The chiropractic profession will be represented at the symposium by Texas Back Institute researcher John Triano, MA, DC, who will open ceremonies and lecture; Thomas Bergman, DC, editor of the Journal of Chiropractic Technique; and Mr. David Chapman-Smith Esq., secretary-general of the World Federation of Chiropractic and editor of the Chiropractic Report. Roundtable sessions are scheduled specifically to define and discuss chiropractic philosophy and fundamentals. The symposium will conclude with a multidisciplinary forum discussion on low back pain. Palmer College is the U.S. accrediting body.
There is great potential and expectations for chiropractic in this largest of South American countries (pop 150 million). Natural treatment methods are very popular in Brazil and are broadly permitted by law. Homeopathy is widespread and growing, as are herbalism, and the Asian healing arts. Amazingly, there are only four DCs practicing in Brazil (talk about potential). The Brazilian Chiropractic Association was formed and registered in the early 1990s. Their diligence has already resulted in chiropractic's inclusion in the 1995 Brazilian federal registry of professions and occupations, a document published only once every decade.
One bright spot for chiropractic in Brazil is Carlos Andrade, MD, the chairman of the neurology department in the Bahian School of Medicine (one of the sponsors of the symposium). Because of the curious medical infrastructure in Brazil, his position is for life. Dr. Andrade has been the initiating force in the past year for negotiations with Palmer College to open a chiropractic school in Salvador, Brazil. He was also the creative force behind the pain symposium, procuring prestigious sponsors, and ensuring the program would spotlight chiropractic. Further, he has requested a special unit in the medical school's teaching hospital specifically to conduct a joint chiropractic-medical comparative case management pilot research study. Sira Borges, MD, DC, president of the Brazilian Chiropractic Assoc., indicates that there will be a meeting with Dr. Andrade to discuss the objectives and means to carry out the research project. "We have competent, dedicated chiropractor here willing to undertake this project, but the harsh reality is we need financial help," Dr. Borges explained.
The Brazilian government underwent a fundamental change in leadership during the Nov. 1994 elections. Brazil is now considered more open and favorable towards new ideas and change. For example, Senator A.C. Magaloes, MD, a satisfied chiropractic patient of Palmer graduate Conrad Spainhower in Salvador, has expressed a sincere willingness to promote chiropractic at the federal level. Senator Magaloes is a powerful veteran politician.
In light of these factors, the members of the Brazilian Chiropractic Assoc. feel strongly that chiropractic in Brazil has reached an important crossroads with the May pain symposium; that a genuine, timely opportunity exists to introduce chiropractic at the peer level in a professional manner to an influential gathering of the Brazilian scientific-medical community.
The symposium turnout should be large, and it's hoped that doctors and students abroad will consider attending. "The possibilities and benefits for patients here and chiropractic worldwide are limited only by our imagination," Dr. Borges asserted.
Anyone interested in further information about the First International Symposium on Pain should contact:
Dr. Brent McNabb
ICBCA
(International Colleagues of the Brazilian Chiropractic Assoc.) 2205 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 (608) 244-0044
The Brazilian Chiropractic Association is requesting any information or ideas regarding funding for the pilot research study at the Bahia Medical School. Please contact:
Brazilian Chiropractic Association
c/o Dr. Sira Borges
Av. A.C.M. 1510
Malhado, Ilheus, Bahia 45660-0000
BRAZIL
Telephone/fax: (from U.S.) 011-55-73-231-5928
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