“Do a little bit of good wherever you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
“Do a little bit of good wherever you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has shared these words – for which he is well known – on the website of the World Spine Care (WSC) initiative. World Spine Care is an organization founded by Dr. Scott Haldemann, and launched in 2011, with the intent of harnessing interdisciplinary teams of specialists to create opportunities for underprivileged world communities to have access to effective and evidence-based spine care. Of note is the fact that many of the specialists who make up WSC are chiropractors. His Grace would be well aware of this, as he is a member of the WSC Advisory Council. He also knows first hand how debilitating pain from spinal issues can be and, of course, he is well aware that many world communities currently lack proper health-care resources to address these issues. His quote, then, is not only appropriate but also encouraging to those DCs who, through WSC, have taken on the task of reaching out and offering their knowledge and services to the world.
However, it is clear that the significance of these words also encompasses the entire profession of chiropractic. Throughout 2011, this has been particularly the case in Canada, where we have seen chiropractors across the country follow their visions and goals for providing optimal patient care. This has resulted in achievements that continue to increase chiropractic’s profile as a health-care profession with unwavering dedication to its patients’ wellness, beginning with the spine and extending to every element of their health. Furthermore, the profession is seeing progress in the access that the public has to its care. In other words, and despite some fairly intimidating odds, 2011 has seen Canadian chiropractors reach more people and do it better than they have before.
This issue of Canadian Chiropractor aims to celebrate the profession’s successes in education, patient care, policy and outreach. And why shouldn’t it? After all, when looking back over the year, one can find many examples of the care and excellence demonstrated by individual DCs and the groups they form.
Within our publication, this excellence is no less prevalent, and is constantly demonstrated by our regular writers and guest contributors; by those who graciously make themselves available for interviews; by our extremely knowledgeable and helpful editorial advisory board; and by our sponsors. It is also demonstrated by our readers, including those who take the time to phone, comment in person and/or write to make suggestions, clarify details or simply offer encouragement. All of these DCs, partners and friends take time from busy schedules to educate their colleagues and/or call them to action where it is needed. Without them, there would be a chasm of ambivalence and stagnation where, instead, we see the bloom of steadily unifying growth. To you, our Canadian Chiropractor family, I would like to express a heartfelt thanks and wish blessings for the holidays and through the coming year.
It is only fitting to take a few pages to demonstrate the “little bits of good” that are adding up to “overwhelm the world.” After all, through the delivery of holistic, caring, patient-centred service that results from nurturing the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic, the profession in Canada has found several practical, safe and effective ways to reach out to those who require care that only a well-trained, dedicated DC can give.
Bien à vous,
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