Vigilence & Battle Preparations
It’s clear from recent events in Canada and Australia that chiropractic as we know it is under attack. Listed below are some Do’s and Don’ts that can help you to move forward strategically for the good of your practice as well as the chiropractic profession at large.
DO’s
Do it well. If you’re going to provide chiropractic care for children, be exceptional. Children are not mini-adults. The needs of this population have changed significantly in response to the exponential increase in health challenges and disease among children. Update your skills and understanding by attending seminars and programs delivered with the intent of increasing your proficiency and outcomes. Not only will this be beneficial in serving this population but it also reinforces your credibility and commitment.
Do ensure that you have a strategy. We’re just going to say it, chances are that many of you are aware of the battle but are counting on others to get the job done. This is a time for action, we need you to know who the enemy is and who is fighting with you and for you. Knowledge is power, if you don’t understand how the current events in chiropractic will affect you and your profession, seek more information. If you’re an IFCO member, then we and our affiliates are constantly touching base and bringing you the information you need to know but if you’re not an IFCO member, you’ll need to go out and get that information on your own. Find organizations that you trust, get on their mailing lists and follow them on social media. We suggest The Chronicles of Chiropractic, your state association(s) and of course, the IFCO.
Do support and encourage your brothers and sisters in arms. We know this message isn’t reaching everyone that needs to see it. We know that many in our profession have their heads down and noses to the grindstone, but they need to know what’s happening and we need the strength in numbers that they can help us to achieve. Please, forward this information to them and ask them to take a minute to read it. Get plugged into the places where others gather and show up. Once you’re informed, become an informer. Leading others to get involved is a great way to take action.
Do tithe into the profession by supporting those who support you. We’re just going to say it, the other side is extremely well funded and organized. Meanwhile, subluxation centered schools, research foundations and political organizations are in desperate need of funding and support. We encourage you to pick at least one thing that resonates with you most and give as generously as you can. If you’re passionate about the science, give to research and contribute to the body of research. Just one paper from each office per year would flood the profession with research and propel us forward but if you don’t feel able to do that, then donate to help others do that work on your behalf. Our schools need funds, Sherman is growing and expanding their facility and we’re super excited to recently learn that Scotland is set to open in 2020 but they need financial support to pull it off. The IFCO is actively involved in this battle and in addition to supporting research and schools we are aggressively defending your right to practice chiropractic. Your membership dollars allow us to do that work for you, it doesn’t get any easier than that.
Do get involved. Sign the petition, write letters, consider running for your state board or association. The IFCO is always looking for people willing to serve on our committees, please contact Jen Steinberg at support@ifcochiro.org if you can serve. Make it a priority to do at least 1 thing to give back to the profession each year.
DON’Ts
Don’t post pictures or videos of adjustments. We understand the need to want to normalize what we do through the power of social media, however, out of context these images are easy to misinterpret and leave us vulnerable to the kind of attack we’re seeing in Australia. If you really must share a photo, look at the photo objectively and then have someone else do so as well. Ask “If I had no idea about chiropractic, is it possible that I could interpret this photo in a negative context?” When in doubt, don’t do it. Remember, patients are not attracted to the method, they’re attracted to the outcome. Find a way to share your excellent outcomes on social media!
Don’t respond emotionally. We get it, you read the directive from the Australian Chiropractic Board and your nervous systems goes into sympathetic overdrive. That’s a mostly involuntary reaction, don’t react from that place. Give it some time so that you shift into rational thinking and respond strategically instead of from a place of anger and/or fear.
Don’t fund the enemy. Seriously take the time to know the companies to whom you give your money. Find out who they are aligned or affiliated with, look at where they spend their money. Look hard at your malpractice carrier, your practice management provider, your supplement and product providers and the organizations that you may have been automatically renewing for years thinking that they have your back. Some do, some don’t, you need to know the difference.
Don’t make anyone wrong. We’ve got to stop attacking those who hold all of the influence and power. Instead, we need to focus on building influence within chiropractic. Your community trusts who they trust, and you don’t win trust by tearing others down. It’s a poor strategy. Stay positive, promote chiropractic, share great stories and testimonies about your office and what you do. People are already looking for us, we just need to shine our light.
Don’t stick you head in the sand any longer. If you’re on chiro-island, consider this a call to arms. We need you friend. Take action today.
