The research center will promote the understanding of the role of structure, form and function in human performance through research in chiropractic biomechanics. "This gift will enable us to attract world-class scholars and begin exciting research in the field of biomechanics," said Penny Ralston, dean. "We expect to be able to fund research assistantships, equipment purchases and salary enhancements from income the endowment will produce."
The chair will strengthen the area of biomechanics within the school's exercise sciences program, which includes instruction of exercise physiology and motor control and learning.
"The creation of the endowment will not just perpetuate our name, but will do so in a manner consistent with our long held belief in the need for continuing research," said Edward L. Maurer, chairman of the Lincoln College Fund Board of Trustees.
AM Best Further Downgrades Reliance Rating
OLDWICK, New Jersey - On January 31, AM Best Co. downgraded the financial strength ratings of Reliance Insurance Co., of Pennsylvania, and its property/casualty subsidiaries from D (poor) to E (under regulatory supervision).
This action parallels the announcement that Reliance Insurance Co. was placed under regulatory supervision by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. It supersedes an agreement reached with the department in August 2000, under which Reliance was required to file periodic reports and obtain prior approval of certain financial transactions.
Reliance Group Holdings Inc., the parent company, has not resolved debt restructuring, which could ultimately cause a filing for protection under the Federal Bankruptcy Code. While banks and regulators have agreed to forbear on the filing of any insolvency for the time being, the debt, due in November 2000, has technically matured without payment, and the forbearance could change at any time.
Palmer Receives Three Significant Bequests
DAVENPORT, Iowa - Frank Sartz,DC, a 1931 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC), a successful "practice builder" and supporter of the profession for over 60 years, has willed his $3.2-million-dollar estate to his alma mater. Dr. Sartz, who passed away in 1999, had donated one million dollars to the college for scholarships in 1995.
Dr. Sartz began his practice in Knoxville, Tennessee during the Great Depression, treating children for free. "These children became extremely loyal to him for his generosity and excellent care during that time," recalls Darrell Slabaugh, Palmer's chief development officer.
Palmer alumni Dr. Rolland Lucas and his wife, Dr. Eileen Langstaff Lucas, both deceased, have bequeathed their $600,000 estate to PCC. They couple met while attending the college and graduated in 1941. The couple, which had no children, dedicated their estate to benefit the future of the profession.
Mr. Slabaugh noted: "Their dedication and commitment to Palmer College was exemplary." A portion of the gift consists of $100,000 of the estate will go to the Lucas Scholarship Fund; $500,000 will go to the school's endowment program.
Another gift, a chiropractic office building appraised at $150,000, was given to PCC by Devere Biser,DC, PCC class of 1937, and his wife, Leena. The building provided an income for the couple for several decades.
A former student of BJ and Mabel Palmer, and personal friend of their son, David, Dr. Biser was a founding member of the American Chiropractic Association, and active in the International Chiropractors Association and state professional groups in his home state of Texas.
About the profession in general, Biser had high hopes: "My opinion is that chiropractic will play a very large role in the future of health care - if we stick with subluxation theory,The chiropractic leaders of tomorrow will come from the colleges, and naturally, I lean toward Palmer. The college is under good leadership now, and I expect great things."
LACC Given Seven-Year Accreditation Renewal
WHITTIER, California -The Los Angeles College of Chiropractic (LACC), a school within the Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), has received a seven-year renewal of its accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). This is the council's optimum recognition for chiropractic colleges across the United States.
The announcement was made by SCU President Reed Phillips,DC,PhD. "When you combine this with the institution's 10-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), that agency's premium accolade, it shows our students and the community that we've been recognized for providing a high-quality program," he said.
According to Phillips, health care colleges in this country are facing the similar challenges of declining enrollments and shrinking budgets. "We've taken an aggressive, proactive approach in dealing with these issues. It's obvious that the CCE has confidence that SCU and LACC can achieve the goals we've established for continued success," he added.
LACC was founded in 1911. Last year, the institution transitioned to a university status with the development of SCU. In addition to LACC, the university created a College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, which initiated classes this January.
Washington DC Speaks at Harvard Med School
Kelli Pearson-Weary,DC,DABCO, FICC, of Spokane, Washington, spoke at the Harvard University Medical School Conference on Complementary and Integrative Medicine, held February 11-14 in Boston, Massachusetts. Her presentation focused on clinical aspects of chiropractic care.
