CC: Can you comment on Canadians’ role in the development of the profes- sion of chiropractic, and how our chi- ropractors are impacting the global stage today? Canada has played a key and pivotal role in the development of the profession, particularly from the view of the past 30 years – with an especially strong role in the past decade. The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) has con- tributed greatly to the human resources needs of a developing profession, with graduates of CMCC achieving leadership roles from Australia, to the United King- dom, to Europe to Africa. The development of a robust research community, with interests related to the chiropractic profession, within the uni- versity system of Canada over the past decade has become the worldwide model for research and academic integration. The contribution of Canadian chiroprac- tic researchers is head-and-shoulders above the contributions made by any other country or region in the world. Finally, the management, by the pro- fession in Canada, of the challenges pre- sented by the Lewis Inquest in Ontario is another example of how, and where, the profession in Canada has contributed to the global circumstances of the profes- sion. This situation could have been ap- proached in a far different manner with a far more untoward outcome. The re- straint, on the part of the individual chiro- practor in avoiding media contact unless fully prepared, and putting the resources forward to acquire the expert represen- tation to address the concerns voiced in this process, were laudable. The post- event followup, in the academic, research and political environments, is another ex- ample of the maturity of the profession in Canada that has accrued to the profession worldwide. CC: Do you have any closing com- ments for Canadian chiropractors as you move beyond your role of presi- dent of the WFC? The profession in Canada should be congratulated for its continued support of the WFC through its membership in the Federation as well as through the appoint- ment of spectacular representatives to the Council (board) of the WFC. Historically, Canada has been well represented at the WFC, with Paul Carey, DC, having served in every elected position existing within the WFC. At this time the Council en- joys the talent and hard work of Deborah Kopansky-Giles, DC, and Greg Stewart, DC, representing Canada. Additionally, Dr. Stewart was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the WFC as the Federation’s secretary-treasurer. The stage is being set for the most successful and most productive Congress in the history of the WFC to be held in Montreal in April 2009. This Congress will be a world-class opportunity, in a world-class setting, for Canada to get to better know and understand the World Federation of Chiropractic, and for the world to understand the role that Canada is playing in shaping the future of the profession on a global basis. • REPORT FROM WORLD FEDERATION OF CHIROPRACTIC MEETING IN SEOUL From June 4-7, the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) held its Annual Coun- cil Meeting in Seoul, Korea. International advances for chiropractic reported at the WFC meetings included: In Asia; the completion of first licensing examinations for chiropractors in Thailand. In the Eastern Mediterranean; DCs from 10 countries attended the WFC leadership meeting and technique seminar co-spon- sored by Palmer College and held in Cairo, Egypt, in March, 2008. The WFC Coun- cil Meeting for 2010 will now be held in Qatar, or Saudi Arabia, to further support the work of the new national chiropractic associations in that region. In Latin America; new lawsuits against PTs claiming to deliver chiropractic courses and qualifi cations in Brazil – these new lawsuits have been possible only because of international funding support for the Brazilian Chiropractors Association given by the WFC, and its member associations. In Europe; formation of a Polish Chiro- practors Association, new laws for chiro- practic in Italy, a new chiropractic school at the University of Zurich in Switzerland start- ing in October, and a European website for the Straighten Up Program. Many Euro- pean countries are adopting this successful spinal health program, initially developed by Dr. Ron Kirk of Life University and the WFC Public Health Committee. In North America; the establishment of chiropractic research chairs in many ma- jor universities across Canada through a visionary program of the Canadian Chi- ropractic Association, and, in the United States, the continued spread of chiroprac- tic services in Veterans Administration and military health-care facilities throughout the nation. Chinese and WFC Leaders meeting in Seoul. Front row (from left): Dr. David Bellin, Chengdu; Dr. Bruce Vaughan, Hong Kong; Dr. Gerard Clum, WFC President; Dr. Henry Chen, Shanghai; Dr. Anli Dong, Beijing. Back row (from left): David Chapman-Smith, WFC Secretary General; Dr. Henry Chan, Hong Kong; Dr. Vincent Chan, Hong Kong; Dr. Eric Siu, Beijing; Dr. Stathis Papadopoulos, WFC First Vice President; Dr. Terrence Yap, Singapore, WFC Council Rep for Asia. www.canadianchiropractor.ca CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | JULY/AUGUST 2008 • 9 news
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor July-Aug 08: Page 9
