Much like any creation -- a painting, a garden, or building a structure -- the most important part is the laying of a foundation that will provide a beginning point for future planning.

Right now, our students have the opportunity to become philosophy based, subluxation-based chiropractors. It is an opportunity for field doctors to help lay down the proper foundation, plant the seed or paint the picture for the young doctors.

Many doctors come out of college with preconceived ideas as to how the chiropractic world spins. It is up to us, as field doctors to help them along to dispel myths and create practice realities.

Duplication of effort is a key to practice success. The young doctor should see the more experienced field doctor as someone to duplicate. In addition, the field doctor must see the importance of teaching the preceptor in practice, thus creating a formula for success -- not failure.

Preceptor programs provided by all the colleges are a great mechanism for pre-graduate chiropractors coming to the forefront of our offices, for them to have a hands-on opportunity to learn and work in our practices before graduating.

Many of them will come into areas they will be practicing after they graduate. This is a great way to create like-minded doctors, shape the young minds of the future about the true meaning of chiropractic and at the same time, work together on the issues facing our profession. It's not about today -- it is about tomorrow.

A preceptorship is not meant to be a babysitting job for the field doctor, nor should it be a grunt job for the preceptor. This is a great opportunity for the new doctor to bond and join with the field doctor in learning the facets of the practice on a basic level. The preceptor should understand the mechanism of synchronization or fitting into the practice where necessary. The field doctor should be utilized in creating a model for the young doctor as it relates to image-building, learning philosophy and adjusting techniques, and marketing skills to develop in practice.

The preceptor program is a venue to help the young doctor on his way to graduating. In addition, it assists in the early decision-making process as to what type of chiropractor he or she will become. It benefits both the field doctor and the new graduate. Often in this process, preceptors come back to their mentors and become associates.

More field doctors need to take the initiative to participate in preceptor programs. Remember, the young doctor you help today, will be your colleague in the profession tomorrow. Without shaping these young minds, there will be no foundation for the structure, no garden to grow, or picture to paint.

I think of the many student doctors over the years who have been involved in and benefitted from the preceptorship programs. One young student told me, "I was on the fence, and I didn't know what direction to go. I am so thankful that I had a great doctor out in the field to help guide me to where I am today in practice."

Most states recognize preceptorships. Doctors simply call the colleges to register for this program. The colleges will send out the necessary paperwork and the doctors then comply with the state licensing board. The process may take 30 to 45 days depending on state licensing regulations.

The WCA is working with diligent fervor through our "Mentorship Program" to create chiropractors who have a philosophical base. We strive for strong, assured doctors who can make the difference necessary to bring out the best in our profession.

To understand why we get the best results from our patients, young doctors need the encouragement from the many of us practicing subluxation-based, principled chiropractic.

Being a part of the Mentorship Program of the WCA gives a great foundation to the young doctors in the field to grow in every facet of the profession. Help create a stronger, more confident young doctor by molding their career and shaping their lives. If you are not involved, you should be.

Please consider the importance of your involvement as a doctor in the field, to help, to teach, and develop our future doctors through our colleges' preceptor programs. Pick up the telephone today and find out how you can become an instrument of inspiration for the future of chiropractic.

For information on Preceptor Programs call:

* Parker College ... 800/438-6932

* Life College ... 800/788-4476

* Palmer College ... 800/722-3648

* Sherman College ... 800/849-8771

For information on the WCA Mentorship Program, call (toll free) 866/797-8366 or, 760/736-9330.