QWR2025D

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Quarterly World Report OCTOBER 2025

Global Im pact : For m er WFC Sec-Gen , Pr of .

Rich ar d Br ow n , Hon or ed at AECC 60t h Celebr at ion

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WFC News Education News Research News World News and more!

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3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

St r en gt h in Un it y: Gr ow in g t h e Pr of ession Globally cannot replicate. A common theme emerged across our discussions: stakeholders are committed to seeing the profession grow from strength to strength.

We all agr eed t h at f ocu sin g on w h at u n it es u s, r at h er t h an w h at divides u s, w ill be k ey t o st r en gt h en in g t h e pr of ession an d en ablin g u s t o advan ce w it h in t h e ever -adapt in g h ealt h car e en vir on m en t .

Dr Kendrah Da Silva, WFC President

Dear Members, I recently had the privilege of attending the Flor ida Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (FCA) event in Orlando. I met in person with many of our stakeholders, and the experience was both enlightening and highly productive.

The event showcased the vibrant and evolving nature of the chiropractic profession. The program was thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, offering a wide range of classes that appealed to many different approaches. As our profession increasingly embraces a more holistic perspective, incorporating aspects of physical literacy, public health, and rehabilitation, this event served as a powerful example of how diverse approaches can blend together to strengthen the profession as a whole. The energy from vendors and exhibitors was equally inspiring, demonstrating strong support for our field.

Our face-to-face meetings with stakeholders were particularly valuable. There is a unique quality to in-person interaction that online forums simply

Many of these discussions also centered on communicating the right message to both chiropractors and the wider public. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of presenting a united voice, and it was clear that everyone is, in their own way, supporting the WFC?s vision to advance awareness, utilization, and integration of chiropractic.

It is crucial that we embrace our differences and allow them to make us stronger as a unified profession. Whether you are advocating for the integration of chiropractic into healthcare systems, championing basic recognition in your country, or strengthening the profession through your private practice, your efforts are invaluable.

What each of us is doing in private practices, regional associations, and national associations is collectively reinforcing the profession globally.

As you know, Oct ober 16t h marks Wor ld Spin e Day. This global, multidisciplinary celebration is a vital initiative, and I encourage you all to participate. A range of activities and resources can be found in the toolkit prepared by the World Spine Day team.

Let us stand united in our resolve to advance the profession globally and bring chiropractic to people of all ages, in all nations, helping populations thrive and reach their full potential.

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5 SECRETARIAT MESSAGE

Fr om t h e Secr et ar iat : Oper at ion al Pr ogr ess in a Season of Global Un it y As we embrace the October edition of the QWR under the theme Global Unity in Chiropractic: Strengthening Partnerships, Elevating Practice, the Secretariat continues to advance the operational backbone that supports our global mission.

In September, the WFC Operations Team convened to align priorities across departments and prepare for the final quarter of 2025. With major global events on the horizon? including the WFC 13t h Bien n ial Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce in Ut r ech t (Oct ober 2026) and the WFC 19t h Bien n ial Con gr ess in Van cou ver (M ay 2027)? our focus remains on strategic planning, digital infrastructure, and member engagement.

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Key Oper at ion al High ligh t s: -

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Con gr ess & Edu cat ion Con f er en ce Plan n in g: Research Abstracts from the 2025 Congress have now been published in a Book of Proceedings. Marketing campaigns for our Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce 2026 in Utrecht and our Con gr ess 2027 in Vancouver are now active, with all team members contributing to outreach and visibility.

Digit al Tr an sf or m at ion & Secu r it y: Platform and application training is under review, aimed at enhancing staff proficiency across all our digital platforms.

Cybersecurity remains a priority, with a formal report due in October and under review.

Com m it t ee Su ppor t & WHO En gagem en t : The Secretariat continues to support multiple committees, including the Committee on Official Relations with WHO, WRA Workstream, Research, Global Patient Safety Initiative, Disability and Rehabilitation, Public Health, World Spine Day and our International Chiropractic

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Education Alliance, ensuring alignment with global health priorities and regulatory frameworks.

Wor ld Spin e Day 2025: Preparations are underway for Oct ober 16, including a refreshed brand identity and global competition announcement. Our competition, generously spon sor ed by Foot Leveler s, will be featured across platforms.

Pr epar in g f or Boar d Elect ion s f or 2026-2028 Ter m ? Novem ber 2025: - In accordance with Article 5.5 of the WFC Bylaws, the WFC Board of Directors is elected for a term of two years, with nominations and appointments aligned to the organization's governance calendar.

- The Secretariat is currently preparing nomination materials and coordinating with regional federations to ensure a transparent and inclusive process. Directors are elected from seven world regions: Africa, Asia, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Pacific.

Call f or Bids ? WFC Con gr ess 2029: The WFC will soon launch the Call for Bids to host the 20t h Bien n ial WFC Con gr ess in 2029. As outlined in the WFC Congress Bid Guidelines, bids must be submitted three years in advance of the proposed event date to allow sufficient time for planning, stakeholder engagement, and logistical coordination.

- Th e bid pr ocess in clu des: - Letter of Intent from the national association - Formal Bid Submission including venue details, local support, and proposed

6 SECRETARIAT MESSAGE

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partnerships Review by the WFC Board Announcement of Host Nation at the Annual Meeting The Congress is rotated across global regions to ensure equitable representation and engagement. National associations interested in hosting are encouraged to begin preparations and contact the Secretariat for guidance and bid templates.

OUR PEOPLE WFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2024-26)

Ken dr ah Da Silva (Pr esiden t ) African Region Ryan Cost er (Vice-Pr esiden t ) North American Region Holly Tu ck er (Secr et ar y-Tr easu r er ) North American Region Car los Ayr es

As we move forward, the Secretariat remains committed to operational excellence, transparency, and responsiveness. Our work behind the scenes is driven by the same spirit of unity and purpose that defines the global chiropractic community.

Latin American Region

We thank our members, partners, and volunteers for their continued engagement and look forward to sharing more progress in the months ahead.

Joh n M alt by

Glen n Gu ilder son North American Region An dr ew Law r en ce Pacific Region

North American Region Jak ob Lot h e European Region Ef st at h ios Papadopou los Eastern Mediterranean Region

CONGRESS 2029 ? Call f or Bids

Per n ille Popp European Region

Host t h e Fu t u r e of Global Ch ir opr act ic: The WFC invites member associations to submit bids to host the 2029 WFC Biennial Congress? a premier global event celebrating chiropractic leadership, education, and innovation.

Key Dat es: November 25, 2025: Call for Bids issued April 26, 2026: Submission deadline June 2026: Host city announced For bid gu idelin es an d su bm ission det ails, please con t act t h e WFC Secr et ar iat .

Hayden Th om as Pacific Region Dale Wh it e North American Region Yi Kai Won g Asian Region

7 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM

St r en gt h en in g Global Un it y an d St r at egic Gover n an ce: WFC Boar d M eet s f or Q3 2025

OUR COM M ITTEES

The WFC Board of Directors continues to embody the spirit of global unity and strategic leadership as it advances the chiropractic profession across regions and disciplines. Meeting virtually on Au gu st 12, 2025, the Q3 Board session? chaired

by President Dr . Ken dr ah Da Silva and facilitated

by Executive Operations Manager Ch r ist in a Davis? reflected a renewed commitment to collaboration, governance excellence, and future-focused planning.

PUBLIC HEALTH COM M ITTEE

At the heart of the meeting was a shared vision: to strengthen partnerships and elevate practice through inclusive decision-making, strategic foresight, and global engagement. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to professional excellence, global advocacy, and governance integrity, with a strong emphasis on transparency, risk management, and equitable representation.

A key highlight was the Board?s commitment to planning the 13t h Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce 2026 in Ut r ech t , Net h er lan ds. The Board underscored the importance of convening educators, regulators, and leaders to shape the future of chiropractic education. Planning also advanced for the WFC 2027 19t h Bien n ial Con gr ess in Vancouver, reinforcing the Federation?s commitment to global convening and knowledge exchange.

In line with the theme of strengthening practice, the Board reinforced the importance of allowing expansion in the structure of the Committees into thematic subcommittees. This move enables more agile, focused workstreams and reflects the WFC?s evolving approach to committee engagement.

Reports from the ICEA, Research, Disability & Rehabilitation, Public Health, and Global Patient

RESEARCH COM M ITTEE Sidney Rubinstein DC, PhD (Chair) Netherlands Katie Pohlman DC, MS, PhD (Vice-Chair) USA

Claire Johnson DC, MSEd, PhD (Chair) USA

DISABILITY & REHABILITATION COM M ITTEE Katie de Luca MAppSc, PhD (Chair) Australia

OFFICIAL RELATIONS WITH WHO COM M ITTEE Deborah Kopansky-Giles, BPHE, DC, FCCS, MSc (Co-Chair) Canada Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD (Co-Chair) USA

GLOBAL PATIENT SAFETY INITIATIVE Katie Pohlman DC, MS, PhD (Chair) USA

INTERNATIONAL CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION ALLIANCE Deborah Bushway, PhD (Co-Chair) USA Daniel Moore, DC, MSc (Co-Chair) UK

WORLD SPINE DAY COM M ITTEE Rebekah Wilks, DC (Co-Chair) Danielle Wiesner, DC (Co-Chair)

SECRETARIAT Christina Davis (Executive Operations Manager) Khalid Salim (Finance & Administration Manager) Rebekah Wilks BS, DC (Director of Strategy and Policy)

8 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM Safety Initiative, Official Relations with WHO and World Spine Day committees were adopted, with Hayden Th om as appointed as Board Champion for Wor ld Spin e Day 2025.

Operational updates included progress on WHO engagement, SharePoint integration, stakeholder outreach, and strategic planning initiatives? including preparations for the WFC?s 40t h an n iver sar y. The Board emphasized the importance of branding, communications, and stakeholder alignment in elevating the profession?s global visibility.

Financial stewardship remained a priority. The Q3 financials were adopted unanimously, with a clear directive to maintain fiscal discipline and explore new revenue streams. A proposal to develop a Low- and Middle-Income Country (LMIC) policy for Congress and membership was approved, reflecting the WFC?s commitment to equitable participation and global inclusion.

The Board also approved amendments to the 2025 Assembly minutes. A Risk Management Committee was endorsed, with terms of reference to be finalized before Q4.

CONTACTING THE WFC Wr it e t o u s: World Federation of Chiropractic, 2 St. Clair Avenue West,Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5, Canada Call u s: +1 647 255 8030 Em ail u s: General inquiries

info@wfc.org

Christina Davis

cdavis@wfc.org

Khalid Salim

ksalim@wfc.org

Rebekah Wilks

rwilks@wfc.org

NEWS ITEM S The WFC welcomes news items, digital images and feature stories to include in the QWR. Send all submissions (in Word format) to QWR@wfc.org. Please note all submissions may be subject to editing.

QWR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

Looking ahead, the Board outlined a series of action items to ensure continued momentum.

These include proposals for expanding committee structures and terms of reference, reviewing the Triennial Plan, exploring crowdfunding models for committee initiatives, and strengthening donor recognition and nonprofit technology access.

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As the WFC continues to build bridges across borders, this meeting reaffirmed the Federation?s role as a unifying force? championing excellence, equity, and innovation in chiropractic worldwide.

The WFC Quarterly World Report is published in January, April, July and October of each year.

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9 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MESSAGE

Global Un it y in Ch ir opr act ic: St r en gt h en in g Par t n er sh ips, Elevat in g Pr act ice Dear Colleagues, This edition of the QWR is centered around a powerful theme: Global Unity in Chiropractic: Strengthening Partnerships, Elevating Practice.

Across continents and communities, the chiropractic profession continues to demonstrate that collaboration is the key to progress. Whether through shared research, educational reform, or service to underserved populations, our collective efforts are shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful future.

This past August, the WFC had the privilege of attending Th e Nat ion al in Orlando, Florida? an event that not only showcased the vibrancy of the profession but also reaffirmed the power of partnership and shared purpose. Hosted by the Flor ida Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion , this gathering offered a dynamic platform for strategic dialogue, clinical advancement, and global connection.

Christina Davis WFC Executive Operations Manager and QWR Editor-in-Chief

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Each story in this issue is a reminder that our strength lies in unity: -

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New research centers, such as the Nat ion al Cen t r e f or Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch in the UK, are setting bold visions for evidence-based care and integration into national health systems.

Rehabilitation education is being reimagined, with institutions like CMCC aligning curricula with global competency frameworks to better serve patients with disabilities and chronic conditions.

Students and clinicians in underserved communities are making a profound impact? from chiropractic missions in the Philippines to international placements that foster cultural exchange and clinical growth.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share t w o m ajor global even t s that will continue this momentum:

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The WFC 13t h Bien n ial Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce, taking place in Ut r ech t , Net h er lan ds from Oct ober 14?19, 2026, will convene educators, regulators, and thought leaders to shape the future of chiropractic education in Europe and beyond.

The WFC 19t h Bien n ial Con gr ess, scheduled for M ay 5?8, 2027 in Van cou ver , Can ada, will bring together the global profession to celebrate innovation, research, and the shared mission of advancing chiropractic worldwide.

This issue also pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr . Br u ce Sin clair Vau gh an (1935?2025), a pioneer whose vision and leadership helped shape chiropractic in Asia and globally. As the founding president of the Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion and a founding figure of the WFC, Dr. Vaughan?s contributions to regulation, education, and unity remain a guiding light for our profession.

His legacy reminds us that progress is built on perseverance, collaboration, and a deep belief in

10 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MESSAGE the value of chiropractic care.

GET INVOLVED WITH THE WFC

As we prepare for Wor ld Spin e Day on Oct ober 16t h , I encourage each of you to participate, share, and amplify the message of spinal health. Let us continue to invest in our spine, our profession, and our shared mission to bring chiropractic care to people of all ages, in all nations.

Becom e a M em ber : Join the WFC and connect with a global network dedicated to advancing the chiropractic profession.

APPLY HERE Par t n er or Spon sor :

With gratitude for your continued dedication, Ch r ist in a Davis QWR Editor-in-Chief

Collaborate with the WFC to strengthen the profession worldwide through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

APPLY HERE

Becom e an In dividu al Su ppor t er : Join a global community dedicated to advancing evidence-based chiropractic care, promoting collaboration, and strengthening the profession worldwide as a proud WFC Individual Supporter.

APPLY HERE

WFC BOARD ELECTIONS ?

2026?2028 Ter m Not ice t o M em ber s: The WFC Board of Directors will soon begin its election process for the 2026?2028 term.

Member associations are encouraged to prepare for participation in their respective regional elections.

Key Dat es: November 2025: Director entitlements calculated

Becom e a St u den t Su ppor t er : Are you a chiropractic student passionate about advancing the profession? Join the WFC as a Student Supporter and connect with global initiatives, resources, and your future peers.

APPLY HERE

At t en d Ou r Even t s: From regional summits to the WFC Biennial Congress, engage with global leaders shaping the future of chiropractic.

December 2025 ? January 2026: Regional elections conducted

VIEW UPCOM ING EVENTS

February 2026: New Board composition announced

Explor e Ou r Af f iliat es:

May 2026: Incoming Board takes office

Discover the organizations that partner with the WFC to advance chiropractic worldwide.

St ay t u n ed f or of f icial com m u n icat ion s an d n om in at ion pr ocedu r es.

VIEW AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

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12 WFC NEWS OBITUARY

In M em or iam : Dr Br u ce Sin clair Vau gh an (1935?2025) Dr . Br u ce Sin clair Vau gh an passed away peacefully on Ju ly 10, 2025. A former British soldier, cowboy, and rubber plantation manager, his path to chiropractic was as colorful as it was unlikely. That journey began with a persistent neck issue that led him to the care of Hong Kong?s first Chiropractor, Dr . Fr an k J. M olt h en , "Old Doc Molthen," as Dr. Vaughan affectionately called him.

Dr. Molthen arrived in Hong Kong from the United States in the 1930s and became a legend during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. During the war, Dr. Molthen was imprisoned in the Stanley Internment Camp, a civilian internment camp to hold non-Chinese enemy nationals. This was where he treated fellow inmates?health problems with only his hands.

Inspired by this powerful demonstration of chiropractic's potential, Dr. Vaughan enrolled in the Palmer College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1966 at the age of thirty.

Armed with his degree and a fervent belief in chiropractic?s power, Dr. Vaughan returned to Hong Kong. Alongside other first-generation Chiropractors, Dr s. Ted On g and Ch en g Ch u n -ye, they founded the Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion (HKCA) in 1967, with Dr. Vaughan serving as its Founding President. The formative years were fraught with challenges. Despite Hong Kong's British administration, its deep Chinese roots and majority Cantonese-speaking population made it difficult for the public to understand chiropractic, let alone embrace it. Yet, under Dr. Vaughan?s steadfast leadership, the HKCA fought tirelessly for professional recognition. Through years of meetings, negotiations, and countless dead ends, their perseverance was finally rewarded in February 1993 with the passage of the Chiropractors Registration Ordinance Chapter 428, the first legislation of its kind in Asia.

This historic achievement was a testament to global collaboration. Understanding the need for a

Dr. Bruce Sinclair Vaughan (1935-2025)

proven regulatory model, Dr. Vaughan looked abroad. He persuasively encouraged Hong Kong?s Deputy Secretary for Health and Welfare to visit Australia, where chiropractic had already gained full recognition. After meeting with the Victorian Chiropractic Board and witnessing a legitimate, regulated profession in action, the initial draft of Hong Kong's ordinance was adapted almost directly from Victoria?s, cementing a foundation of international standards.

Dr. Vaughan's vision, however, extended far beyond Hong Kong. He understood that for the global profession to flourish, it needed unity. This conviction led him to a historic meeting on October 4, 1988, in Sydney, Australia. There, representing the HKCA, he joined leaders from 16 other national associations to unanimously approve a draft constitution, creating the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). His leadership on the world stage was immediate and enduring.

He ser ved as t h e WFC Cou n cil's f ir st -ever Repr esen t at ive f or Asia f r om 1989 t o 2006. His

13 WFC NEWS strategic mind and dedication were further recognized through a series of executive roles: Secr et ar y-Tr easu r er (1995-1997), 1st Vice Pr esiden t (1998-2000), and ultimately, Pr esiden t (2000-2002).

An avid writer and painter, Dr. Vaughan had a singular way with words, a talent that made his advocacy compelling and his legacy enduring. That legacy is physically passed on to each new generation; when a member joins the HKCA, they receive a copy of his book, Rabid Dogs in the East Behind the Patient's Back. Its visceral recounting of chiropractic?s history in Hong Kong, from its early beginnings to the hard-fought campaign for recognition, doesn't just put you in the passenger seat, it compels you to cheer the profession on.

More than a history, its detailed chronicle of decisive moments serves as both an essential record and an inspiration.

When asked how Dr. Vaughan would have wished to be remembered, M r . Ch apm an -Sm it h , the first Secretary-General of the WFC, quoted the 17th-century poet James Shirley:

?Only the actions of the just / Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.?

Bruce was just, and memories of him will long continue to blossom.

A memorial service was held in Dr. Vaughan?s honor at the Royal Hon g Kon g Yach t Clu b on Au gu st 13, 2025. It was a fitting night of celebration for an individual who made such an indelible impact. I doubt even Dr. Vaughan could have imagined, back in 1967 when the HKCA was founded with just three members, that one day Hong Kong would secure full legal status and grow to a community of more than 400 registered chiropractors. His life?s work, once a mere vision, is now the thriving foundation of an entire profession.

A sh or t video of Dr . Vau gh an?s M em or ial m ay be view ed h er e (Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion )

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AECC Celebr at es 60 Year s w it h Alu m n i Hom ecom in g an d Reu n ion AECC Today: Par t of HSU In recent years, AECC has evolved further, now integrated within Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (HSU) as the AECC School of Chiropractic, under the leadership of Head of School Pr of essor St ew ar t Cot t er ill and the AECC SoC leadership team: Dr Ph il Dew h u r st , Dan iel Her it age, Hazel Jen sen an d Dr Ali Du Rose.

This new chapter strengthens the institution?s place as a world-leading centre for chiropractic education, research, and clinical practice.

Members of the AECC School of Chiropractic faculty, Health Sciences University Executive team and the Student Union

In September, AECC welcomed alumni back to campus for a memorable 60t h an n iver sar y h om ecom in g and reunion. Graduates from across the decades ? and from around the world ? returned to Par k w ood Road to celebrate AECC?s proud history.

The day was both a celebration and a reflection: marking 60 years of chiropractic education excellence at AECC, honoring the institution?s heritage, and showcasing the exciting innovations now helping to shape the future of the profession.

AECC 60th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration

A Ret u r n t o Par k w ood Road Generations of chiropractors have trained at AECC?s campus in Boscombe, and the reunion offered a chance to relive memories of those formative student years. The occasion was especially meaningful for the large cohort of 1990 graduates, many of whom travelled from around the world to join the celebrations.

Alumni were warmly welcomed by current staff and student ambassadors, who guided them around the campus and introduced them to the state-of-the-art facilities now embedded within chiropractic education.

CPD, Keyn ot es, an d Lear n in g Toget h er The reunion day combined opportunities for reconnecting with old friends with a full CPD programme. Delegates were welcomed by HSU Vice-Ch an cellor Pr of essor Lesley Haig an d Pr of essor St ew ar t Cot t er ill, before a series of thought-provoking keynote addresses: -

Pr of essor Rich ar d Br ow n (AECC alumnus, World Federation of Chiropractic) highlighted the institution?s global influence, speaking on AECC Around the World

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Dr Fr an cis Wilson an d Hazel Jen sen delivered a joint reflection on 60 Years of AECC: Past, Present and Future.

Dr Iben Axén presented on Maintenance Care ? The Evidence, The Future, The Practice.

Alongside CPD and campus tours, alumni enjoyed a research and innovation showcase during lunch ? with plenty of time to reconnect, reminisce, and revisit old haunts, from student houses to the local beach.

A series of interactive CPD workshops followed, spanning a wide range of topics and areas of practice. Sessions included adjusting tune-ups, diagnostic masterclasses, sports and pregnancy care, scoliosis management and maintenance care in practice. Wor k sh ops w er e led by Dr Neil Osbor n e, Dr Sean M illoy, Dr Iben Axén , Dr Ali Du Rose, Dr Am y M iller , Glen n Win slade, Nick M et calf e an d Rob Beaven .

Showcasing Innovation: The Anatomage Table

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lesley Haig, said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome so many of our AECC alumni and former staff back to Parkwood Road for this special 60th anniversary celebration.

