Tony Bompiani, DC, decided he wanted to become a chiropractor after witnessing his father help people for years. Louis Bompiani was a massage therapist and holistic health professional who influenced many people's lives, despite being blind most of his life.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in premedical studies, Tony enrolled at the Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduated in 1976 and opened a chiropractic practice in his hometown of Youngwood, Pa., a year later.
That same desire to help others likely spurred Dr. Bompiani's involvement in public education and government. He spent 10 years on the Youngwood and Hempfield recreation boards, and served as director of the Hempfield Area School District for 12 years.
Then on May 31, 2007, Dr. Bompiani officially announced his intention to run for the state Senate seat (39th District) held by Republican Bob Regola. A year later, he garnered 66 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary election and is now in the process of refining his campaign strategy, raising funds and making contacts in preparation for the general election on Nov. 4.
Gene Veno, executive vice president of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, interviewed Dr. Bompiani recently in an effort to garner support from the state's 2,800-plus licensed DCs. When asked about health care and health care reform, Dr. Bompiani stated, "I believe that we need to be fair. And I don't think that chiropractors have been always treated fairly. ... We just want what is fair for us and what is fair for our patients. Beyond anything else, as far as our science and our art are concerned - it's concern with the patients. And that's always been first with us."
With respect to changing the current health care system, he said, "Well, I first would like to see the people in the legislature understand health care better. ... I think it's time for them to come to the realization of what type of health care is out there [and] what type of insurance our constituents are able to afford."
Veno brought up the issue of insurance retro reviews, another major issue for chiropractors and health care providers nationwide. Dr. Bompiani responded, "Well, retro reviews are a growing cancer as far as I'm concerned. ... It's just ridiculous to see that they [the insurance companies] can go back that far in the past and take money back. Every piece of legislation, every law that is made, seems to be made for the insurance industry."
Dr. Tony Bompiani is not the first chiropractor to run for a state senate seat, but as with previous candidates, he is in a position to influence legislative and public perception of chiropractic for years to come. For more information or to support his campaign, visit www.bompianiforsenate.com.
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