We must determine the benefits of chiropractic care for all patients, not just those with musculoskeletal pain. Our colleges should reflect the core values of our profession, and should become meccas of clinical and academic excellence. Basic science faculty needs to effectively integrate chiropractic concepts and values into their teaching. There must be a concerted effort to improve the clinic experience, with exposure to a wide variety of real-world cases. Finally, chiropractic education should be a nurturing experience, which places profound value on the dignity of each student, and fosters spiritual and academic growth.
Patients wield tremendous political clout.
An effective patient organization would also contribute tremendously to our culture. Chiropractors should develop alliances with individuals and organizations committed to health freedom issues, and establish strategic alliances with them for joint legislative action. I believe it has great potential to reach the disenfranchised majority of the field, and provide them with a way to be heard. To this end, I would suggest that the OVCA be independent, and not associated with any other organization or publication. A website could be constructed where each DC would have a password.