Delegates participating in interactive CPD workshops

In n ovat ion on Sh ow A highlight for many alumni was the chance to try the cutting-edge technology now supporting AECC students in their training. The force-sensing table proved especially popular, sparking friendly competition among alumni, staff and students as they tested their adjusting techniques with real-time feedback on force, direction, and timing.

Guests also explored the Anatomage Table, a virtual 3D dissection tool offering an advanced interactive anatomy experience. Both innovations demonstrate AECC?s commitment to combining traditional skills with cutting-edge digital learning.

?AECC has played a pivotal role in shaping chiropractic education in Europe and beyond, and it was inspiring to reflect on that legacy with those who lived it. ?At the same time, the reunion gave us a chance to share how the AECC School of Chiropractic continues to thrive as part of Health Sciences University - with world-leading research, cutting-edge technology, and a vibrant student community. The day captured both the deep pride in AECC?s legacy and the shared optimism for its bright and ambitious future.?

Celebr at in g Excellen ce: AECC 60t h An n iver sar y Aw ar ds The evening gala was well-attended and provided the opportunity to honor the individuals who have shaped, inspired and advanced the chiropractic profession.

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Keynote speaker Prof. Richard Brown addressing the audience.

Pr of essor Rich ar d Br ow n delivered an inspiring keynote on AECC?s defining role in shaping both the profession and his own career, which was followed by the AECC 60th Anniversary Homecoming Awards.

Th e aw ar ds w er e n ot on ly a celebr at ion of AECC?s 60-year jou r n ey, bu t also a t r ibu t e t o t h e people w h o h ave sh aped an d advan ced t h e ch ir opr act ic pr of ession .

Aw ar d Win n er s 2025: -

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Global Im pact Aw ar d ? Pr of essor Rich ar d Br ow n Recognised for his outstanding leadership and service in advancing chiropractic worldwide, Richard?s distinguished career includes roles as BCA President, ECU and WFC Secretary General, and Vice President of World Spine Care. His work has elevated the profession, united practitioners, and improved access to care globally.

Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch Im pact Aw ar d ?

Dr . Iben Axén An internationally respected researcher and AECC alumna (Class of 1990), Iben has advanced evidence-based practice through her work on clinical guidelines, practice-based research networks, and musculoskeletal health. Her

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contributions continue to shape care and inspire future generations.

Risin g St ar Aw ar d ? Jessica M ead A recent AECC School of Chiropractic graduate, Jessica has already made a remarkable impact through her academic excellence, community involvement, and international outreach, including her self-funded trip to South Sudan delivering education on low back pain and rehabilitation.

Lif et im e Ach ievem en t Aw ar d ? M r . Pet er Dixon With a career spanning more than four decades, Peter has played pivotal roles across the profession ? from President of the BCA, ECU, and Royal College of Chiropractors to Chair of the GCC. He was instrumental in the Chiropractors Act of 1994 and remains a respected leader, recently appointed High Sheriff of Somerset.

Vice-Ch an cellor ?s Aw ar d ? In ger Rou g Honored for her exceptional service to chiropractic and to the AECC School of Chiropractic, Inger ?s dedication embodies the values and vision of the institution.

From an inspiring CPD programme and cutting-edge demonstrations to heartfelt speeches and the awards evening, the AECC 60th Anniversary Homecoming was a true celebration of the past, present, and future of chiropractic.

Global Impact Award recipient Prof. Richard Brown with presenter Phil Dewhurst.

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Cou n t dow n t o Wor ld Spin e Day 2025: In vest in You r Spin e safe lifting, and ergonomic environments can make a real difference.

This international awareness day also serves as a platform for healthcare professionals, educators, workplaces, and policymakers to raise the profile of spinal health. By encouraging healthier behaviors and environments, we can support not only physical well-being but also mental and emotional resilience.

Left: Dr Rebekah Wilks, DC, WFC Project Lead & Co-Chair. Right: Dr Danielle Wiesner, DC, Co-Chair with the "World Spine Day Global Executive Committee" consisting of Dr Rebecca Bauer, Dr Florian Allix, Dr Lykke Hoffbeck, and Dr Dinesh Palipana.

The countdown is on to Wor ld Spin e Day 2025, taking place on Oct ober 16t h . Each year, this international awareness day unites millions of people, organizations, and communities across more than 100 countries to shine a spotlight on spinal health. With an estimated 2 billion people reached annually, World Spine Day has become one of the most significant global movements focused on spinal health.

This year ?s theme, ?Invest in Your Spine,? emphasizes that spinal health is not optional? it?s essential. Our spines are the foundation of mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.

However, spinal pain continues to be the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting individuals across all ages and backgrounds. By taking small, proactive steps today? staying active, practicing good posture, and making spine-friendly choices? we can reduce the risk of pain, costly treatments, and diminished quality of life in the years ahead.

A Global Call t o Act ion Wor ld Spin e Day 2025 reminds us that investing in spinal health is an investment in the future.

Spinal disorders have far-reaching impacts on work, learning, and daily living. Simple, evidence-based habits such as regular stretching,

Sh ow casin g Global Im pact : Th e WFC Com pet it ion To celebrate World Spine Day, the World Federation of Chiropractic? with the generous support of Foot Leveler s? is once again hosting the Wor ld Spin e Day Com pet it ion 2025. This competition recognizes outstanding efforts to promote the importance of spinal health and inspire others to join the movement.

The competition is open to professional associations, educational institutions, and clinics/individual practitioners. From creative school programs and workplace awareness campaigns to innovative community events, all activities that promote the message of #In vest In You r Spin e are welcome.

Pr izes in clu de US$600 f or f ir st -place w in n er s in associat ion s an d in st it u t ion s, US$500 f or t h e best clin ic/ in dividu al pr act it ion er en t r y, an d r u n n er -u p pr izes of US$300. Winning initiatives will be showcased in the WFC Quarterly World Report (January 2026 edition), giving them global visibility.

20 WFC NEWS En t r ies m u st be su bm it t ed by Novem ber 15, 2025, with high-quality photos and activity details, to w sdcom pet it ion @w f c.or g.

How You Can Get In volved World Spine Day thrives on participation from people everywhere. Here?s how you can help build momentum: -

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Follow, Like, Share, and Tag World Spine Day on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Visit w w w.w or ldspin eday.or g for toolkits, educational materials, and competition details.

Use hashtags like #In vest In You r Spin e and #Wor ldSpin eDay to connect with the global conversation.

Share your own spine-healthy activities, photos, and stories to inspire others.

Th e Fin al Cou n t dow n With Oct ober 16t h fast approaching, now is the time to prepare. Together, we can reach billions, raise awareness, and ensure spinal health receives the attention it deserves? because a healthy spine today means a healthier tomorrow.

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22 WFC NEWS

WFC St r en gt h en s Global Ties at FCA?s ?Th e Nat ion al? A Leadin g Ch ir opr act ic Even t

The Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) proudly participated in Th e Nat ion al, hosted by the Flor ida Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (FCA) in Orlando, Florida, from Au gu st 21?24, 2025. As a long-standing partner of the FCA, the WFC?s presence at this landmark event reaffirmed its commitment to advancing chiropractic globally through collaboration, education, and innovation.

Held at the expansive venue on International Drive, The National welcomed over 3,000 attendees and featured 400 exhibits. The conference offered a dynamic blend of clinical education, strategic networking, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and techniques shaping the future of chiropractic care.

The WFC engaged with international experts, educators, and practitioners across a packed schedule of plenary sessions, clinical CE workshops, and strategic forums. Topics ranged from AI integration in chiropractic practice, precision care, and neuroplasticity, to sports chiropractic, pediatric protocols, and global health challenges such as mental health and long COVID. The WFC convened over 19 meetings with key stakeholders to deliver essential insights aimed at advancing the global chiropractic profession.

During these discussions, the WFC focused on achieving unity in differences, integrating chiropractic into multidisciplinary healthcare systems, and strengthening our position within the global governance ecosystem. Furthermore, the WFC underscored the critical need for increased global research and data acquisition, promoted advancements in education, and secured commitments for future shared initiatives.

The Expo Hall buzzed with innovation, showcasing the latest products and services from leading vendors such as St an dar d Pr ocess, NCM IC, Biot ics Resear ch , an d Saat va. WFC representatives connected with stakeholders to discuss global opportunities, regulatory challenges, and the importance of unified standards in chiropractic education and practice.

Beyond the sessions, The National offered a vibrant atmosphere for professional growth and community building. From alumni receptions to themed networking events like ?Casino Night ?

Party with a Purpose,? the conference fostered meaningful connections that will continue to shape the future of chiropractic worldwide.

The WFC extends its gratitude to the Florida Chiropractic Association for its continued partnership and leadership in hosting this unparalleled event.

As ch ir opr act ic con t in u es t o evolve, gat h er in gs lik e Th e Nat ion al ser ve as vit al plat f or m s f or dialogu e, in n ovat ion , an d global u n it y.

23 WFC NEWS

RESEARCH Com m it t ee an d GLOBAL PATIENT SAFETY INITIATIVE (GPSI): Cu r r en t act ivit ies

Sidney Rubinstein DC, PhD (Chair) Netherlands

Over view RC act ivit ies: The Resear ch Com m it t ee RC meets regularly (every two to three months), and discuss scientific issues of the day, in addition to pressing matters, such as the WFC Congress, specifically the handling of abstracts, and the Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive (GPSI).

Recently, two RC members stepped down and a Call for Applications was issued in June which met with an enthusiastic response. New initiatives planned. The Chair (Sidn ey Ru bin st ein ), Vice-Chair (Kat ie Poh lm an ) in conjunction with the Secretary-General and the liaison to the Board (Pernille Popp) have discussed with the Board and members of the RC opportunities for establishing subcommittees under the guise of the RC. The goal of the subcommittees would be to provide a focused platform to advance the WFC?s research priorities more effectively.

completed by early February 2026. In addition, projects identified by the Advisory Board are being advanced to explore funding opportunities and the special thematic series in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (C&MT) on patient safety is in progress.

This thematic series in C&MT is led by a diverse, international team of editors with a track record aligned in patient safety. Submissions are encouraged in all formats accepted by the journal, including original research articles, systematic and scoping reviews, case reports, and study protocols.

In addition, the series welcomes scholarly commentaries, debates, and letters to the editor that explore barriers and propose solutions to fostering and sustaining a strong global patient safety culture within chiropractic.

Other activities. The RC continues to be very active in identifying publications of relevance for the profession in an effort to improve clinician literacy.

So, keep your eye open for a brief summary of those publications in this issue of the QWR.

Respectfully, Sidney Rubinstein & Katie Pohlman

Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive (GPSI) u pdat e: The Leadership Study, funded by the RAND REACH program through Parker University, is ongoing, with data collection expected to be

Katie Pohlman DC, MS, PhD (Chair) USA

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25 WFC NEWS

DISABILITY & REHABILITATION: Com m it t ee w elcom es n ew m em ber s The Disabilit y an d Reh abilit at ion Com m it t ee (DRC) plays a vital role in advancing equitable, evidence-based care and support for individuals living with disability and those in need of rehabilitation services globally. The DRC is dedicated to ensuring that the chiropractic profession contributes meaningfully to global efforts in research and improving education in all matters disability and rehabilitation.

Katie de Luca, BAppSc, MChiro, PhD (Chair) Australia

The DRC consists of a diverse group of professionals representing all WFC regions. The DRC Chair is Associat e Pr of essor Kat ie de Lu ca (AUS), and members include Af u a Adjei-Kw ayisi (GHA), Nor Baak a (CAN), Am y Bow zaylo (BAH), Rau l Cau r illo (M EX), Pat r icia Est r ada (USA), Jean -Lu c Gau t h ier (CAN), Jor dan Gliedt

(USA), Br et t Gu ist (CAN), Pet er Tu ch in (AUS) and Ar n old Won g (HKG).

We recently advertised for a new European representative on the committee, as Neil Lan gr idge, the Director of Clinical & Rehabilitation Services at Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y stepped aside due to increased clinical service responsibilities. We would like to sincerely thank Neil for his time dedicated to the DRC, where he provided a meaningful, interdisciplinary viewpoint during the establishment of our portfolios and research activities.

Due to several high-quality applications, our exciting news is that we have welcomed two new European representatives to the DRC. With distinct strengths and diverse experiences, M ich ael Vian in (Sw it zer lan d) and Ch r ist of f er Bør sh eim (Nor w ay) bring with them a wealth of knowledge across education, research, policy and clinical practice.

We are excited that our committee continues to comprise of an agile group of multidisciplinary educators, clinicians, and early and mid-career researchers, committed to working together.

Welcome Michael and Christoffer!

We kindly ask faculty members and academics at English-speaking Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs to keep an eye out for our upcoming

disability and rehabilitation educational audit, which will review chiropractic curricular to further strengthen the delivery of disability and rehabilitation education for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Led by Br et t Gu ist (Can ada), this is one of several initiatives taking place in relation to disability and rehabilitation knowledge transfer and implementation as they relate chiropractic education. Participants will be asked to undertake a survey and an interview to facilitate our work in developing chiropractic curriculum's that that properly addresses key competency frameworks.

Please see our other article in this issue which gives an update on Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College recent rehabilitation review, which displays their commitment to advancing rehabilitation education and aligns with the WFC DRC?s vision of strengthening chiropractic?s role in global health systems.

I look forward to the next edition of the WFC QWR where I will continue to update the profession on the activities of the DRC. Through our evidence-based education initiatives, innovative and inclusive research agenda, and active global engagement, the DRC continues to reinforce the value of chiropractic care in disability management and rehabilitation.

For more information, please contact Associat e Pr of essor Kat ie de Lu ca, k .delu ca@cqu .edu .au

26 WFC NEWS

DRC Welcom es Dr . M ich ael Vian in On Boar d M ich ael Vian in , DC, M Sc (Reh ab), is a chiropractor with an extensive academic background. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan Un iver sit y, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation from M cM ast er Un iver sit y, and a Specialist in Chiropractic degree from the Sw iss Con f eder at ion .

Dr. Vianin possesses unique expertise in interdisciplinary care, bridging chiropractic and medical fields. He currently serves as a Supervising Clinician in the Department of the Locomotor System at Lau san n e Un iver sit y Hospit al (CHUV) and maintains a private practice at the Clin iqu e Gén ér ale in Fribourg, where he manages a diverse patient caseload and supervises clinical assistants. Dr. Vianin specializes in complex cases and is actively involved in multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs.

An international lecturer and author he is committed to evidence-based practice and global education. Dr. Vianin further contributes to the field as a manuscript and abstract reviewer and holds positions on several boards, including the Swiss Foundation for Chiropractic Research, the Federal Chiropractic Examination Board, and the Swiss Medical Professions Commission.

Dr Michael Vianin, DC, MSc (Rehab)

DRC Welcom es Dr . Ch r ist of f er Bør sh eim On Boar d Ch r ist of f er Bør sh eim (M Sc, DC) is a chiropractor, researcher, and PhD candidate at the Un iver sit y of Ber gen . He graduated with distinction from AECC/ Bou r n em ou t h Un iver sit y in 2015. He now combines clinical practice with research focused on chronic low back pain, where he evaluates outcomes from an innovative transdiagnostic treatment model. His doctoral work, funded by ELIB ? Et Liv i Bevegelse, involves analysis of the PUSH LBP coh or t ? a specialist healthcare study with follow-up in primary care satellite clinics.

Dr Christoffer Børsheim (MSc, DC)

In addition to his academic work, Dr Børsheim has served as regional head within the Nor w egian Ch ir opr act or s?

Associat ion and acts as an expert consultant for Nor w ay ?s n at ion al in ju r y com pen sat ion agen cy. He is a CARL III fellow, part of a global network advancing musculoskeletal research, and is actively engaged in public-facing science communication and interdisciplinary research initiatives.

27 WFC NEWS

In t r odu cin g t h e WFC Com m it t ee on Of f icial Relat ion s w it h t h e Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion (COR-WHO) engagement with the WHO. This includes participation in WHO consultations and meetings, responding to surveys, and ensuring timely and accurate submission of reports required under the triennial work plan.

The committee?s objectives are broad and vital to chiropractic?s global positioning. These include: Left: Deborah Kopansky-Giles, BPHE, DC, FCCS, MSc, Co-Chair and Right: Michele Maiers, DC, MPH, PhD, Co-Chair.

The WFC is proud to announce the commencement of meetings of its recently established Com m it t ee on Of f icial Relat ion s w it h t h e Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion (COR-WHO). This important body strengthens the WFC?s role as a Non-State Actor in Official Relations with the Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion (WHO) and ensures that the chiropractic profession remains an active contributor to global health priorities.

Com posit ion an d Gover n an ce The COR-WHO is a standing sub-committee of the WFC, led by Debor ah Koopan sk y-Giles and M ich ele M aier s as co-chairs. Other committee members include M ar t in Cam ar a, Faye Dean , an d Neer ash a Ram sam y, with Jacob Lot h e serving as the WFC Board liaison and the WFC Secretary-General as an ex-officio member. In keeping with the WFC?s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy and Conflict of Interest Policy, appointments to the committee have been made with an eye toward regional representation and expertise.

M ission an d Object ives The COR-WHO?s mission is to serve as the official liaison between the WFC and the WHO. In this capacity, the committee provides strategic guidance and oversight of all aspects of the WFC?s

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Identifying and advancing opportunities for collaboration with WHO across key areas of traditional, complementary and integrative health, rehabilitation, disability prevention, noncommunicable diseases, ageing and life course, and workforce development.

Advising the WFC Board on WHO priorities, policies, and initiatives relevant to musculoskeletal health and chiropractic?s contribution to them.

Reviewing WHO invitations for expert contributions to global health programs and recommending appropriate WFC representation.

Supporting the development of WFC position statements, policy documents, and reports that align with WHO strategies and advance chiropractic?s role in global health.

Promoting collaboration with other professional groups and organizations engaged in WHO activities, ensuring chiropractic?s voice is present in multidisciplinary global health discussions.

28 WFC NEWS Activities of the COR-WHO will help ensure that WFC activities remain aligned with WHO priorities and that the chiropractic profession continues to contribute meaningfully to global initiatives in health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation.

agenda. By ensuring compliance with WHO requirements and facilitating engagement in areas of strategic importance, the committee will play a pivotal role in advancing the WFC?s mission of supporting and promoting chiropractic as a global health profession.

Look in g Ah ead

The WFC looks forward to sharing updates on the COR-WHO?s work as it continues to guide and expand the Federation?s collaboration with the WHO for the benefit of chiropractic, patients, and communities worldwide.

With its meetings now underway, the COR-WHO has begun fulfilling its mandate of strengthening chiropractic?s integration into the global health

WORLD REHABILITATION ALLIANCE WORKSTREAM : St r en gt h en in g t h e Voice of Ch ir opr act ic The Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce (WRA)? launched by WHO in 2023? serves as a global advocacy network uniting stakeholders to promote rehabilitation as an integral component of health systems. As a founding member, the WFC leverages its holistic expertise in spinal health and musculoskeletal care to ensure chiropractic perspectives are represented within this critical global platform.

Chiropractic is well represented across the WRA?s f ive w or k st r eam s. The WFC is represented by Dr .

Debor ah Kopan sk y-Giles on the Primary Care Workstream, Dr . Kat ie de Lu ca on the Research Workstream, and Dr . Rebek ah Wilk s on the Workforce Workstream. In addition, many other chiropractors are actively engaged in the WRA through representation on behalf of partner organizations. The expanding list includes Dr .

Jak ob Lot h e, Dr . St eph en Passm or e, Dr . Silvan o M ior , Dr . Pier r e Côt e, Dr . Pat r icia Tavar es, Dr .

Car ol Can cellier e, Dr . An dr eas Ek lan d, an d Dr .

An dr é Bu ssièr es. Collectively, these contributions highlight the depth of chiropractic participation and the breadth of collaboration with multidisciplinary partners in advancing the

rehabilitation agenda.

The activities of these workstreams are generating significant impact. The Primary Care Workstream has forged collaborations with t h e Wor ld Or gan izat ion of Fam ily Doct or s (WONCA), t h e NCD Allian ce, an d t h e In t er n at ion al Cou n cil of Nu r ses, leading to joint publications, global video campaigns, and educational initiatives. The Research Workstream has advanced knowledge translation through webinars, infographics, and editorials, while the Workforce Workstream has produced a global position statement on investing in rehabilitation education and training, accompanied by translations, infographics, and dissemination strategies.

To ensure cohesion across this broad engagement, the WFC established its inaugural WRA Workstream on July 30, 2025. Since then, the group has met three times and engaged twice with the WFC Committee on Official Relations with WHO (COR-WHO). Its purpose is to strengthen the chiropractic voice within the WRA, provide consistent messaging for representatives, and strategically inform COR-WHO of emerging WRA priorities. The Workstream has begun mapping

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30 WFC NEWS chiropractic participation across WRA structures to identify representation gaps, is developing a cohesive messaging framework, and will be exploring innovative approaches to fulfilling the WFC?s Triennial Collaboration Plan with the WHO through WRA engagement.

The WRA itself is also entering a new phase. It is restructuring and finalizing the membership of its new Steering Committee and establishing an Advocacy an d Com m u n icat ion s Task For ce (ACT) to strengthen governance and outreach.

Several chiropractors have applied to serve on these bodies, reinforcing the profession?s commitment to leadership and ensuring chiropractic perspectives are included as the Alliance optimizes its structure.

coordination of the WFC WRA Workstream, the profession is well positioned to play a visible and influential role in shaping global rehabilitation policy. This collective engagement strengthens the WFC?s mission to advance the awareness, utilization, and integration of chiropractic worldwide, while supporting the WRA?s goal of making rehabilitation accessible to all.

By uniting the efforts of chiropractic representatives across the WRA with the

PUBLIC HEALTH COM M ITTEE: On t ar get f or 2029 agen da contributes expertise in public health, education, policy, and clinical practice, bringing a global perspective to our initiatives. Chair: Dr. Claire Johnson (USA) North America. Members: Mustafa Agaoglu (UK/ Türkiye) Eastern Mediterranean; Dawn Dane (Australia) Pacific; Faye Deane (United Kingdom) Europe; Elga Drews (Namibia) Africa; David Peeace (Canada) North America; Mayda Serrano (Puerto Rico) Latin America; Alli Totzke (United States) North America; and Yi Kai Wong (Malaysia) Asia.

Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD, DACBSP, FICC

The WFC Pu blic Healt h Com m it t ee (PHC) consists of a diverse group of professionals representing WFC regions. Each member

The PHC serves as a global advisory body, guiding the WFC Board on public health matters relevant to chiropractic practice. Our mission is to identify public health priorities, implement health promotion activities, and align initiatives with the strategic objectives of the WFC and the World Health Organization (WHO).