The conference was designed to give physicians a better understanding of chiropractic care and other frequently overlooked alternatives, and to prepare health care providers with concepts and theory behind complementary and alternative approaches to health care.
"I was honored to be asked to participate in the Harvard conference," said Dr. Pearson-Weary. "But what is more important is that many physicians are now reaching out to treatment methods that in the past have been overlooked. Ultimately, it is our patients who will benefit most from this approach."
Dr. Pearson-Weary is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles, and the Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. She is a member of the postgraduate faculty for Los Angeles Chiropractic College.
Cleveland KC Honored
KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Cleveland Chiropractic College, Kansas City (CCCKC) has been recognized by the south Kansas City Chamber of Commerce with an Anchor award, a prestigious honor given to those businesses and organizations that have a successful longevity in the community, provide jobs for the area ,and have demonstrated care and concern for the integrity of the south Kansas City community.
"The Cleveland family has always been, and is still deeply committed to the daily operations of their institution and the well-being of the surrounding community," said Barbara Engel, executive director of the South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. "We are very grateful to have such a solid "anchor" in our midst," she added.
"The college is proud of its long-time commitment to Kansas City; specifically with the continued improvement and beautification of the campus that extends south of 6P Street," said Dr. Carl S. Cleveland Ill. "It is also especially exciting to receive this award in conjunction with the South Kansas City Chamber's 70th birthday."
CCCKC was founded in 1922 by Dr. C.S. Cleveland Sr., Dr. Ruth Rose Ashworth Cleveland, and Dr. Perl Griffen. CCCKC and its sister college, CCCLA, are led by Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, a fourth-generation DC and grandson of the college founders.
Para Tech Pleads Guilty of Fraud Conspiracy
DCs Who Purchased CTD-Mark I May be Entitled to Restitution
DAYTON, Ohio - On December 21, 2000, Para Tech Industries, Inc., and Therasys, Inc., pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its authority to regulate the distribution of medical devices. At issue was the companies' distribution of an unapproved medical device (CTD-Mark I), which the companies marketed as a treatment device for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). At the plea hearing, the companies admitted that from at least December 1994, the owners and officers of Para Tech and Therasys knew that the CTD-Mark I had not received clearance from the FDA, and was not approved for sale as a treatment device for CTS. The companies further admitted that between February 1995 and August 1999, their owners and officers agreed among themselves to deceive the FDA by making false statements about Para Tech's continued manufacture, sale, and shipment in interstate commerce of the CTD-Mark I devices.
On the same date, Paul Fulk, CEO of both companies, and Earnie Philpot, an officer and director for both, pled guilty to a felony charge of conspiring to obstruct a pending FDA inspection. At the hearing, Fulk and Philpot admitted that during an FDA inspection in December 1995, they attempted to conceal from the FDA investigators that Para Tech and Therasys were marketing and selling the CTD-Mark I in interstate commerce without FDA approval.
The United States Probation Office has requested that the government obtain information from individuals believed to be victims. The purpose of this request is to aid the court in identifying the victims entitled to restitution, and in determining what amount of restitution should be paid by the defendants to those victims. For further information, please visit the Department of Justice website: http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/ocl/cases/para_tech.htm. (see also: "Para Tech and Therasys indicted on 37 counts." Dynamic Chiropractic May 29, 2000, on line at www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/12/13.html.)
Chiropractor Sentenced for Illegal "Kickbacks"
On January 22, 2001, Emily M. Sweeney, U.S. attorney for the northern district of Ohio, announced that John D. Strom, DC, was sentenced to four months of home detention, and ordered to pay $62,907 to various governmental and private insurers, in restitution for kickbacks he received in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary tests. He was also ordered to reimburse the government $3,300 for the costs of hiring medical and statistical experts needed for the prosecution, and compelled to pay a $500 special assessment to the district court.
Dr. Strom's sentence followed his pleas of guilty in October to four counts of conspiring to defraud patients, and one count of mail fraud.
The defendant admitted he knew that kickbacks for patient referrals were wrong and "rental" agreements were illegal and unethical.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.