UPFRONT | News CONTINUINg EDUCATION Running conference and expo Parker University names new benefits various causes VP of external affairs The Royal College of Chiropractors Sports Sciences (RCCSS) is hosting the Running Conference and Expo at the Abilities Centre in Whitby, Ont., on Nov. 16 and 17. With the theme, Run Faster – An Integrated Approach to Performance Enhancement, the conference will feature world-class speakers that include: • Elite track coaches Kevin Tyler, Dr. Mike Young and Wes Moerman; • Dr. Reed Ferber, running biomechanist and athletic therapist; • Dr. John Berardi, nutritional scientist; • Dr. Alex Hutchinson, running expert; • Dr. Jeff Cubos, sport specialist chiropractor; • Blaise Dubois, sport physiotherapist; • Dr. Judy Gross, mental health consultant; and • Jason Dunkerley, paralympian. The expo – themed, “Education, Inspiration, and Oppor-tunity” – will feature running related exhibitors and vendors, interactive exhibits including gait analysis, VO2Max and functional testing, and chiropractic, massage therapy and chiropody outreaches. Expo speakers include: • Former Olympic synchronized swimmer Fanny Letour-neau, leading Pilates for Runners; • National Master’s Team Dragonboater Suzanne Hennig, leading Yoga for Runners; • Dr. Carol Ann Weis and Jennifer Faraone, leading Preg-nancy and Running; • Certified Youth Fitness Specialists Michael Mroczek and David Kittner, leading Kids and Running; • Certified Sport Massage Therapist Remo Bucci, leading Massage for Runners; and • Former Olympic marathoner and Canadian marathon record holder Silvia Ruegger, leading Running and Reading for Kids. The event also features an elite athlete panel that includes Perdita Felicien, Phylicia George, Anson Henry, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, Dr. Jillian Drouin, Dr. John Definney, Silvia Ruegger and paralympian Jason Dunkerley. A portion of the proceeds from the expo will be donated to CanFund, an organization that supports Canada’s athletes internationally, according to event organizers. Another por-tion of the proceeds will be donated directly to local track and athletic clubs through an expo ticket fundraiser. The Abilities Centre will also be a drop-off point for “Sole Revival – Shoe Donation” from Oct. 27 until the date of the expo. All proceeds raised will go directly to the Abilities Cen-tre. People can drop off a pair of shoes with a Loonie taped inside each shoe and receive a $5 discount for the expo. The expo is also helping support para-athletes through its part-nership with Parasport Ontario, the organizers said. Register for the Conference at www.rccssc.ca. Tickets for the expo can be purchased through track and athletic Clubs, the website or at the door on the day of the event. 10 Canadian Chiropractor September 2013 RECOgNITION Dallas-based Parker University’s Dr. Ken Thomas has been ap-pointed as the university’s new vice-president of external affairs. Dr. Thomas has served in a variety of essential leadership roles with Parker University – formerly known as Parker College of Chiropractic – most recently as vice-president of academics for the past six years. “Dr. Thomas has always demon-strated his willingness to serve Parker University in its area of great-est need and, thusly, he has now accepted an opportunity to help Parker increase the selectivity and recognition of its chiropractic pro-gram,” said Dr. Gery Hochanadel, provost of Parker University. In his new role as vice-president of external affairs, he will lead the creation of a cohesive and innovative external strategy to devel-op, implement and manage articula-tion agreements with colleges and universities to facilitate enrollment of the best and brightest into Parker’s doctor of chiropractic (DC) program. He will also develop and maintain relationships, both domestic and abroad, for DC educational and clini-cal experiences. “This is a pivotal role for Parker and our chiropractic program, and I look forward to helping our DC pro-gram expand,” said Dr. Thomas. Chiro helps cut diagnostic imaging spend: CCA The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) wants to help provinces streamline its medical imaging policy by helping reduce unnecessary yet costly medical imaging, particularly for low back pain. Premiers at the Council of the Federation agreed to develop and adopt guidelines for medical imaging in minor head injuries, lower back pain and headaches. “The Council of the Federation goals are achievable if there is better guidance on alternatives to unnecessary diagnostic tests,” said Dr. Jeff Warren, president of the CCA. Studies suggest annual spending on diagnostic imaging has increased to $2.2 billion. The Canadian Association of Radi-ologists estimates between 10 and 20 per cent of imaging tests may be unnecessary, and could lead to savings of $220 million each year. Lower back pain could be at the top of the list for potential savings in medical imaging by referring patients to a local spinal care pathway for assessment and management, instead of diag-nostic imaging, the CCA said. “We’re looking to work with provincial associations to help inform the provincial governments about the opportunities here to provide better care through their efforts to reduce unnecessary diagnostic imaging,” said Michael Heitshu, director of govern-ment affairs and policy at the CCA. Heitshu added this move to improve diagnostic imaging policies is not just about governments looking to save money, but also provides great potential for delivering better health care for patients. www.canadianchiropractor.ca
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