Getting Involved Isn't the Solution: We Need a Paradigm Shift

Dear Editor:

I just finished Dr. Louis Sportelli's article from the Aug. 26 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic, issue 684 ["When Will We Realize We Have Nothing Left to Lose?"

I have been receiving this paper for almost three decades and the 684th issue is very similar to the 200th issue, the 400th issue and so on – same practice hawking, same kinds of editorials, and the same calls to "get involved." If we all would only "get involved," our professional problems would be over.

Actually, no; it is clearer and clearer that joining a national association, or making a contribution  to a nonprofit chiropractic entity, or paying a visit to my local legislator, won't actually solve the problems at the heart of chiropractic. Our paradigm is the problem. Podiatry, chiropractic, osteopathy, and optometry were on the same footing at the turn of the 20th century, and today, all but chiropractic are fully recognized and respected health care professions. We, on the other hand, are evolving into insignificant obscurity.

The school I attended has recently closed, and attendance to other chiropractic colleges has declined. Right or wrong, our profession has stalled. If we continue to take the position that it's them, not us, there will be no chiropractic in 20 years. The naturopaths will be happy to fill the gap we are leaving.

We don't need better PR, or more "involvement" in trying to convince the real world that we are legitimate. What we need is an evolving paradigm; legitimacy in the eyes of others. The small pockets of acceptance are not outpacing our decline.

In asking myself, "Is there something I can do to make a difference?" as Dr Sportelli requests we all do, the answer that comes to me is, become relevant to the real world. Chiropractic dogma has strangled us and, if nothing changes, it will be our end.

Donald Stillings, DC
Loma Linda, Calif.

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