|
| |||
|
|
||
|
|||
|
|
A New Direction for the CCE?By Christopher Kent, DC, Esq. By now, you are undoubtedly aware of the new standards proposed by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). In his excellent article addressing the proposal, James Edwards, DC, notes that the "left-wing fringe of the profession, through revision to CCE standards, is now attempting to abolish all references to the subluxation, willing to designate our degree as DCM (Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine), and willing to delete all language that states chiropractic is a drugless and non-surgical profession." How could this happen? Well, let's take a look at CCE's history. The CCE: A Look Back Major changes in chiropractic education were initiated in the early to mid-1970s. At this time, chiropractic colleges were accredited by either the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) or the International Chiropractors Association (ICA). In an effort to "upgrade the image" of the profession, both the ACA and the ICA decided to pursue federal recognition for their respective accrediting bodies. The ACA had the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the ICA schools were represented by the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC). (Note: That ACC is not related to the current ACC.) Heated debate characterized the efforts of the two bodies to approach the federal government with one agency. An agreement was reached to defer the submission of formal applications for Department of Health, Education and Welfare (DHEW) recognition by both groups. It was hoped that the two associations would be able to resolve their differences and approach the federal government with one agency. Despite this agreement, the CCE submitted an application and obtained approval, while the ACC waited as promised. No time was wasted persuading state boards to mandate that only graduates of CCE-accredited colleges could apply for licensure. Student support was obtained by dangling the carrot of student loans. The CCE's approach in the days immediately following DHEW approval was autocratic. CCE was not content to coerce dissenting colleges into membership and compliance. Free speech was cast to the wind, with the CCE demanding "loyalty, advocacy, and support of the Council" from all sponsors.
Pre-professional study was mandated, with specific course requirements that discouraged all but the most tenacious. Soon, instead of chiropractic zealots, it was not uncommon for the majority of students in a matriculating class to have never experienced a chiropractic adjustment. When these students were told by their professors that the profession they were entering was "unproven," "bunk" or worse, is it any wonder that many of them closed their minds to traditional chiropractic philosophy? This phenomenon is a major cause of the low perceived value of chiropractic education and chiropractic care common today. Aiming to Please? Today's chiropractic curriculum appears to be the result of attempting to please external constituencies. Early chiropractic education focused on teaching the analysis and adjustment of vertebral subluxations. Basic science courses were added in response to state basic science laws, aimed to limit the number of "irregular" practitioners admitted to practice. MDs, DOs and DCs were required to pass these exams prior to taking their respective board exams. These laws have since been repealed, but the basic science curriculum remains largely unchanged, despite profound advances in our understanding of human biology. Worse, today's pre-professional requirements seem to mimic those of other health professions, rather than address the information needed to pursue a chiropractic curriculum. Toward a 21st Century Curriculum What can be done? Let's make room for contemporary, relevant subjects in the chiropractic curriculum, and remove those subjects that merely perpetuate acquired ignorance. Here are some subjects, lacking in most chiropractic college curricula, that I feel are essential to critical thinking and an understanding of the role of vertebral subluxation in health and disease. If you are unfamiliar with some of these terms, do a Google search and enjoy the "mind candy." There is really exciting stuff out there. Philosophy Basic Science: The New Biology Physiological Models of Vertebral Subluxation Clinical Models of Vertebral Subluxation Biomechanical Assessment Neurophysiological Assessment Biochemical Assessment Clinical Paradigms Has the CCE of today moderated its autocratic approach? Time will tell, although I have my doubts. It is now up to the profession to ensure that the student of today graduates with a strong philosophical base and a keen awareness of the profound potential of chiropractic's contribution to human health. The fundamental issues are simple. Are we a profession with a clearly defined mission, or are we a profession simply seeking some niche which offers access to a slice of the health care pie? Are we driven by principles or politics? Is our political position defined by our mission statement, or do we grovel to get whatever crumbs the insurance industry tosses our way? Do we have an identity defined by our purpose, or are we chameleons who change our colors to blend into the existing environment? Resources
Click here for more information about Christopher Kent, DC, Esq..
|
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||
