Stay on the cutting edge in chiropractic

Attending continuing education seminars after graduation is something every chiropractor has in common. Our hours may vary slightly, and we may have more choices in some states than others. Nevertheless, we all have to average 12 hours per year, minimum, to keep our licenses active.

Today is an exciting world for chiropractors (and DCs to be), with many choices for continuing education. Numerous seminars pertaining to named techniques, diplomate series, state associations, practice management, etc., are offered in many states throughout the year.

Each of us has certain criteria that we use to help sift through the sea of seminars and choose which one(s) we will attend. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Date of the seminar: Is it convenient for my schedule? Can I do it on my days off?

2. Location: Is it close to me? Can I drive? Will I incur extra expenses by having to fly or stay at a hotel?

3. Cost: If a seminar seems too expensive, you may choose another one that is more affordable.

4. Speaker: You hope that whoever is speaking will be informative and entertaining.

Continuing education is not just another challenge or hurdle in practice where you have to go and sit for 12 or more hours and be bored. You have the power and choices today to make these seminars exciting, re-vitalizing and energizing for your life and practice. Why does going to re-licensure seminars make you a better doctor? Here are some reasons that apply not only to doctors, but also to students:

Continuing education seminars keep you updated on the cutting-edge technology in chiropractic.

So many new devices, gadgets, and concepts are presented each year that you would miss if you never ventured out. Although some of these devices are presented in the actual seminars, many products are also found at vendor booths in the exhibition area. Exhibition booths are candy stores for chiropractors!

Seminars expose you to current political issues facing chiropractic.

We owe it to ourselves and our profession to keep up with political events that affect us. Being part of your state chiropractic organization and attending the annual or semi-annual conventions help you do this. You also get to know your local chiropractors and gain valuable information on issues that could threaten your practice.

You will learn new techniques, improve your skills and brush up on topics you might have forgotten.

Most of us enjoy being exposed to new adjustments or procedures that allow us to perform our daily treatments more effectively. Being exposed to even a minor change in the way we adjust a bone or tape a shoulder can help us become more efficient or even revolutionize the way we treat our patients.

Continuing education seminars give you something to brag about.

Patients are curious when staff informs them that the doctor is away at a seminar. Patients appreciate that you are trying to improve yourself because you are doing it for them. Every patient wants their doctors to have the latest and greatest knowledge. Patients will ask you about the seminar when you return. You should tell them and show them the new information you have learned.

If you are pressed for time, get your education online.

Multiple websites exist for you to complete your continuing education credits online. Again, a variety of topics are available for you to complete on your own time schedule and from the comfort of your own home.

For students, continuing education seminars give you a small taste of reality.

No matter what semester or quarter you are in, it’s never too early to expose yourself to the variety of seminars available at student prices. It’s true that some of the material presented will be hard to digest because you are not treating patients on a daily basis. But that day will come, and the little bits of exposure you’ve had as a student will have a cumulative effect on the chiropractor you’ll eventually become. Each time you attend a seminar, you will pick something up that you like. More importantly, it gives you early exposure to what you don’t like. Getting your feet wet early can only help you.

One last thing to you students: almost all the chiropractors walking around these conventions have knowledge about daily practice life. If you happen to strike up a conversation with one or two, you will be amazed at what they can teach you.

I hope you’ve learned from this article to make choosing your continuing education an enjoyable process. Don’t look at it as something you just have to do for your license. The chiropractic world is at your fingertips, so get out there and have fun!

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