August 2004

Northwestern students have 'field day' at Legislative Day

A report from Northwestern Health Sciences University

Twelve students from Northwestern Health Sciences University traveled to the nation's capital to join an estimated 600 chiropractic doctors, students, and supporters for the first chiropractic coalition "Joint Legislative Day" in April. Members from the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), International Chiropractors Association (ICA), and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) converged on the capital to meet with senators, representatives, and government officials to discuss issues of importance to the chiropractic field.

Chiropractors and students had the opportunity throughout the day to meet, either alone or in state contingents, with their legislators to discuss the TRICARE bill and other legislation affecting the profession. They took time to inform lawmakers of the purpose of chiropractic, its proven effectiveness, and cost‑saving potential.

From left to right: Ben Neufeld, T6; Bill Sanio, T4; Brooke Fister, T3; Senator Norm Coleman; Mike Musselman, T7; Wade Lofton, 2004 Northwestern graduate; and Brian Smith, T9.

"It was a weekend of purpose, principle, and passion for the chiropractic profession," said Ben Neufeld, a T6 student from Northwestern and president of the Student World Chiropractic Alliance chapter at Northwestern.

To end the conference, which preceded the WCA International Summit, doctors attended an energy‑filled reception. There they had a chance to listen to several chiropractic leaders and share their thoughts on chiropractic unity as demonstrated by the chiropractic coalition. Some of the hundreds of doctors present included: Terry Rondberg, DC, WCA president; CJ Mertz, DC, ICA president; Chris Kent, DC; Leona Fischer, DC; Matt McCoy, DC; Heather Whittle, DC; Greg Loman, DC; Rob Schiffman, DC; Sid Williams, DC; Nell Williams, DC; Bob Braile, DC; Jay Holder, DC; Tony Palermo, DC; Rob Jackson, DC; Don Harte, DC; Eric Plasker, DC; William Esteb; and many others.

Students later had the opportunity to meet and mingle with the doctors, where they gained incredible insight into their future practices and the chiropractic profession. Students also had the chance to meet with their peers from colleges all across the country. It was a great opportunity for students to talk to each other about different chiropractic colleges and the inherent differences and similarities of their institutions.