31 WFC NEWS The WFC Public Health Committee (PHC) develops chiropractic-relevant materials to address public health information needs for the profession. The role of the PHC is to advise the WFC Board in the area of public health as it relates to the practice of chiropractic and to provide information to individuals and communities served by chiropractors globally. This may include, but is not limited to, the identification of public health priorities, implementation of health promotion activities, public health campaigns, and activities congruent with priorities of the WFC and WHO. The current PHC plan is aligned with the strategic objectives outlined in the 2024-2029 WFC strategic plan.

The PHC focuses on public health and health promotion. By the end of 2029, the PHC aims to forward the public health agenda for the chiropractic profession by initiating the following actions.

1. Further develop public health and health promotion position statements for the chiropractic profession. a. Establish a list of public health issues that need to be further developed or addressed. b. Identify public health gaps in current WFC policies and position statements. c. Revise or sunset existing policies or create new public health policies or position statements.

2. Disseminate information to the chiropractic profession about public health and health promotion, such as how to apply concepts related to health promotion and prevention in chiropractic practice, and identify gaps in the literature. a. Collect evidence about how public health and health promotion are related and/or are relevant to chiropractic practice and the chiropractic profession b. Establish an agenda for public health research (identify and describe the research gap for research that is needed).

Stakeholders: Researchers, Chiropractic leaders, and educators We invite all chiropractors to view and distribute the WFC-PHC public health social media posts. The purpose is to distribute current public health information that is especially relevant to the chiropractic profession globally.

Th e f ocu s in clu des pu blic h ealt h -r elat ed t opics r elevan t t o t h e ch ir opr act ic pr of ession , w it h an em ph asis on eviden ce-based pu blic h ealt h , h ealt h pr om ot ion , an d pr even t ion in f or m at ion t h at ch ir opr act or s can apply in pr act ice.

32 WFC NEWS

NCM IC Nam es Scot t Gojk ovich Sen ior Vice Pr esiden t of In su r an ce for 10 radio stations and drove record revenue.

An active member of the Greater Des Moines community, Gojkovich is Chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership?s Communications Board and is a member of its Executive Committee and Board. He is also Chair of East er seals Iow a and a board member of the Food Ban k of Iow a. ?Scott?s deep knowledge of our business, his dedication to our policyholders, and his proven ability to lead complex initiatives make him the ideal person to take on this critical role,?said David Siebert, CEO of NCMIC. ?His leadership will serve our company well as we continue to strengthen our core offerings and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our DCs and the chiropractic profession.?

Scott Gojkovich, newly appointed Senior Vice President of Insurance at NCMIC.

As newly appointed CEO David Sieber t builds out his executive leadership team, NCM IC is pleased to name Scot t Gojk ovich Senior Vice President of Insurance, effective immediately.

In this elevated role, Gojkovich will drive the strategic vision and operational excellence of NCMIC?s insurance divisions. He will support the chiropractic profession through partnerships and advocacy efforts while ensuring that policyholders continue to experience NCMIC?s ?We Take Care of Our Own?ethos.

Gojkovich joined NCMIC in 2019 and most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to NCMIC, he spent 25 years at Des M oin es Radio Gr ou p in various roles, including Brand and Operations Manager, where he led marketing and operations

?Our chiropractors are at the heart of everything we do, and I?m committed to ensuring we deliver the high level of service, support, and innovation they?ve come to expect from us over the past 80 years,?said Gojkovich. ?I?m looking forward to enhancing our strategic, collaborative lens for the future of the insurance company.?

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34 WFC NEWS

TOP 10 Assu m pt ion s: Wh y do r egu lat or s car e abou t you r r ecor d-keepin g?

Privacy is a VERY big deal. Do you have a written release from the patient? Is the patient competent to decide who can have their information? Who can legally make decisions about the patient?s treatment plan? Secure records storage is also vital.

4. T or F: Patient records are mine.

When reviewing an unrelated complaint, boards often identify errors in records. Take this quick true or false test: 1. T or F: Boards care about whether or not I get paid, so they want me to keep some kind of records.

Well, actually they do care about you but their primary mission is NOT YOU. It is the protection of the public.

Boards expect records to be legible, accurate, complete, and contemporaneous. Not written up next week when you have time. The patient should not need to explain their care program to another provider. Specific content may be defined by your jurisdiction?s standard of care.

Your records should not use abbreviations unless they are highly common. For example, one case noted a ?patient had a PE.? The doctor interpreted this as a Pulmonary Embolism. Actually, the previous provider meant Physical Examination.

2. T or F: I have to maintain records for five (5) years.

Maybe. Regulatory requirements differ. Some say 4, 7, or even 10 years. Some require records of minor children be kept until the child is 18. Or 19.

Or 21. Be sure you know what your jurisdiction requires.

3. T or F: I can discuss the care of my elderly patient with her daughter. Or husband.

They are your work product, but you also hold patient health information in trust. Patients have the right to view and receive copies of records.

No, you can?t ?tidy them up? before providing them to the patient or a third party they authorize.

You may or may not be able to charge to provide records ? check your jurisdiction?s legal requirements about fees and time frames to provide them.

5. T or F: I ALWAYS tell patients about the risks and alternatives associated with chiropractic care so I don?t have to write it down for each patient.

Nope. Document the conversation. When appropriate or required, get signed acknowledgment from the patient.

6. T or F: If the board changes its record-keeping requirements, they have to tell me.

Regulatory agencies make every effort to communicate changes, but it?s your license or registration. It?s your responsibility to stay informed. Visit the board website.

7. T or F: Cash paying patients, wellness visits, and staff adjustments do not require documentation.

Wrong.

8. T or F: My staff can sign my records on my behalf.

Nope. That?s on the Bad List with ?I can use white-out? and ?I don?t have to date my signature.?

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9. T or F: Chiropractic is so safe that it?s just paperwork ? not that big of a deal.

10. T or F: As a bonus, I am more likely to get paid.

TRUE!

Regulatory authorities take documentation standards seriously. Even if there is no malpractice claim, a chiropractor can face severe disciplinary action for poor record-keeping.

Wan t t o see w h at boar ds deal w it h ? Visit t h e ICRS w ebsit e h er e t o t r y you r h an d at som e r eal cases.

Sanctions may range from formal reprimands and fines to remedial training, supervised practice, probation, suspension, or even revocation of the practice privilege.

Donna M. Cohen, Executive Director International Chiropractic Regulatory Society

Read t h e f u ll ICRS An n u al Repor t 2025

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37 WORLD NEWS CANADA

Evacu at ed, bu t n ot Aban don ed

Dr. Jennifer Ward (foreground left), pictured with fellow volunteers, and military support vehicles assisting in the evacuation of First Nation community members in Northern MB, Canada.

Members of Pim icik am ak Cr ee Nat ion, in Manitoba, served by Wor ld Spin e Car e Can ada, were forced to evacuate during wildfires, but were able to continue chiropractic care.

Since October 2023, the Cross Lake Nursing Station has served as the site of a World Spine Care Canada clinic with the support of sevral national funding partners (Health Canada, Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation, Canadian Chiropractic Association and Healthcare Excellence Canada). It is a chiropractic service implementation project, in collaboration with the community, providing care to the Pimicikamak People in Manitoba. Since inception, more than 225 community members have sought care, through 1380 treatment visits. In May of 2025, an evacuation order was issued to over 7,000 Pimicikamak Peoples due to out-of-control wildfires. For 19 days, people were evacuated to other cities in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and neighbouring Ontario. Both World Spine Care Canada clinicians offered their skillsets to support the community through this natural disaster.

For community members displaced to Winnipeg, our clinical research team consulted with community members and created an opportunity to receive treatment from a chiropractor who typically flies to Cross Lake to deliver care. Dr. Jordan Myers was able to use the electronic medical record system to reach out to all patients, thanks to Juvonno?s electronic medical record text messaging system, that the chiropractic service was now available to them at the University of Manitoba campus. Concurrently, a postcard was created for the community?s social media to increase awareness of the service, clinic contact information, location and transportation availability. For patients displaced to other communities who had their care interrupted, the ability to provide advice, education about their condition, stretching, strengthening and exercises were available via telehealth appointments if desired.

Fires forced road closures, while smoke made air transport difficult through reduced visibility, leading to challenges for community access and evacuation.

38 WORLD NEWS

Dr . Jen n if er War d was prepared to see any Pimicikamak patients displaced from Cross Lake to The Pas or Opaskwayak Cree Nation but found herself lending her abilities in other ways.

Volunteering at the Clear w at er Lak e Air por t , Dr. Ward assisted in receiving community members from Northern Canada. Through smoke-filled skies, First Nations Peoples arrived with small carry-on bags, holding their children?s hands. Dr. Ward noted, ?It was very intense. Thousands of people had to leave their communities not knowing if their homes were going to be there when they got

back. Some communities are still evacuated even after 102 days due to hydroelectric poles being damaged in the fire.?Her chiropractic clinic treated evacuees and fire fighters from all over the north for free to help provide much needed relief.

Ou r h ope is t h at ot h er com m u n it ies an d people im pact ed by n at u r al disast er s can lear n f r om t h e exper ien ce t o pivot , adapt an d m eet t h e h ealt h car e n eeds of people in t h e f u t u r e.

CANADA

Can adian ch ir opr act ic leader s at t en d r et r eat in Yu k on t o h igh ligh t t h e n eed f or car e in r em ot e an d In digen ou s com m u n it ies In September, the Board of Directors of the Can adian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (CCA), held their annual retreat in Wh it eh or se, Yu k on .

Beyond strategic planning, the trip highlighted a critical priority for the profession in Canada: improving access to healthcare for Canadians living in remote and Indigenous communities.

specialized services are available. Smaller and more remote communities rely on local health centers, visiting practitioners, and medical travel for advanced care. While services are supplemented by local programs and partnerships with larger provinces, geographic distance and limited local resources create challenges.

?We (the CCA) recognize that Canada is not just coast to coast. It?s coast to coast, to coast? We want to get people the right treatment at the right time, and we want to support the already overwhelmed healthcare system,?said Dr . Jen n if er War d, CCA Board of Director and Co-Chair of the Indigenous Chiropractic Caucus.

Earlier this year, the Government of Yukon, in partnership with the Cou n cil of Yu k on Fir st Nat ion s (CYFN), launched an engagement process to develop community health and wellness plans with rural communities.

Healthcare in Yukon faces unique challenges due to its vast geography and dispersed population.

Residents in northern, remote, and Indigenous communities often encounter limited access to timely services, requiring innovative approaches to meet their needs. Access to healthcare is centered in the capital city of Whitehorse, where most

?We came to Whitehorse because wanted to hear the voices of the community and the leadership. We wanted to hear what people are experiencing and to understand what is needed in the North,?shared Dr. Ward. As a chiropractor who practices in remote communities in Manitoba, Dr. Ward has also witnessed firsthand the challenges people face in accessing timely, culturally safe healthcare.

Dr . Ayla Azad, CCA CEO, noted that it was an

39 WORLD NEWS opportune time to educate leaders of the specialized care chiropractors can provide.

During their visit, Board members met with local politicians across party lines and with the Yukon Health Authority to discuss how chiropractors can support northern communities in accessing safe, effective, and culturally sensitive healthcare services, particularly for neuromusculoskeletal health and pain management. ?Our work at the CCA is about making sure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to live pain-free, active, and healthy lives,? said Dr. Azad. ?The highlight of the retreat was our reception that allowed us to connect with community leaders and local CCA members. It allowed us to connect face-to-face and build relationships that can drive progress in delivering care. Moments like these remind us that collaboration and understanding lived experiences lay the foundation for positive, lasting change."

understand and see firsthand the challenges faced by northern communities. Improving access to neuromusculoskeletal healthcare is critical and we want all healthcare professionals, healthcare leaders, and governments to see the urgent need to expand healthcare resources in remote and Indigenous communities. We must work collaboratively with each other to do better for Canadians.? ?Before this weekend, I had never visited Yukon. We were met with kindness and generous hospitality. The natural, breathtaking beauty of the land and the strength of the communities here are inspiring. This retreat also demonstrates how collaboration can serve as an example across Canada, and even internationally, that working together can lead to innovative and effective healthcare solutions for remote communities,?said Dr. Baron.

CCA Board Chair, Dr. Russel Baron reflected on his first visit to Yukon. ?Our trip to the Yukon was more than a strategic planning meeting. It allowed us to

Photo of the CCA Board of Directors

40 WORLD NEWS CANADA

Discover Van cou ver , t h e back dr op f or t h e WFC Bien n ial Con gr ess 2027 Vancouver, Canada?s premier west coast city, provides the ideal setting for the WFC?s 2027 Biennial Congress, proudly hosted by the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Discover what makes this remarkable city so special.

Vancouver is a city where ocean and mountains meet, where an urban rain forest frames a dynamic skyline, and where world-class venues, hotels, and restaurants are all within easy reach. It is a place where natural beauty and urban sophistication come together to create an exceptional setting for international events.

As one of the Top 25 Best St ar t u p Ecosyst em s in t h e Wor ld and often called the ?Silicon Valley of the North,? Vancouver has become a hub for innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas. These qualities align perfectly with the chiropractic profession?s commitment to advancing health and wellness worldwide.

Consistently ranked among the most liveable cities globally, Vancouver offers WFC?27 delegates a unique balance: a professional environment that encourages learning and connection, and a vibrant city life enriched by culture, cuisine, and

year-round outdoor recreation. Its compact, walkable downtown makes it easy to transition seamlessly from conference sessions to networking opportunities, or to explore the city?s many attractions.

Vancouver is also one of the most globally connected cities in North America, with direct flights from major hubs in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Equally important, it is a city built on collaboration, one that honors its Indigenous heritage, celebrates diversity, and welcomes global perspectives.

For the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic community, Vancouver offers not only a stunning backdrop for our upcoming global conference but also an environment that inspires new ideas, builds strong professional networks, and reflects our shared vision for a healthier world.

41

42 WORLD NEWS CHINA

3r d An n u al Ch ir opr act ic an d Spin al Healt h Su m m it Ch in a presented the opening remarks. His emphasis was on WFC?s commitment to making chiropractic care available to ?all people, of all ages, of all nations.?

Also, during the event, CAC had a special ceremony announcing their involvement in Wor ld Spin e Day 2025. Special thanks to the CAC?s commitment to advancing chiropractic in China.

WFC Past President , John Maltby

Over 300 students and doctors attended the 3r d An n u al Ch ir opr act ic an d Spin al Healt h Su m m it in Sh an gh ai, Ch in a, Au gu st 29-30t h , 2025.

The event was sponsored by the Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion of Ch in a (CAC), the newest member of the World Federation of Chiropractic. Immediate past president of the WFC, Dr . Joh n M alt by

John Maltby delivering opening remarks at the 3rd Annual Chiropractic and Spinal Health Summit in Shanghai, China.

John Maltby, Immediate Past President of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC), with representatives at the 3rd Annual Chiropractic and Spinal Health Summit in Shanghai, China, where the 2025 World Spine Day campaign was officially announced.

43 WORLD NEWS HONG KONG

Nat ion al Repor t : Ch ir opr act ic Doct or s Associat ion of Hon g Kon g (CDAHK) innovative collaborations, and underscores the positive impact of chiropractic care in strengthening primary healthcare systems. By engaging with government bodies, educational initiatives, and public services, CDAHK continues to elevate the profession?s role in Hong Kong?s dynamic healthcare landscape.

Advocacy in Policy Developm en t

CDAHK representatives participate in the 2025 Policy Address Consultation Session on Medical and Health.

In 2025, our efforts have focused on policy advocacy, professional development, regulatory improvements, and community outreach. This report celebrates our achievements, showcases

1. Granting chiropractors the authority to issue sick leave certificates, streamlining patient care and reducing administrative burdens.

2. Incorporating chiropractic services into the public healthcare system and the Primary Healthcare Blueprint, ensuring accessible, non-invasive treatments for musculoskeletal issues.

3. Enhancing local training programs for chiropractic professionals to build a skilled workforce aligned with international

A landmark achievement this year was CDAHK?s direct involvement in shaping health policy at the highest levels. Our Chairman, Dr . Valer ie Ch u , was invited to the 2025 Policy Address Consultation Session on Medical and Health, where she presented six pivotal recommendations on behalf of the chiropractic industry. Addressing Chief Executive M r . Joh n Lee Ka-ch iu , Secretary for Health Pr of . Lo Ch u n g-m au , and Head of the Chief Executive?s Policy Unit Dr . Won g, Dr . Ch u advocated for: standards.

4. Strengthening regulations against unlicensed pain treatment practices to protect public safety.

5. Promoting public-private healthcare data sharing to foster integrated, patient-centered care.

6. Facilitating Hong Kong chiropractors? integration into the Greater Bay Area?s medical collaborations, promoting cross-border innovation and expertise exchange.

This session marked a significant milestone, amplifying the voice of chiropractic in governmental decision-making. CDAHK urges the 2025 Policy Address to prioritize these recommendations, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances primary healthcare and emphasizes people-centered approaches.

The positive reception from officials signals growing recognition of chiropractic?s value in addressing

44 WORLD NEWS chronic pain and preventive health, potentially benefiting millions in Hong Kong and beyond.

Advan cin g Regu lat or y St an dar ds f or Pain M an agem en t

Ch am pion in g Ch ild Pr ot ect ion an d Pr of ession al Tr ain in g

CDAHK?s advocacy extended to regulatory enhancements through a pivotal meeting with the M edical an d Healt h Bu r eau (M HB) on Ju n e 18, 2025. Spearheaded by Legislative Council Member LAM Chit-suen and supported by Hon. CHAN Wing-kwong, the session addressed the regulation of pain clinics amid rising concerns over unregistered practitioners. Drawing from a 2023 CDAHK-raised issue and a 2024 study exposing public risks, the meeting united pain specialists, orthopedic surgeons, Chinese medicine practitioners, and physiotherapists.

In alignment with our commitment to ethical practice and societal well-being, CDAHK has been instrumental in advocating for robust training under the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance. Through repeated engagements at Legislative Council consultations, alongside representatives from other sectors, we successfully influenced the government to launch an accessible online self-learning course. This initiative, now available to all relevant professionals, equips chiropractors and others with essential knowledge to identify and report child abuse early.

The course comprehensively covers f ive k ey elem en t s: 1. Strategies to safeguard children?s safety and recognize abusive behaviors.

2. Guiding principles and approaches for handling suspected cases.

3. Roles of various professions in managing incidents.

4. Identifying and addressing suspected abuse.

5. Immediate protection actions, investigations, and multi-disciplinary case conferences.

Gazet t ed on Ju ly 19, 2024, t h e Or din an ce w ill t ak e ef f ect on Jan u ar y 20, 2026. CDAHK strongly encourages our members to complete the course and obtain certification, reinforcing our collective responsibility to protect vulnerable children. This proactive stance not only complies with new regulations but also elevates chiropractic?s role in community safeguarding. We maintain ongoing dialogue with the government, ensuring our industry?s input shapes future policies. This effort has garnered positive feedback, highlighting chiropractic?s dedication to holistic care that extends beyond physical health to social welfare.

CDAHK representatives proposed f ou r k ey r ecom m en dat ion s: 1. Clearly defining the scope of pain treatment to help the public distinguish legitimate services from illegal ones.

2. Regulating medical equipment use to prevent misuse by unqualified individuals.

3. Promoting multi-professional cooperation and establishing unified complaint and enforcement mechanisms.

4. Enhancing public education to raise awareness of qualified healthcare providers.

These suggestions aim to minimize risks, ensure transparency, and safeguard patient safety. The collaborative atmosphere demonstrated the profession?s unity and the government?s responsiveness, marking a crucial step toward higher healthcare standards. CDAHK remains committed to monitoring policy implementation and fostering inter-sectoral partnerships, positioning chiropractic as a leader in ethical pain management.

Com m u n it y Ou t r each an d Im pact Our community engagement shone through the successful ?Kowloon Community Medical and Health Care Campaign,? co-organized with the Hom e Af f air s Depar t m en t (HAD) and the Gr eat er Bay Ar ea Com m u n it y M edical an d

45 WORLD NEWS Healt h Ser vices Associat ion (GBCM SA).

Concluding on June 4, 2025, the event provided free consultations and health education, benefiting over 200 residents. We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated members, Dr . Sam u el Won g an d Dr . Ch er yl Ho, whose expertise and compassion exemplified chiropractic?s community spirit. This initiative not only promoted preventive care but also strengthened ties with regional partners, showcasing innovations in accessible healthcare delivery.

CDAHK has made strides in policy influence, professional training, regulatory advocacy, and community service, all while celebrating the remarkable contributions of our members. These efforts align with WFC?s mission to advance chiropractic globally, fostering innovations that enhance public health. Looking ahead, we are excited to build on these successes, collaborating internationally to promote evidence-based care.

Toget h er , w e ar e sh apin g a h ealt h ier f u t u r e f or Hon g Kon g an d t h e w or ld.

HONG KONG

HKCA m et w it h Legislat ive Cou n cil Repr esen t at ive of M edical an d Healt h Ser vices Sect or an d pr esen t ed a let t er of pet it ion t o t h en Un der Secr et ar y f or Healt h , expr essin g Con cer n s over Un r egu lat ed Pain Cen t er s in Hon g Kon g The Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion (HKCA) has raised urgent concerns about the proliferation of unregulated pain centers in Hong Kong. These establishments operate without qualified healthcare professionals or government oversight, engaging in unethical practices that jeopardize public health and financial security. In recent years, the HKCA has received numerous complaints from both practitioners and the public regarding the adverse effects of treatments administered by unqualified individuals.

Key Issu es: A survey of HKCA members revealed alarming cases of improper manipulations and treatment methods, including: 1. High-risk Techniques: Instances of neck injuries due to dangerous practices, such as using mallets and wooden blocks, have been reported.

2. Unnecessary Manipulations: Patients experienced inflammation from

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unnecessary spinal adjustments performed by unqualified personnel.

Misuse of Medical Devices: Beauticians improperly used medical devices in facial salons, further exposing clients to risk.

Misrepresentation: There have been cases where unlicensed practitioners posed as registered chiropractors, leading to inappropriate treatments for conditions like sciatic pain.

Public Health Risks The HKCA outlines several critical concerns regarding these unregulated centers: Inadequate Care: Untrained practitioners lack the necessary skills for proper diagnosis, leading to potentially harmful or ineffective treatments.

Delayed Access to Proper Care: Patients may defer seeking legitimate medical help, which can exacerbate their conditions.

