WCA Summit mixes
information ... inspiration
... innovation ... intensity
Many were drawn by the presentations of top
chiropractic leaders. Some sought to be inspired and motivated by being
with other compassionate, subluxation-centered chiropractors. Others
wanted to hear about new, ground-breaking ways to bring chiropractic to
the world. Whatever their reasons for attending, they left energized and
renewed, alive with the intensity that comes only from being part of
something greater than oneself.
The WCA International Summit -- held at the Marriott
Metro Center in Washington, DC -- has become an annual tradition for many
DCs. Along with RCS (Research and Clinical Science) co-founder Dr. Robert
Blanks; Brican President Laurent Goldstein; and Barbara Loe Fisher,
president of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), the April
15-16 gathering boasted a stellar group of DCs, speaking on a wide range
of subjects: Liz Anderson-Peacock, Patrick Gentempo, David Jackson, Spence
Jahner, Christopher Kent, Ben Lerner, Matthew McCoy, Joel Miller, Randy
O'Dell, Tony Palermo, Kevin Pallis, Eric Plasker, Ed Plentz, Terry
Rondberg, Robert Schiffman, and Brian Stenzler.
A primary focus of the event was on the struggle to
win acceptance as a scientific, evidence-based profession. Renowned
researcher Robert Blanks, PhD, presented a persuasive argument for the
role of research in gaining credibility for chiropractic. He discussed the
work of RCS, the private-sector research company he recently founded with
Drs. Matthew McCoy, editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation
Research, and David Jackson.
“Doctors were excited at the possibility of
conducting meaningful research in their own offices,” Dr. Blanks stated
afterwards. “They instinctively understood how this project will position
chiropractic as a scientific discipline. The prospect of actually proving
-- with hard research -- that chiropractic can boost the immune system,
enhance overall wellness, and address numerous health problems electrified
them.”
Dr. Jackson pointed out that DC Summit
attendees also realized the practice growth potential of being part of the
RCS program. “They saw immediately how this program could add numerous new
patients to their practice, in a completely ethical and professional way.
The public views scientists and researchers differently than they view
‘regular’ chiropractors. Practices designated as RCS Authorized Research
Sites get an instant boost from the increased prestige and credibility.
Additionally, hundreds of volunteers are directed to each participating
doctor’s office, with many of them choosing to become paying patients.”
Sharing the spotlight with research during the Summit
was the issue of children’s health, especially in light of recent reports
of insurance companies categorizing chiropractic for children as
“experimental” and rejecting all claims for care given to kids under 10 or
12 years of age. Speaking as chairman of the WCA Council on Children’s
Health, Dr. Joel Miller explained the importance of educating the public
about children’s health issues and the role of chiropractic in the lives
of young people.
He also provided information about the Council’s
bi-annual “Children's Health Day International” event, which recently
formed a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The event -- held
each May and September -- is a health fair that gives DCs an opportunity
to educate their communities about non-medical wellness topics and provide
free chiropractic screening for children.
NVIC President Barbara Loe Fisher addressed the group
about the need to advocate for informed consent with regard to
vaccination. She stressed that, although they shouldn’t make specific
recommendations about vaccines (since doing so could be considered the
practice of medicine), chiropractors are in an ideal position to educate
parents about vaccines and the immunization process. In her words, they
need to “stand firmly for freedom of choice and not give more excuses to
those searching for politically acceptable reasons to take your profession
down.” 
At what has become a
Summit highlight, the WCA Awards were presented on the closing day.
Recipients were: Brian Stenzler, DC, Outstanding Service; Robert Blanks,
PhD, Researcher of the Year; Asher Nadler, DC, International Leadership;
and Yannick Pauli, DC, Chiropractor of the Year.
Plans are currently in the works for the next WCA
International Summit, scheduled for May 5-6, 2006.
