The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) has appointed Dr. Yannick Pauli of Switzerland and Jay Zimmerman of Ireland as liaisons to the World Health Organization (WHO). Both are members of the WCA International Board of Governors.

In introducing Dr. Pauli to Dr. Xiaorui Zhang, Coordinator of Traditional Medicine for WHO's Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy, Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA president, explained that he was chosen, in part, because he practices in Lausanne and will be best able to meet with WHO representatives.

"The more important reason for his selection, however, is that Dr. Pauli represents the ideals and vision of the WCA and its dedication to improving the level of health and wellness of all people around the globe," Dr. Rondberg added.

Pauli serves on the Research Committee of the Council on Chiropractic Practice, as well as its Technique Committee, representing NSA/Torque Release

Dr. Zimmerman is author of a book on patient education and practice marketing titled, "Build a Booming Practice in 24 Easy Steps." Now practicing in Dublin, he has been active in the Chiropractic Association of Ireland (CAI) and European Chiropractic Union.

Last year, he was invited to address the CAI and expressed his conviction that national chiropractic legislation should safeguard the rights of all chiropractors, including musculo-skeletal-based, subluxation-based and wellness-based practitioners. "I pointed out," Zimmerman noted, "that subluxation-based language, such as the language the World Chiropractic Alliance utilizes in its policies and position papers, is the language that allows the intertwining of all three types of practice."

Rondberg told Dr. Zhang,"He is a dedicated and tireless proponent of wellness and an excellent communicator who will capably represent the WCA and chiropractic profession."

The appointments are the latest in a long line of efforts by the WCA to protect and promote subluxation-based chiropractic on a global scale.

In December 1998, it was named an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) and was the only organization to represent the profession at the annual gathering of NGOs.

In 2001, WCA Board of Directors member Christopher Kent, D.C., was elected chairman of the NGO Health Committee, comprised of approximately 100 members from 18 countries.

The WCA has worked on several projects with the WHO since 2000, when Drs. Rondberg and Kent traveled to Geneva to meet with Zhang and Dr. B.P. Kean, Director of External Cooperation and Relations, to discuss how chiropractic can play an important part in global health and wellness. The two WCA officials reviewed global health issues and long-term plans for incorporating chiropractic into the overall vision of WHO.

Also in 2001, Dr. Kent created a special comprehensive "Power Point" presentation to provide WHO officials with background information on the current situation of chiropractic around the globe.

Last year, the WCA submitted its comments and suggestions for WHO's "Guidelines on Training and Safety in Chiropractic," and "Guidelines for the Consumers in Promoting Proper Use of Traditional and Complementary & Alternative Medicine."

Rondberg expressed optimism and confidence in the latest WCA appointments. "We look forward to a long and productive working relationship with the World Health Organization," he said. "We are certain that Drs. Pauli and Zimmerman will make significant contributions to both the WCA and WHO."