The deeper meaning of the gift of free choice is that it is not always a question of choosing between good and evil,” wrote Abraham J. Heschel, 45 years ago, “but also of choosing between two good things.” Today, this is deeply relevant to the chiropractic profession.
“The deeper meaning of the gift of free choice is that it is not always a question of choosing between good and evil,” wrote Abraham J. Heschel, 45 years ago, “but also of choosing between two good things.” Today, this is deeply relevant to the chiropractic profession.
If chiropractic looks within, it will, like other health-care subspecialties, find differences in approach. While there is agreement that the profession needs to subject its various elements to thorough (and fair) evaluation, it possesses a healthy diversity where many good ideas and practices can converge to build a stronger whole. This diversity defines choices for each DC, with respect to possible vision and goals within practice, and the available systems by which these are carried out.
In this issue of Canadian Chiropractor, Dr. Jeffrey Tucker shares his experience in building an interdisciplinary, multimodal rehabilitation practice based on therapeutic lifestyle changes programs, and how careful examination of his own practice goals helped him to choose the elements he would incorporate. We interviewed Dr. Rosalie Ritacco to see how one young DC – less than five years in practice – has identified her formula for optimal patient outcomes and professional satisfaction. Brandi MacDonald examines the differences and interdependence between leadership and management, when running a practice that employs a support staff and Dr. Barbara Sturm will talk about a very important approach to your patients’ pain. Finally, Drs. Lafond and Descarreaux from UQTR have written about sensorimotor rehabilitation for chronic cervical neck pain, again, discussing a multimodal approach.
I am proud to have the opportunity to introduce a new department to the magazine. Technique Toolbox, hosted by Dr. John Minardi, will present various chiropractic techniques, their application and how they can be used in concert for an optimal patient-centred approach. Also, I invite you to visit our website at www.cndoctor.ca regularly, for timely news stories, the events calendar, buyers guide and other popular informative elements – while you’re there, sign up for our free bimonthly e-newsletter and digital issues.
The inevitable overhaul of our health-care systems, resulting from current economic challenges, is rife with opportunities for the profession to reposition itself based on cost-effectiveness, health and wellness benefits, and safety. The evil, in our current health-care environment, is that it is not patient-centred and the public’s freedom to make an informed choice, with respect to chiropractic, is currently fettered on many levels. Now, more than ever, the profession must stand as a strong, distinct – but not isolated – and cohesive force in order to, successfully, facilitate meaningful reform.
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