May 1, Montreal, Que. – The importance of research for the profession of chiropractic was reiterated, by a panel of Canadian DC scientists, at the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) 10th Biennial Congress. Topics discussed included strategies needed to support chiropractic students who are interested research careers and the relevance of basic science work to the future of clinical practice.

A large audience – the large auditorium had standing room only – remained engrossed throughout a two-and-half-hour session during which Drs. Martin Normand , Greg Kawchuk, Jean-Sebastien Blouin, Mark Erwin and Martin Descarreaux presented state-of-the-art research, as well as an overview of various university research program developments involving DCs. The scientists then formed a panel, moderated by Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation’s (CCRF) director of research programs, Dr.Allan Gotlib, to address a variety of concerns and questions from the audience.

The panel drew a clear link between basic science research and clinical practice by noting that the depth of understanding and knowledge gleaned through research – employing protocols specifically designed to address all the fundamental characteristics of pathologies and their manifestations – can result in earlier detection and more effective treatment of these problems.  The panel went on to agree that treatment should ideally be employed before patients are faced with situations of chronic and debilitating pain.

The panel also commented on current challenges facing chiropractic students who are thinking of entering a career in basic science research.  Panel members encouraged students to create opportunities and “show up!” – this meant that students should not be fearful of actively pursuing their research career goal by talking to, and/or trying to work with, the scientists involved in their areas of interest.  Furthermore, the panel concluded that a strategy is needed to help students with tuition loans, after graduation, so that they can afford to go forward into a research career (if they choose), rather than having to worry about working to pay off debt loads.