Keynote speaker, Dr. Donald Murphy, from the Rhode Island Spine Center, began the informative day by discussing the key elements for developing a patient-centered practice, and was followed by panel presentations dealing with realities of practice and inter-professional collaboration. The day ended with a trade show, featuring products and services for practicing chiropractors as well as many clinics searching for new associates.  

Two panel presentations were available for all students from first to fourth year.

The Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) sponsored the Practice Realities Panel that consisted of DCs who are involved with the profession in a variety of ways.  These chiropractors discussed issues such as examining one’s reasons for becoming a DC as well as determining one’s goals and vision for practice, acquiring business acumen, deciding where and how to practice (US, Canada, abroad – own practice, associate, locum, etc), perseverance and life balance when working as a chiropractor, etc.  Students were encouraged to think carefully about all these aspects prior to graduating, in order to facilitate entry into a successful career as a DC.

Moderated by Dr. Tony Tibbles, Director of Clinical Education and Patient Care at CMCC, the Inter-professional Collaboration Panel presented various opportunities for inter-professional practice – and their rationale – to all CMCC students.  Panel members hailed from a variety of health team situations and the focus was on chiropractors becoming key players, within our health system, in providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.  Although acute case studies were presented, management of chronic illness was a recurring theme.

Students, from all years, are very pleased with the event.  

Aaron Puhl, first year student, noted, “I found the event to be an excellent opportunity for exposure to the issues that will become important in the near future. The panel discussions were my favourite component, in that they stimulated questions and thought, and involved the sharing of perspectives by a variety of professionals currently in practice.”

Third year student, Aveshnee Pillay, said, “Of key interest to me was the panel discussion on inter-professional collaboration of chiropractors within the health care spectrum. It provided insight into how some chiropractors in the community are playing an active role in the multidisciplinary model of health care. Even though the feedback from other health care professionals was rather positive, I believe that the chiropractic profession needs to continue to be diligent in its pursuit of complete integrated and patient-centered health care.”  

Pillay adds, “The tradeshow was exciting and informative regarding future practice opportunities and product availability.”

Peter Lejkowski, who is excited to graduate and make his way into practice this year, notes, “The expert panel gave encouraging insights into the future of chiropractors in multidisciplinary settings and Dr. Murphy stole the crowd with his talk on patient- centered care. All in all, the day was both educational and inspiring.” 

All three are looking forward to next year’s event.

Students actively participated in the trade show by visiting booths, talking to representatives from manufacturers, distributors, services, associations, societies, practices, clinics and a host of other business and practice supporters.  

Congratulations to organizers of the event at CMCC for orchestrating a successful and informative day.