Alfred Traina, DC, announced his resignation as president of Northwestern Health Sciences University on Nov. 14, 2005, citing personal health issues.
"My decision to resign as Northwestern's president was an exceedingly difficult one for my family and me," Dr. Traina said. "However, I am heartened by the knowledge that our university's excellence is not the product of one person, but the collective outcome of the passion and energy of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the institution. It is that 'community of caring' that makes this such a special place and that will continue to build this institution into the nation's university of choice in natural health care education."
Dr. Traina graduated from National College of Chiropractic in 1963 and established a successful practice in Michigan shortly thereafter. From 1983 to 1989, he was a faculty member at Northwestern, serving as chair of the clinical sciences department and the clinical sciences orthopedic residency program. He then relocated to California and served in similar positions at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic before returning to Northwestern.
As NHSU's fourth president, Dr. Traina compiled an impressive list of accomplishments. While leading Northwestern, he created and implemented a five-year strategic plan, expanded fundraising efforts, developed plans for a building expansion/renovation (project expected to begin in 2006), and reorganized the clinic system, which records more than 60,000 patient visits a year.
Mark Zeigler, DC, chair of the university's board of trustees, will direct the search for a replacement. "We are saddened to see Dr. Traina leave NHSU," Dr. Zeigler said. "Under his tenure as our university president, he has done an excellent job of advancing the mission and vision of the institution. We will soon be conducting a national search to replace Dr. Traina."
ACA Recognizes Orthopedic Diplomate Status
Following a Sept. 23, 2005 vote by its House of Delegates, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will officially recognize the Diplomate of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DACO). Diplomate status is awarded to doctors of chiropractic who pass a rigorous orthopedic examination, which was first offered in 2004. The exam will now be offered annually, with the next testing date on March 25, 2006, on the campus of Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.
For information on future testing dates and review courses, exam eligibility and other application information, contact the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedics' administrative office at (515) 981-9654.
CCA Loses Suit to American Specialty Health, Vows to Continue Pursuing Claims
On Oct. 20, 2005, San Diego Superior Court Judge William R. Nevitt granted judgment on all claims filed by the California Chiropractic Association against American Specialty Health Plans of California, Inc., and its affiliate, American Specialty Health Networks. The judgment put to rest a lengthy legal battle between the organizations, originating with a complaint filed by the CCA in 2001, which included 18 causes of action and contended that virtually every feature of American Specialty Health's managed care practices were unfair, unlawful and fraudulent.
In a prior ruling, the court had noted that the CCA failed to produce any evidence showing that American Specialty Health's utilization management practices were "contrary to generally accepted professional/medical standards" or "arbitrary." With respect to chiropractor reimbursement, the court determined that there was no reason it should interfere with either company's provider reimbursement schedules, based on the finding that ASHP's chiropractor reimbursement rates were "reasonable in relation to industry practices." The court also held that CCA had failed to present evidence that ASHP or ASHN had terminated any chiropractors without cause in the past seven years, skewering the CCA's claim that the companies' termination practices were unfair, unlawful or fraudulent.
In a statement following the judgment, the CCA vowed to continue its legal battle with American Specialty Health "for as long as it takes."
"Although Judge Nevitt's decision means that CCA cannot proceed with a class litigation against ASHP, CCA has reserved its right to appeal any and all of the claims that have previously been dismissed by Judge Nevitt and, as such, dismissal of those claims is not final," the CCA stated in an Oct. 31 press release. "CCA knew when we launched this action in 2001, it would be a long process. We are prepared to continue this cause for as long as it takes on behalf of the public seeking chiropractic care and doctors of chiropractic."
New York Chiropractic Council Elects New President
Dr. Peter H. Morgan, from Mamaroneck, N.Y., was elected president of the New York Chiropractic Council at the NYCC's annual convention in November 2005. Dr. Morgan also was honored with the Peter J. Mirto Award for his legislative initiatives, becoming only the fourth chiropractor in council history to receive this honor.
Dr. Morgan has been an active member of the council since 1989, serving in a variety of positions, including district director, executive board member and vice president. He also has been a member of the NYCC Legislative Committee, and in 2001 was named NYCC's "Chiropractor of the Year." In addition, he has served as treasurer of the New York Chiropractic Political Action Fund, and currently sits on the board of the New York Chiropractic Legislative Task Force.
"The New York Chiropractic Council is one of the finest chiropractic organizations in the chiropractic profession," Dr. Morgan said. "I am honored to be chosen to help lead this great organization."
DC Publishes Study in American Journal of Public Health
Eric Hurwitz, DC, PhD, is the principal author of "Effects of Recreational Physical Activity and Back Exercises on Low Back Pain and Psychological Distress: Findings from the UCLA Low Back Pain Study," which was published in the October 2005 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The study is the second co-authored by Dr. Hurwitz to appear in the AJPH, and is one of only a handful of papers published in the journal by chiropractic authors.
The study's objective was to estimate the effects of recreational physical activity and back exercises on low back pain, related disability and psychological distress among patients randomized to chiropractic or medical care in a managed care setting. The study found that recreational activities were inversely associated with low back pain and disability, while back exercises showed a positive association.
Dr. Hurwitz is a member of the Department of Epidemiology at University of California, Los Angeles School of Public Health, and a faculty member at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. He also is the section councilor for the Chiropractic Health Care Section of the American Public Health Association.
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