Every year the Association of Chiropractic Colleges holds a meeting in conjunction with the Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC).  Researchers, political leaders, educators and clinicians gather to discuss ways to advance the chiropractic profession. This year’s event was held just outside of Washington, D.C., in Tyson’s Corner, Va. The goal of the conference was to provide information regarding “Cultural Authority” to the attendees. From the perspective of young practitioners attempting to cultivate cultural authority in an interdisciplinary hospital environment, the message of the conference was both relevant and inspiring.

Many brilliant sessions and presentations were woven into the ACC-RAC program. Wayne Jonas, MD, opened the conference by discussing the Future of Evidence Based Practice for Integrative Medicine. He commended the chiropractic profession for improving research efforts and spoke positively of the steps the profession is taking to enhance cultural authority. He presented ways to build an “evidence house” where clinical care is based on a firm foundation of quality research.

In an exciting and thought provoking break-out session, How Can Chiropractic Medicine Become a Respected Mainstream Profession? The Example of Podiatry, Donald Murphy, DC, DACAN, espoused a message of reform. Gaining insight from the history of podiatric medicine, Dr. Murphy contended that chiropractic should “establish a clear identity.”  He suggested that chiropractors promote themselves as non-surgical spine specialists who focus their efforts on conditions related to the spine and work in collaboration with the medical community. In the pursuit of cultural authority, he strongly urged chiropractors to become active members of the ACA, become champions of public health (by joining APHA), improve the educational system, utilize standard medical terminology, and denounce unethical and unscientific behavior.  Following Dr. Murphy’s presentation, a lively discussion ensued. The room was impressively full with many of the profession’s most recognizable leaders in attendance; for the most part, the audience agreed with the concepts presented and discussed the most plausible ways to promote both a clear identity and cultural authority.

The conference was brought to a close with a session presented by a few of the profession’s heaviest hitters (Haldeman, McGregor, Khalsa, Kowalski and Silber). The final presentations focused on the development of cultural authority and the means by which chiropractors can use their education and skills to promote a profession that is trusted and respected.

The theme of this year’s conference brought to mind a quote by Albert Einstein: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Chiropractors must demand greatness by overcoming the practices and ideas that are mediocre. As new members of the profession, ACC-RAC delivered insight into the challenges and adventures that the future may hold and provided practical ways to cultivate cultural authority.

Authors: Kristen Bentson, DC, and Scott Bentson, MS, DC