October 2003

WFC task force to study chiropractic identity

From a public perspective, what is the identity or role of the chiropractic profession in today’s healthcare system? Why does someone think of consulting a doctor of chiropractic? Are chiropractors the leaders in alternative care? Are they mainstream, primary care providers, spine care specialists, or what?

“Recent studies in various countries show that chiropractors and the public remain confused about the core identity of the profession”, says Dr Paul Carey, president of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC), “and that this is a growing and serious problem.”

“In today’s small world identity is an international issue”, adds Carey, “and the WFC, at the request of its member national associations of chiropractors in 80 countries, is establishing a major task force to lead a broad consultation to address the problem.”

Co-chairs of the WFC Task Force on Identity are Dr. Carey (Canada), WFC president and past president of the Canadian Chiropractic Association; Dr. Gerard Clum (USA), WFC second vice-president and president of Life Chiropractic College West; and Dr. Peter Dixon (UK), president, European Chiropractors’ Union and past president of the British Chiropractic Association.

The 35 members of the task force will be broadly representative of the profession, but will also include five laypersons representing the public. Task Force members and consultants will consider past surveys and research relevant to identity and then meet in California, February 26-28, 2004, to approve surveys and other steps to be used in the consultation, which will take place during 2004.

Source: World Federation of Chiropractic

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