Hello everyone,
My name is Adam Alexander. I am a chiropractic student in Georgia attending Life University and am about to enter my 3rd year. If I may I would like to take a moment to try and give anyone who may be interested some insight into the chiropractic profession and the education of D.C.'s
Education: It is true that the requirements for acceptance into chiropractic school are not as stringent as those for medical and perhaps osteopathic school.(I know little about D.O. school, sorry) There is not a equivalent test to the MCAT that is required and there is not a requirement for the GRE either. The minimum GPA must be 2.5 and the required courses are the same basic science courses that are required for medical school.
For those on the quarter system, like Life University, the program is 14 consecutive quarters with clinical internships beginning the 7th quarter in a "student" clinic. Prior to licensure there is a 4 part national board that must be passed that is usually taken during the 14 quarters. (for more info
www.nbce.org) In addition, some states require state boards as well. The downfall in my perspective is two-fold. The first one is one that was previously stated, we spend a lot of time in class and in labs and not with sick people. (That is why I am here at this web site looking into medical school to continue my training.) At my school we have a good amount of clinical exposure to "typical" musculoskeletal problems and those looking for wellness care but very little clinical exposure to pathological manifestations. Some chiropractic schools like Texas Chiropractic College and National University of Health Sciences have incorporated an impressive and extensive rotation program with local medical schools and hospital systems, but Life has yet to do that. The second down fall are those in this profession that are so afraid of loosing the distinctness of chiropractic that they shy away from and often attack any thing that may increase the "medical" training a chiropractor can receive.
Scope of Practice: In most states D.C.'s are not authorized to prescribe drugs, legend or not. The bottom line reason is that is something most in the chiropractic profession feel makes us different than an M.D. or D.O. The training we receive is from a different perspective and that is a good thing. Health is multidimensional and we need thinkers from every perspective. However, there are some states that under certain conditions, like medically under-served areas, that allow a D.C. to take continuing education courses in pharmacology to allow them to write for meds. Good or Bad? Depends on the physician. That is another point. Are D.C.'s physicians? That all depends on whom you talk to and what state you are in. There is a common opinion in which I share, that feel chiropractor's are a type of physician, such as allopathic, osteopathic, naturopathic and chiropractic. The word physician represents the level of our (allopathic, osetopathic, chiropractic and naturopathic) education and our occupation. But some feel that the word physician has to imply the use of drugs. In Florida it is a state law that a D.C. uses the title of chiropractic physician and they are working on laws authorizing the prescription of non-legend drugs. By the way in California a D.C. has to take additional continuing education classes in gynecological/proctological exams. In Oregon, D.C.'s can deliver babies and perform minor surgery.
There are a number of D.C.'s that do not represent our profession very well and are satisfied with low-back pain, which I guess is ok due to the millions of people in this country that are afflicted with that, but there are others like myself that are looking for something more. My concern is for my patient's health, not just pain but also their entire well being. Chiropractic can and has done miraculous things for people and sometimes instantly, but that is not every case. The bottom line is that as far reaching as the nervous system goes, along with it's integration into the immune and endocrine systems, is where chiropractic has the potential to make positive changes in the physical body of the patient. Chiropractic is NOT the cure all, but IF there is a neurological component to the problem there is potential. What about the research? I agree, I am very supportive on clinical research supporting such "claims". All I can say is that the research is coming, it is coming from the chiropractic profession, from neurology, and from the medical professionals interested in "manual or physical medicine". The National Institutes of Health is co funding a research center in Davenport, IA at the Palmer College to research chiropractic care. Chiropractic doesn't have the luxury of literally billions of dollars of funding for research like medicine does. The chiropractic profession also has only been around for a little more than 100 years and has not until fairly recently been accepted into mainstream health care. This has been frustrating for everyone involved, skeptics and supporters. I would remember two things if referring to a D.C. 1) Not all D.C.'s are the same, get to know some D.C's where you practice, spend some time with them in their practice and ask questions. There are some "real jokers" out there but you can find that in any profession. Once you are comfortable discuss the patient history with the D.C. and ask about their experiences with other patients that might have had similar signs/symptoms or conditions. 2) Feel comfortable knowing that chiropractic is extremely non-invasive and even if chiropractic care does not resolve the persons specific problem, the chances of improvement in other aspects of their health is very high. Don't forget, that D.C.'s have to have someone to refer their patients to as well when health problems go beyond their scope of practice. A D.C. can be a great referal source.
If you have any questions I would be glad to answer them if I haven't here, just email me.
Adam Alexander
[email protected]
