When the first Parker Seminar was held on December 13, 1951, only seven doctors of chiropractic showed up. Four decades later, the seminars are billed as the largest gathering of chiropractors in the world, routinely drawing doctors from around the globe and featuring many top chiropractic speakers.

The Parker Seminar was initiated by James Parker, D.C., who died in 1997 after dedicating most of his life to the chiropractic profession and the college which bears his name.

B.J. Palmer once sent a telegraph to Dr. Parker, noting, "I recall...how we talked over the...future destiny of our profession, not for you, not for me, but for the rights of the sick to choose the Doctor of their choice and their rights to get well when all else fails. ... If we had more just like you, the day of reckoning would be here in short order."

Fabrizio Mancini, D.C., may come as close to being "just like" Dr. Parker as anyone today could be. Invested as the fifth president of Parker College on April 1, 2000, Dr. Mancini was the first new college president to take office in the new millennium. But the similarities go far beyond the presidential title. They go deep into the strong philosophical foundations upon which both men build their visions of chiropractic.

As a protégé of the college founder, Mancini takes seriously Dr. Parker's admonition to "be not only a doctor, but a healer." His dedication to chiropractic philosophy, together with his youth (he is the youngest college president) and his tendency to engage in "hug therapy" with students and staff members, signaled for many a major shift in the direction of chiropractic education.

After a decade of witnessing some chiropractic colleges move closer to the medical school model, Parker students embraced the new president.

"One needs only a few moments in Dr. Mancini's presence to sense a very warm heart and humble, loving spirit," Parker's student affairs publication, The Patriot noted shortly after he took office. "Our new president's actions definitely speak from the heart."

In 1987, Mancini -- who planned to become a neurosurgeon -- was studying pre-med at the University of Dallas. He happened to visit Parker College of Chiropractic, which was then located in a converted church and grocery store in Irving, Texas. The newly formed college hadn't even been accredited yet and was a far cry from Johns Hopkins or Harvard. But, as The Patriot explained in 1999, "Innate intervened and said to him, 'Be here, regardless of the external appearance.'"

He enrolled and quickly drew the attention of Dr. Parker and other college leaders. According to The Patriot, Dr. Parker saw, in Mancini, "a likeness of his own burning desire to learn as much as possible and spread the message of chiropractic through loving service." The two became friends as well as colleagues and, to this day, Mancini calls "Dr. Jim" his inspiration.

What truly sets Mancini apart from many of his college president colleagues is his firm adherence to chiropractic philosophy.

"Chiropractic principles are based on life principles that are natural, but cannot always be fully explained, in spite of their existence," he stated. "Yet, acceptance of these principles is what makes this profession different from other health practices."

That's the crux of the message he brings not only to Parker students but to the thousands of doctors who attend the Parker Seminars.

Of course, he realizes -- just as Dr. Parker himself did -- that principles alone aren't enough. They must be combined with unified procedures. One must know the "how" as well as the "why."

Parker Seminars have become widely popular through the years because they present both of these elements -- the principles as well as the procedures. And they do it with a flair and excitement that few other events can match.

In addition to being the "largest gathering of chiropractors in the world," the Parker Seminar can very possibly lay claim to offering the largest gathering of well-known and influential speakers in the world.

At this month's event, for example, the lineup of speakers reads like a chiropractic "Who's Who" -- Drs. Patrick Gentempo, C.J. Mertz, David Singer, John Demartini, Dennis Nikitow, Neil Stern, and Mark Charrette, among others.

The range of topics is equally broad and impressive, with presentations covering such areas as "Developing a Successful Subluxation-Based Practice," "The Love Concept in Chiropractic," "Time Management," "The Winning Philosophy," "Spinal Care Classes That Create Lifetime Patients," "Proven Success Principles," "Chiropractic Research Review," and even "Chiropractic Care for Animals."

There truly is something of interest for everyone at a Parker Seminar, as doctors around the world can attest.

"One of the greatest things I receive from the Parker Seminars is the philosophy," said a Portland, Oregon practitioner.

A chiropractor from England added, "The Parker Seminars are a wonderful experience. I always come away with an enthusiastic and uplifted feeling. Parker provides so many new ideas -- I am always so excited to implement them in my office."

From the Dominican Republic came this testimonial: "The Parker Seminars were excellent. I learned a lot about referrals and practice management. Although I am kind of isolated chiropractically, I don't feel alone. Now I feel there are folks who care. The Parker Seminars have taught me to give good service, love my patients and the money and referrals will come automatically."

For Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, the "love my patients" message is undoubtedly a key. As he says of that emotion: "It is a feeling that comes from within that is felt through one's actions."