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October 2009 Newsletter

Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic

6th Annual International Research & Philosophy Symposium:
Advances in Chiropractic Philosophy and Research

Sherman College hosted its 6th annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS) on campus, October 17-18, 2009.  This symposium gives the chiropractic field a venue to present philosophy and research abstracts to their peers and engage in thoughtful, evocative and spirited discussion. This year’s theme,  “Advances in Chiropractic Philosophy and Research,” brought together chiropractors from around the country, many of whom were first-time attendees. 

Each year, an award is presented to a philosophy presenter and a research presenter based on evaluations by their peers.  The recipient for the Philosophy Award is Dr. Jack VanDervort with his abstract titled “Constructive Forces & Destructive Forces: The Evolution/Decline of Vertebral Subluxation Correction in Chiropractic.”

The recipient for the Research Award is Dr. Matthew McCoy with his abstract titled “The Use of Objective Measures of the Biomechanical and Neurological Components of Vertebral Subluxation to Develop a Composite Measure of Spinal Health.”

This year’s keynote speakers also offered fresh and challenging messages to the attendees. 

Dr. Jeff Kasser:
Chiropractic and the philosophy of science

Dr. Kasser addressed a “demarcation problem” existing between science and pseudo science. The real line of demarcation should be made between good science and bad science. According to Dr. Kasser, chiropractic has found itself in the midst of these discussions with regard to our critics. Mechanistic science can assist us in learning how the body works, so while it is not the entire chiropractic message, neither should it be thrown out.  Dr. Kasser offered many helpful insights to chiropractic researchers and philosophic thinkers as we seek to advance the understanding and communication of the influence of chiropractic.

Dr. Robert Blanks:
Teaching and evaluating professionalism:
A dynamic model rooted in the science, art and philosophy of the discipline

Dr. Blanks reminded IRAPS attendees that chiropractic costs decrease when the D.C. is a part of the health care team and not a last resort for any particular problem. He made a strong case for chiropractors getting involved in clinical level research, joining with others of similar technique or philosophy to research how D.C.s as part of a family’s health care team help to keep costs down and improve quality of life at the same time. This data can lead to formulation of guidelines which educational and regulatory leaders may require chiropractic to follow.

Here's what attendees had to say about IRAPS:

“Fabulous weekend. Bill Decken and Sherman College need to be congratulated for putting together another great CHIROPRACTIC event. The strength of discussion and caliber of speakers they continue to put together is inspiring.”

“Thank you, Missy. This is an outstanding event - will be back next year!”

“I was so happy to be well received and now I am invigorated to continue sharing my way of keeping chiropracTIC affordable and effective. Looking forward to working with you for next year's presentation.”

“It was fantastic, and with so many first time attendees, it was also eye-opening for them.”

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