April 15, 2011 — American Chiropractic Association (ACA) President Dr. Rick McMichael was recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attending the World Federation of Chiropractic’s (WFC) 11th Biennial Congress. The event was the first WFC Congress held in South America, and more than 200 scientific papers were submitted — the most ever.
Nine hundred DCs and chiropractic students were in attendance from around the world. Attendees enjoyed hearing from famous Brazilian sports figures, a representative from the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Bone and Joint Decade and the Minister of Health from Aruba, a DC, who spoke of initially being blocked from practicing in his country, but who now holds an important position in his nation’s government.
The scientific, educational, regulatory and professional information shared at the meeting was exciting and uplifting. The profession has moved from humble beginnings and is beginning to take a leadership role on the health care playing field. There is growing agreement among health care providers that a more conservative, less costly approach is best for both patients and health care systems.
The meeting left attendees with the understanding that the profession is advancing and coming together in many ways around the world and served as a reminder of the opportunities we currently have to move the profession forward in service to patients. The profession is attracting bright, dedicated students who will take the reins in the future and studies continue to show the safety, clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care.
After the event, McMichael called on the profession to build on the momentum generated to advance the profession in the U.S. and around the world! He said “The time for us to take historic action is now!”
Learn more about WFC and its activities here.
Source: American Chiropractic Association, www.acatoday.org
