Learn from the Danes?
Dear Editor:
Not limiting or controlling the number of graduating chiropractors is a gross irresponsibility to our profession. We should respond to a growing need or lessening need by modification in the total number of student places available. An overdensity of chiropractors, which in my opinion is almost everywhere in the U.S., not only hurts practices, but promotes seeing patients more for a given complaint.
In Denmark, arguably one of the most highly organized and controlled chiropractic professions, there is approximately one chiropractor for every 17,000 persons, with a utilization rate of approximately 20 percent. This gives us about 3,400 patients per chiropractor, almost 10 times what was reported in Mr. Petersen's column (see "A Forbidden Subject? A Free Market vs. Planning" in the August 25, 1997 issue of DC).
The chiropractors, for the most part, enjoy reasonably high volume practices, with no advertising or "gimmicks" to recruit or retain patients. The standard of practice seems extremely high in general, and a recent survey showed that a majority of patients and doctors (approximately 90 percent) are satisfied with outcomes and the number of treatments given/received. Does this sound good to any readers?
We have a new, university-based school here, and will start graduating chiropractors in a few years. However, the number of seats will be controlled; they have learned from the U.S. example. Perhaps we can learn from the Danes as well.
Of course, it is difficult to compare the system in a country the size of Maine and with the population of Massachusetts to the U.S., or to expect that there could be a similar balance of control and freedom. However, controlling the national levels of graduating chiropractors, based on public need indicated by our own measures, is a good start.
Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD
Associate Professor, Odense University
Odense, Denmark
gbove@imbmed.ou.dk
To Amway or Not to Amway? I have enjoyed your publication for some time now. Keep up the good work.
I would like to respond to an interesting episode of "Behind Closed Doors" by Samuel Clemens in the Nov. 3 issue of DC. Agent Zachary responded to his secretary's comments about MDs being Amway distributors. Agent Zachary responds, "Don't feel too bad, Anita, sometimes adversity is really a blessing in disguise."
I feel Agent Zachary may know more than the average MD, DC, DDS, DO, and other professionals. Many professionals in all health care areas are looking at the Amway business as a diversification of business practices, and are now finding the time to live their lifestyle that they didn't have before. I have met many of these doctors who now have the time and money to help others not only in their respective medical areas, but in many other ways. Now they can enjoy their families as well.
As Dick Griminger of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (plastic/general surgeon, academic faculty member at the Medical Center in New York, and Interplastic team member, a charitable group that does surgery in third world countries) said:
"If you can truthfully say to yourself:
- "I have no fears of the future.
- "My profession is providing all of my dreams.
- "My lifestyle can survive my illness or disability.
- "The government and health care regulations are not a threat to my lifestyle.
- "I have enough time for my family.
- "I have not lost the dream that brought me into a profession that was designed to help people.
"Then don't get involved with the Amway business."
Maybe that is what Agent Zachary understands and knows that adversity is a blessing in disguise.
I have a large practice, but I find my other business involvements, one being Amway International, very rewarding and providing answers to the above six statements.
Dr. V.W. Heine
Oelwein, Iowa
