Research Is Winning the Game Why not come out and join the team? T eamwork. Critical mass. Impact. Excitement. These words accurately describe the current state of affairs in Canadian chiropractic research. “Critical mass” refers to the scale at which a process becomes self-perpetu- ating. The number of dedicated and talented chiropractors who choose research as a career is approaching that critical mass in terms of the manpower available to design and conduct much-needed research. For more than 100 years, we relied on anecdotal reports and satisfied patients to spread the word about chiropractic. In light of the global move to evidence-based care, it is no longer sufficient to tell policy makers, and potential patients, what we have seen in our practices. Word-of-mouth promotion by satisfied patients helped build a strong foundation, but this alone cannot propel chiropractic into the future. We must back up our position with quality research. A well-developed research structure also helps point to new directions for chiropractic. We are very quickly developing the skills and facilities to do these things. The excitement generated by each announcement that another chiropractor has been established as a university-based research chair is huge. It means we are one step closer to turning on the switch to a self-sustaining supply of overwhelming and irrefutable evidence that chiropractic care does have a positive impact on the health of Canadians. Many times we have heard the phrase “chiropractic is guilty of hiding its light under a bushel.” Imagine the excitement we will all rightfully feel as the bushel is not only lifted, but smashed by the onslaught of new information that will be forthcoming from our burgeoning research program. Our light is about to burn very brightly for all to see. None of these things will happen without solid and continued teamwork. Dr. David Leprich graduated from CMCC in 1977. He has been a member of the Board of Directors for the OCA and a member of the Board of Governors for the CCA as well as CCA president. Dr. Leprich is currently a Theatre Chiro- practor to the Shaw Festival and has his private practice, of 30 years, in St. Catharines, Ontario. Imagine the excitement we will all rightfully feel as the bushel is not only lifted, but smashed by the onslaught of new information that will be forthcoming from our burgeoning research program. While evidence suggests that spinal manipulation was in use thousands of years ago, chiropractic, as we know it today, began with one very enigmatic and interesting gentleman. Dr. Daniel David Palmer is acknowledged as the first modern chiropractor. Dr. Palmer worked initially as a beekeeper, a grocery store owner and a magnetic healer before developing the Palmer School of Chiropractic which, by 1902, had graduated 15 chiropractors. After gaining a foothold, chiropractic thrived. This was not due solely to the work of this one man, but through the efforts of many! As the number of chiropractors grew, they were able to help more and more people. The burgeoning profession, as a whole, became more involved in lobbying for wider acceptance and funding of chiropractic education and practice. Numerous local and national groups were founded to foster development of this still-new system of health care. Without the teamwork displayed by these early chiropractic politicians, pressure from govern- ment and competing interests would have suppressed further development of our profession. Even today, there are numerous examples of continued anti-chiropractic activity. One of the best ways to meet this challenge head-on is through research. In a sense, all chiropractors are already members of the research team. Every time 24 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | DECEMBER 2007 www.canadianchiropractor.ca David J. Leprich, DC feature
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