It amazes me how the faculty and staff of our lovely college sort of thrive on the controversy within our profession. They'd rather sit around and discuss how there is no defining theme to what we do instead of taking action in the community to show others what we do. Ever since I started at WSCC, I have seen a lot of talking and not whole lot of walking. Everyone carries on with their day as if they are working toward some common goal but when probed, the truth comes out and a clear separation forms. It is pretty clear there is no consensus as to what it is we are working so hard to achieve. Beyond personal goals, the profession gives new students no reason to be proud of the rigorous training they are desperately trying to master. It is the exact inverse. Every time I leave a forum like this I feel like I made a horrible mistake taking this path in life. I am certain there are plenty of others who feel the same as I and if it weren't for my clear personal goals, the work would be pointless.
It comes down to either a lack of talent or pure laziness on behalf of the spokespeople of our profession. What is the school doing to spread the word about what we are doing at WSCC? They bring in speakers trying to sell us their "special" way of treating patients versus experts in the field and expect us to not take it offensively. There is no opportunity to just learn or collaborate with other professional students besides classroom instruction. When we get done, we are facing a huge burden in that the public is resistant to use our approach to health care. There are reasons for this that I personally see quite clearly. One of which is how DC's still market, sell and use pseudoscientific methodologies. AK is a great example of that and there are plenty of others out there lacking integrity. Why on Earth is this allowed in the profession and how is it sold if there are regulations in place? The public loves to generalize concepts. If one DC does something dumb, the word spreads that DC's are ALL quacks. It is quite unfortunate but a very real problem.
Another reason the public is resistant to DC's is due to the "straight" and "mixer" idea. One believes a straight spine leads to optimal health and the mixer's adhere to evidence more so or are open to other reasons for disease. What we are talking about here is trust. "To do no harm" is what is being questioned here. Ignoring germ theory is in a way causing harm especially if another theory is "sold" to a patient. Ignoring nutritional insufficiency is also a way of causing harm which is practiced daily in medicine. There has to be a middle ground we can fill. It is obvious we can't compete against medicine by treating the same disease "conservatively", but we can compete with them if we treat holistically.
I'd say many of us chose this path because it will give us a clearer understanding of the human element. When we leave, we'll have a big toolbox to use that is far heavier and more versatile than other health providers, like personal trainers, coaches and to some extent PT's. I don't think we should have a narrow approach or laws keeping us from diagnosing everyday problems because we then become technicians. I am not saying I will be diagnosing every condition that walks in my business but I know I will understand that person better with extra training beyond musculoskeletal problems. The goal isn't to be equals with MD's or DO's, it is to be competent in what I do.
If we were smart, which we are, we'd each personally take bits and pieces from the many professions out there and put together a nice ethical approach to health care. What are PT's doing that is bringing them success? How about personal trainers? What are they doing that allows them to hold onto their clientele so well? What about dentists? How do they gain that trust and spread the word so elegantly and ethically? It comes down to removing the blinders and seeing the world as it really is. Learn from the best in every field, build relationships and partnerships with trusted individuals in the community. Be a hero to your patients. Do something special with your life and inspire others to do the same. We aren't here just for us and we should start acting this way or the burdens I spoke of previously will haunt us the length of our careers.
All for now
Very well written Nate. I was absolutely disgusted that WSCC brought an AK speaker to campus. WTF!!! And Dr. Merkle was a complete joke. And todays forum makes me want to ask for my money back, but what I have said from the outset (when you were so pessimistic) is we, as indiviuals, for now, have to create what it means to be a chiropractor. Until we can be united and agree on a common direction, it will remain a mess.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, until we require entrance exams and higher standards on our board exams, any 'ol jack ass can get their DC license. Unfortunately, we have a few said jackasses in our class.
I fully believe in what I will be able to provide my patients and that is what drives me. I know what we do works. I have a scientific and practical mind. I want a stronger following, but I feel, me, alone, cannot create a large enough change. It needs to be a collective effort, but I think as of now, that is a pipe dream. It sucks.
Megan
I too am fired up! I wrote Dr. Brimhall a long letter pointing out these issues. We are bombarded with negativity at this school and questionable reliability. I strongly feel there is virtually nothing being done to spread the word about what we are doing at school or even in practice. Why not integrate in some sort of outreach with the student body (the ones that are higher GPA) to other HPC's and build some understanding. I can't tell you how many times someone has asked if DC school is a 1 year program! Bullshit! I am busting my ass here!
ReplyDeleteUnless people stand up and make a damn difference nothing is going to ever change and we'll live lives constantly defending ourselves.
Thanks for the comment and nicely said.