Hey Rob, I understand your concern. For the most part I really do not see a whole lot of the profession trying to treat things such as cancer. We do not learn anything in school about removing subluxations to cure cancer and that even goes for the quack schools.
I have an issue cause I have had people close to me that are in DC school and knew many DC's that they shadowed that they believe that they can cure things such as allergies, colds, and treat patients just as well as a PCP which...personally scares me. Thank god there are other DCs that know what they do and their scope of practice. In fact I have at least one in my medical school class that are really nice and willing to converse about it.
Again, I understand your concern. Diehard DC's would never say that they can "cure" anything. They would say the body is the only thing that can do that and all they do is influence it to do what needs to be done. The problem is there is no research to really show that manipulation of the spine that has chiropractic subluxations (nerve interference) can really cure a cold or allergies or really anything else. I have had colds and the only thing that manipulation did for me was make my aching joints feel better. Allergies are weird. I have had patients who have had allergies and they completely go away with manipulative therapy. I also have had patients where it did nothing. Personally, I do not market my practice as someone who "cures" allergies. The patients who come to me are not being treated for allergies but rather other complaints and happen to mention that their allergies have dissipated or they have noticed they're less often. For those it helps, it's a good side effect. It just doesn't help everyone. But you are right; there are DC's out there that attempt to treat just about anything.
I for one think much of the medical profession doesn't give chiropractic credit for the education we endure. Chiropractic school is no picnic and is very demanding. Respect is one thing that doesn't come easy from the medical profession. In fact, most of you bash each other more than you do chiropractors. Hell, the orthopedist in my office was always bitching about how neurologists suck at spinal surgery and bitched about how the ER doctors had no clue as to properly set a fracture.
Chiropractors do not have the tools to function as PCP's. If someone came to me with an infection, there's not much I can do other than refer them to the proper doctor. Portal entry or primary care practitioner is fine by me. You guys can have the responsibility of a heart attack in your office.
So we are granted the "physician" title. Who cares? Just remember that a "chiropractic physician' is not the same as a "medical physician" which is not the same as an "osteopathic physician". Each is unique.
the beauty is... the PCP missed the Dx.. and my dad (the DC) picked it up in an X-ray... he suspected something besides an injured lower back and took an x-ray instead of adjusting the area.
I too have caught a few of these. Just like your Dad, we are trained to spot these as they can be a source of back pain. Of course your Father probably didn't receive the credit he deserves.
Did you notice that among other differences, chiropractors do not complete internship or residency training? Perhaps you should learn more about the profession before you start trying to make gross comparisons between chiropractors and phsyicians.
The above-referenced chart called them "health care practitioners," not physicians. The term "practitioner" or "provider" is essentially appropriate. These terms are also used in reference to NPs and PAs, whose medical service I would personal seek out before that of a DC.
If you feel comfortable being treated by a chiropractor for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, acute appendicitis, etc., please be my guest!
All this being said, I don't hate DCs. I'm sure there are good ones who treat certain musculoskeletal disorders quite well. They're just not physicians.
Chiropractors do have an internship but not the same as a medical internship. You are right that we do not have a residency (other than radiology) and that is not the same as a medical radiology residency.
Chiropractors do not treat "cancer, heart disease, diabetes, acute appendicitis" what study did you read that from? Chiropractors are not medical physicians, that is true.
Why I would trust a NP/PA over DC? If I have a medical problem and want it resolved. I will not seek a chiropractor for a medical problem.
Why I would pick a DC over NP/PA? If I have a MSK problem and need chiropractic treatment.
Should NP/PA refer to DC (or DO doing OMT) for MSK if organic pathology has been ruled out? yes.
Should DC refer to MD/DO/NP/PA if something raises a red flag? Hopefully yes.
Last time I checked, most chiropractic schools don't require their students to do extensive clerkships in hospitals to see the type of pathologies out there (and how they are presented). Learning from the book is fine, but remember - diseases don't read textbooks.
If chiropractors want to be referred to as physicians and be able to detect diseases (COPD, AAA, cancer, etc. as you mentioned), go ahead. Just be prepared to see increase litigations as they miss a diagnosis (or delay diagnosis) - and as a result, higher malpractice premiums for the profession as a whole.
In regards to all holders of "doctorates" being referred to as physicians - I disagree. While I believe that holders of doctorates (whether that is MD, PhD, DO, PharmD, DC, PsyD, etc) should be called doctors (with the exception of JD and honorary degrees), calling holders of "doctorates" physicians is quite wrong. Should I refer to someone w/ a PharmD as a pharmaceutical physician? Someone w/ a PsyD as a psychological physician (not to be confused w/ psychiatry)? What about JD - Judicial physician? Or someone with a DNS or PhD in nursing - Nursing physician? DEd. - educational physician? DDiv - divine physician?
I agree with much of what you said. Personally, I do not need a NP/PA to rule out organic pathology before I see a patient. I trust my own clinical diagnostic skills and training. Maybe you should send your patients to me to rule out spinal disorders before they see you. Doesn't it seem logical since my training in spinal disease exceeds yours?
As a chiropractor I am very capable of detecting "COPD, AAA, cancer, etc" and have on more than one occasion. I don't go out of my way to attract these patients but they will on occasion make it into my office. I do what any family doctor would do and then refer them to the proper specialist.
