ICA, FSCO to join WCA for Summit legislative day

In 2004, for the first time in history, three major chiropractic organizations ‑‑ the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA), International Chiropractors Association (ICA), and Federation of Straight Chiropractors and Organizations (FSCO) ‑‑ will gather together for a demonstration of chiropractic unity and influence.

The historic assembly will take place on Thursday, April 29, 2004, as the kick‑off event of the World Chiropractic Alliance International Summit 2004. Members from all three organizations will take part in a one‑hour political "pep rally" before meeting with Senators and Representatives either singly or in state‑wide contingents. All subluxation‑centered doctors are invited to join them for the rally, to be held at the J.W. Marriot Garden Terrace Room on Pennsylvania Avenue.

In preparation for the Joint Legislative rally, the WCA will provide doctors with detailed information on how to secure appointments and prepare for meeting with members of Congress.

Jim Albertine, the WCA lobbyist, will provide valuable last-minute updates on chiropractic issues and tips on how to influence lawmakers to support chiropractic bills. WCA member and New York chiropractic leader Brian Stenzler, D.C., will distribute WCA information packets that can be given to legislators.

Thom Gelardi, D.C., will be on hand at the pep rally to give the doctors a rousing and inspirational send off and speak to them about the importance of building personal relationships with legislators. Dr. Gelardi, one of the most respected elder statesmen of the profession, is a long‑time political activist with extensive experience lobbying for chiropractic bills in Congress.

Gelardi will also be the guest of honor at a special candle-lighting ceremony during the Summit. Gelardi founded Sherman College in 1973 and led the college for nearly three decades. He served as its first president until 1996 and served on the Board of Trustees from 1997‑2002.

"As founder and first president of Sherman College, there are few that have contributed more to promoting the chiropractic profession than Dr. Thom Gelardi," said current Sherman President Jerry L. Hardee, Ed.D. "From the day that I first met Dr. Gelardi in 1983, I have been greatly impressed with his honesty, integrity and passion for the chiropractic profession. He has been a personal mentor and friend as I have made the transition from general education to chiropractic education administration. I know that his continued participation in chiropractic will add greatly to the profession."

Among the many accomplishments during his tenure as president, Gelardi brought the college to full accreditation with the Council on Chiropractic Education, acceptance in almost all states and began a trend of rapidly rising enrollment. A sculpture created in his honor was unveiled earlier this year as part of the college's 30th annual homecoming and continuing education event, Lyceum.

"Thom was, and continues to be, a friend." said Terry A. Rondberg, D.C., WCA President. "He taught me a great deal about the true meaning of chiropractic, as well as how to be effective when working with the government. Most of all, he showed me the importance of dedication and perseverance, even in the face of incredible odds and opposition."

The WCA urges all of Gelardi's friends and supporters to join in the special tribute, adding their name to a huge "Certificate of Achievement" to be presented to him during the ceremony. It is hoped that hundreds of doctors will sign the certificate. The WCA will also provide an opportunity for doctors to register their personal tributes for one of the strongest and most enduring icons of traditional chiropractic.

Four separate modules

The 2004 Summit will break new ground on Friday, April 30, as well. It will present four separate informational programs, or "modules" simultaneously. During registration, doctors will specify which of the four programs they will attend. No additional charge, beyond Summit registration, will be made for any of the programs.

The first program will be the WCA segment, hosted by Dr. Rondberg. The full‑day program will feature 15 speakers, covering everything from philosophy to research and clinical practice to public relations. Among the speakers scheduled are Jeff Shay, D.C., who will discuss Medicare issues; Madeline Behrendt, D.C., on research into chiropractic adjustments for infertility; Leona Fischer, D.C., a member of the Veterans Affairs Chiropractic Advisory Committee, on chiropractic for the U.S. Armed Forces veterans; Jay Zimmerman, D.C., with chiropractic news from Ireland and Europe; and Timothy Feuling, on how to 'bullet proof' your practice against malpractice lawsuits.

Also slated to appear are Drs. Jack Masche, Spence Jahner, Leslie Bedell, Stephanie Grenier, Don Harte, Sal Martingano, Dave Fletcher, Liz Anderson‑Peacock, Jamie Whitlock, Veronica Gutierrez and Brian Stenzler.

The second module is the 2X+1 Chiropractic Mastermind Program, presented by Tony Palermo, D.C. In this informative and interactive session on achieving "Stress-Free Chiropractic Success," Dr. Palermo and several of the senior members of the 2X+1 Chiropractic Mastermind coaching community will share:

** The simple "Three Letter Strategy" designed to increase the D.C.'s effectiveness while decreasing hours.

** How doctors just are doubling, tripling -- even quadrupling -- their income while taking more time off.

** The "Six Paradoxes of Success" -- a detailed discussion offering insights and distinctions to increase the chiropractor's service, volume and lifestyle.

** Specific strategies Dr. Palermo utilizes in his 100% cash, 100% referral, members-only practice.

The third module will be the Addictionology Program, presented by Jay Holder, D.C., developer of the Torque Release technique and president/co‑founder of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders. Dr. Holder will discuss the latest findings that prove chiropractic to be a valuable tool in treating addictions as well as upper cervical adjusting techniques.

The fourth module, the Family Practice Program, will be hosted by Eric Plasker, D.C., founder of The Family Practice, a coaching and training organization that gives chiropractors the tools, training, support and systems they need to build their dream family practice. During this special segment, Dr. Plasker will present valuable instructions on "Mastering the Family Practice New Patient System."

On Saturday, May 1, participants in all four programs will combine for a full day of special speakers and information. Top subluxation‑centered presenters will offer tips on building successful practices, important research updates, and enough inspiration and motivation to keep everyone going strong until the next Summit! 

On tap will be some of the most popular speakers in the profession ‑‑ all gathered to celebrate the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic. Scheduled are Drs. Jay Holder, Eric Plasker, Tony Palermo, Christopher Kent, David Jackson, Matthew McCoy and Patrick Gentempo. Dr. Terry Rondberg will close the Summit with a special address.

The registration fee for the 2004 WCA International Summit is $285, which includes one practicing D.C. and an unlimited number of non‑D.C. guests (family, staff, etc.). The WCA will apply for continuing education credit and will post the states approving such credit on the Summit website. In past years, Summit presentations have been approved for 16 credits in most states. An additional fee of $50 for the processing of CE credit can be paid at the door. Doctors may register by calling the WCA at 800/347‑1011 or online at www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/summit04.