I cannot imagine the chiropractic profession seperating into two professions. We (the straights) will not give up the name “chiropractic” because of prior rights and respect for the Palmer association with it. They (the medipractors) will never call themselves something else because, while they want to be something else, they want the positive P.R. of having the title “chiropractor,” even if they have to make up descriptive adjectives to make themselves feel like what they really want to be . Until there are no more straight chiropractors or those describing themselves as straight chiropractors , they will never be what they want to be. Their only conceivable plan can be, as B.J. said, to keep on “boring from within” until only the medipractor is left.
Admittedly Objective Straight is an descriptive adjective as well, but in these times we have to define what we do. Years ago our state board refused to allow the term “straight” to be used in advertising, for fear of the assumed perception for the “un-straight”. Can you imagine being asked, Dr. you are not straight so what are you? If the public knew the difference i think they could appreciate it, but who knows. As long as chiropractic is such a diverse profession it will be a necessary evil. Let us also remember we are a young profession that is still expanding. We have more growing pains in our future, but do not worry, the truth will prevail.
I believe this subject is a slippery slope. There is a certain allure to the medipractor and I believe they serve a place in sports injuries and pain syndromes. I believe that the role of the OSC’s is to practice with the highest degree of certainty and precision (a la B.J.) and the public will accept both specialties.I also believe that the public is intelligent enough to understand the difference.
You know Jim, there is a principle that I learned once, using something for a purpose that was not intended, is not as effective and tends to ruin the tool. Trying to drive a nail with a screwdriver is much less effective than a hammer and will eventually damage/destroy the screwdriver. I tend to think this relates to using chiropractic for medical purposes. It’s not as effective and it destroys (at least in the eyes of the public) what its true purpose is.
jim, well stated. medipractors are much better than physical therapists at treating pain and sports injuries. and i do believe the public can understand the difference and it would make it much easier to understand if they dropped the term “chiropractor” and took up the term “medipractor.”