To the Editor, I usually do not comment on articles, but I was offended by your notes in the April issue. Evidence-based, interdisciplinary practices won’t threaten and divide our profession – as much as will those who think that all DCs have to practise a certain way. Traditional subluxation-based chiropractic is based on principles that make us separate from other health- care strategies. They are also what make us unique, and not just another modality. Furthermore, too many new grads are faced with feeling confused when their training – that moves away from traditional principles and prac- tices – doesn’t “fl y” in the real world. There are too many DCs who want to be jacks- of-all-trades incorporating, among other things, rehab/ active care techniques, etc., in their practices. This is where “the destruction under the hull” will take place. I’ve known plenty of these DCs that have gone bank- rupt because, with the time required by this type of practice, they couldn’t make a go of it. You can’t spend all day with the patient, bill them for all the extra things that you’re going to do with them, and have them pay for it. Insurance plans are becoming more and more obstructive to chiropractic coverage and, so, DCs won’t fi nd support for extended services there. Many young DCs try it, and wind up leaving chiropractic when this fails. Secondly, it’s not chiropractic. Also, to address the interdisciplinary outlook, if new grads are expecting referrals from physicians, they should think again. In 10 years of practice, I’ve seen two referrals from physicians. Also, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had patients tell me that their MD advised them against seeing a chiropractor. The reality is that new grads will need to fi nd patients for themselves, through screenings and other forms of advertising – but even there, our own colleges tend to frown on that sort of activity. With traditional “subluxation” practices, chiroprac- tors can see the most patients, help the most people, and be provided with a just living. If you can make a go of it in a rehab practice.....more power to you! That’s great. But don’t think for one second that traditional practices are holding this profession from moving forward. I really think that the only way to stay in the game, and to help as many people as you can, is to know and understand our past as a profession, and practise its principles. There are a lot of hard, true, factual issues that this profession needs to deal with if we want to continue to help generations of patients and make a respectful living doing it. We all need to start fi ghting for what is right and true. Traditional practitioners need to overhaul nothing in order to be worthy players in the health-care system. They need to continue what they have always done – correct and manage the subluxation complex, by hand. This has to be recognized by the profession. Finally, new grads need to be shown support, in their effort to become established, and taught how chiropractic is unique and effective, in its traditional form – and how this unique- ness is the key to success for all chiropractors. Dr. Keith Klover, DC RESPONSE Dr. Keith, Thank you very much for eloquently sharing your heart and passion with all of us through your Letter to the Editor. I applaud you for staying true to the prin- ciples that are the foundation of chiropractic and have, and will, stand the test of time. Yes, Dr B.J. Palmer’s di- rective to us to “guard it well” is a commitment that all of us within the profession must heed if we are to see our profession not only remain, but grow and fl ourish. Spinal screenings are a lost art and habit within the chiropractic profession and I think are a fabulous way to be out in the public’s eye, to extend the invitation to take a step closer to this amazing gift called chiropractic! Have you considered taking a new doc or a struggling doc under your strong wing, teaching them how to do screenings and giving them the confi dence to do them? Your core group of chiropractors who did this for years represents how our profession will grow and fl ourish. Getting back to basics is the name of the game! Un- fortunately many young or struggling docs are seduced in the same manner that many, in society, are seduced 30 • CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | JUNE 2008 www.canadianchiropractor.ca letters to the editor
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor June 2008: Page 30