Misleading Advertising: Aggressive marketing strategies promote unrealistic

46 WORLD NEWS claims such as "quick pain relief," which regulated professionals are prohibited from making.

10. Exploitative Sales Tactics: Vulnerable individuals are often pressured into purchasing unnecessary treatment packages without medical justification.

11. Supporting Evidence 12. A recent Consumer Council report, titled "Pain Management: Think Twice to Avoid Wasting Money and Harm" (August, 2023), corroborates these concerns by detailing the physical and financial harms caused by unregulated pain centers. The findings align closely with HKCA's observations, noting that these centers operate in a legal grey area, evading accountability for malpractice. Although their actions may not be outright illegal, they significantly undermine public trust and pose substantial health risks.

13. Proposed Measures for Government Action 14. To address these issues, the HKCA urges the Health Bureau to implement the following measures: 15. Public Education Campaigns: Initiate campaigns to educate the public on the importance of seeking care from government-regulated healthcare professionals and the protective role of professional councils.

16. Expansion of Legislative Oversight: Amend the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance

(Cap 633) to include chiropractic and other healthcare facilities, ensuring public access to regulated care.

17. Strengthening Medical Device Regulations: Expedite the establishment of a regulatory framework for medical devices, ensuring their use is restricted to qualified professionals.

18. Regulation of Misleading Advertisements: Collaborate with the Office of the Communications Authority to enforce stricter guidelines against deceptive health claims in advertising, similar to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority.

19. Ownership Restrictions: Consider limiting the ownership of healthcare practices to licensed individuals to ensure professional oversight, ethical standards, and protection against unqualified influence in clinical decisions.

20. Conclusion 21. The rise of unregulated pain centers constitutes a serious public health crisis in Hong Kong, exposing patients to preventable harm and financial exploitation. The HKCA calls on the Health Bureau to take decisive action to protect public health by reviewing and reforming the current regulatory framework. They are also open to discussing further solutions and offering their expertise in addressing these pressing issues.

Meeting with then Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, JP and Legislative Council representative, Dr David Lam, together with a multi-disciplinary panel of healthcare providers: orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, pain specialists, chinese medicine practitioners

47 WORLD NEWS JAPAN

Th e 16t h JSCS An n u al Con f er en ce

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Junko Usuda, Vice President of the Japanese Society of Chiropractic Science, moderating the Q&A session.

The 16t h An n u al Con f er en ce of t h e Japan ese Societ y of Ch ir opr act ic Scien ce was held online from Ju n e 15 t o 16 under the theme ?Quality Improvement in Healthcare and Patient Safety?.

Dr Kei Nak at su k a DC, served as this year 's conference chair, who graduated from sports science course of Br igh am You n g Un iver sit y?Hawaii followed by chiropractic program of Sou t h er n Calif or n ia Un iver sit y of Healt h Scien ces. He is the third generation chiropractor and currently working with his father, Dr Hir of u m i Nak at su k a, graduate of Nat ion al College of Ch ir opr act ic and a past president of the Japanese Association of Chiropractors.

The k eyn ot e speak er s and in vit ed speak er s are as follows;

Keyn ot e Speak er s: -

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Sh u n zo Koizu m i MD, FACS: Chair, Choosing Wisely Japan ?Choosing Wisely Campaign Questions the Sustainability of Modern Medicine?

Kat h er in e Poh lm an DC, MS, PhD:

Professor, Director of Research, Parker University ?Insights from the WFC?s Global Patient Safety Initiative?

Kazu m i Tan ak a MD, M Pharm, PhD: Professor, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Graduate, School of Medicine, Gunma University ?Learning from the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021?2030: The First Step Toward Safer Healthcare M isa Sak agu ch i MD, MPH: Director of Medical Safety, Japan Council for Quality Health Care ?Learning from Case Studies -From the Project to Collect Medical Near-Miss/Adverse Event Information Tom oh isa Sh ion o: Medical Professions Divisions, Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ?Medical Regulations and Patient Safety Initiatives

In vit ed Speak er s: Panel Discussion Theme: ?What is Patient Safety??

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Facilit at or : Tom oh ik o Wak at su k i DC, Director, Wakatsuki Chiropractic Aoi Fu r u ya DC: Forge Strength Chiropractic Clinic ?Improved Quality of Care and Patient Safety?

Yu su k e Sak abe DC: Director, Yarrabilba Chiropractic ?Four Essential Habits to Prevent Medical Errors - Insights from Chiropractic Practice in Australia?

Keiich i Kageyam a DC: Director, Coastal Chiropractic ?Patient Safety and Chiropractor Safety?

The event was smoothly moderated by Vice President Dr . Ju n k o Usu da, who actively facilitated the Q&A session between participants and presenters by taking the lead in posing questions.

48 WORLD NEWS The conference chair Dr . Kei Nak at su k a conveyed the message that ?patient safety is a fundamental principle of healthcare.? He emphasized that while chiropractic clinical practice improves patient health, it can also potentially harm health if contraindications and risk management are not fully considered. He further advocated that actively incorporating EBM (Eviden ce-Based M edicin e) and NBM (Nar r at ive-Based M edicin e) into healthcare policy in Japan, alongside advancing true multidisciplinary collaboration, would enable the realization of healthcare grounded in patient safety.

regarding serious adverse events following spinal manipulation therapy.

Pr of essor Kazu m i Tan ak a of the Department of

Katherine Pohlman, Keynote speaker ? ?Insights from the WFC?s Global Patient Safety Initiative.?

Kei Nakatsuka, Chair of the 16th Annual Conference of the Japanese Society of Chiropractic Science.

Dr . Sh u n zo Koizu m i, Chair of Choosing Wisely Japan, introduced Choosing Wisely as an international campaign aiming for ?sustainable society and healthcare.? It advocates for evidence-based, low-risk medical choices through dialogue between healthcare providers and patients. Recently, issues of overdiagnosis to reduce low-value care have also been highlighted in Japanese media.

Pr of . Kat ie Poh lm an , Director of Research and Professor at Par k er Un iver sit y, USA, presented an overview and direction of the Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive (GPSI) promoted by the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). Her presentation also referenced commentary by Pr of . Sidn ey Ru bin st ein at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,

Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Gr adu at e Sch ool of M edicin e, Gu n m a Un iver sit y introduced the global patient safety initiatives by the WHO (Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion ) and the approach to safe healthcare in clinical settings. The WHO designated September 17 as ?World Patient Safety Day,? resolved to make patient safety a global priority, and formulated the ?World Health Organization Action Plan for Patient Safety 2021-2030? in 2021.

As the supervising translator for the Japanese version of this plan, Professor Tanaka explained what constitutes safe healthcare and how healthcare professionals should approach it.

[Clockwise from top left] Tomohiko Wakatsuki, Keiichi Kageyama, Aoi Furuya, and Yusuke Sakabe.

49 WORLD NEWS Ot h er k eyn ot e speak er s included Dr . M isa Sak agu ch i, Director of the Medical Accident Prevention Division at the Japan ese Cou n cil f or Qu alit y Healt h Car e, who discussed the medical accident information collection initiative, and M r .

Tom oh isa Sh ion o from the Medical Affairs Division, Medical Policy Bureau, M in ist r y of Healt h , Labou r an d Welf ar e, who explained the Ministry's medical safety measures.

The invited lecture featured a panel discussion on patient safety by Dr . Aoi Fu r u ya, Dr . Yu su k e Sak abe, and Dr . Kaich i Kageyam a, all practicing in Australia. Compared to the environment in

Japan where chiropractic profession is not legislated, the discussion made it clear that in Australian environment, where they serve as primary care providers, a broader range of responsibilities is required for chiropractors.

According to JAC President, Dr Tak ayan agi, ?This conference deepened JAC members' understanding of healthcare safety and made them deeply aware of the necessity for official regulation and accredited chiropractic programs. For next year's conference, we plan to invite a keynote lecturer from overseas chiropractic university to learn about the role of chiropractors as primary care providers.?

NORWAY

Sem in ar M ar k s Hist or ic M ilest on e f or Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion in Nor w ay anatomical terminology, palpation, communication, and clinical relevance.

The response was highly positive, with many students immediately signing up for upcoming palpation sessions. The seminar clearly highlighted the students?curiosity, motivation, and eagerness to further develop their practical skills ? a promising sign for the next generation of chiropractors in Norway.

Students participate in the inaugural chiropractic seminar at Kristiania University College ? marking the first step toward establishing a Norwegian chiropractic education pathway.

On Sept em ber 24, the Nor w egian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion hosted a seminar for 26 enthusiastic first- and second-year biomedical students at Kr ist ian ia Un iver sit y College. The program introduced students to the role of chiropractic in Norway and offered hands-on training in

Behind this event lies an important milestone: for the very first time, Norwegian students can choose the chiropractic track within the biomedical sciences program at Kristiania, developed in collaboration with the Un iver sit y of Sou t h er n Den m ar k (SDU).

Th is m ar k s t h e begin n in g of a Nor w egian ch ir opr act ic edu cat ion pat h w ay ? a h ist or ic st ep f or bot h t h e pr of ession an d t h e Nor w egian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion .

50 WORLD NEWS NORWAY

Gau sel Appoin t ed t o t h e Scien t if ic Advisor y Boar d of t h e Nor w egian Wom en?s Pelvic Gir dle Healt h Associat ion multidisciplinary scientific advisory board of the Nor w egian Wom en?s Pelvic Gir dle Healt h Associat ion (LKB). The board plays a key role in ensuring that all information shared by LKB is evidence-based, contributes to the development of educational resources, and provides expert guidance on clinical and scientific matters.

Anne Marie Gausel, PhD, chiropractor and researcher, appointed to the scientific advisory board of the Norwegian Women?s Pelvic Girdle Health Association.

Norwegian chiropractor An n e M ar ie Gau sel, PhD, has been appointed as a member of the

Through their professional networks, the advisory board members also contribute to research and the dissemination of knowledge on pelvic girdle pain. Gausel is affiliated with the Nor w egian r esear ch f ou n dat ion Et Liv i Bevegelse (ELIB), and her appointment represents an important strengthening of the chiropractic profession?s involvement in w om en?s h ealt h r esear ch an d

in t er disciplin ar y collabor at ion .

PHILIPPINES

Ch ir opr act ic M ission Br in gs Relief t o Ph ilippin e M en an d Wom en in Un if or m A collaborative initiative between Han ds f or Vit alit y, In t er car e, t h e In t er n at ion al M edical Un iver sit y (IM U), and t h e Au st r alian College of Ch ir opr act ic (ACC) recently brought chiropractic care to members of the Ph ilippin e Air For ce and the Pr esiden t ial Secu r it y Com m an d. This mission was designed to address the unique physical demands placed on uniformed personnel and to demonstrate the vital role of spinal health in sustaining their strength, focus, and resilience.

Servicemen and women dedicate their lives to safeguarding the nation, often enduring long hours, heavy equipment, and rigorous training.

These responsibilities take a toll on their

musculoskeletal health, with back pain, shoulder discomfort, and restricted mobility being common concerns. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective approach to alleviating these challenges, ensuring that those who protect others can continue performing at their best. Uniformed personnel shared f ir st -h an d accou n t s of the difference chiropractic care made in their lives: ?Before the treatment, I was experiencing pain at a level of 5 out of 10. After just one session, the pain went down to 1. Thank you, Ma?am CJ, for your help.

Because of you, the discomfort in my left shoulder has greatly improved.?? Merlito Hidalgo Jr., Service Man

51 WORLD NEWS

?I?ve been experiencing constant back pain probably because I sit for long periods and don?t get much exercise. I?m really thankful for this program because it helps people like us who suffer from back pain.

Thank you, Hands for Vitality.?? Joshmie Lyn Pascual, Enlisted Personnel ?As rescuers, I?ve realized that we also need help? especially when it comes to our health. We, too, experience back pain and shoulder pain. After our session with Doc Hong Yu, I truly felt the relief and alignment in my spine. Thank you for this mission. I hope you continue to help more people, and together, let?s carry on rescuing those in need.? ? Romar Luis, Jumpmaster Rescuer

quality of life. For many, even a single session

Guided stretching exercises during the chiropractic mission ? promoting mobility, flexibility, and spinal health as part of preventive care for physically demanding service roles.

brought meaningful relief, allowing them to return to their duties with renewed energy and mobility.

This mission not only reflects the spirit of service within the chiropractic profession but also highlights the value of cross-institutional collaboration. By working together, the organizing groups were able to deliver meaningful impact to a community that embodies dedication, sacrifice, and courage.

Supporting the health of those who protect the nation is both a responsibility and an expression of gratitude. Th r ou gh ch ir opr act ic car e, w e

h on or t h eir com m it m en t by en su r in g t h ey r em ain st r on g, r esilien t , an d r eady f or t h e ch allen ges t h at lie ah ead.

A member of the Philippine military receives chiropractic treatment as part of the collaborative Hands for Vitality, Intercare, IMU, and ACC initiative ? supporting the strength, focus, and resilience of the nation?s servicemen and women.

These reflections underscore a simple truth: even t h e br avest ? t h ose w h o devot e t h em selves t o pr ot ect in g ot h er s? r equ ir e car e an d su ppor t f or t h eir ow n h ealt h . Chiropractic care provided through this initiative not only reduced pain and improved function for participating servicemen and women but also demonstrated the profession?s role in enhancing resilience and

Chiropractic care provided by the Hands for Vitality, Intercare, IMU, and ACC team to members of the Philippine Air Force and Presidential Security Command.

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53 WORLD NEWS SINGAPORE

Th e Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (Sin gapor e) - Spor t s Ch ir opr act ic Cou n cil m ak in g f ir st w aves in t h e Sin gapor e spor t s ch ir opr act ic scen e taking guidance from FICS. The council secured Altra Running Singapore as a sponsor for its members. It also begun the process of reaching out to various stakeholders, including sports agencies in Singapore, with hopes to work towards partnerships that benefit elite athletes leading up towards the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia, and the 2029 edition on home ground in Singapore.

Sin gapor e is n ow an af f iliat e Nat ion al Ch ir opr act ic Spor t s Cou n cil u n der FICS (Feder at ion In t er n at ion ale de Ch ir opr at iqu e du Spor t ), t h e In t er n at ion al Feder at ion of Spor t s Ch ir opr act ic.

Th e Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (Sin gapor e) Spor t s Ch ir opr act ic Cou n cil, TCAS-SCC in short, is excited to advocate for sports chiropractic locally and regionally, serving all athletes in line with FICS? vision: ?Every athlete deserves access to sport chiropractic.?

At Th e Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (Sin gapor e)?s Decem ber 2024 AGM , members unanimously voted to reactivate a National Sports Council under this chiropractic association as an affiliate of FICS. The FICS General Assembly in March 2025 ratified Singapore?s NCSC (National Chiropractic Sports Councils) inclusion as an Ordinary Member under the FICS statutes. Singapore successfully joined six other Asian countries. Since June 2025, there are 10 TCAS-SCC members passionate about sports chiropractic.

Despite TCAS-SCC?s young history, it is making waves in the Singapore sports chiropractic scene,

TCAS-SCC meeting FICS President Dr. Martin Isaksson in Singapore on March 19 2025

TCAS-SCC en gagin g in spor t s com m u n it y even t s in Sin gapor e Besides serving recreational to elite level athletes within TCAS-SCC member individual chiropractic clinics, the council contributes to the community by meaningful participation in sports events. On April 18 2025, TCAS-SCC chairs Dr . Ser en e Ng (Chairperson) and Dr . Ash ley Liew (1st Vice Chairperson) participated in the XiJin g Clu b ?

Sin gapor e Com m u n it y Ch ar it y Islan d Walk , co-organised by the Lion s Clu b of Sin gapor e Bif r ost . Funds were raised for the Lions Home For The Elders, and public outreach about the new

54 WORLD NEWS sports chiropractic council started.

healthcare professions. c) Promoting high standards of practice, education, and research. d) Meeting needs of members in a timely and effective manner. e) Providing opportunities for members to increase professional skills and knowledge.

Read m or e abou t TCAS-SCC

TCAS-SCC participating in Singapore Community Charity Island on April 18 2025

A bigger scale collaboration is underway for TCAS-SCC as the Official Sports Chiropractic Partner for Buff Forest Force Run 2025, with its series finale 30km and 50km trail running events on September 21 2025 in Singapore. Two council members, Dr . Ash ley Liew and Dr . Roy Ch an (2nd Vice Chairperson), are racing the 30km, while TCAS-SCC will have a physical presence at the event site sponsor booth. This is in addition to prizes from TCAS-SCC offered to podium winners.

The run event organiser started actively promoting the council in August 2025 including its background and vision.

Read m or e abou t t h is collabor at ion at h t t ps:/ / k in gt r aileven t s.on lin e/ ch ir opr act ic/

Object ives of TCAS-SCC as FICS Af f iliat e Its objectives are to serve the chiropractic profession and its specialized field of sports chiropractic, as well as protect the welfare of the public receiving sports chiropractic care by: a) Promoting understanding and acceptance of sports chiropractic services by athletes, coaches, administrators, other members of the sports medicine team, and general public. b) Establishing good working relations with other

TCAS-SCC being marketed by Buff Forest Force Run Series 2025 in August 2025

55 WORLD NEWS SINGAPORE

Ref lect ion s on 47+ year s of ch ir opr act ic in Sin gapor e I am not Singapore?s first chiropractor, but I am its current longest practicing. I have spent forty years in full-time practice in Singapore, and this year I semi-retired ? a good moment for reflection, and I was asked by QWR?s editor to do so for this publication.

Chiropractic has grown significantly in Singapore since its establishment in 1978, especially during the first decade of this millennium. At that time, globalization was the international buzzword, and young chiropractors from North America, the Pacific nations, and even Africa, took up associate positions in Asia as the region experienced tremendous economic growth. Here we are a quarter century later and nationalism and protectionism are now dominant themes and visas to practice chiropractic legally as a foreigner in Singapore are now difficult or even impossible to get.

Janet Ruth Sosna DC, founding member of The Chiropractic Association (Singapore) and Singapore?s longest-practicing chiropractor.

Balancing this closed door for foreign talent is the good news that our profession now has a much larger number of Singaporean chiropractors who have returned after qualifying overseas. Yes, some who train overseas still choose not to return, but that is becoming less common.

In Singapore, I see the biggest challenge to our profession as the lack of serious interest of our government ministries in healthcare outside mainstream western medicine. Chiropractic is classified as ?non-registerable healthcare? in Singapore. It is now regulated, but not recognized; recent changes in regulation have stripped the profession of the right to directly order diagnostic imaging, use of the title doctor without qualifying that it is ?not a medical or dental qualification?, and restrictions on the use of words like treat, treatment, heal, or healing, as if this is enough to ensure fitness to practice in the face of significant numbers of unqualified practitioners using the title chiropractor or purporting to provide chiropractic care. Meetings and regular correspondence with the Ministry of Health have provided them with documentation of the benefits of integrating chiropractic MSK care into healthcare delivery, of the importance of protection of the public by having mechanisms to ensure fitness to practice for our profession, but little seems to matter or change.

Another example of this lack of understanding of the importance of spine health and our role in providing it is the Singapore Health Promotion Board?s decision not to endorse Wor ld Spin e Day (at our national association?s invitation) as spinal health is not their interest, even as they do focus on ?Active Aging?. They just don?t get the irony of that.

So w h er e do w e go f r om h er e?

Th e Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (Sin gapor e), [TCAS] was founded in 1988. I am the only remaining founding member still here. In recent years the organization has worked to groom young leaders in the profession, many of whom have social networks that include key thought leaders. The organization will continue to advocate for our profession, for our patients and our athlete?s access to evidence-based spine care, and to continue to lobby our government for change of the current status quo that creates barriers to that access.

56 WORLD NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

Est ablish in g t h e Hoedspr u it Spin e Car e Clin ic (WSCA) World Spine Care brings affordable, sustainable, evidence-based care to South Africa Wor ld Spin e Car e Af r ica (WSCA), a non-profit organization founded in 2025, is dedicated to improving the lives of underserved communities through sustainable, integrated, evidence-based spine care. WSCA is on e of f ou r h ealt h car e-f ocu sed ch ar it ies u n der Wor ld Spin e Car e (WSC), established in 2008 by Scot t Haldem an , M D, Ph D, DC. Th e Hoedspr u it Spin e Car e Clin ic, situated in the rural town of Hoedspruit, Limpopo province, South Africa, was founded by Dr . Rolen e Radem an , who has led the project since its early discussions in 2023. Alongside her husband, Dr . Ru ben Er asm u s, she envisioned a service that would bring affordable and accessible spine care to South Africa. Their inspiration came from Hlok om ela, a local community-based clinic that has delivered healthcare to farm workers and vulnerable populations for more than two decades. The couple were introduced to WSC through Dr . M ich ael Pr et or iu s, clinic supervisor in Mahalapye, Botswana.

The journey to establishing the Hoedspruit Spine Care Clinic has been one of collaboration and perseverance. What began as a vision in 2023 soon evolved into countless conversations, planning sessions, and partnerships that shaped the clinic?s foundation. Building a non-profit spine care clinic in a rural South African town meant navigating regulatory processes, securing resources, and, most importantly, gaining the trust of the community.

From the start, WSCA recognised the value of working together with existing professional bodies.

Partnerships with the Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica (CASA) and the Sou t h Af r ican Spin e Societ y (SASS) have been vital in providing professional support, advocacy, and guidance.

These collaborations have not only strengthened the credibility of the project but also ensured that the clinic is

Look in g ah ead, WSCA aim s t o: From left to right: Dr Rolene Rademan (CEO WSCA), Dr Keseri Padayachy (Director WSCA), Sr Carissa Stolts, Sr Christine du Preez (Founder of Hlokomela), Dr Michael Pretorius (Clinic Supervisor, WSC), Prof Brad Beira (Director WSCA)

Expand access to evidence-based spine care across South Africa.

Strengthen training, education, and professional collaboration.

Create a sustainable, replicable model of integrated healthcare.

Increase access to local demographic and clinical data to support research and improve health outcomes.

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St r aigh t en Up Sou t h Af r ica: Expan din g Reach an d Im pact

SUSA 2 Dr Linn Matsebula and Vertebro and Dr Cleo Prince

The Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica is proud to share the continued success and growth of the St r aigh t en Up Sou t h Af r ica pr ogr am , an initiative dedicated to improving spinal health awareness and promoting daily movement habits across the country. This year, we undertook an exciting revamp of our SUSA materials for children, ensuring they are more accessible and impactful.

To complement these updates, we have developed a series of instructional videos demonstrating the exercises in the program. Recognizing South Africa?s rich diversity, our ultimate goal is to translate both the pamphlets and videos into all 11 official languages, making spinal health education truly inclusive and far-reaching. The SUSA program has been warmly received nationwide, with particular strength in the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng regions, where members and students actively facilitate sessions and conduct spinal screenings at community events. A highlight of these activities is the participation of Vertebro, CASA?s flagship mascot, who brings fun, energy, and excitement to the events, making spinal health education memorable for children and families alike.

