But those problems may soon become a thing of the past. A new form of postgraduate education for doctors of chiropractic is making itself available in the form of computer programs and distance learning courses taught over the internet.
Three chiropractic colleges in North America (Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Palmer College of Chiropractic and the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic) have taken the first step and are now offering continuing education on line for chiropractors. These programs increase a doctor of chiropractic's level of education and give them the skills necessary to advance their professional standing, all in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
CMCC's online educational course is called "Virtual Viewboxes." It's a self-directed distance learning program for chiropractors developed by Dr. AndrÐ Cardin, chairman of the colleges radiology department. Its content was designed to assist practitioners who wish to enhance their diagnostic skills from the comfort of the home or office.
The first version of Virtual Viewboxes was released in January 1998 and is available in two formats. Users can purchase a CD-ROM version that runs on Windows 3.1, 95 and 98, or they can visit CMCC's web site (www.cmcc.ca) and access the program via a password issued by the school's division of continuing education.
Virtual Viewboxes addresses the theme of normal variants and other anomalies. The program consists of six lessons in these subjects:
• pediatric variants;
• spinal biomechanics and scolioses;
• spondylolisthesis and variants of the cervical spine;
• anomalies of the spinal canal and variants of the lumbar spine;
• variants of the pelvis, extremities and soft tissues; and
• visual workshop.
Each lesson is accompanied by a short quiz, which is presented in a multiple choice or visual format. Users send their answers to CMCC by regular mail or e-mail. Upon verification, the college will mail a certificate of completion to the doctor. One hour of credit equivalence is given for each lesson and answered quiz, up to a total of six hours of continuing education.
"One of the key benefits of Virtual Viewboxes resides in its global accessibility," said Dr. Cardin. "This computer-based course allows chiropractors to teach themselves anytime, anywhere via a visually rich interactive medium. These built-in interactions allow the user to click on radiographic landmarks, fill in the blanks, or choose a multiple-choice descriptor before getting an appropriate response."
Virtual Viewboxes is approved by all Canadian provinces that require continuing education credit hours for doctors of chiropractic. The program has already been approved in the U.S. in Delaware, Maryland and Rhode Island and is awaiting approval from other states across the country.
While the original version of Virtual Viewboxes continues making inroads, CMCC is expected to release Virtual Viewboxes 2.0 in September. Version 2.0 will be a 12-hour continuing education program focusing on an introduction to bone pathology, including:
• reading films;
• lytic lesions of extremities;
• diffuse osteopena;
• lytic lesions of the spine;
• aggressive lesions; and
• congenital disorders.
"So far, comments received from chiropractors demonstrates a compelling learning experience and increased retention acquired through the use of Virtual Viewboxes," added Dr. Cardin. "The future of Virtual Viewboxes is likely to entail a new dimension, taking into consideration the clinical aspects of chiropractic practice. We are hopeful that this new type of learning system will find its niche within the realm of chiropractic education."
Palmer On Line
Riding on the heels of the success of Virtual Viewboxes, other chiropractic colleges have begun looking at continuing education. On July 15th, the Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement made its entry into the world of distance learning, offering the 12-hour course "Record Keeping and Risk Management for the Chiropractic Office" on its website (www.palmerinstitute.org).
The course began July 15 and the participants have until September 30th to complete it.The program also features online chat rooms and discussion forums which lets students communicate with each other and share ideas.
"We have applied to various states for continuing education credits," said Steven Savoie,DC, the developer and instructor for the course. He suggested that doctors check for final approval from their states, but that any state that accepts self-learning should automatically approve this course. "If you're interested in your state approving online continuing education, call us and we'll work with you," offered Dr. Savoie.
"The advantages of internet-based continuing education are many and obvious," noted Juan Nodarse, executive director of the institute. "Chiropractors now will not have to take time away from their families or their offices to fulfill their lifelong learning needs."
The Palmer Institute plans to add other courses to its online catalog. In October, "Essentials for a Chiropractic Assistant" and two courses on chiropractic philosophy will be offered. Details of each course are forthcoming.
Bridgeport On Line
The University of Bridgeport, home to Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, is also offering continuing education courses on line. One program which may appeal to chiropractors is an MS in Human Nutrition, a 31 credit-hour program accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges that includes a thesis. Courses are taught on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. one weekend per month.
The courses in the degree program can be accomplished in one weekend per month for 18 months, although, DCs may be able to waive certain prerequisite courses. DC graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the diplomate in nutrition from the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition (DACBN).
The programs offered by CMCC, Palmer and the University of Bridgeport represent just the tip of the iceberg for continuing chiropractic education. In the next decade, with subsequent advances in technology, colleges may offer courses with live audio and video feeds - perhaps even interactive instruction between teacher and student.
Although continuing chiropractic education is in its infancy, it is an attractive alternative to the travel, costs and stress that can accompany traditional methods of continuing education. It is an option that many of today's busy doctors of chiropractic might want to consider in the future.
If you are interested in taking an online course, please contact one of the colleges below for more information.
Canadian Memorial College of Chiropractic
Division of Continuing Education
1900 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4G 3E6
Canada
Tel: (416) 482-2340
Fax: (416) 482-9745
www.cmcc.ca
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University of Bridgeport Nutrition Institute
30 Hazel Street
Bridgeport, CT 06601
Tel: (203) 576-4667 or (800) 470-3707
Fax: (203) 576-4672
www.bridgeport.edu/nutrition/index.html
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Palmer Institute for Professional Advancement
1000 Brady Street
Lyceum Hall
Davenport, IA 52803
Tel: (800) 452-5032
Fax: (319) 884-5796
www.palmerinstitute.org
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