July 2004

Life students gather at the Summit

A group of dedicated Life University students ‑‑ all members of the Student World Chiropractic Alliance (SWCA) ‑‑ headed out on April 28 and drove all night to reach Washington, DC, in time for the WCA International Summit and the Chiropractic Coalition's Joint Legislative Day.

"Even though it was midterm time at school, these students gave out of their own abundance to attend and represent Life University," reported Matthew Eisen, president of Life's SWCA chapter.

They arrived at the Marriott Hotel in the nation's capitol with only an hour to change into suitable clothing and join the more than 600 doctors, students and chiropractic supporters in the Gold Room at the Rayburn House Office Building.

"In no time the room was completely filled, and different Senators and Congressmen addressed the importance of Chiropractic, including Senator Ted Kennedy," Eisen noted in a report posted on the Life University Student Council website.

"Next, the students split up and met with their individual state representatives and helped lobby for four specific bills that would benefit subluxation‑based chiropractors and students. The students, field doctors, and patients met with legislators and their aides to discuss and clarify what chiropractic is, how the bills are beneficial to chiropractic patients, and how the bills would help lower the financial burden of America's health care costs."

A highlight for the students was the awards ceremony, in which a member of their own faculty, Matthew McCoy, DC, was honored. Dr. McCoy had been named 2002 WCA "Researcher of the Year" but, due to an oversight, never received the actual award. Eisen also received a certificate in recognition of his work for the advancement of the chiropractic profession.

Yet, even more important than meeting legislators and getting awards was the chance to meet with doctors and other students.