Once you became a licensed DC, there are a number of commitments that are important to your continued growth, and that of the profession.
Your education didn't end when you graduated from chiropractic college; to assume otherwise is folly. Each patient is an opportunity to demonstrate the value of chiropractic care. Your patients challenge your abilities and inspire you to become a better DC.
This profession grows with each new graduating class, is refined by each piece of research, and is safeguarded by the actions of the state and national associations. These elements have brought us this far and will carry chiropractic to the "other 90%" that still don't utilize our care.
If you aren't a member of a national association, you have short changed yourself and endangered your practice. The American Chiropractic Association and the International Chiropractors Association have worked diligently to uphold your practice rights in the face of impending national health care. If you aren't a member, join. If you can't afford the dues, change your priorities.
The ICA (tele: 703-528-5000) and the ACA (tele: 703-276-8800) aren't perfect, but they're your only avenues to affecting your future as it relates to national health care. At the very least, get involved in their efforts to communicate the chiropractic message with Congress and the Senate.
Your state association is the same issue. Yes, there are politics that you may find unpleasant, but who else is going to protect your practice rights in your state? You can bet the MDs and the PTs won't be looking out for your welfare.
What about your college? If you are a practicing chiropractor, you have your college to thank for your education. If you feel that they could have done a better job, send them a donation with your comments. The future of the chiropractic profession is in those who will follow after you.
Finally, there is research. Chiropractic research, once nonexistent, has become the ammunition needed to fight off many attacks. The battles of tomorrow will be won with the research you support today. Send in your fare share ($25) using the coupon or toll free phone number below. This should be the least you contribute.
When you add it all up, being a DC will probably cost you between $1,000 - $2,000 per year:
| National Association | as much as | $600 |
| State Association | as much as | $700 |
| Political Action | at least | $200 |
| Chiropractic College | at least | $200 |
| Chiropractic Research | at least | $100 |
- - - - | - - - - | |
approx. | $1,800 | |
or as much as $2,000 per year. | ||
$2,000 a year!!!!!
You've got to be kidding!!!!
No, not when you consider the alternatives.
The amount of competition between health care professions is at its fiercest. Without viable research and associations to deliver the message, chiropractic could be relegated to the "back seat" of health care.
Giving back to chiropractic is just like anything else you currently do. At first it seems difficult, but once you get in the habit, you hardly notice.
Make the commitment to become a "full time" member of the profession you've given your life to. Give back to your future by supporting research today. Send $25 or more to:
MPI Research Challenge
Send Your Fair Share
P.O. Bow 6070 Huntington Beach, CA 92705
Or call 1-800-359-2289 to contribute by Visa or MasterCard. All proceeds will be sent to the Consortium for Chiropractic Research. Names of all those donating $25 or more will be acknowledged in Dynamic Chiropractic.
DMP Jr., BS, HCD(hc)
Click here for more information about Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher.