The weekend featured a formidable lineup of speakers that highlighted the progress of CMCC researchers in this field, but that also reached beyond CMCC walls – and indeed the profession – to harness the knowledge and work of an interdisciplinary group of North American health scientists.

While presenting their particular and very specific efforts to characterize various elements of this field of study and practice, each scientist was extremely mindful to convey the significance of their discoveries and developments to the clinician in practice.  The speakers’ focus on translating their work into clinically relevant take-home points spoke of the profession’s determination to bridge the clinic-research divide. 

Finally, the symposium highlighted opportunities for chiropractors to participate in research, as well as in the prevention and care of cumulative trauma injuries resulting in work disability.  As well, the presentations emphasized that DCs, as holistic practitioners with specialized knowledge of musculoskeletal health and its psychosocial determinants, are well positioned to facilitate successful return to work for their patients. 

Incorporating a few ‘twists’ representing truly innovative work on the part of the presenters, the symposium proved a conduit for interprofessional education focused on enhancing patient-centered chiropractic care.

For a more detailed report on the symposium, please see the Dec. 2011 issue of Canadian Chiropractor magazine.