Recently, Dr . Keser i Padayach y and Dr . Rolen e Radem an led a Straighten Up South Africa session at the Wor ld Spin e Car e Af r ica Clin ic. This

training was designed for community health workers, equipping them with vital knowledge and practical skills to promote spinal health within their communities. By empowering community workers with this information, the program helps extend preventative care and awareness far beyond clinical settings. This initiative forms part of World Spine Care Africa?s commitment to reducing the burden of spinal disorders through education, prevention, and outreach. As part of this year ?s World Spine Day campaign, SUSA played a central role in community engagement.

CASA Councillor and CASA?s World Spine Day lead, Dr . Cleo Pr in ce, hosted an inspiring collaborative event at a local Primary School. The day focused on educating school children about spinal health and teaching them daily SUSA exercises to support healthy movement and reduce spinal pain risks.

Adding to the success, chiropractic students from the Du r ban Un iver sit y of Tech n ology conducted spinal screenings, offering the children valuable insights into their spinal health. The event was filled with education, movement, and empowerment, building healthier spines and brighter futures for South Africa?s youth.

Th r ou gh t h e dedicat ion of ou r m em ber s,

st u den t s, an d par t n er s, St r aigh t en Up Sou t h Af r ica con t in u es t o expan d it s r each an d im pact , em bodyin g ou r com m it m en t t o f ost er in g a h ealt h ier , m or e r esilien t popu lat ion .

Straighten Up South Africa

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CASA Excellen ce Aw ar ds What makes this award particularly significant is that it is evaluated jointly by peers, Chiropractic departments, and CASA Council. This ensures that the recipients are recognized not only for individual achievement but also for their contribution to the profession as a whole.

South Africa is fortunate to have two institutions training chiropractors: Du r ban Un iver sit y of Tech n ology (DUT) and t h e Un iver sit y of Joh an n esbu r g (UJ). Each year, one student from each institution is selected as a recipient of the award. At this year ?s gala dinner, two celebratory events that marks the transition of students into the next stage of their careers, CASA proudly announced the 2025 Excellence Award recipients: DR Adams (CASA IVP) with Bevan Leedham (recipient of the CASA Excellence award)

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Tia Bot h a ? Durban University of Technology (DUT) Bevan Leedh am ? University of Johannesburg (UJ)

The Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica is committed to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of the future leaders of our profession. One of the highest honors we bestow on students is the CASA Excellen ce Aw ar d, an accolade that acknowledges not only academic achievement, but also the values, professionalism, and character that lie at the heart of chiropractic and our association.

Th is aw ar d is pr esen t ed an n u ally t o gr adu at in g st u den t s w h o h ave dem on st r at ed con sist en t excellen ce acr oss a br oad r an ge of cr it er ia.

Th ese in clu de: -

Clinical acumen and competence Academic excellence Peer, lecturer, and clinician esteem Deportment and appearance Confidence and communication skills Integrity and leadership Contribution to the program.

Students from UJtaking their oath

Both Tia and Bevan exemplify the spirit of chiropractic. They have achieved the highest recognition from their peers, lecturers, and clinicians, and have demonstrated a rare blend of competence, compassion, and leadership. Their

59 WORLD NEWS

commitment to their studies, their patients, and their fellow students has set them apart as outstanding role models.

The gala dinner not only honors the award recipients, but also provides an opportunity to celebrate all graduating students. It is a moment that highlights their accomplishments, recognizes their hard work, and acknowledges the exciting journey ahead as they step into professional practice.

DUT students at the oath taking

CASA ext en ds it s w ar m est con gr at u lat ion s t o Tia an d Bevan .

Their achievements remind us of the strength of our future generation of chiropractors, and the bright path that lies ahead for the profession in South Africa. CASA remains proud to support and celebrate our students at every milestone of their journey.

Tia Botha (CASA excellence award recipient at DUT) and Dr Danella Lubbe (CASA IP)

This event is especially auspicious as it marks the moment when our graduating students take their Chiropractic Oath, a profound milestone symbolizing their formal commitment to the values, ethics, and responsibilities of our profession. It?s a deeply meaningful occasion, not only for the students stepping into their professional journey but also for all of us who witness the next generation of chiropractors pledging to uphold the highest standards of care and integrity.

DUT Oath taking

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Hon or in g Wom en?s Healt h M on t h : CASA In it iat ives -

approaches in women?s health.

"Aligning with Her Health? ? an interdisciplinary event exploring key topics such as musculoskeletal syndromes in menopause and strategies for combating osteoporosis post-menopause.

CASA Gauteng Regional Commitee

August is recognized as Wom en?s M on t h in South Africa, with Nat ion al Wom en?s Day commemorated on the 9t h of Au gu st . To honor this important month, many CASA regional branches hosted women?s health?focused events that both celebrated and supported women, while highlighting the role of chiropractic and healthcare in their overall well-being.

This year, CASA Gauteng branch launched a Women?s Health Webinar Series exploring the hormone?body connection.

The series featured expert speakers who unpacked the intersection of hormones and neuromusculoskeletal health. Open to all allied healthcare professionals, the initiative encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration and shared learning. This was geared particularly for practitioners dedicated to supporting female patients.

Londiwe Mvambo, DC, leading CASA Gauteng?s Women?s Health initiatives promoting holistic, patient-centered care.

All events were well supported and contributed to CASA?s ongoing commitment to professional development. Not only did members benefit from CPD opportunities, but they also gained valuable insights to place the patient at the center of care.

Th r ou gh t h ese in it iat ives, CASA con t in u es t o h on or , celebr at e, an d advocat e f or w om en?s h ealt h , em pow er in g pr act it ion er s w it h k n ow ledge, con n ect ion , an d collabor at ion .

In addition to the webinars, two in-person events were hosted with strong attendance and engagement: -

?The Future of Women?s Health is Holistic? ? a celebration that emphasized the importance of integrated, patient-centered CASA members at the KZN womens event

61 WORLD NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

Spin e Healt h Af r ica Ou t r each t o Gu t u , Zim babw e becomes part of primary health services across Africa.

We invite the chiropractic community worldwide to join us in this effort. Together, we can expand access to spine care, strengthen local health systems, and transform lives in Gutu and beyond.

For more information or to support this project, please connect with us at spin eh ealt h af r ica@gm ail.com

Spin e Healt h Af r ica (SHA) is preparing for a major outreach in Gu t u , Zim babw e, from Novem ber 23 t o Decem ber 8, 2025. This initiative continues our commitment to bringing evidence-based spine care to underserved communities across Southern Africa.

The outreach will mobilize a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, clinicians, and volunteers to serve local communities where access to spine care is scarce. Our efforts will include: -

Free spine care services for adults and children in both rural and peri-urban areas.

Community education on musculoskeletal health and self-care strategies.

Capacity building, through training of local health workers to support sustainable care beyond the outreach.

To make this possible, SHA has set a target of USD 10,000 of which we have raised nearly half to date.

These funds will cover essential costs including transportation, food and accommodation for the team, medical supplies, and administrative support.

This work is more than charity? it is about building pathways to equitable healthcare access and contributing to a vision where spine care

62 WORLD NEWS INTERNATIONAL

Th e Wor ld Gam es 2025: How FICS Advan ced At h let e an d Volu n t eer Car e in Ch en gdu were selected for this event. Thank you to each of you. Below is a preliminary report on the outcomes. There is much more analysis to be performed on the data, but this provides some key information.

This has been a busy quarter with many activities, but a large share was consumed by Th e Wor ld Gam es (TWG) 2025, Ch en gdu , Ch in a 7-17 Au gu st 2025. We had a fantastic delegation of sports chiropractors represent FICS and our profession at this event.

Utilization of our services during an event is a key driver for our current involvement in the world of sport. The athletes and the service providers (coaches, medical, referees, media, officials, and volunteers) all make this event happen. The focus is on the athletes, but supporting the non-athlete is also important to the organizers of any event.

D. Morrison, DC, FICS sports chiropractor, provides lower limb care to an athlete during The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.

These outcomes would not be possible without the dedication of the sports chiropractors who

In t r odu ct ion : Th e Wor ld Gam es (TWG) is an event organised by the In t er n at ion al Wor ld Gam es Associat ion (IWGA) every 4 years. This edition, TWG2025, included 34 sports consisting of 60 disciplines, 23 venues, 256 medal events. A total of 3,928 athletes participated, representing 113 countries.

FICS sports chiropractor providing spinal care to an athlete during The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.

FICS has a standing agreement to provide a delegation to support TWG. Our delegation of 53 individuals included 3 VIP Guest of the IWGA (President, Secretary General, and Research Lead), 1 Administrator, 4 Research Assistants (chiropractic students or recent graduates) and 45 sports chiropractors from 13 different countries.

63 WORLD NEWS

The FICS delegation provides sports chiropractic at every venue in the warm-up areas, but not on the field of play, as that is provided by the Local Or gan isin g Com m it t ee (LOC). They worked closely with the LOC medical services that supported the field of play and spectator services.

The focus of our care is on assisting the athletes in preparation for their performance and recovery between and after each competition.

Sports chiropractic is offered to all accredited individuals, including athletes, support personnel, officials, and volunteers. This service is at no cost, provided on a voluntary basis and available upon request. FICS also had a delegation at the VIP hotel to service the IWGA guests, including the presidents and secretary generals of the international federations and national governing bodies.

utilization compared with past events.

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Distribution between sex of those athletes requesting treatment was 525 (47%) female, 544 (49%) male, and 41 (4%) not applicable. of the 113 countries represented at these games, 87 countries requested our services.

We collect a Numerical Pain Score (NPS) (individuals grading of their current pain at that moment on a scale of 0-10, with 0 no pain and 10 the worst pain possible). We then repeated this score immediately following the treatment to assess the individual's change in pain levels.

Dr af t St at ist ics: The following is a draft of the statistics from these games. Full analysis has yet to be completed and will also include injury categories, anatomical areas treated, types of treatment provided, and further analysis.

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-

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There were 3,418 total treatments provided (1110 (33%) athletes, 2308 (67%) non-athletes).

The 1,110 treatments to athletes included 764 (69%) new individuals and 346 (31%) return treatments.

Overall utilization by the 3,928 athletes attending was 19.45%. Nearly 20% of all athletes attending these games requested our services.

The utilization rate may have been influenced by the logistics of these games, which included venues separated by large distances in a very large metropolitan city. This required athletes to travel over an hour to most venues, with strict transportation schedules that did not allow them to stay at the venues like previous games, nor attend other venues to support other team members. This may have reduced our overall

FICS sports chiropractors on duty at the beach volleyball venue, supporting athletes throughout The World Games 2025.

It has been found that if a 2-point or 30% improvement can be identified, there is a m in im al clin ically im por t an t dif f er en ce (M CID). The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is the smallest change in a health outcome that a patient perceives as beneficial or important, and which would typically lead to a change in their management. It serves as a threshold for determining if an observed change in a

64 WORLD NEWS

measurement is meaningful, rather than just statistically significant. MCIDs are patient-centered and help to interpret the clinical relevance of results for both individual patients and groups.

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We collect a n u m er ical pain scor e (NPS) (individuals grading of their current pain at that

The 1,110 athlete treatments provided 100% completed the pre and post NPS. The initial average NPS was 4.44 and the average post NPS was 1.28.

This represents a change of 3.16, or 71.17% change/improvement.

More details regarding categories of injuries, anatomical location of treatment, types of treatment, and other statistics will be forthcoming.

FICS sports chiropractor conducting a functional assessment and movement screening during The World Games 2025.

FICS sports chiropractors deliver treatment and recovery care for athletes at the aquatic sports venue in Chengdu.

Non -at h let e St at ist ics: There were 3418 total treatments provided (1,110 (33%) athletes, 2,308 (67%) non-athletes). The 2,308 treatments to non-athletes included 1,728 (75%) new individuals and 580 (25%) return treatments.

Distribution between sex of those non-athletes requesting treatment was 1,063 (46%) female, 1,177 (51%) male and 68 (3%) not applicable. The 113 countries represented at these games, 79 countries non-athletes requested our services.

moment on a scale of 0-10, with 0 no pain and 10 the worst pain possible). We then repeated this score immediately following the treatment to assess the individuals change in pain levels. It has been found that if a 2-point or 30% improvement can be identified, there is a minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) is the smallest change in a health outcome that a patient perceives as beneficial or important, and which would typically lead to a change in their management. It serves as a threshold for determining if an observed change in a measurement is meaningful, rather than just statistically significant. MCIDs are patient-centered and help to interpret the clinical relevance of results for both individual patients and groups.

The 2,308 non-athlete treatments provided 97% completed the pre and post NPS. The initial average NPS was 4.13 and the average post NPS was 0.95. This is a change of 3.18 or 77% change.

More details regarding categories of injuries, anatomical location of treatment, types of treatment, and other statistics will be forthcoming.

65 WORLD NEWS TAIWAN

TCDS: Cam bodia Hu m an it ar ian M ission & FICS at Ch en gdu Wor ld Gam es

This summer, the Taiw an Ch ir opr act ic Doct or s?

Societ y (TCDS) accomplished two meaningful initiatives that reflected both our professional expertise and our commitment to humanitarian service.

Fir st , in early July, the association successfully organized a large-scale international mission trip in Cam bodia. Even after the COVID-19 lock downs had ended, we continued this tradition of service, demonstrating our long-term dedication to humanitarian care. Over the years, TCDS has collaborated with the Taiw an Back Pain associat ion on numerous international and remote medical missions in Taiwan. This year, we advanced the establishment of the Cam bodia Tian di-Ton gxin Associat ion Car e Associat ion , with the goal of providing both organizations with stronger support and more sustainable resources for future medical missions. The scale of the clinic was unprecedented, bringing together a diverse multidisciplinary team of professionals from multiple countries. Our team included seven Western medicine doctors (Taiwanese/Cambodian), four dentists (Taiwanese), six chiropractors (Taiwanese/New Zealanders/Australians/British), four traditional Chinese medicine practitioners (Taiwanese/Cambodian), two pharmacists (Taiwanese), four TCM assistants (Hong Kong/Taiwanese), one dental assistant (Taiwanese), seven nurses (Taiwanese), four barbers (Taiwanese), and five plumbers

(Taiwanese/Cambodian). In addition, 25 Chinese-English translators (Cambodian medical students/international schools) and 10 Chinese-Cambodian translators contributed to the program. Including venue staff, a total of 150 volunteers participated, serving more than 4,500 villagers. Beyond medical treatment and distributing daily supplies, the event created opportunities for cultural exchange, fostering genuine friendships and strengthening bonds of compassion and goodwill between Taiwan, Cambodia, and the international community.

Therefore, in addition to promoting the importance of spinal health care and the meaning of chiropractic health care, the significance of TCDS's annual international mission trip is based on "respecting all medical professions and collaborating to continuously serve humanity."

We sincerely hope that more medical professionals and volunteers? especially chiropractors? will join us in the future, amplifying the reach of love and care.

Secon dly, we are honored to announce that Dr .

Hu an g Hon gch u n (Jack ie), a dedicated member of our association, has represented Taiwan on the international stage. She completed the FICS rigorous training program, examinations, and international selection process, ultimately earning the honor of being the only Taiwanese sports chiropractor invited to participate in the 2025 Ch en gdu Wor ld Gam es. This marks her third participation in the World Games. This spectacular event brought together 55 sport-chiropractors and staff from around the world to provide expert sport-chiropractic care to athletes, coaches, referees, and venue staff and volunteers. The conditions in Chengdu were particularly challenging, with record-breaking temperatures, remote venues, and long commutes. Despite these

66 WORLD NEWS obstacles, all the sport-chiropractors demonstrated professionalism and resilience, traveling early and returning late each day with their medical bags. The FICS team overcame language and cultural barriers through patient explanations and meticulous care, earning the trust of their patients. Most impressive were the exclamations and smiles from the athletes and staff who received their treatment? a testament to the value and impact of sports chiropractic.

TCDS members maintain a positive and forward-looking attitude, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. For

us, professional achievement truly reflects its meaning when it is combined with service to society. Our members (DC) driven by a compassionate and responsible spirit, not only pursue continuous self-improvement but also actively engage in civic causes through practical action. We firmly believe that the true meaning of life lies in uplifting others and creating positive impacts that transcend the individual. Th r ou gh

t h ese in it iat ives, TCDS r eaf f ir m s it s m ission : t o com bin e m edical exper t ise w it h h u m an it ar ian ism t o m ak e t h e w or ld a h ealt h ier , k in der , an d bet t er place.

UNITED STATES

New s f r om t h e Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion

The Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (ACA) is pleased to provide the WFC members with the following news and updates.

U.S. Hou se Vot es t o Rest or e Ch ir opr act ic at M ilit ar y Bases The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Sept.

10 to approve a plan to restore chiropractic services at more than a dozen U.S. military bases where services have been arbitrarily discontinued.

The action is consistent with the Def en se Healt h Agen cy ?s (DHA) ongoing concern over the use of opioids by active-duty members of the military and calls to make non-addictive alternatives for pain management more readily available to military personnel. Surveys show chiropractic services are highly valued at U.S. military facilities, with clinics providing evidence-based, cost-effective care to hundreds of patients monthly and enabling them

to return to service. The plan, part of an amendment to the Nat ion al Def en se Au t h or izat ion Act , now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration. ACA will be working with senators to ensure the provision remains in the final defense package.

M edicar e Bill Con t in u es t o Gain Cospon sor s At press time, the Ch ir opr act ic M edicar e Cover age M oder n izat ion Act , bipartisan legislation that would provide Medicare beneficiaries in the U.S. with access to all Medicare-covered benefits allowable under a chiropractors?state license, has 126 cosponsors.

The bill continues to attract bipartisan support, which was bolstered earlier this year by ACA members participating in Chiropractic?s Day on the Hill, the nation?s only federal lobbying event for chiropractors.

ACA En gage: Feat u r ed Speak er s, Next Gen An n iver sar y ACA will host its annual conference, ACA En gage,

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on Jan . 22-24, 2026, in the Washington, D.C. area.

Featured speakers at the event will include Dr .

Br ian Colem an , who will discuss global and local leadership and AI, respectively. Engage also features Chiropractic?s Day on the Hill, education programs, leadership events, and opportunities to meet and network with colleagues from across the

nation. In addition, ACA?s membership group for early-career practitioners, Next Gen , will celebrate its 10t h an n iver sar y in 2026. Throughout Engage, events are planned to mark this milestone.

For m or e in f or m at ion abou t ACA n ew s, visit w w w.acat oday.or g.

UNITED STATES

Th e ICA?s Con t em por ar y Def in it ion of Su blu xat ion : Hon or in g Tr adit ion an d Advan cin g Clar it y focus on joint dysfunction or misalignment affecting health via neurological pathways. This historical context matters because a contemporary definition must be both clinically useful and intelligible to today?s multidisciplinary stakeholders (patients, regulators, payers, educators, and researchers).

Subluxation has anchored chiropractic identity since the early 1900?s, and the construct continues to influence education, research, regulation, and payment policy. Yet the word has also carried multiple, sometimes conflicting, meanings across eras and jurisdictions. In 2025, the In t er n at ion al Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion (ICA) released a contemporary, evidence-informed definition intended to unify professional language, improve clinical communication, and align with current science while honoring the profession?s heritage.

Historically, ?subluxation? in chiropractic emerged as a way to describe abnormal spinal motion and/or alignment thought to have neurophysiological consequences. Early literature often used explanatory models framed by the language and scientific understanding of the day.

Modern historical analyses show that, although Palmer and subsequent leaders advanced distinct theoretical emphases, the common thread was a

In U.S. health policy, Medicare is the most visible place where ?subluxation? appears explicitly. The M edicar e Ben ef it Policy M an u al states that coverage for doctors of chiropractic is ?specifically limited to treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation,? and it further details how the presence of subluxation may be demonstrated either by imaging or by physical examination. For clinicians, this policy landscape means that the word is not merely historical; it is operational, affecting coding, documentation, audit risk, and patient access to covered care.

Internationally, the Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion?s (WHO) Gu idelin es on Basic Tr ain in g an d Saf et y in Ch ir opr act ic (2005) remain an important reference point for how chiropractic is characterized in education and practice throughout the world. In that document, WHO describes chiropractic as:

68 WORLD NEWS ?a health-care profession concerned with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuromusculoskeletal disorders and their effects on general health, emphasizing manual techniques? including joint adjustment/manipulation? with a particular focus on the subluxation?.

The same text includes a glossary that treats ?subluxation (vertebral)? as essentially a functional entity affecting biomechanical and neural integrity. The subluxation definition outlined in the 2005 WHO guidelines has continued to shape and inform educational and regulatory discussions worldwide.

Against this backdrop, the ICA?s contemporary definition aims to offer precise wording that is clinically grounded and broadly communicable with contemporary terminology. Following a six-month multi-tiered review and development process, in April 2025, ICA published: ?A chiropractic vertebral subluxation is a potentially reversible or preventable alteration of spinal motion segments from normal alignment or function associated with adverse neurophysiological activity that can be connected to whole-person health.?

Subluxation Definition Diagram

The definition?s core elements? altered spine alignment or function, associated adverse neurophysiological activity, potential reversibility/preventability, and relevance to whole-person health? are intentional. They bridge static and dynamic biomechanical assessment with neurophysiology, reflect the preventive and corrective aims of practice, and invite outcome assessment at imaging, physical/neurophysiological assessment and patient-reported outcome levels.

When representing the profession?s public voice, definitional clarity matters. Words that spark internal debate can now serve as bridges? to policymakers who adjudicate benefits, to educators who craft competency-based curricula, to researchers who build the evidence base, and to patients seeking understandable, high-quality conservative care. Th e ICA?s con t em por ar y

def in it ion of ver t ebr al su blu xat ion is a sign if ican t st ep t ow ar d t h at sh ar ed lan gu age: r ef lect ive of ch ir opr act ic?s h ist or y, align ed w it h in t er n at ion al gu idan ce, an d pr act ical in t oday ?s clin ical an d policy en vir on m en t s.

69 WORLD NEWS UNITED STATES

PRESS RELEASE: 30 Year s in APHA

The year 2025 marks the 30-year an n iver sar y of t h e Ch ir opr act ic Healt h Car e (CHC) Sect ion within the Am er ican Pu blic Healt h Associat ion (APHA). With more than 25,000 members, APHA is the oldest and largest public health organization within the United States. The inclusion of chiropractic in APHA is critical to promoting the profession's interests, highlighting strong advocacy for whole-person public health policies, musculoskeletal health and disease prevention, participation in healthcare research, and promoting engagement of chiropractors in community health efforts.

