Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor

Editor’s Note: July/August 2009

By Maria DiDanieli   

Features Business Management

Around the world, chiropractic talks of integration into medical
systems but finds itself encumbered in its quest to achieve this. There
is a growing acknowledgment within the profession that internal factors
may be, at least partially, responsible for the difficulties
encountered in trying to establish a role, as equals – and, where
appropriate, leaders –  in the world health-care community.

Can we talk of integration until there is integration of hearts and minds?” asked Chief Dan George.

Around the world, chiropractic talks of integration into medical systems but finds itself encumbered in its quest to achieve this. There is a growing acknowledgment within the profession that internal factors may be, at least partially, responsible for the difficulties encountered in trying to establish a role, as equals – and, where appropriate, leaders –  in the world health-care community.

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One of these stems from diverse intraprofessional viewpoints regarding identity and practice. In itself, this is not unusual, or, a bad thing – and in fact, could potentially be a positive force motivating growth and enrichment. However, this diversity has, historically, revealed itself, as a pernicious lack of unification in constructing the chiropractic public persona.

But this does not have to continue to be the case if DCs approach integration internally, first, and agree to disagree, or at least to explore all the possibilities, fearlessly, fairly, and together. Until an internal co-ordination occurs, chiropractic will, at best, remain a dubious adjunct to medical therapies. While avoiding reductionism in forming its identity, chiropractors must negotiate naturally occurring professional diversification in order to offer, to the global health-care community, its full benefits as a strong, distinct entity.

Canadian Chiropractor is pleased to bring you the annual Global Chiropractic issue, wherein we see how important it is for this unity, within the profession, to take place at this point in time. The issue offers a glimpse into the potential fruits of this sort of labour – please see our cover story by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Dr. Gary Goodyear, who has recently had the pleasure of announcing the Canadian government’s first funding initiative for chiropractic. We will hear from chiropractors in such international ventures as the World Health Organization, the World Federation of Chiropractic and Chiropractors Without Borders, and see how they approach opportunities to strengthen the profession and broaden awareness regarding its scope and benefits. Please be sure to visit www.cndoctor.ca for even more international stories as well as up-to-date news, events, our blog (please feel free to participate) a complete digital version of this issue, and more.

I must end here with a fond farewell. Canadian Chiropractor regrets that Dr. Marshall Deltoff – longtime, esteemed member of our Editorial Advisory Board and respected author of The X-Files since the magazine’s inaugural issue – has made the decision to end his association with the publication. I know that Dr. Deltoff will continue to instruct and inspire within the chiropractic community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has contributed and wish him success and blessings in his endeavours. Please enjoy the issue, and may you and your families experience a blissful summer.

Bien à vous,


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