Why Should I Go to the WCA Summit in Washington , D.C. ?

Dr. Brian Stenzler

This is a question that many of my friends and colleagues throughout the Chiropractic profession have been asking me for several years.  The answer is simple.  However, I am not just going to spoon feed you the answer; you will have to read this entire article before finding it!  It is sort of like if a patient asked you, “Why should I go to a Chiropractor?”  There are many one word answers you can give, but an explanation would probably answer more questions.  I can narrow down the reasons into two categories, however; protecting/promoting Chiropractic and practice building.

The way you practice today is a direct result of the laws that a Chiropractor and/or legislator desired.  Perhaps the laws in your State are perfect for the way you practice.  Who caused that to happen?  One thing is for sure; it was not an insurance company or pharmaceutical company.  It was most likely a Chiropractor or group of Chiropractors, either individually or collectively through an organization that hired the appropriate lobbyist to pass desired legislation.  It is also very likely that the Chiropractors involved who did most of the work, probably spent most of the money! 

What if your State laws prohibit you from practicing you the way desire (or at least attempt to)?  Who is going to change that?  Not the insurance or pharmaceutical companies!  You have an incredible opportunity to make huge changes in State and National policies through your involvement.  Who knows more about Chiropractic than you?  That’s why the Summit was created.  Not only is it a great opportunity to hear terrific speakers, but the Summit is a place where Chiropractors from around the world come to make a difference. 

Right now, think about this.  Who is the Senator representing your State?  Who are your Congressmen and women?  What do they know about Chiropractic?  Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to sit down with them and educate them on the facts about Chiropractic?  What if there were some laws that you would love to see passed; or inform them of laws and policies that discriminate against Chiropractors?  

The Summit gives us the opportunity to meet with our legislators and “spill our guts”.  Last year at the Summit , the Chiropractic delegation from New York spent hours educating the Schumer and Clinton administrations (New York Senators) as well as several congressional administrations about Chiropractic and the bills that need their support.  You would not believe how receptive they were!  Aside from them hearing a very convincing lay lecture, they also heard votes.  Our legislators are very much aware of our status within our communities, and the impact we can actually have in their electoral success.  

Now think about this.  What if a Chiropractor who practices completely opposite of you decides to go to Washington , D.C. and speaks to our legislators about why asymptomatic people do not need to receive Chiropractic care?  What about other professions.  Last year when we went to NY Congressman Gary Ackerman’s office, the group right before us was composed of students from a physical therapy school.  They were there to inform our Congressman about a wonderful bill on the floor of the House that would enable physical therapists to do spinal adjustments!  Think about it folks, if we don’t step up and do our part, we may be the “sinking ship”!  It is very easy to make appointments with your legislators- they love to see their constituents visit them on Capitol Hill.  You may even build relationships with them.

On a lighter note, I wrote that going to the Summit is a great practice builder.  I was not just referring to the great line-up of speakers; I was also referring to your position within your communities, as well as free advertising.  When I came back from the Summit last April, I wrote a press release for all of the local newspapers.  I included photos with Senator Hillary Clinton, as well as topics that were covered during our talks.  The exact article that I wrote went into the 2 major newspapers in my community!  Not only was the exposure invaluable, but it was also free!  Not only did it put my practice in the spotlight, but the article defined Chiropractic, subluxation and made it very clear that Chiropractic was for every man, woman and child.  

Most Chiropractors can’t even buy this type of exposure.  You would not believe how many people throughout my community commented on the article.  You wouldn’t believe how proud we made our current patients as well.  Aside from that exposure, we have tons of photos with legislators from around the country in our office and on our website (check them out at www.gnbhchiro.com on the tab “Wall of fame”). 

So, why should you attend the Summit ?  If nothing I wrote above made you feel any sense of urgency inside, then you probably shouldn’t attend.  You should continue to do exactly what you are doing and let someone else do the work.  However, if something I wrote did connect with you, then I don’t need to write anymore.  The answer will be found within yourself.  It’s not too late to register! 

Dr. Brian Stenzler is a full-time practicing Chiropractor in Great Neck, NY.  He is on the Executive Board of the New York Chiropractic Council and a member of the World Chiropractic Alliance 's International Board of Governors.  Dr. Stenzler can be reached at 516 829-8099 or gnbhchiro@earthlink.net.