The halls of Congress resounded with the chiropractic message last month, as the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) held its second International Summit in Washington, D.C.

From Apr. 11-13, doctors of chiropractic from throughout the United States, Canada and several foreign countries lobbied legislators, met with U.S. and international government officials, heard a variety of presentations by top chiropractic leaders, and mingled with other subluxation-based practitioners.

Despite lingering anxiety about possible terrorist actions, doctors flew in from Europe, Australia and North America to attend the Summit, which started off with a day-long "Chiropractic at the Capitol" event.

Thursday morning was devoted to meeting one-on-one with legislators in both houses of Congress. The meetings were arranged before hand to give D.C.s an opportunity to discuss important issues with key senators and representatives.

"Educating our political leaders and discussing chiropractic's role in the health care of our future was, needless to say, awesome and enthusiastically encouraging," stated John Friedrichs, D.C., of Wisconsin.

Ted Koenen, D.C., of Texas agreed. "It was gratifying to see the halls of the Rayburn Building teeming with chiropractors going in and out of congressional offices. Excitement permeated the atmosphere."

At 10 a.m., a chiropractic Roundtable was held with senators, representatives and their staffs in the Gold Room of the Rayburn House Office Building. The informal discussion gave lawmakers a chance to hear directly from chiropractors, and ask questions about the role of chiropractic in health care. Representatives of the media, including a reporter for National Public Radio, attended the discussion.

Next, a special spinal screening event was held for legislators so they could see first hand how D.C.s detect subluxations. Legislators and their staff members snatched up the spinal key chains, generously donated by Scrip Chiropractic Supplies and Equipment.

"The key chains were a real hit," said Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president. "It gave them a real visual reminder of what chiropractic is all about. And I'm sure there were plenty of jokes among the staffers about needing extra backbone to work in Washington."

Afterwards, the WCA International Board of Governors held its annual meeting in the nation's Capitol -- the first chiropractic organization ever to do so. During the meeting, WCA policies and procedures were debated and voted on.

"Chiropractors from all walks of life and many countries expressed their hearts and minds in consideration of policy that would give guidance to the WCA board of directors," Dr. Koenen noted. "It was a moment that B.J. Palmer would have praised and cherished as in keeping with 'The Big Idea.'"

In the evening, a gala reception was held in the Capitol building. Numerous legislators, government health officials and other dignitaries were invited and mingled with the chiropractors.

The following two days were filled with a solid agenda of presentations by many of the profession's most respected and popular speakers, including Drs. Patrick Gentempo, Christopher Kent, Donald Epstein, Veronica Gutierrez, Matthew McCoy, Eric Plasker, C.J. Mertz, David Jackson and others. In addition, the event highlighted special guest speakers such as Parker College President Fabrizio Mancini, D.C., and Barbara Loe Fisher, founder and president of the National Vaccine Information Center.

Saturday afternoon featured a formal presentation of the 2001 WCA Awards, given to Dr. Monte Greenawalt ("Humanitarian of the Year"), Dr. Jack Masche ("Chiropractor of the Year"), Dr. Erin Elster ("Researcher of the Year"), and Rep. Donald Manzullo ("Outstanding Service Award").

Initial reaction to the Summit was incredibly positive. "The Summit was a great experience for me and brought back many memories of being in politics at the state level," said Ed Plentz, D.C., of Michigan.

"You are playing a huge game and I commend you for it. You have made many contacts that will make the WCA a recognized voice in Congress," he commented.

Dr. Friedrichs summed up the sentiments of many attendees when he stated, "This past weekend was one of the most inspiring chiropractic seminars I have ever attended. I now realize the need for subluxation doctors like myself to stand up, speak and be heard. I plan to involve myself with these issues and more in the future."

Added Koenen, "It was action-packed, from start to finish. Truly, it was an uncommon experience for all."