlete’s village to deal with any and all medical problems that could arise and to serve all the athletes’ needs. The clinic even contained a “zen” room that provided yoga equipment, comfy chairs and soft music to athletes who needed to focus, meditate or just re- lax. The clinic saw an immense amount of traffic through its doors and effective- ly dealt with emergencies and urgencies such as fractures, systemic infections and even a poisoning. Each sport also had a medical team member accompany them to their training or competition venue to provide on-site medical support. Medi- cal team members often split their time between the clinic and competition sites, which made for long days. To be a member of this team is indeed a lot of work, but is also a great honour and privilege. Representing one’s coun- try, and wearing the Canadian colours in a foreign land, is an experience that makes one feel truly Canadian and certainly proud to be such. BEyOND BEIjING Plans are already well underway for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and chiro- practic services will be available, not only to the Canadian athletes through our medical team, but also available, as part of Canada’s Olympic host medical clinic, to visiting athletes and delegates in need of services. As chiropractors, we also know what an honour it is to be trusted with the health of a person’s body, but this is in- tensified when one is dealing with an individual who relies on their body to earn a living from sport, and achieve their greatest goals. • Recruiting...selling...seeking employment? Knock, knock. • Are you a chiropractor looking for an associate, a buyer for your practice, or a student employee? • Are you looking to sell or promote your product or service to students who will soon be in practice? Then save this day, as this event could open the door to countless opportunities. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College presents Practice OpportUnity ‘09 Friday, March 27, 2009 at CMCC, 6100 Leslie Street As the name says, it’s a great opportunity for chiropractors, students and vendors to come together for each other and the profession. And it only knocks once a year. Space is limited. Who’s there? Everyone YOU need to meet to discuss your practice needs. www.canadianchiropractor.ca Attend in person or send in your practice opportunity for display. For more information or to register, call 416 482 2340 or 1 800 669 2959 ext. 146 or ext. 200 or email [email protected] Contributing Sponsors: The Ontario Chiropractic Association The Canadian Chiropractic Protective Association CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2009 • 37
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