February 2007

Michigan groups merge

The final step of the historic merger between the Michigan Chiropractic Association (MCA) and the Michigan Chiropractic Society (MCS) concluded Dec. 29, 2006.

In early December, members of the MCA and the MCS boards voted to merge into a single entity, the Michigan Association of Chiropractors (MAC). Members of both groups ratified the merger, and the new organization began working under the MAC banner Jan. 1. The merger creates a single, more influential association that better serves chiropractic doctors, patients and the profession as a whole.

After years of operating separately, the differences between the two organizations had diminished and their need for a unified effort increased. The organizations had already begun collaborating in recent years, most notably during efforts to improve Michigan's scope of practice legislation and in legal actions against discriminatory insurance practices. The merger will also reduce duplication, allowing the profession to devote more resources to public education and public policy initiatives.

"Like most states, Michigan is facing some daunting health care challenges," stated MAC's inaugural president Kirk Steketee, DC. "To improve our health care delivery system, the profession needed a stronger organization. The MAC gives us that strength."

Vice President Don Reno, DC, agreed, noting that "The merger will raise the public view of chiropractic immeasurably. "It will strengthen our message because it is now coming from a unified voice."

In addition to Drs. Steketee and Reno, MAC's newly formed Executive Committee consists Eric Seif, DC, Director of Financial Affairs; Robert Markle, Director of Internal Affairs; and Thomas Klapp, DC, Chairman.