One of the learning opportunities I take advantage of is an informal study group here in the Cincinnati area. We get together approximately every six weeks. At each new meeting we have a chance to share any new information that we have recently acquired at seminars, from texts, or from journal articles. The doctors have the opportunity to instruct in their areas of expertise or to expound on recently acquired information. The meetings last several hours and center around learning, lighthearted fun, and pizza. There are so many topics that can be covered.
One of the doctors in our group is a chiropractic neurologist who has enhanced our ability to perform a thorough neurological examination. He is also certified in electrodiagnostic procedures, so our group now better understands the "when and why" of utilizing electrodiagnostic testing for our patients. At our most recent meeting he reviewed the seminar material of Dr. David Seaman's class, "Neurological and Clinical Considerations of the Subluxation Complex." We reviewed that material and particularly the effects of the chiropractic adjustment on the dorsal horn and the central integrated state.
Most of the doctors in our group have attended MPI seminars for many years. As MPI material is updated our group continues to expand our knowledge base. We spent several meetings going over the material taught by Dr. Warren Hammer in his soft tissue seminars, especially the shoulder. More recently, Dr. Hammer and Dr. Yanda's work on the subluxation myopathology was our subject. Of course, motion palpation and adjustment of the spine and extremities is a common topic that I review with the group.
The information from Drs. Art Croft and Daniel Murphy regarding the traumatic automobile injuries is interesting and practical. The pros and cons of immunizations can create lively discussion. We exchanged examination forms at a recent meeting so we could update and improve our individual examination forms.
As you can see, there are quite a few topics to go over and we have gone over many others. The material available for chiropractic study is endless. It is fun and exciting to try to be on the cutting edge of chiropractic, both intellectually and in clinical practice. If the everyday routine of running a practice has become monotonous I would recommend the formation of a chiropractic study group. Put politics aside and learn. It will keep you fresh, entertained, and enhance your clinical abilities. It will also allow the solo practitioner an opportunity to receive often much needed chiropractic care.
Oliver Wendall Holmes once said, "The mind once expanded by a new idea will never return to its original dimensions." So keep studying and keep helping patients.
Mark King, DC
Cincinatti, Ohio
Dr. Mark King graduated from Life Chiropractic College in 1986. He is a clinician at Mt. Lookout Chiropractic Sports & Injury Center in Cincinnati; president and lead instructor of the Motion Palpation Institute; and a coach and co-founder of Cutting Edge Chiropractic Consultants.