June 2004

Annual WCA Board meeting focuses on tough issues

Like the World Chiropractic Alliance itself, the annual meeting of the organization's International Board of Governors (IBG), is non‑traditional. No Robert's Rules, reading of endless minutes and committee reports, snoozing in the back row, or gavels pounded to stop heated arguments. As always, this year offered a lively "down‑to‑business" strategy session, centering on important issues and tough questions.

Representatives from Peru, Germany, Canada and Switzerland led off with insights into chiropractic affairs in those countries.

Next, the Board turned its attention to making critical decisions that would determine the positions and activities of the WCA in the year to come. Because they share a vision of chiropractic as a unique, non‑medical approach to wellness care, the group's members were in near total agreement on all issues. Dissenting voices, when raised, were welcome and respected.

"Unlike many groups, we don't ignore minority opinions," explained Terry A. Rondberg, DC, WCA president. "If even one person stands in opposition to a proposal, we listen to that person and try to use his or her ideas to come to a consensus. Majority may rule here, but it's never at the expense of the minority."

By unanimous vote, the IBG resolved to:

***  Work with other organizations on a plan to protect the profession against regulatory abuse by the CCE. It will develop a plan of action ‑‑ including a "vote of no confidence" in the CCE ‑‑ to deal with the issue.

***  Fully support HR 4051, a bill introduced by Rep. Bob Filner that would mandate direct access to chiropractors in the VA health system. Leona Fischer, DC, a member of the IBG who serves on the VA Advisory Committee provided background information to the Board on this issue.

***  Support or help coordinate statewide efforts to pass a law similar to one passed in Michigan recently, which defined and separated chiropractic as a unique health care system, and includes specific reference to subluxation correction, to protect the rights of subluxation‑based chiropractors.

***  Support or help coordinate worldwide national efforts to pass licensing laws that protect subluxation‑based chiropractors.

***  Develop a position paper acknowledging the diversity within all of the political organizations and again invite all organizations to participate with the Chiropractic Coalition on issues of common agreement.

The Board also discussed the growing and urgent need for subluxation‑centered chiropractic research.

Matthew McCoy, DC, a member of the WCA Board of Directors and editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, (JVSR) reported that there are 13‑14 papers currently under review that have not yet been accepted. He highly praised the work of Madeline Behrendt, DC, on the topic of infertility and the media response it invoked.

In addition, Dr. McCoy shared the exciting news that Australia has established an endowment to reach $1 million for subluxation‑based research. An informal survey of the room indicated that all present were JVSR subscribers, which is considered an essential first step for all DCs wishing to support chiropractic research efforts.

Although most WCA members voiced a strong desire to continue the organization's pursuit of intra‑professional cooperation, one IBG member dissented on the question of whether the WCA should continue its work with the Chiropractic Coalition and uphold the concept of cooperation with other groups that share our philosophy and goals.

The group was totally in accord on the WCA priorities for the coming year, ranking the top five items of the organization's agenda:

1. Political lobbying (introducing and urging support for pro‑chiropractic legislation).

2. Intra‑professional actions (monitoring and opposing effort to "medicalize" the profession).

3. Subluxation‑based chiropractic research (funding, securing government grants, etc.).

4. Public relations and education (responding to media coverage, placing positive articles, developing educational material).

5. Practice management training (providing information and instruction on success strategies, etc.).