As I sit on Aeroflot flying back to the U.S. at the end of my two-year journey to the Russian Far East, many things pass through my mind. There is a sense of excitement knowing that the first permanent chiropractic, treatment, teaching and research center in Russia is finally established, seeing patients, collecting data and impressing the heck out of the Russians.

I recall the past two years and all the obstacles that had to be overcome to establish such a world class center. Not only were we introducing chiropractic to a country in which it didn't exist but we were doing it in Russia, a country undergoing incredible, historical change.

In retrospect, the list of obstacles should have been overwhelming and insurmountable, nevertheless we overcame them one by one. There were problems with licensing for American chiropractors, licensing of the clinic, problems with outdated x-ray standards, ignorance of chiropractic in general and its confusion with manual therapy. There were problems with local politics, personality conflicts and every other problem that usually arises when you try to accomplish something new and different.

That's all in the past. Now, I get excited about the awarding of the first chiropractic scholarship by the International Spinal Health institute and Sherman College to a Russian citizen. I'm looking forward with anticipation to the next educational exchange to the United States by Russian doctors this summer. I'm contemplating the profound impact that the First International Spinal Health Symposium will have on chiropractic when it is held in Vladivostok, Russia next spring. We'll be bringing renowned speakers and guests from all over the world to participate in this historic event, all thanks to the International Spinal Health Institute.

I'm enthused about the continued discussions with local officials and officials in Moscow regarding defining, legislating and licensing chiropractic as a separate and distinct profession apart from medicine in a country that has only one primary health care profession -- medicine. And, of course, the prospects for establishing the first viable chiropractic college in Russia sends chills up my spine!

I'm pleased with the growth of the clinic since it first opened its doors. The openness of the Russian people -- including the medical community -- to chiropractic is overwhelming. There is no stigma except for a slight concern because the old bonesetters were a little rough. This acceptance and understanding allows us access to a whole host of patients we may have never seen in order to help relieve their suffering and to evaluate the effects of subluxation reduction.

No, my life will never be the same from this experience and hopefully the chiropractic profession and Russia will never be the same either. Chiropractic has a wonderful opportunity to have its foot in the door at a time of immense metamorphosis in this great country. One thing is certain, we need everyone's help and through the International Spinal Health Institute you can be a part of this historic project to bring chiropractic to the Motherland.

Contact the Institute today to find out about our Scholarship Program, Fellowship Program, Educational Exchanges and other ways you might participate. The International Spinal Health Institute is a non-profit 501 3c tax exempt foundation. Contact us at 425-828-0203 or 11417 124th Ave. NE Suite 102, Kirkland, WA 98033.