FCLB 79th Annual Congress May 4-8, 2005

Jaroslaw (Jerry) P. Grod, D.C.

Shawn Thistle - B. Kin (Hons)Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Chiropractic Post-Graduate Chiropractic Post-Graduate Education: A Compilation of Education: A Compilation of

Chiropractic Chiropractic Certification/Specialty Certification/Specialty

programs programs

IntroductionIntroduction

There are numerous “specialty” certifications offered to chiropractors

Organizations that offer these programs aim to provide more detailed or relevant information on topics such as: orthopaedics, nutrition, neurology, paediatrics, etc. than an undergraduate DC program

Introduction Cont’dIntroduction Cont’d

PROBLEM: most health care professionals (including chiropractors) do not know the value or significance of these “letters”

It is common in chiropractic literature to see numerous designations listed by an individual author – What does this mean to the reader? Is this person an expert? A specialist?

Introduction Cont’dIntroduction Cont’dThis trend has been called “credential inflation” (Nelson & Lawrence 1995) – many journals now only publish terminal degrees (M.D., D.C., M.Sc.,Ph.D., etc.), or none at all Objectively assessing the validity of ideas, opinions, or research done by doctors holding these certifications requires knowledge regarding the process of attaining the certification

PurposePurpose

To generate a current, and comprehensive document containing information on post-graduate and continuing education chiropractic certification programs

This will be a “living document” (web-based, electronic format), updated periodically to reflect creation of new certifications, and elimination of outdated programs

PurposePurpose

This document will provide a source of information regarding post-graduate options for chiropractors in the field, as well as students, academics, and any interested third parties

MethodMethod

A review of the literature was also done using ICL, AltHealthWatch, and MedLine

Research in this area is sparse at best, even in other professions

A project of this nature has never been undertaken in chiropractic – to our knowledge

MethodMethod

Hand-search of the literature (1996-2002) – over 50 trade publications, peer-reviewed and non peer-reviewed journals

…a long, arduous process that was suspended when redundancy was apparent, although it is ongoing…

Websites and publications from political and academic sources within chiropractic

MethodMethod

For each certification, relevant contact information will be determined – looking for someone directly involved in the administration of the program

Through these contacts (if possible), organizations offering post-graduate programs will be asked to complete a survey to gather information about the program(s)

SURVEYSURVEY

Two options – hard copy or web-based… can be done via email, fax, post

Contains 16 sections and is 4 pages in length

Accompanied by a letter explaining the objective of this project

SURVEYSURVEY

1) Length of certification program

2) Nature of program participation

3) Undergraduate or post-graduate requirements

4) Entrance requirements

5) Method of instruction

6) Method of evaluation

SURVEYSURVEY7) Course requirements

8) Re-certification requirements

9) Faculty qualifications

10)Recognition of the certification by accrediting bodies or organizations

11)Cost of program and certification

12)Location and accessibility of program internationally

Results thus far…Results thus far…

~ 150 certifications found through hand-search and internet

Most common areas include: orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, sports and rehabilitation

Some are related (ex. CCSP leading to DABCSP), some are proving difficult to track down

Implications for designation as a specialist

Accountability of chiropractic “specialists” and organizations that offer these programs

Clarity for interested third parties

A resource for choosing a continuing education program

DiscussionDiscussion

How should DCs present their post-professional education so as not to mislead the public?

Should boards handle these issues through advertising regulations?

Should chiropractic colleges offer master’s degree programs

DiscussionDiscussion