Within the profession of chiropractic, there is much for an observer to learn.
Within the profession of chiropractic, there is much for an observer to learn.
When studying its development, one comes across themes that have become catchphrases. “Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for chiropractic.” I’ve heard this often. “Integration into mainstream medicine,” and “Chiropractic must speak with one voice,” are others.
Catchphrases may be useful for unifying an organization’s thoughts and goals. At first glance, they seem to comprise important truths for the group’s progress. But, we also all know that complex practices cannot be summed up in 10-words-or-less. Behind every black-and-white idiom lurks a shade of grey with important implications. To ignore these implications is to run the risk of having a promising strategy backfire, possibly compromising the organization.
The case for research and evidence-based practice, at this time, is a strong one. In this issue, Dr. Jill Hayden talks about the importance of university-based research but notes that better strategies are needed for transferring findings to clinicians. As well, Dr. John Triano outlines the strengths of evidence-based thinking but offers guidelines for incorporating it wisely into clinical practice.
The direction that chiropractic pursues, within health care, needs to be defined by the profession. Historically, ‘integration’ of practices, within healthcare, has been tricky for groups pursuing recognition. In this issue, our contributors remind us that to be included among experts within health care, on equal footing with other professionals, chiropractors must come to stand out as leaders for the conditions they treat. Only then, can chiropractic receive support to strengthen its unique qualities and develop a framework for equitable access to its services.
David Chapman-Smith, back from a successful congress in Portugal, updates us on global chiropractic. Chapman-Smith renews his support for diversity within the profession but reminds us of the importance of a unified voice to the world. These are both valid, and equally worthy, perspectives.
In this issue, Canadian Chiropractor will be reinstating the “Letters to the Editor” section. We hope that it will come to serve you as a forum for discussion and debate regarding the magazine and/or the profession.
Before I leave you to our September issue, I would like to mention my predecessor, David Stubbs. Over the past few years, David’s efforts and energy have made Canadian Chiropractor a serious contributor to chiropractic literature in our country, and beyond. Please join me in wishing him well in his future endeavours.
These are very interesting times for chiropractic and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to serve the profession through this magazine. I have read that “chiropractic is at a crossroads.” Another catchphrase – let’s examine it carefully. There may be a perceived threat to the survival of the profession. However, to be at a crossroads means that one has choices. And, the fact that one has choices means that one is still very much alive.
Well then, “To life!”
Bien à vous,
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