June 2005

WCA International Summit mixes information, inspiration, innovation, intensity!

Many were drawn by the presentations of top chiropractic leaders. Some sought to be inspired and motivated by being with other compassionate, subluxation‑centered chiropractors. Others wanted to hear about new, ground‑breaking ways to bring chiropractic to the world. Whatever their reasons for attending, they left energized and renewed, alive with the intensity that comes only from being part of something greater than oneself.

The WCA International Summit ‑‑ held at the Marriott Metro Center in Washington, DC ‑‑ has become an annual tradition for many DCs. Along with RCS (Research and Clinical Science) co‑founder Dr. Robert Blanks; Brican President Laurent Goldstein; and Barbara Loe Fisher, president of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), the April 15‑16 gathering boasted a stellar group of DCs, speaking on a wide range of subjects: Liz Anderson‑Peacock, Patrick Gentempo, David Jackson, Spence Jahner, Christopher Kent, Ben Lerner, Matthew McCoy, Joel Miller, Randy O'Dell, Tony Palermo, Kevin Pallis, Eric Plasker, Ed Plentz, Terry Rondberg, Robert Schiffman, and Brian Stenzler.

A primary focus of the event was on the struggle to win acceptance as a scientific, evidence‑based profession. Renowned researcher Robert Blanks, PhD, presented a persuasive argument for the role of research in gaining credibility for chiropractic. He discussed the work of RCS, the private‑sector research company he recently founded with Drs. Matthew McCoy, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, and David Jackson.

"Doctors were excited at the possibility of conducting meaningful research in their own offices," Dr. Blanks stated afterwards. "They instinctively understood how this project will position chiropractic as a scientific discipline. The prospect of actually proving ‑‑ with hard research ‑‑ that chiropractic can boost the immune system, enhance overall wellness, and address numerous health problems electrified them."

Dr. Jackson pointed out that DC Summit attendees also realized the practice growth potential of being part of the RCS program. "They saw immediately how this program could add numerous new patients to their practice, in a completely ethical and professional way. The public views scientists and researchers differently than they view 'regular' chiropractors. Practices designated as RCS Authorized Research Sites get an instant boost from the increased prestige and credibility. Additionally, hundreds of volunteers are directed to each participating doctor's office, with many of them choosing to become paying patients."

Sharing the spotlight with research during the Summit was the issue of children's health, especially in light of recent reports of insurance companies categorizing chiropractic for children as "experimental" and rejecting all claims for care given to kids under 10 or 12 years of age. Speaking as chairman of the WCA Council on Children's Health, Dr. Joel Miller explained the importance of educating the public about children's health issues and the role of chiropractic in the lives of young people.

He also provided information about the Council's bi‑annual "Children's Health Day International" event, which recently formed a partnership with the Make‑A‑Wish Foundation. The event ‑‑ held each May and September ‑‑ is a health fair that gives DCs an opportunity to educate their communities about non‑medical wellness topics and provide free chiropractic screening for children.

NVIC President Barbara Loe Fisher addressed the group about the need to advocate for informed consent with regard to vaccination. She stressed that, although they shouldn't make specific recommendations about vaccines (since doing so could be considered the practice of medicine), chiropractors are in an ideal position to educate parents about vaccines and the immunization process. In her words, they need to "stand firmly for freedom of choice and not give more excuses to those searching for politically acceptable reasons to take your profession down."

At what has become a Summit highlight, the WCA Awards were presented on the closing day. Recipients were: Brian Stenzler, DC, Outstanding Service; Robert Blanks, PhD, Researcher of the Year; Asher Nadler, DC, International Leadership; and Yannick Pauli, DC, Chiropractor of the Year.

Plans are currently in the works for the next WCA International Summit, scheduled for May 5‑6, 2006.