The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) recently announced my new role with the foundation. My actual title is Director of International Programs and Research Development (DIRPRD). The acronym is so awkward it isn't used. The designation of "International Programs" is a new area of involvement for the FCER. The genesis was a suggestion from the World Federation of Chiropractic.
It's common knowledge that many new chiropractic educational programs are sprouting up around the world. Some are well-ensconced in a very traditional university setting, and the building blocks of a well-developed educational program are all around. Some are less fortunate in their beginnings. All new chiropractic educational programs also carry some unique aspects to chiropractic education that are unfamiliar even to a traditional university setting.
The impetus for a new educational program often is driven by the desire of a single individual in the region or the local chiropractic association. Their heart is in the right place and their energy is sometimes without limits. They are to be praised for their drive and commitment. However, as well-intentioned as they might be, they often have had little to no experience in setting up or managing an educational institution.
Building a new program is akin to reinventing the wheel. Most schools post their curriculum on their Web sites. Councils on Chiropractic Education around the world post their Standards for Education, and the CCE International has model standards on its Web site that apply globally. Each of the various schools and CCEs probably would respond to any request for help in establishing a new program. However, their focus is on their own programs and they have limited ability to work with an individual program that might arise.
No doubt there are well-qualified people located around the world who would have the time and interest to assist new programs. There is no single directory of contact information to help find these people. Nor is there any set standard for consulting fees and related costs, so buyer beware.
As the FCER moves into a more global position in research, it is only natural we should offer our expertise in the educational arena as well. We do not wish to set ourselves up as competition for any other educational program or accreditation agency. Rather, we hope to work closely with such organizations to assure new programs achieve and maintain the standards equal to those set by the respective CCEs.
In my new role, I am available to work with new or existing programs throughout the world. I bring expertise and experience from more than 20 years in chiropractic education, research and administration. I have served on the CCE-U.S. Board and the CCEI Board for many years and have dealt with regional accreditation issues as well. I have worked in legislative efforts and military and VA programs, and come with a broad background of experience in developing chiropractic educational programs.
It's on the basis of this experience and training that the FCER now wishes to extend its services to assist educational institutions in the development of strategic plans, organizational development, curriculum design, faculty development, student learning effectiveness, research development and accreditation issues. All consulting arrangements will be made through FCER and costs will remain as reasonable as possible.
Much of the work can be accomplished over the Internet and through e-mail communication. Travel will be kept to a minimum and used only when required. Coordination of all activities and the implementation of new programs will be reviewed with the appropriate CCEs for the region or with CCEI if no CCE is locally available. Coordination also will be made with local regulatory bodies to assure graduates will be eligible for licensure upon graduation.
This is a new thrust for FCER and the program still is formulating, but it's well enough established to make the rest of the world aware of our global interests. FCER intends to become the repository of all chiropractic-related information on an international basis. We include in this strategic goal educational information as well as research.
You may contact FCER through my e-mail at
or go directly to the FCER Web site at www.fcer.org and use the contact information provided.
Click here for previous articles by Reed Phillips, DC, PhD.