Top Ten: Pinnacles of Excellence

In 2011, the profession in Canada has known many high moments. Months,
and in most cases, years, of effort have seen the fruition of a number
of projects that serve to make chiropractic accessible to more people –
here and around the globe – and make it possible for DCs to work in an
increasingly safe and effective manner.

In 2011, the profession in Canada has known many high moments. Months, and in most cases, years, of effort have seen the fruition of a number of projects that serve to make chiropractic accessible to more people – here and around the globe – and make it possible for DCs to work in an increasingly safe and effective manner. It is important to acknowledge these successes for a few reasons. For one, these success stories have created opportunities to enhance awareness among the public of the merits of chiropractic and the extent to which a DC is educated and knowledgeable. Another is that we feel good seeing our Canadian DCs shine! But, most importantly, the stories behind these developments send messages about “what works,” and highlight areas where continued cultivation could potentially create important inroads for the profession.
 Canadian Chiropractor, with the assistance of our partners and friends, has created a list of 10 important achievements within the profession over the past year. You will find those below. However, the good news doesn’t stop there. With so many other laudable developments worth including (so much information, so little space!), we invite you to join us on our blog page at www.cndoctor.ca, where we will be adding some very honourable mentions. While you’re there, if you know of something else of significance that has occurred in the chiropractic community in 2011, feel free to blog your story along with ours!

Dr. Blouin granted tenure

In 2011, Dr. Sebastian Blouin (DC, PhD), holder of the CCRF/UBC Professorship in Spine Biomechanics and Human Neurophysiology, was promoted to Associate Professor and granted tenure at the University of British Columbia.

His research focuses on the physiology of human movement with particular interests in the sensorimotor control of balance, the neural control of the neck musculature and the pathophysiology of whiplash injury. Dr. Blouin is a member of the research team in neuromechanical kinesiology ranked among the top four research groups in the NMK area globally. Dr. Blouin has been a tremendously rewarding investment in chiropractic research. He has made highly significant research contributions to the chiropractic community and is clearly a world-class researcher. The University of British Columbia, one of Canada’s leading universities, holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning.

Contributed by Dr. Don Nixdorf, Vancouver, British Columbia

Government funds DCs in community health clinic

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mount Carmel chiropractic clinic..

In April 2011, the Mount Carmel Clinic – a non-profit, secular community health centre located in North Winnipeg – opened a chiropractic clinic. The opening of this clinic is the result of dialogue leading to an agreement between the Province of Manitoba and Mount Carmel Clinic to provide chiropractic services to low-income residents. In this pilot project, DCs will provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as participate in Mount Carmel’s outreach programs committed to educating residents about healthy lifestyles.

At the grand opening of the chiropractic clinic, Betty Edel, executive director of Mount Carmel, said, “We are very pleased chiropractic care is now being offered as part of the wide range of services at our clinic. This service is a healthy option and is offered to area residents, individuals on employment and income assistance and the
working poor.”

Dr. Gerald Olin, president of the Manitoba Chiropractor’s Association, added, “In partnership with Mount Carmel Clinic and with the assistance of the Manitoba government, this project expands health-care options available to low-income Manitobans in the community.”

Contributed by Dr. Greg Stewart, Winnipeg, Manitoba

New Sports Sciences grad program at UQTR
The chiropractic program at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) announced a new graduate program in sports sciences in 2011. The Royal College of Chiropractic Sport Sciences of Canada (RCCSS(C)) looks forward to future development of this program at UQTR, envisioning a curriculum that could parallel the requirements for the RCCSS(C) Fellowship Academic program. The RCCSS(C) has offered its assistance in reviewing these academic requirements, in addition to the other requirements, with its staff in an attempt to augment the UQTR program towards fulfilling the requirements of the RCCSS(C) Residency Committee.

Contributed by UQTR

CMCC DC degree extended for 10 years

In 2011, The Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) received written confirmation from the Honourable John Milloy, Minister, Training, Colleges and Universities, of continued consent for CMCC to award the Doctor of Chiropractic degree to its graduates for an unprecedented 10-year period.

According to Dr. Jean Moss, president of CMCC, this completed the documentation and verification of CMCC’s adherence to standards established by the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) and financial and student protection measures set out in legislation for private institutions granted the right and privilege to offer degrees in Ontario.

“The continued consent for CMCC to award the Doctor of Chiropractic degree to its graduates for an unprecedented 10-year period is an amazing accomplishment!” notes Dr. Renae Rogers of Edmonton, Alberta, who added this achievement to our list.