The inclusion of chiropractic into public health was not an easy task, as the APHA called for the revocation of chiropractic licensure from 1969 to 1983. Eventually, with the efforts of chiropractic advocates, the APHA reversed this policy and formed a chiropractic Special Pr im ar y In t er est Gr ou p. Through membership growth and evidence-based policies, the CHC section was eventually established in 1995, which also coincided with the 100th anniversary of the chiropractic profession. Since its inclusion, the CHC section has made significant contributions in public health, including setting safety standards within the profession, publishing research related to public health, promoting public health policy in chiropractic education programs, and establishing chiropractic as a safe and effective choice during the opioid epidemic. Anupdated CHC section history is currently in submission for publication.

As a reflection of these last 30 years, a qualitative survey of past and present APHC CHC section leaders was conducted to explore their

perspectives on the future contributions the section can provide for the chiropractic profession and public health at large. Three primary themes emerged in the survey, which may guide current and future section leaders as they carefully consider these perspectives for future section strategic planning, policy development, and research initiatives. The first theme outlined the importance of internal engagement within the section to promote professional growth and encourage a strong sense of community. The second theme highlighted that leadership and productivity of the section are closely related to growing and supporting membership. Last, the third theme emphasized that section leadership should focus on adding value to the chiropractic profession through involvement in public health domains such as musculoskeletal health promotion, addressing health disparities, and supporting awareness for social determinants of health.

A crowning CHC achievement from the last two years included the production of a Health Promotion Webinar series. Funded by the NCM IC Fou n dat ion , this webinar series focuses on educating chiropractors on the utilization of whole health measures in their practice, and has been adopted for use by several Doctor of Chiropractic programs and state and national associations.

On the horizon, the CHC section is spearheading the development of a policy calling for the integration of Whole Health initiatives into the broader healthcare landscape. We encourage current and potential future members to participate in this conversation and to celebrate 30 years with us in Washington D.C. from November 2-5 at the APHA 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo, ?Making the Public's Health a National Priority.?

Timothy J. Williamson, DC, MS, Communications Chair, Chiropractic Health Care Section, American Public Health Association

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New Or egon St at e law h as im plicat ion s f or t h e en t ir e US Defining the Legislative Intent and Meaning of the PPACA?s (Obamacare) Section 2706a, ?Varying Reimbursement Rates Based on Quality or Performance Measures.?

The US federal departments of HHS, Labor and Treasurer have ignored marching orders from the US Congress to write formal regulations spelling out the legislative intent and meaning of 2706a, it falls to individual US states to do so. Trouble is many state?s (Oregon included) insurance divisions are also failing to codify in law or administrative rule, the meaning and intent of 2706a.

Vern Saboe Jr., DC, DACAN, FICC, DABFP, DIANM

Sen at e Bill 822, passed during the 2025 long Oregon Legislative session. This bill was known as Oregon Governor Tina Kotek?s ?Network Adequacy? bill that included all of the Oregon Chiropractic Association?s (OCA) key provider non-discrimination language (2706a) applied to large employer group health insurance plans.

Very key for Oregon and all US states is the reimbursement piece and the very piece insurers continue to violate here in Oregon and across the USA. The previous ?Network Adequacy? bill the OCA lobbied through House Bill 2468 in 2015 had the same provider non-discrimination language, but only applied to individual and small group plans. The OCA?s goal during the 2025 legislative session was to close that loop hole as per large employer, large group plans.

Very important as per legal enforcement was the floor speech by Rep. Travis Nelson where he clearly describes the legislative intent of, ?varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.? If health insurers continue to discriminate against Oregon?s and other state?s chiropractic physicians, these types of floor speeches will come in very handy in the courtroom. Wat ch h er e

Her e is t h e act u al lan gu age f r om t h e bill; ?(2)(a) A carrier may not discriminate with respect to participation under a health benefit plan or coverage under the plan against any health care

provider who is acting within the scope of the provider ?s license or certification in this state. (b) This subsection does not require a carrier to contract with any health care provider who is willing to abide by the carrier ?s terms and conditions for participation established by the carrier. (c) This subsection does not prevent a carrier from establishing varying reimbursement rates based on quality or performance measures.?

The Or egon Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion?s first success actually came in 2012 with Senate Bill 1580 that inserted the non-discrimination language from Obamacare into Oregon law relative to Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) patients.

In 2012 Rep. Tina Kotek then House Majority Leader now Governor of Oregon, successfully fought for this language to be included in Oregon law. Governor Kotek is a long-time chiropractic patient and friend of the profession, ?good to have friends in high places.?

Hopefully our successes here in Oregon will be both instructive and inspiring to states across the USA and beyond.

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Texas Ch ir opr act ic College Welcom es New Dean of Academ ics Dr . Saleh

Texas Ch ir opr act ic College (TCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr . Saleh Saleh as the institution?s new Dean of Academics. Dr. Saleh joins the TCC leadership team today, August 11, 2025, bringing 15 years of experience in clinical practice and academic leadership, and a global perspective to academic affairs. ?We are delighted to welcome Dr. Saleh as our new Dean of Academics,?said current TCC President Dr. Sandra Hughes. ?His visionary leadership, dedication to academic excellence, and proven track record of advancing educational initiatives will propel our institution to new heights of scholarly achievement.?

Dr . Saleh led t h e depar t m en t t o f ou r WFC Wor ld Spin e Day Ch am pion sh ips, and he worked with a team to develop and implement Malaysia?s first 5-year MGA-accredited chiropractic curriculum. Additionally, he previously served as

the Head of the Chiropractic Department and Senior Lecturer at International Medical University, where he played a pivotal role in advancing chiropractic education and research and published extensively on topics centered around the future of chiropractic education. His scholarly work includes the supervision of student thesis projects, many of which explore innovative and technology-driven approaches to teaching and learning. ?I am very much student-focused,?said Dr. Saleh. ?I want to make sure the students are getting all the support they can possibly get, because at the end of the day, that?s what we are here to do. We are supposed to help out the students as much as possible because by the time that they finish, they are going to be reflections of what the institution has put into them.?

Dr. Saleh's appointment reflects TCC?s ongoing commitment to innovation, global collaboration, and the advancement of chiropractic education. As he steps into his position, he will begin his contributions to strategic planning efforts for the upcoming academic year, bringing a dynamic blend of insight, leadership, and collaboration to the college?s ongoing mission.

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Un lock in g You r Fu ll Pot en t ial: Th e "Adju st ed Realit y " Book an d t h e Daw n of Wh ole-Bein g Car e

For far too long, the standard approach to health has been fragmented - treating symptoms in isolation and often overlooking the profound impact of lifestyle choices. Prevention has often taken a backseat to treatment, leaving true health care undervalued and underutilized.

A new paradigm is emerging. One that redefines how we understand and achieve optimal health: whole-being care. At the forefront is the highly anticipated book ?Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being for Optimal Living and Longevity,? which clearly defines why every patient should see a doctor of chiropractic (DC) and empowers every DC to share their ?how? they deliver patient-centered, whole-being health. It?s both the vision and the practical path, putting you in command of transformative care showcasing your unique practice attributes.

"Adjusted Reality" isn't just a book; it's a movement to expand what whole-being means and the vital role you play in unlocking it.

Launching October 14, the book ? created by the Fou n dat ion f or Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion and generously supported by NBCE, NCM IC, Foot Leveler s and St an dar d Pr ocess, aligns deeply with the chiropractic philosophy of supporting the foundational aspects of optimizing health, preventing injury and alleviating pain. It explores the profound connection between our internal and external environments, revealing how our lifestyle choices and physiological state shapes the reality we experience.

Em br acin g Wh ole-Bein g Car e: Th e Fu t u r e of Healt h

"Adjusted Reality" arrives at the perfect time. It answers the ?why? behind the need for whole-being care? offering compelling stories, science and solutions. But it?s DCs across the globe who are uniquely positioned to bring the how to optimize health in their practice.

For the DC, whole-being care is a natural extension of our foundational principles. We already understand that a properly functioning nervous system is crucial for overall health. Now, the world is beginning to grasp: h ealt h is n ot f ou n d in isolat ion , it ?s cr eat ed in in t egr at ion .

As ?Adjusted Reality? reaches readers, it will inspire awareness, spark curiosity and open meaningful conversations. This moment offers the chiropractic profession an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the distinct value it brings to healthcare. Today?s consumers seek more than a provider? they want a trusted partner who embodies the principles they teach, leads with integrity, and aligns care with the pursuit of optimal living.

Th is is ou r m om en t . As t h e pu blic seek s som et h in g r eal, ch ir opr act ic is posit ion ed t o r ise.

Let?s not just react to the rising momentum in media and consumer demand, let?s be the driving force behind it. Because the world doesn?t need more noise, it needs more alignment.

By sharing this message, we can help reduce chronic disease, ease pain, lower the risk of adverse drug and surgical events and shift the focus to proactive, whole-being health.

Pr e-or der you r copy of ?Adju st ed Realit y " h er e an d be par t of a m ovem en t t h at ?s t r an sf or m in g h ealt h ar ou n d t h e globe.

Submitted by Sherry McAllister

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Sou t h Car olin a Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s Nam ed 2025 Ou t st an din g Boar d by FCLB In its official statement, the FCLB commended the board?s achievements: ?Each year, the accomplishments of one board set a new standard for chiropractic regulation. They become a model for other boards while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

Columbia, SC - The South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners, recipient of the 2025 Wiley/Pennebaker Outstanding Regulatory Board Award. Left to right: Dr. Mark Thayer, Dr. Lucian ?Luke?Henry, Dr. Michael Coon, Dr. Martia Creighton Thigpen, Dr. Gene Garris, Dr. Iva Battrell Hughes, Dr. Tammy Costello Hales, Dr. Thomas Stetson, (absent: Patricia Garcia).

The Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic Licen sin g Boar ds (FCLB) has honored the Sou t h Car olin a Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s with the prestigious 2025 Wiley/ Pen n ebak er Ou t st an din g Regu lat or y Boar d Aw ar d. The announcement was made during FCLB?s Annual Conference May 3, 2025, recognizing South Carolina as the leading chiropractic regulatory board in the world this year. The FCLB serves as the premier international resource for information and consolidated services for ensuring the safe, ethical practice of chiropractic.

This distinguished award is presented annually to a board that exemplifies excellence in chiropractic regulation, public protection, and innovative leadership. The South Carolina Board was recognized for its strong commitment to transparency, education, and ongoing regulatory advancement.

The South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners has demonstrated outstanding commitment to education, transparency, and professional development. Over the past year, the board has integrated regulatory education into its meetings, supported both new and veteran members through board training, and provided comprehensive rules and regulation education for licensees. The board also promoted transparent governance by live-streaming its meetings to the public.

With a long-standing history of engagement in national regulatory programs and education, including active participation in FCLB initiatives, South Carolina continues to set a high bar for responsible and forward-thinking regulation.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Wiley/Pennebaker Outstanding Regulatory Board Award winner? the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners.?

The Wiley/ Pen n ebak er Aw ar d is named in honor of Dr . Ear l L. Wiley of Oh io an d Dr . Gar y Pen n ebak er of M in n esot a? two distinguished regulators whose legacy of protecting patients through responsible governance is reflected in the work of the South Carolina Board.

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CE Cr edit Dispar it y: Ch ir opr act or s vs. ATs, PTs, M Ds, an d DOs A newly published study in Ch ir opr act ic an d M an u al Th er apies reveals that chiropractors have significantly fewer opportunities to earn continuing education (CE) credit for research and academic activities compared to other healthcare professionals, including athletic trainers (ATs), physical therapists (PTs), medical doctors (MDs), and doctors of osteopathy (DOs).

The study, led by Sh an n on Sch u er en , DC, MS, and colleagues, analyzed publicly available state licensing board information from across the United States. The researchers found that only 16 states allow chiropractors to claim CE credit for research activities, and just 50% permit CE credit for teaching. In contrast, teaching and research are recognized for CE credit in 100% of states for MDs, DOs and ATs. These marked disparities may present a significant barrier to the academic and research development of the chiropractic profession. The article suggests that limiting CE credit for scholarly activities may hinder chiropractors from engaging in research and higher education, which are essential for advancing evidence-informed practice, policy, and professional growth.

The authors argue that aligning chiropractic CE policies with those of other healthcare professions could have fr-reaching benefits. Expanding CE eligibility to include research and academic pursuits would not only diversify CE opportunities but also strengthen the profession?s research capacity? an area already constrained by a limited number of chiropractors with formal research training.

The study calls on state boards and professional associations to reevaluate CE policies and advocate for modernization with broader recognition of scholarly contributions within chiropractic continuing education frameworks.

Th e f u ll ar t icle is available t o r ead h er e f r om Ch ir opr act ic an d M an u al Th er apies.

Please share this important research with your state association(s), licensing board, and professional networks.

Ref er en ces Citation: Schueren, S., Smith, D.L., Malaya, C.A. et al. Continuing education for the chiropractic profession: a cross-sectional study analyzing potential barriers to future chiropractic academic and research development. Chiropr Man Therap 33, 34 (2025).

Shared by Dean L. Smith, DC, PhD

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Reh abilit at ion Cu r r icu lu m Ren ew al at CM CC insufficiently addressed or found to be missing.

Faculty were consulted to determine whether these topics were covered elsewhere in the curriculum. Following this review, a list of deficiencies specific to the rehabilitation curriculum was compiled, highlighting areas that required enhancement.

The Can adian M em or ial Ch ir opr act ic College (CM CC) has recently undertaken a significant overhaul of its rehabilitation curriculum, aligning its program with international standards and advancing chiropractic education in disability and rehabilitation.

Informed by feedback from alumni, current students, and faculty, and guided by current evidence, CMCC convened a Rehabilitation Working Group chaired by Dr . David St ar m er (Dir ect or of Edu cat ion , Year III), with support from Dr . Br et t Gu ist (Cou r se Coor din at or , Reh abilit at ion Cou r ses) and Dr . Sim on Wan g (Ch air , Ch ir opr act ic Tech n iqu e Depar t m en t ).

The group included 27 members including a diverse mix of students, faculty, clinicians, and researchers.

The working group began by evaluating the syllabi of rehabilitation courses taught during the 2023?2024 academic year. This content was assessed against two key competency frameworks: the global chiropractic rehabilitation competency framework published in 2019 by Côté et al and t h e Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) Disabilit y an d Reh abilit at ion Com m it t ee (1), an d t h e Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion?s Reh abilit at ion Com pet en cy Fr am ew or k (WHO RCF) (2). These frameworks outline essential domains, competencies, and activities relevant to rehabilitation education.

Using these benchmarks, the group identified gaps and opportunities for growth in CMCC?s existing curriculum. Several competencies were

To ensure proper integration and progression of these topics, the group assessed each competency and activity to determine its appropriate level within the program based on the WHO RCF. Advanced courses targeting upper-year students were expected to address competencies at a higher level. This analysis informed the academic planning and scaffolding of the revised curriculum across the entire program.

One notable gap was the limited discussion of disability and an over reliance on the biomedical model to explain rehabilitation concepts with insufficient consideration of biopsychosocial and contemporary pain science models.

Pictured (from left to right): Dr. David Starmer, Director of Education ? Year III; Dr. Christine Bradaric-Baus, President ?

CMCC; Dr. Brett Guist, Assistant Professor ? Undergraduate Education; Dr. Dominic Giuliano, Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Education

To address this, the working group recommended a stronger emphasis on disability and impairment in the new curriculum. The In t er n at ion al

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Classif icat ion of Fu n ct ion in g, Disabilit y, an d Healt h (ICF) framework was proposed as a foundational model to guide conceptual understanding and language around disability and functioning.

The group also recommended renaming all rehabilitation courses to ?Disability and Rehabilitation in Chiropractic Practice? to reflect a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to individualized impairments. The revised curriculum ensures that CMCC graduates are equipped to integrate disability prevention, rehabilitation, and patient-centered care into diverse health systems.

This curriculum renewal reflects CMCC?s commitment to advancing rehabilitation education and aligns with the WFC?s vision of strengthening chiropractic?s role in global health systems.

References 1. Cote P, Sutton D, Nicol R, Brown R, Mior S. The development of a global chiropractic rehabilitation competency framework by the World Federation of Chiropractic. Chiropr Man Therap. 2019;27:29.

2. Rehabilitation Competency Framework 2021.

Wor ld Con gr ess of Ch ir opr act ic St u den t s (WCCS) h old a su ccessf u l AGM in Den m ar k

The Wor ld Con gr ess of Ch ir opr act ic St u den t s (WCCS) recently held its An n u al Gen er al M eet in g (AGM ) from Ju ly 6-11 2025, at the Un iver sit y of Sou t h er n Den m ar k (SDU). The event brought together delegates from across the globe, fostering collaboration, cultural exchange and academic growth within the chiropractic student

Delegates from around the world gather at the 2025 WCCS Annual General Meeting, hosted at the University of Southern Denmark.

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community.

A h igh ligh t of t h e open in g day w as t h e in t r odu ct ion of t h r ee n ew ch apt er s: Scot lan d College of Ch ir opr act ic (SCC), Lif e Un iver sit y an d Bar celon a College of Ch ir opr act ic (BCC), f u r t h er expan din g t h e WCCS n et w or k an d st r en gt h en in g it s in t er n at ion al r each .

Delegates participate in a diverse programme of seminars and workshops, with topics ranging from ?How to Build your Legacy? and ?How Research is Changing Chiropractic? to Sports Chiropractic.

These sessions, delivered by an outstanding panel of speakers, provided valuable insights into the future of the profession.

Six proposals were debated and voted upon.

Notably, delegates approved a reduction in chapter fees for developing countries and passed a motion requiring chapters to engage in voluntary community service, reinforcing WCCS?s commitment to accessibility and social responsibility.

The AGM also marked a new transition of leadership within the Board of Directors and Team of Officials. WCCS extends its congratulations to the newly elected officials for the 2025-2026 term and looks forward to their contributions in the term ahead.

Looking forward, this term offers a unique

opportunity to build on the momentum of the AGM. With a renewed leadership team and a growing chapter network, the WCCS is well positioned to strengthen global collaboration, expand research engagement and enhance student participation community initiatives. By fostering leadership and innovation within the student body, the WCCS aims to continue shaping the future of chiropractic on an international scale.

Finally, special recognition is extended to the SDU organizing committee whose hard work and dedication ensured the success of this year ?s AGM. Their efforts provided delegates with an enriching and memorable experience that strengthened international bonds and advanced the shared mission of the chiropractic profession.

WCCS members and officials celebrate a successful AGM marked by collaboration, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

Updat e f r om Teesside Un iver sit y, Un it ed Kin gdom This summer term marked an exciting milestone for Teesside Un iver sit y ?s ch ir opr act ic pr ogr am m e, as six students participated in international mobility placements through the university?s global partnership initiatives. Two students embarked on enriching academic and cultural exchanges, one at t h e In t er n at ion al M edical Un iver sit y (IM U) in Malaysia and the

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other at In t er n at ion al Pacif ic Un iver sit y (IPU) in Japan. These experiences not only broadened their clinical perspectives but also deepened their understanding of chiropractic education in diverse healthcare settings. The following reflections capture their personal insights and professional growth during these unique opportunities.

Japan St u dy Pr ogr am 2025 I had a precious opportunity to represent Teesside University as a second-year chiropractic student in a two-week international sports program hosted

by In t er n at ion al Pacif ic Un iver sit y (IPU) in Okayama, Japan. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left me feeling grateful, fulfilled, and inspired. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by M r . Yosh i, Dr . Set su k o Oh ash i, president of IPU, and the Japanese students, whose hospitality made our stay comfortable and easy.

various taping methods including cast taping and taping the arch for plantar fasciitis which will be useful in my future practice. A standout session for me was the lecture by M r . Yosh i on isokinetic knee strength and neuromuscular adaptation following ACL reconstruction. Not only was the theory fascinating, but I also had the chance to try the isokinetic dynamometer myself, which made the learning experience so much more engaging.

Another memorable highlight was the acupuncture session for trigger point release, which has inspired me to pursue an additional acupuncture course in the future to diversify my treatment approaches.

Teesside University and IPU students at the Okayama Running Park after a group training session during the Japan Study Program 2025.

Geraldine Cheung participating in a practical judo therapy and taping techniques workshop alongside IPU students in Okayama.

Our days usually started with workout sessions, and I was amazed by the quality of the facilities and the way advanced technology was used to enhance athletic performance, giving us a glimpse of how sports science is practiced in Japan.

Academically, the program was both educational and fun. We were introduced to judo therapy, where I learned practical techniques such as aiding and relocating a dislocated elbow, as well as

Besides the core lessons, we also took part in judo training, dance, Pilates, and strength and conditioning classes, all of which gave me fresh perspectives on physical performance and rehabilitation. We also had the chance to visit a local school and kindergarten, allowing us to interact with the children and see another side of Japanese daily life.

Outside of the classroom, we were able to immerse ourselves in Japan?s culture and history, such as visiting Ok ayam a Cast le, strolling down the beautiful Bik an Hist or ical St r eet and making a moving trip to Hir osh im a?s Peace M em or ial M u seu m . Through these cultural explorations, I not only learned more about Japanese history,

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food, and traditions but also picked up some of the language, which made the experience even more meaningful.

opportunity to travel with three other Teesside students to Ku ala Lu m pu r , M alaysia, as part of our chiropractic studies. This adventure has turned out to be one of the most life-changing experiences of my academic journey so far. From the moment we arrived, the city had us in complete awe that it would be our home for the next month.

Geraldine Cheung receiving her Certificate of Completion from Setsuko Ohashi, President of International Pacific University (IPU), at the program?s farewell ceremony in Okayama.

On a personal level, the trip gave me the chance to meet students from ULB and connect with their professors, M r s. Gu issar d and M r . Et ien n e.

Building these friendships and professional connections was invaluable, as it exposes me to different perspectives in physical education and sports sciences.

Most importantly, I forged new friendships, expanded my worldview, and gained both practical and theoretical knowledge that will undoubtedly be useful when I become a certified chiropractor.

This study trip was an eye-opening journey that blended learning, culture, and personal growth, and I am truly thankful for the opportunity to represent my university and bring back invaluable skills, memories, and inspiration for my future career. I would highly encourage other students to participate in programs like these if given the chance.

