August 2003

see also: JVSR focuses on fertility

Field doctors can help spread news of research

To Madeline Behrendt, D.C., chiropractic research isn't merely an intellectual exercise dealing in theories but a very real, practical tool that all chiropractors can use to educate patients and build practices.

She encourages all D.C.s to help spread news of positive chiropractic research by following this three‑step action plan:

1. Go to www.jvsr.com and read all the articles. "Everyone who loves chiropractic will love reading these articles," she says. "They are way up there on the goosebump scale and something we all can be proud of." In addition, check the WCA website for press releases about key research papers.

2. Print copies of the articles and press releases and send them to the local print and broadcast media in your community.

3. Send copies of the articles and press releases to your legislators. This would be an excellent opportunity to develop, or build on, relationships with lawmakers.

Dr. Behrendt asks that doctors who get a response from the media or their legislators concerning this research project send a copy to her c/o World Chiropractic Alliance, 2950 N. Dobson Rd. Suite 1, Chandler, AZ 85224, or via e‑mail at drmadeline@drmadelinedc.com.

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August 2003

Life, CCE reach agreement on accreditation

Life University College of Chiropractic (LUCC) and the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) have reached an agreement that will allow the college to retain its accredited status.

The agreement comes after months of intense debate and often bitter disagreement about the decision by the CCE not to affirm Life's accreditation. Life officials cheered the agreement, which provides for a special accreditation process scheduled to be completed by the end of January 2005.

"We now have a path. We are now able to focus on the future instead of trying to secure a future," Life President Ben DeSpain, D.C., told the Marietta Daily Journal. "I think for students, we can say come on, it's certain now, we're on the right track. We anticipate that the steady stream of students who went elsewhere and are returning will be accelerated."

In June 2002, the CCE refused to renew Life's accreditation, saying the college was not in compliance with several key standards of educational quality, including "clinical training of students to render a competent diagnosis, the adequacy of LUCC's faculty, and LUCC's own internal assessment and planning for the future."

Life accused the CCE of failing to give the school adequate time to reapply and regain accreditation. Life supporters also argued that many of the CCE members making the decision -- heads of rival schools ‑‑ could potentially benefit from the closing of the largest chiropractic college in the world. Just days after the decision was announced, recruiters from some of the other colleges were reportedly on or near the Life campus encouraging students to transfer to their schools.

LUCC filed a lawsuit against CCE and, on February 10, 2003, a federal district court in Atlanta issued a temporary injunction ordering the CCE to reinstate Life's accreditation status until the issue could be decided in court.

The CCE immediately announced its intent to appeal the decision, despite a plea by the Chiropractic Coalition (made up of the International Chiropractors Association, World Chiropractic Alliance, and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations) that it refrain from doing so for the good of the profession.

"CCE's principal concern has been, and remains, the proper education and training of students to become competent doctors of chiropractic and the protection of health care consumers," the CCE explained in an official announcement. "CCE is committed to maintaining standards of educational quality in the programs it accredits, and this emphasis on quality will continue to be its focus."

LUCC officials say they are confident they can fully resolve any lingering accreditation questions long before the 2005 deadline.