New Website for the CCRF
The Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation has announced the launch of its brand new website www.canadianchiropracticresearchfoundation.com. The site serves to showcase the work, and celebrate the achievements, of talented Canadian researchers from coast to coast.

Not only does the website contain valuable information about the CCRF, but it also encourages the public to support chiropractic research. This ultimately benefits health care for all Canadians. In addition to a growing library of published articles, the website contains details of the University Research Chair program and multimedia resources that provide an engaging user experience.

Doctors are encouraged to visit the website and share this information with their patients. A greater understanding of chiropractic’s involvement in research can help us all continue to move the profession forward.

Contributed by Dr. Allan Gotlib, Toronto, Ontario

Dr. Jean Moss in 21st year of service

In Toronto, Dr. Jean Moss renewed her contract with the CMCC Board of Governors, as President of the College and is now in her 21st year of service in this capacity. With the exception of B.J. Palmer and Joseph Janse at the National College, she may be the longest serving CEO in our profession’s history! In my opinion, her unblemished record of continually moving CMCC forward is unmatched!

Contributed By in by Dr. Douglas Brown, Toronto, Ontario

Launch of World Spine Care initiative

This past year saw the launch of World Spine Care by Dr. Scott Haldeman and other partners. World Spine Care is a multinational, charitable, non-profit organization consisting of health-care professionals who provide high-quality, evidence-based, culturally integrated prevention, assessment, treatment and community education for health conditions related to the spine in underserviced communities around the world. The initiative’s practitioner cohort includes a number of DCs, among them Canadians Dr. Deborah Kopansky-Giles and Dr. Geoff Outerbridge. By working with World Spine Care, these DCs have made it their goal to care for the millions of people around the world who suffer from spinal problems and have no access to treatment.

For more information, visit the World Spine Care website at www.worldspinecare.com .

Contributed by Dr. Shawn Thistle, Toronto, Ontario

DC head of medical services at Canada Games

Another first for chiropractic occurred at the Canada Games in Nova Scotia in February 2011. I had the opportunity to be the first chiropractor appointed as the head of all medical services since the inception of the Games in 1967. My role as the Chair of Medical Services for the 2011 Canada Winter Games (CWG) included ensuring a full complement of multidisciplinary services within the Poly Clinics (of which there were two at the 2011 CWG), but also the sport venue medical teams. I also had to liaise with the ambulance and paramedic services and solicit the co-operation of the Department of Health, Public Health and regional health authorities for urgent and emergent services (such as diagnostic imaging) as well as develop a Medical Services Emergency Response Plan for the entire event. In total, I volunteered over 2,200 hours and attended 275 meetings over 2.5 years in order to ensure that the athletes were provided with the best possible medical care, which of course included chiropractic services.

Contributed by Dr. Brian Seaman, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Inaugural Specialty Colleges Conference

2011 saw the first-ever Specialty Colleges conference, held in Toronto November 12. This conference brought together leading chiropractors from across Canada for an intense day of learning and exchange. The event, titled the Canadian Chiropractic Specialty Conference – Clinical Neurology Update, was sponsored and attended by members of:

• The College of Chiropractic Sciences;
• The College of Chiropractic Orthopedists;
• The Chiropractic College of Radiologists;
• The Chiropractic College of Rehabilitation Sciences;
• The Royal College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences; and
• The Canadian Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and Educational Accrediting Boards (CFCREAB).

The day included a Grand Rounds, moderated by Dr. Tony Tibbles, a discussion of interdisciplinary management of chronic pain given by Howard Vernon, DC, and Eldon Tunks, MD, and a trade show.

Contributed by Peter Waite, Toronto, Ontario

Marathon of Health

Quebec DC Dr. Ed Chicoine and his family of eight began running their Marathon of Health in 2011. The journey, which began in Stanley Park, Vancouver, is 12,500 miles long and scheduled to take one year. The Chicoine family is bringing their message of health and wellness across Canada and the United States. While circling the North American continent, the family of eight is visiting local communities to inspire people of all ages to make positive transformations in their lives through fitness and nutrition. Their goal is to raise $5 million for KidSport Canada, Right To Play and Get America Fit. These organizations are focused on improving kids’ health and fitness around the world. During the marathon, Dr. Chicoine is also taking time to talk about chiropractic and its role in a healthy lifestyle. Visit www.marathonofhealth.com to see where the family is now, to understand the impact of the marathon, and to view videos of the journey’s progress.

Contributed by Dr. Ed Chicoine, Wakefield, Quebec