By Geraldine Cheung, Year 3 Student, Teesside University

M alaysia Ch ir opr act ic Tr ip 2025 This summer I was lucky enough to have the

A bustling evening at one of Kuala Lumpur?s local food markets ? a favourite spot for Charlotte Bendelow and her peers during the Malaysia Chiropractic Trip 2025.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting the Malaysian chiropractic students. From our very first interaction, they welcomed us with open arms and genuine hospitality, making us feel at home, despite being 6500 miles away across the world.

They introduced us to their city, their food and their way of life. It wasn?t long before we were all sharing meals, stories and laughs, despite our different backgrounds. Speaking of meals, Malaysian food was an experience in itself. From street vendors to local restaurants, we tasted dishes we had never heard of before, many making Asian food our new favorite cuisine. The most memorable (and divisive) experience was trying the famous fruit, durian. Its pungent smell warned us well in advance, and while a few were brave enough to appreciate its unique flavor, most of us couldn?t hide our reactions. It became a running joke throughout the trip. But that moment, like so many others, was a bonding

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On the clinical side, visiting ALTY Or t h opaedic Hospit al gave us an incredible insight into multidisciplinary care and how chiropractic can fit within a broader healthcare system. Seeing the collaboration between orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and chiropractors helped me appreciate the importance of integrated care and communication across disciplines. Our visit to TAGS Ch ir opr act ic an d Reh abilit at ion Cen t er was equally as inspiring. We observed how chiropractic care is delivered in Malaysia, often in ways both similar and unique to what we had seen at home. The clinicians at TAGS demonstrated a clear passion for patient care and rehabilitation, which reminded me of why I chose this profession in the first place. We also visited the Reh abilit at ion Hospit al Ch er as, where the focus on long-term patient recovery and multidisciplinary teamwork left a deep impression on me. Watching patients regain mobility and confidence through consistent, personalized care emphasized the profound impact our work can have.

This experience changed me, not only as a chiropractic student, but as a future practitioner. It has broadened my perspective on global healthcare, showed me the value of cultural

understanding, and deepened my appreciation for the power of connections, whether between professionals, patients, or students across the world. I returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, a greater respect for the global chiropractic community and the inspiration to grow not only as a clinician, but as a more empathetic, open-minded, and culturally aware individual. My time in Kuala Lumpur will stay with me forever, both the professional knowledge I gained and the friendships that now span continents.

By Charlotte Bendelow. Year 3 Student, Teesside University

Charlotte Bendelow participating in a practical chiropractic techniques session alongside IMU students in Kuala Lumpur.

UQTR Ch ir opr act ic M ission in t h e Ph ilippin es

Dr . M ar t in Cam ar a from the Cam ar a In st it u t e f or Ch ir opr act ic Scien ces invited the Un iver sit é

du Qu ébec à Tr ois-Rivièr es (UQTR) to participate in a humanitarian chiropractic mission in the Philippines. On July 16, 21 senior interns from UQTR, accompanied by three clinician supervisors (Dr s. Ber n ar d Pr ou lx, M ar ie-Ève Fou r n ier an d Joe Lem ir e), travelled to the Philippines for two weeks. In collaboration with Ch ir opr act ic Wit h ou t Bor der s, UQTR?s In t er n at ion al Relat ion s Of f ice, an d t h e Ph ilippin e Ch ir opr act ic Com m u n it y

84 EDUCATION NEWS Healt h Pr oject , they provided chiropractic care to more than 2,800 underprivileged residents of Manila. For UQTR, t h is h u m an it ar ian m ission w as a f ir st in Sou t h east Asia. The residents were very grateful to receive free chiropractic care for

their various musculoskeletal disorders, mainly related to overuse of back and shoulder conditions. The interns?clinical and cultural experience remains etched in their memories.

Con gr at u lat ion s!

M alaysia Welcom es a New Coh or t of Ch ir opr act or s f r om IM U Un iver sit y global health and outreach activities, preparing them to serve in both urban and underserved settings.

The chiropractic profession in Malaysia has taken another meaningful step forward with the graduation of a new cohort of chiropractors from IM U Un iver sit y, the country?s first institution to offer a chiropractic degree programme.

Twenty-five graduates received their scrolls during the July convocation ceremony, marking the successful completion of their intensive training grounded in evidence-based, people-centred, interprofessional, and collaborative care. As Malaysia continues to strengthen its chiropractic workforce, this cohort represents a vital addition to the growing pool of primary contact healthcare professionals contributing to musculoskeletal health and mobility.

The Associat ion of Ch ir opr act ic M alaysia (ACM ) commends the graduates for their dedication and welcomes them into the profession. ACM continues to collaborate with national and international bodies to promote safe, regulated, and patient-centred chiropractic care in line with Malaysia?s healthcare goals.

Th is m ilest on e also r ein f or ces M alaysia?s com m it m en t t o pr odu cin g h igh -qu alit y ch ir opr act ic pr of ession als w h o ar e w ell-pr epar ed t o con t r ibu t e locally an d globally.

As these new chiropractors begin their careers, their role in supporting mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life will be essential to the evolving healthcare landscape.

The IMU chiropractic programme is accredited by the Cou n cil on Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion Au st r alasia (CCEA) and guided by international best practices. The curriculum places strong emphasis on clinical competency, ethical practice, and community engagement. Many of the graduating students have also participated in Graduates of IMU University?s Chiropractic Programme celebrate their achievement during the July 2025 convocation

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IM U Ch ir opr act ic St u den t s Deliver Car e t o Near ly 8,000 Pat ien t s in t h e Ph ilippin es

A delegation of 29 chiropractic students and three faculty members from IM U Un iver sit y (M alaysia), joined by peers from the Au st r alian Ch ir opr act ic College, undertook a two-week Hands for Vitality mission trip across 11 sites in the Philippines.

Over the course of the mission, the team provided chiropractic care to 7,973 patients, ranging from children under 17 years old to elderly adults over 80. The most frequently reported conditions were low back pain (2,339 cases), upper back pain (1,938 cases), and shoulder complaints (1,283 cases), alongside a wide range of spinal, extremity, and wellness-related presentations.

IMU University and Australian Chiropractic College students and faculty unite for the 2025 Hands for Vitality mission across 11 sites in the Philippines, delivering chiropractic care to nearly 8,000 patients.

Students described the experience as transformative, noting both professional growth and a deeper appreciation for the privilege of serving communities with limited access to care.

One student reflected: ?I learnt that chiropractic is beyond adjustment. Communication and connection with patients are what distinguish an adjuster from a healthcare professional. This experience exposed me to humanity, passion, empathy, and responsibility.?

Others emphasised the confidence gained through high-volume clinical exposure, as well as the cultural immersion and personal growth that such experiences provide. Alumni participants also highlighted how returning for a second mission offered the opportunity to benchmark their professional development since beginning clinical practice.

An IMU chiropractic student conducts a musculoskeletal assessment during the outreach, exemplifying evidence-based, patient-centred care.

En h an cin g St u den t Lear n in g Th r ou gh Ser vice The mission highlighted the role of service learning in shaping the next generation of chiropractors.

Facu lt y Per spect ives IMU faculty underscored the broader significance of the mission.

86 EDUCATION NEWS contemporary practice.

Look in g For w ar d Won g Yi Kai, IMU Chiropractic Mobility Coordinator, commented:

An IMU chiropractic student shares a moment with a young patient during the Hands for Vitality mission.

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Dr Sof iah Han is Ah m ad Hish am observed the fulfillment of using professional skills in service of others, emphasizing the enduring impact of compassion in healthcare.

M in Jah yeon highlighted the teamwork and resilience demonstrated by students under challenging conditions, describing the experience as a powerful lesson in service and professional responsibility.

Nat alie Ch in Ziqin g reflected on the privilege of continuity, noting the meaningful differences observed in the communities served during successive missions.

Par t n er sh ips an d Global En gagem en t The mission was made possible through collaboration with Han ds f or Vit alit y and the Cam ar a In st it u t e f or Ch ir opr act ic Scien ces, coordinated by Dr Apple de Lu n a. Expressing gratitude, Dr de Luna acknowledged the contribution of international partners in bringing ?healing hands and generous hearts? to underserved populations in the Philippines.

For IMU, the mission reflects a wider institutional commitment to global mobility, cultural competence, and social responsibility within chiropractic education. Students not only strengthened their technical skills but also developed the attributes of empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness that are essential for

?This mission exemplifies the dual impact of global mobility: students gain invaluable clinical and cultural learning, while communities receive much-needed care. It reflects IMU?s vision of producing healthcare professionals who are both competent and compassionate, and underscores the value of international partnerships in advancing chiropractic?s global contribution to health.?

The Hands for Vitality mission continues to serve as a model of how chiropractic education can combine rigorous clinical training with meaningful community engagement, benefiting both students and the populations they serve.

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Jen n if er Wat t er s t o Lead NWHSU Hu m an Per f or m an ce Cen t er Com m it t ee (USOPC) Training Site in Chula Vista, California, and taught as adjunct faculty at Sou t h er n Calif or n ia Un iver sit y of Healt h Scien ces (SCU). Previously, she coordinated the Sports Medicine Clinic at SCU and owned a thriving sports medicine practice in Santa Monica.

Jennifer Watters, DC, DAcCHM, DACBSP, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), LAc, CSCS, serving with Team USA medical staff at the Toyota Athlete Lounge, supporting athlete recovery and performance.

Jen n if er Wat t er s, DC, DAcCHM, DACBSP, Dipl.

O.M. (NCCAOM), LAc, CSCS joined Nor t h w est er n Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (NWHSU) as director of the Hu m an Per f or m an ce Cen t er (HPC) on Oct ober 1. She will also hold the Foot Leveler s Chair in Biomechanics and Human Performance, generously funded by Foot Levelers to advance the biomechanics field through research and practice.

Her clinical résumé includes over a decade of fieldwork at the highest levels of sport. She served as a Team USA medical staff member at three Olympic Games? Tokyo (Summer), Beijing (Winter), and Paris (Paralympic)? and acted as Medical Director for Team USA at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Con t in u in g a Legacy of Advan cin g t h e Field Founded in 2014, the HPC provides integrated, real-world clinical experience in sports medicine and delivers care to athletes of all levels. Founding director Dr . Tim St ar k led the program until 2019, followed by Dr . An dr ew Klein , who retired earlier this year.

As a dual-licensed chiropractor and acupuncturist, Dr. Watters is uniquely suited to lead the HPC: where students in the chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy programs work integratively to support athletes in the Twin Cities. Her vast experience in sports medicine also positions her as an ideal mentor to the Chiropractic Sports Medicine Residents. ?I am passionate about helping the next generation of Sports Medicine professionals to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers,?shared Dr. Watters.

A Recogn ized Leader in Spor t s M edicin e Dr. Watters arrives at NWHSU with a wealth of national and international experience. She most recently served as Senior Health Care Service Provider at the U.S. Olym pic & Par alym pic

Jennifer Watters (front row, right) with Team USA medical staff at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Since its founding, the HPC has trained 17 chiropractic residents and one registered dietitian,

89 EDUCATION NEWS along with chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy student interns.

Chiropractic Sports Residents have gone on to distinguished careers. They include Dr. Liz Moos, a leader on the ACA Sports Council now working at the VA Pacific Islands; Dr . Jor dan Kn ow lt on -Key, Integrative Sports Medicine staff at USOPC in Lake Placid, New York; and Dr . Den n is M at os, clinician at the Osher Center for Integrated Health at Har var d M edical Sch ool.

Look in g Tow ar d t h e Fu t u r e w it h an Eye Tow ar ds Collabor at ion Dr. Watters is eager to build on the HPC?s strong foundation while expanding its impact. ?My vision is to provide residents and interns with

a premier experience in multidisciplinary sports medicine and performance care,?she explained.

Jennifer Watters (centre) with Team USA medical staff at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, where she served as Medical Director.

?The future HPC will include greater outreach, physically and conceptually.?

"We believe Dr. Watters is the ideal leader to expand the reach of the HPC both locally and nationally,? noted NWHSU President and CEO Dr. Deb Bushway. ?Through innovative collaboration, she will create new opportunities for students and residents while continuing to advance the fields of chiropractic and acupuncture sports medicine.?

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Lif e Un iver sit y ?s Neu r oLIFE In st it u t e expan ds ch ir opr act ic edu cat ion in Ch in a Dr . Dom Fet t er ly, Director of the Neu r oLIFE In st it u t e (NLI) at Lif e Un iver sit y (Lif e U), recently traveled to China to help lead an exciting chiropractic education initiative. This global effort is part of a broader mission to share Life U?s advanced knowledge of Chiropractic with practitioners around the world. ?Alongside me are three outstanding doctors ? Drs. Michael Longyear, Michael Hall and Jonathan Vestal ? all of whom are seasoned professionals and have worked extensively with NLI,?said Dr. Fetterly.

Life U?s commitment to advancing chiropractic education led the team to major cities in China, including Shanghai and Chengdu. These cities are home to a growing community of healthcare professionals and students eager to learn more about chiropractic care. The initiative serves not only to educate but also to build bridges between practitioners in the U.S. and China.

The cornerstone of the effort is a 100-hour Chiropractic Applied Neuroscience course developed by Life U. ?The big picture is to deliver 100 clean, focused hours covering the essentials of chiropractic neuroscience,?Dr. Fetterly explained. ?This framework helps practitioners in China better understand Chiropractic, especially as the profession currently has limited representation there.?

The course is open to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including those studying traditional Chinese medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy and other disciplines. Through this outreach, Life U aims to inspire a new generation of chiropractors ? either by bringing students to study at Life U or by empowering them to support and grow the profession within China.

This initiative includes monthly visits from each participating doctor. Dr. Fetterly himself taught two intensive weekends, delivering 15 hours of content per visit. ?I taught an eight-hour Saturday

and a seven-hour Sunday session focused on the cerebellum and vestibular system in relation to neurology,?he said.

Each session was interactive and engaging, drawing between 50 and 80 participants. ?We had a few chiropractors, but most were either students or practitioners in traditional Chinese medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy or manual therapy,?

Dr. Fetterly noted. ?The cerebellum and vestibular system are critical to understanding brain function, and we tailored the content to be accessible yet impactful.?

Dr s. Lon gyear and Hall will return to China for the final exams and graduation ceremony, scheduled for October 2025. This graduation will mark a significant milestone for the participants and the program itself. ?Our hope is that this becomes a recurring, annual course,?said Dr. Fetterly. ?We want to bring more doctors into the fold and continue to expand chiropractic awareness. Ultimately, we want to see highly trained doctors either come to Life U for further education or become leaders in their country to support and grow the chiropractic profession in China.?

Click NLI f or m or e in f or m at ion on t h e Neu r oLIFE In st it u t e.

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Par ker Un iver sit y ?s M assage Th er apy Pr ogr am Com plet es Fir st Season Wor k in g w it h Un it ed Foot ball Leagu e (UFL) Team s, In clu din g t h e San An t on io Br ah m as an d Ar lin gt on Ren egades overall well-being. Small on-campus class sizes, diverse techniques, and exclusive internships prepare students for seamless entry into the field.

With a balanced approach to wellness, students develop these vital skills while acquiring the business knowledge necessary to launch a well-rounded, successful career. This certificate program is also offered in a dual-language format (Spanish and English), making it accessible to even more future massage therapists.

Parker University?s Massage Therapy team ? Gregory May, Rebecca Lockett, and Mario Figueroa ? celebrate their inaugural season providing athletic recovery massage for United Football League teams, the San Antonio Brahmas and Arlington Renegades.

Parker University?s Massage Therapy program has an Athletic Recovery Massage team that recently completed its inaugural season working with two Un it ed Foot ball Leagu e (UFL) teams. San Antonio Brahmas and Arlington Renegades players were the recipients of weekly recovery massage sessions provided by the Par k er Un iver sit y Sch ool of M assage Th er apy Alumni and staff.

Par k er Un iver sit y ?s M assage Th er apy Cer t if icat e Pr ogr am Upon completing the program, Parker University Massage Therapy alumni have the opportunity to work with professional athletes. Parker University is also a proud supporter of the Dallas Cowboys and a sponsor of the Texoma Football Club.

During their time obtaining a Massage Therapy certificate through Parker University, students learn how the power of touch transforms lives by relieving pain, reducing stress, and promoting

Parker University?s Massage Therapy Program Director Gregory May shares, ?The Parker University Alumni Athletic Massage Team is proud to have completed the 2025 UFL season working with the San Antonio Brahmas and the Arlington Renegades. This was an amazing opportunity for our Massage Therapy Alumni. Special thanks to Sam Lopez, the Assistant Athletic Trainer of the Brahmas, and Dr. Mike Walker, the Athletic Trainer for the Renegades, for helping us provide the recovery sessions to allow these athletes to perform optimally. We look forward to growing alongside the UFL, continuing our affiliations, expanding our services, and reaching even more UFL teams next season.?

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Th e Texas Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (TCA) Recogn izes Par ker Un iver sit y an d Sever al Alu m n i at Ch ir o Texpo 2025 Th e Texas Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (TCA) recently recognized chiropractic leaders during Ch ir o Texpo 2025, the annual state chiropractic convention, which was held at the Hyat t Regen cy Fr isco-Dallas in Frisco.

graduates! TCA?s executive officers preside over an executive committee, including four department

TCA is the voice for chiropractic in Texas, providing protection, state-wide advocacy, information, and education for more than 7,000 DCs who are licensed to practice in Texas. TCA advocates the position that citizens of Texas should have adequate access to the healthcare of their choice and that DCs are adequately represented in the government?s decision-making process.

Awards were presented to Texas chiropractors and other chiropractic supporters at the President?s Gala, with Parker University alumni walking away with awards from key categories.

Par k er Un iver sit y Ch ir o Texpo 2025 Hon or ees: -

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Young Chiropractor of the Year ? Korey Rose, DC President?s Award ? Jon Blackwell, DC, and Korey Rose, DC Executive Director ?s Award ? Steve Van Osdale, DC Regional Doctor of the Year ? Region 1: Kaci Roach, DC, Region 2: Joseph Adams, DC Texas Women?s Leadership and Service Award ? Mary Collings, DC, and Clare Morgan, DC Student Leadership Award ? Parker University Tri 9 student Hayden Hadley

During Chiro Texpo 2025, TCA also announced and swore in its new executive officers for the 2025-2026 term, all of whom are Parker University

coordinators in charge of TCA?s state committees, as well as a board of directors comprised of representatives from TCA?s 12 districts, which cover all of Texas.

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Don Wh it e, DC, FICC - president An dr ew Ot eo, DC - vice president Kor ey Rose, DC - secretary/treasurer Todd Wh it eh ead, DC (served as TCA?s president in 2024-2025) - immediate past president

Con gr at u lat ion s t o all t h e leader s w h o w er e r ecogn ized an d h on or ed f or t h eir dedicat ion t o f u r t h er in g t h e posit ive im pact of ch ir opr act ic car e in t h e st at e of Texas.

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Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic h on or s alu m n i legen ds an d r isin g st ar s du r in g 2n d An n u al Palm er College Alu m n i Aw ar ds Honorees recognized for their contributions include Louis Sportelli, D.C. (` 62), a tireless advocate for chiropractic

Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic has announced the recipients of its 2nd Annual Palmer College Alumni Awards, honoring graduates whose achievements reflect the strength, heart and global impact of the Palmer alumni community. From lifetime service to entrepreneurial leadership to emerging professionals, this year ?s awardees embody Palmer ?s enduring legacy of excellence and innovation. ?These awards celebrate the remarkable range of ways Palmer alumni are changing lives,?said Chancellor and CEO Den n is M ar ch ior i, D.C., Ph .D. (` 90). ?Whether in clinics, classrooms, or communities, their influence reaches far beyond chiropractic. We?re proud to recognize them and share their success with our community.?

The Dist in gu ish ed Ach ievem en t Aw ar d recognizes significant contributions to chiropractic with professional societal, and educational impact.

It will be awarded to Lou is Spor t elli, D.C. (` 62).

For more than six decades, Dr. Sportelli has been a tireless advocate for chiropractic and a model of ethical leadership. From defending the profession at the national level to serving more than 30 years on his local hospital board, he has advanced health care integrity and patient trust while mentoring future generations of chiropractors.

The Distinguished Service Award honors alumni who have shown exceptional dedication and service to Palmer College over time. It will be awarded to Pau l Het r ick , D.C. (` 77). Dr. Hetrick has dedicated his career to elevating chiropractic through generosity, innovation and advocacy. As founder of HydroWorx and a former president of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, he has transformed rehabilitation practices while giving back to Palmer through a $1 million endowment to support sports and rehabilitation residencies.

The Entrepreneurship Award celebrates alumni who have achieved success as entrepreneurs in chiropractic or related fields, locally and globally. It will be awarded to Ch ar les ?Ch u ck ? Gibson , D.C. (` 55). A respected mentor and global leader in chiropractic business development, Dr. Gibson has shaped thousands of careers through his consultancy, Gibson Management Consultants. His six-decade career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the profession and guiding future entrepreneurs toward success.

?Ou r alu m n i r em in d u s t h at Palm er ?s legacy is n ot on ly abou t w h at h appen s on ou r cam pu ses, bu t also abou t t h e r ipple ef f ect f elt in com m u n it ies ever yw h er e,? said Bar bar a M elbou r n e, J.D., t h e College?s vice ch an cellor f or in st it u t ion al advan cem en t . ?Th is year ?s h on or ees h ave dem on st r at ed h ow a Palm er legacy gr ow s t h r ou gh a lif et im e of excellen ce.?

95 EDUCATION NEWS The awards also showcase the promise and passion of Palmer ?s newest alumni, all within their first decade of practice. Honorees of the Palmer 10-Under-10 Award are recognized for substantial contributions to Palmer College and the chiropractic field, for demonstrated leadership, and for actively mentoring or volunteering. Her e ar e t h is year ?s 10-Un der -10 Aw ar d Recipien t s:

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Alexan dr a Fon seca, D.C., C.C.S.P. (` 18) of San Bruno, California, is redefining sports chiropractic in elite circles as a trusted provider for athletes, actors, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Br ian Plu m m er , D.C. (` 18) of Akron, Ohio, is a national leader in integrated pain management at the Cleveland Clinic and serves as a medical school professor.

Cam er on Gh olam pou r , D.C., M .S. (` 20) of Palm Harbor, Florida, provides medical oversight for USA Volleyball?Florida Region and represents chiropractic at the World Games.

Casey Ok am ot o, D.C. (` 15) of Apple Valley, Minnesota, is a national VA leader in chronic pain innovation and a contributor to groundbreaking clinical trials.

Jae Oh , D.C. (` 17) of Winter Garden, Florida, is a recognized physician-level provider building interdisciplinary networks across central Florida.

