"What do Drs. Joe and Jane Chiropractor think?"
"How important are some of these issues to you and your practice?"
"How interested are you in what is or isn't accomplished by the various national associations?"
Looking at the membership numbers, one can only assume that most DCs think locally, rather than nationally. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) still have somewhere above 9,000 general members combined. The ACA leads with about 7,000 general members and over 10,000 total members (includes new members and other categories).
By comparison, the combined membership of chiropractic state associations is likely more than 40,000. Needless to say, even this falls drastically short of the 60,000-plus DCs in the U.S.
And while "all politics are local," there are many issues facing our profession that can only be addressed on a national level.
But how are we ever going to make an impact nationally, with only one of every six DCs involved on a national level with the future of chiropractic?
There is an obvious sense of priority that seems to place national issues and organizations too far down the list for most DCs. Having talked with many doctors, a number of reasons seem to account for this attitude:
- Disdain for the lack of national unity
- Can't afford the dues
- Too much politics and too many issues
- Doesn't seem to affect me or my practice
- My voice doesn't seem to matter
We are over 60,000 strong. And while we may have our differences, there must be some way we can come together when challenged on a national level.
Please don't misunderstand. I am not talking about merging associations, joint leadership conferences or any other "top-level" effort. My interest is grassroots, rank-and-file- inclusive of every DC, regardless of membership or position held.
This is where the real power is. This is where we are an army of 60,000, serving an estimated 10-12 million patients.
What can we do to be more inclusive and get more DCs involved?
What would it take to get you involved nationally?
Do you believe you have a voice? And if so, how?
Would it ever be possible to hold a meeting of all DCs and have 6,000 (only 10 percent of the profession) or even 12,000 (still only 20 percent) attend? (This does happen in other health care professions.)
It is important that the opinions held by every member of our profession be heard. As we begin the new year, let's think for a moment about what could be, and if there might be some new ways of doing things.
Please e-mail your comments to me at
. It will be my honor and pleasure to share your thoughts with the profession and our national leaders.
What you have to say is important and needs to be heard. Sharing our thoughts is the only way we can better understand one another and grow as a profession.
Thank you in advance for being involved.
Donald M. Petersen Jr.,BS,HCD(hc),FICC(h)
Editor/Publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic
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