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Jessie Bexley, D.C. (` 17) of Tampa, Florida, holds leading roles in neurosurgery and athletics at USF, bridging care, research, and collaboration.

Kyle Rich m on d, D.C. (` 21) of Frankfort, Illinois, is a social media influencer with more than 125,000 followers and is trusted by professional athletes.

M egan Epps, D.C. (` 20) of Dover, Delaware, is an advocate for women?s health, co-owner of two practices, and a community leader through ?The 302 Podcast.?

Rach el Hu st on , D.C. (` 19) of Lincoln, Nebraska, is the founder of The Body Lab, a multidisciplinary practice redefining standard of care.

Tyler Collin s, D.C. (` 18) of Monticello, Arkansas, is an advocacy leader on the ACPA Board and has been honored for legislative efforts advancing chiropractic.

Palmer College celebrates these honorees for embodying the values of vision, service, and innovation ? qualities that continue to shape the future of chiropractic worldwide. They will be honored on campus during Palmer ?s Main Campus Homecoming celebrations in September.

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Logan Un iver sit y Welcom es Jan a Holw ick , Ph .D., as Pr ovost an d Ch ief Academ ic Of f icer Logan Un iver sit y announces the appointment of Jan a Holw ick , Ph.D., as its new Provost and Chief Academic Officer. A seasoned higher education leader, Dr. Holwick brings more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record of driving academic innovation, collaboration and excellence.

?We?re thrilled to welcome Dr. Holwick to Logan University. Her wealth of experience and deep expertise will be a tremendous asset to the institution and those we serve,? said Logan President H. Garrett Thompson, DC, Ph.D. ?In her new role, Dr. Holwick will champion our academic programs and lead efforts to develop and deliver rigorous, high-quality curricula that align with the evolving needs of our students.?

Jana Holwick, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Logan University

Dr. Holwick began her career in academia as chief financial officer and vice president of finance, later transitioning into academic leadership where she has spent the past 12 years working closely with faculty and administrators to advance student success and institutional growth. She has served in prominent leadership positions at institutions, such as Lak e Er ie College and Lif e Un iver sit y, bringing extensive expertise in institutional planning, resource development, program evaluation and higher education policy. ?I'm excited to join Logan University at such an important time in health care education,?said Dr. Holwick. ?Students need to be prepared for a vastly different world of health care than has historically been present and Logan is positioned to help students become adept at understanding the changing landscape of health care delivery. I'm looking forward to working with faculty, staff and students at Logan to continue the University's commitment to excellence in education.?

Dr. Holwick is a respected voice in accreditation and quality assurance, having served as an Academ ic Qu alit y Im pr ovem en t Pr ogr am (AQIP) and Standard Pathway reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, she has contributed as a peer reviewer and councilor for the Council on Chiropractic Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Holwick earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Capella Un iver sit y, with a focus on enrollment management. She also holds bachelor ?s and master ?s degrees in accounting from the Un iver sit y of M issou r i-Kan sas Cit y and an associate?s degree from Cot t ey College.

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Risk f act or s f or cer vical ar t er y dissect ion (CAD)

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Sidney Rubinstein DC, PhD (Chair) Netherlands

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Su m m ar y Cer vical ar t er y dissect ion (CAD) is a rare but serious vascular condition that can lead to stroke, particularly in younger adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors for CAD in the general population, representing an update of our previous review. The previous review relied on stroke patients as controls as opposed to individuals from the general population, and thus, introducing potential bias.

We analyzed 128 case-control studies, with 54 using healthy controls. Risk factors were categorized into five groups: 1. genetic/familial, 2. external, 3. minor trauma, 4. cardiovascular, and 5. other. Key findings include: -

Genetic/familial factors: Migraine and MTHFR TT homozygosity were moderately associated with CAD. MTHFR TT homozygosity leads to elevated homocysteine levels, which may weaken arterial walls and impair vascular repair mechanisms? making individuals more susceptible to CAD due to compromised

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connective tissue integrity and endothelial function. Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan?s, Ehlers?Danlos syndrome, and Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) may also put those at risk of CAD. External factors: Recent infections, winter season, and oral contraceptive use were weakly associated with CAD. Inflammatory markers like white blood cells and neutrophils were elevated in some cases.

Minor trauma: Minor trauma (e.g., heavy lifting, sports injuries) may increase CAD risk. However, definitions varied widely across studies, making comparisons challenging.

Cardiovascular factors: Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac conditions were weakly associated with CAD. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT): Five case-control studies examined the association between cervical spinal manipulative therapy (cSMT) and CAD, finding no consistent evidence linking cSMT to increased CAD risk: pooled data from three studies showed no increased risk, while one study using healthy controls found an increased risk, but found similar risk in those visiting a primary care physician, suggesting care-seeking behaviour may explain the association. That is, patients may seek care for early symptoms of CAD (e.g., neck pain, headache), which can falsely suggest causation, otherwise known as protopathic bias.

Th e over all qu alit y of eviden ce w as low t o ver y low , except f or t w o f act or s w it h m oder at e cer t ain t y: m igr ain e an d M THFR TT h om ozygosit y, m ean in g t h er e is som e u n cer t ain t y r egar din g t h e eviden ce, w h ich sh all im pr ove if bet t er an d m or e h igh -qu alit y st u dies

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ar e pu blish ed.

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Clinical vigilance: Chiropractors should be aware of CAD risk factors? especially migraine, recent infection, and minor trauma? and consider them when evaluating patients with neck pain or headache.

Referral decisions: If CAD is suspected, prompt referral for imaging and medical evaluation is essential.

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Communication: The risk of CAD following cSMT is rare (estimated to be 1 per 100,000 patients). Nevertheless, it is important for chiropractors to discuss the potential risks with their patients, particularly if risk for CAD is identified.

Documentation and informed consent: Given the ongoing debate, clear documentation and patient education remain best practices, including informed consent.

On behalf of the CAD review Team, Sidney Rubinstein

Pat ien t Saf et y in Ch ir opr act ic Car e an d M an u al Th er apies: A Special Collect ion Now Open in Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies Sidn ey Ru bin st ein , nurse scientist Dr . St acie Salsbu r y, early career informaticist/implementation scientist Dr . Br ian Colem an , and Pr of . Sim on Fr en ch , co-Editor-in-Chief at C&MT.

Promoting patient safety through skilled, evidence-based chiropractic care ? reflecting the focus of the new Chiropractic & Manual Therapies series.

We would like to draw your attention to a new thematic series in Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies (C&M T) led by a diverse, international team of editors with a track record aligned in patient safety. Namely, senior epidemiologist Pr of .

The purpose of this series is to stimulate discussion on patient safety in chiropractic and manual therapies. In May 2019, the Wor ld Healt h Or gan izat ion (WHO) declared the protection of patients a global health priority through the resolution WHA 72.6, titled "Global action on patient safety." Yet, despite its recognized importance and advancements in technology and treatment, safety concerns in healthcare, including chiropractic, persist worldwide. By prioritizing high standards of care and vigilance, chiropractors may contribute to a safer healthcare system for all stakeholders, particularly patients.

Our editorial team invites authors to submit manuscripts focused on patient safety in chiropractic care and manual therapies.

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Submissions are encouraged in all formats accepted by the journal, including original research articles, systematic and scoping reviews, case reports, and study protocols. The series welcomes scholarly commentaries, debates, and letters to the editor that explore barriers and propose solutions to fostering and sustaining a strong global patient safety culture within chiropractic.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following pat ien t saf et y t opics:

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Intervention or quality improvement studies of strategies to enhance the patient safety culture in chiropractic clinical settings, including individual or multidisciplinary practices, teaching settings, or hospital-based practices.

Studies investigating perceptions of patient safety in chiropractic and manual therapies from the perspective of important safety partners, such as clinicians, administrators, patients, and families.

Studies exploring patient safety events, including those using safety reporting and monitoring systems.

Studies addressing patient safety considerations for special populations seeking or receiving chiropractic care and manual therapies, such as older adults, pregnant patients, or underserved communities.

Studies evaluating the effectiveness of curricular content and/or simulation-based training in enhancing chiropractic student and practitioner competency and proficiency in safety-related assessment and management.

Other topics related to patient safety in chiropractic and manual therapies such as informed consent, healthcare worker safety, regulatory policies, or competency and quality standards.

We hope that this series will advance this goal to embed a patient safety culture in the chiropractic profession. Following the end of this Call, we will organize a synthesis conference for authors to present their work and discuss the importance of their findings.

For m or e in f or m at ion , ch eck ou t t h e C&M T w ebsit e. Questions pertaining to this Call may be directed to the guest editor team.

Stacie Salsbury, Brian Coleman, Simon French, Sidney Rubinstein

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Bu ildin g Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion an d Resear ch Collabor at ion : CERF Repor t Sept em ber 2025 h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-22-15 The recent CERF conference on collaboration included presentations that discussed the importance of collaboration.

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The Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat or s Resear ch For u m (CERF) serves all world regions and holds two conferences each year, which contain keynote addresses, peer-reviewed research presentations, and tutorials. The CERF conferences address critical issues facing the chiropractic profession and chiropractic education. The upcoming Decem ber 2025 con f er en ce will focus on stakeholder engagement, and the Ju n e 2026 con f er en ce will focus on Ar t if icial In t elligen ce.

As a service to the profession, CERF conference proceedings are published in The Journal of Chiropractic Education, which includes the abstracts of the presentations and video links for each of the presentations. These links provide free access to all CERF conference content.

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Collaboration in Education and Research: Stronger Together h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-25-14 Technology in Education: Riding the Wave of the Future h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-24-18 Battling Burnout: Raising Resilience in Education h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-23-30 Keeping It Real: Practice Relevant Education h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-23-24 Rise of Faculty Scholars: Building Capacity for a Stronger Future h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-22-26 Academic Integrity for All: Building Better Professionals

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Yi Kai Wong, Valerie Johnson Robert Walsh, Eric Kirk, Tanja Glucina, Chris Major.

Moderator: Claire Johnson. Video: h t t ps:/ / you t u .be/ 0QyYBir r u bM Lindsay Gorrell, Alister du Rose, Yaasirah Choonara, Gregory Cramer, Andrew Romanelli, Nathan D. Schilaty. Moderator: Claire Johnson. Video: h t t ps:/ / you t u .be/ 3SjCYn OIaRQ John Mrozek, Trevor Foshang, Adrian Hunnisett, Brian Anderson, Edward Murphy, Stacie Salsbury, Courtney Arnold, Sherterica Hall. Moderator: Claire Johnson.

Video: h t t ps:/ / you t u .be/ pWUoGAX2k 14

Th e CERF m ission is t o bu ild sch olar sh ip an d r esear ch capacit y f or ch ir opr act ic edu cat or s t h r ou gh ou t t h e w or ld.

Membership is free. CERF t h an k s an d r ecogn izes WFC as on e of it s spon sor s. h t t ps:/ / cer f w eb.or g/

Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD and Bart Green, DC, MSEd, PhD

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CERF-WFC Alan Adam s Edu cat ion Resear ch Aw ar ds Pu blish ed: JCE Edit or Repor t researchers, educators, and institutions.

We are honored to recognize these CERF-WFC Alan Adams Education Research Award-winning papers from the 12th WFC Global Education Conference, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 30 November 2, 2024.

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Dr Bart Green is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education

CERF-WFC Alan Adam s Edu cat ion Resear ch Aw ar ds are presented at the WFC Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ces and recognize excellence in research education, highlight current and relevant research, foster the dissemination of new information, and increase awareness of education research. Award-winning papers are published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education.

Since 2022, the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) and the Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat or s Resear ch For u m (CERF) have teamed up to sponsor the CERF-WFC Alan Adam s Edu cat ion Resear ch Aw ar d com pet it ion . The awards are named in memory of Alan H Adam s, DC, M S, M SEd, who contributed his life to improving chiropractic education and research and was a mentor to many in the field. He was dedicated to life-long learning, a genuine leader in chiropractic education, and an ambassador for chiropractic globally. He was widely recognized for his ability to foster interdisciplinary relationships among chiropractic

Fatima Ismail, MTech Chiro,; Myra Wessels, MHSc Chiro. Cultural and linguistic competence in chiropractic university students: Insights from a cross-sectional study. JChiropr Educ (2025) 39: eJCE-24-22. h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-24-22 Yi Kai Wong, BSc Chiro, MScPH; Leslie Ryan Raj, BSc Chiro; Kenn Yung Evan Chan, BSc Chiro. Prevalence of burnout among chiropractic students in Malaysia. JChiropr Educ (2025) 39: eJCE-24-19. h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-24-19 Yi Kai Wong, BSc Chiro, MScPH, Kenn Yung Evan Chan, BSc Chiro, and Leslie Ryan Raj, BSc Chiro. Prevalence of Burnout Among Chiropractic Educators in Malaysia. J Chiropr Educ (2025) 39: eJCE-24-16. h t t ps:/ / doi.or g/ 10.7899/ JCE-24-16

The Journal of Chiropractic Education is an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing research and scholarly articles pertaining to chiropractic education. Publishing the predominance of chiropractic education research, the journal is indexed in PubMed, Emerging Sources Citation Index, CINAHL, MANTIS, AMED, ICL, ReadCube, and Scopus.

The journal is published online and is open access.

For more information, visit h t t p:/ / jou r n alch ir oed.com

Dr Bart Green is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education

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Pat ien t s w it h Back -Relat ed Leg Pain Need M or e Su ppor t f or Self -M an agem en t Com m on Facilit at or s: -

Simple and tailored exercises Good relationship with healthcare providers Clear information and support Desire to reduce pain and improve function

A New Appr oach : An American qualitative study sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by patients with back -r elat ed leg pain (BRLP) as they attempt to manage their condition through self-management. The findings highlight that healthcare professionals play a crucial role in supporting these patients? not only through treatment, but also by providing knowledge, motivation, and practical guidance.

More Difficult than Regular Back Pain BRLP is a more complex and disabling form of low back pain, often associated with higher pain intensity, greater functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Although clinical guidelines recommend self-management and exercise as first-line treatments, the study shows that many patients struggle to implement these strategies in their daily lives.

Barriers and facilitators The study analyzed interviews with 40 participants from a previous clinical trial, in which they received chiropractic care combined with home exercise and counseling. Researchers identified several barriers and facilitators to self-management:

Com m on Bar r ier s: -

Lack of time Pain during exercises Doubts about the effectiveness of treatment Low confidence in one?s ability to manage the pain

Behavior Change as the Key The researchers used the "Behavior Change Wheel" model to analyze how healthcare professionals can help patients overcome barriers. This includes: -

-

Education: Providing patients with knowledge about their condition and exercises Training: Demonstrating and practicing exercises together with the patient Support: Building a safe and trusting relationship Goal Setting and Planning: Helping patients set realistic goals and follow up on them

Clin ical Relevan ce: The study emphasizes that self-management is not merely a matter of willpower but requires a targeted effort from both the patient and the clinician. By understanding the psychological and practical barriers, healthcare professionals can better support patients in actively engaging in their own treatment.

Anna-Marie L. Ziegler, Don Thorpe, Douglas Kennedy, Craig Schulz, Stacie A. Salsbury, Gert Bronfort, Roni Evans. Barriers and facilitators to self-management in people with back-related leg pain: a qualitative secondary analysis. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2025.

Read t h e f u ll ar t icle h er e

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Wh at is t h e r ole of h ealt h car e pr of ession als in t h e im plem en t at ion of digit al self -h elp f or low back pain ? express concerns about the app?s ability to tailor content to individual patients.

Low back pain is one of the most common and disabling conditions globally. Clinical guidelines recommend self-management as one of the key strategies for addressing low back pain, but many patients find it difficult to manage without support from healthcare professionals. Digital health interventions have shown potential as a supplement to clinical guidance, but until now, little attention has been given to the role of healthcare professionals in the implementation of these digital interventions.

A study published in Digit al Healt h aims to address this gap. It sheds light on the role of healthcare professionals (chiropractors, physiotherapists, and general practitioners) and the implementation of the digital health app self BACK, which was developed to support self-management of low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study is to explore healthcare professionals?involvement in patient recruitment for the study and their assessment of the selfBACK app's AI-generated, tailored content and clinical relevance.

Motivation and workload are key factors Healthcare professionals are generally positive about the selfBACK app, viewing it as a useful supplement to existing practice. Healthcare professionals? especially general practitioners? show a high level of acceptance (84?89%) of the self-management plans generated by selfBACK, though participants in the study

At the same time, the study highlights that challenges related to healthcare professionals? motivation and workload are crucial factors for the successful implementation of digital health solutions in practice. Qualitative data showed that busy workdays, competing tasks, and varying levels of motivation significantly impact healthcare professionals?recruitment of patients. Therefore, future implementation of digital interventions should consider the working conditions of healthcare professionals and their need for flexibility in treatment planning.

Some clinics and healthcare professionals employ creative strategies, such as visual reminders and internal competition, to boost patient recruitment.

Several participants highlight the app's potential as a tool that complements and enhances clinical advice? particularly through ongoing motivation, knowledge, and access to exercises between consultations.

How the researchers conducted the study The study uses a mixed methods process evaluation to analyze healthcare professionals?recruitment of patients for a r an dom ized con t r olled t r ial (RCT) of the app, as well as their perceptions of the app?s content and usability. The study combines quantitative data from recruitment logs and a vignette-based survey with qualitative interviews and free-text comments. A total of 825 patients were recruited through 57 healthcare professionals in Norway and 39 clinics in Denmark.

The study uses Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as the theoretical framework to analyze the implementation processes.

Read t h e f u ll ar t icle h er e

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Advan cin g Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch in Sou t h Af r ica: A Hist or ical an d Fu t u r e Per spect ive The evolution of chiropractic in South Africa reflects both clinical progress and a significant transformation in research. Since the graduation of the first chiropractors in the early 1980s, the profession has shifted from traditional philosophies and anecdotal practice toward evidence-based care. Initially, most practitioners trained abroad and relied on international literature and clinical experience, with limited integration into mainstream academic and healthcare systems. This period reflected a global trend where chiropractic was struggling for broader recognition within the healthcare system and was not yet fully integrated into mainstream academic and scientific discourse.

A turning point came with the establishment of a chiropractic department at Nat al Tech n ik on (n ow Du r ban Un iver sit y of Tech n ology, DUT). Formal training introduced research methodology and undergraduate projects, which began to generate local knowledge. Early studies focused on musculoskeletal conditions and manual therapy comparisons. Over time, research culture deepened through postgraduate study, faculty involvement, and international collaboration.

Both Chiropractic Departments at DUT and the Un iver sit y of Joh an n esbu r g (UJ) have since strengthened their academic and research profiles.

UJhas produced 36 publications since 2019, reflecting its commitment to advancing chiropractic science, while DUT has published a total of 30 studies to date , aiming to lead in clinically relevant and community-engaged research. Areas of focus include neuromusculoskeletal health, rehabilitation, biomechanics, and the use of digital health technologies to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and patient outcomes. These initiatives position South African chiropractic research as globally competitive.

The Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica (CASA) also plays a pivotal role. It conducts its own studies, fosters national and international collaboration, and connects researchers with practitioners across the country to broaden participation. CASA promotes the EPIC pr in ciples of the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic, encourages professional development, and uses research findings to advocate for better support systems, practitioner well-being, and patient care.

Importantly, it situates chiropractic research within South Africa?s unique health context, addressing access challenges, socio-economic disparities, and the burden of occupational injuries.

As of 2025, the transformation is evident.

Chiropractic research is now a recognized academic pathway, with several chiropractors holding PhD qualifications and contributing to the global evidence base. There is greater emphasis on qualitative research, epidemiological and healthcare policy studies, as well as institutional and association support for research funding, mentorship, and collaboration has improved.

In con clu sion , t h e jou r n ey of ch ir opr act ic r esear ch in Sou t h Af r ica h as been on e of st eady t r an sf or m at ion f r om isolat ed case r epor t s t o r obu st academ ic in qu ir y. As t h e pr of ession con t in u es t o gr ow , t h e f ou n dat ion laid over t h e past f ou r decades h as posit ion ed Sou t h Af r ican ch ir opr act or s t o n ot on ly advan ce t h eir clin ical pr act ice bu t also t o con t r ibu t e m ean in gf u lly t o global h ealt h t h r ou gh r esear ch .

Keseri Padayachy

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Collabor at ive Nat ion al Cen t er f or Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch t o Lau n ch in 2025 and supporting the next generation of chiropractic researchers.

Dr . Ju lie Nor t h am , HSU?s Head of Research, said: ?We are delighted that the NCCR is being launched this year, which marks both the BCA?s centenary and 60 years since chiropractic education began at HSU.?

Launch of the National Centre for Chiropractic Research (NCCR) at Health Sciences University.

Pr of essor David New ell, HSU, noted: ?The Center has ambitions to become a world-leading research center over the next five to ten years for research relevant to the chiropractic profession.?Dr Alist er Du Rose, AECC School of Chiropractic Research Lead at HSU, added: ?It represents a significant investment in research into chiropractic care, with the potential to positively impact healthcare worldwide.?

The Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch Cou n cil (CRC) has gifted its funds to the new Nat ion al Cen t r e f or Ch ir opr act ic Resear ch (NCCR) based at Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (HSU) and in partnership with Lon don Sou t h Ban k Un iver sit y, M cTim on ey College, Teesside Un iver sit y, an d t h e Un iver sit y of Sou t h Wales. The NCCR will be the UK?s leading center for chiropractic research, with a progressive, unifying vision. It will advance scientific understanding and the clinical application of evidence-based chiropractic care. As a research hub, it will explore key questions relevant to the profession and support integration within the UK healthcare system.

The NCCR has recently received the funding from the CRC, which will formally wind up in 2025.

These funds will be distributed by the NCCR via open competitive calls to support impactful research. Lou ise Ham pt on , CRC Chair, remarked: ?It?s inspiring to see the CRC?s aims evolve through the NCCR, and we?re excited to witness its unified approach to advancing research.?The NCCR will also facilitate joint funding bids to major research bodies. Dr Ph ilip Dew h u r st , Associate Professor at HSU, said: ?The source of the CRC funding is the BCA membership who can feel proud that they have contributed to a new era in research relevant to the chiropractic profession.?

Established in 2013 and funded by members of the Br it ish Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (BCA), the CRC has provided leadership and unity in chiropractic research for the benefit of UK chiropractic patients and the wider public. They have played a key role in developing a national research strategy and supported researchers at all levels, and they are delighted to have gifted the remaining funds to the new NCCR to work in partnership across academic institutions and the profession to continue building research capacity

Pr of essor Adr ian Hu n n iset t , Research Director at McTimoney College, said: ?This funding will enable the Center to invest in high-quality, impactful chiropractic research across institutions, healthcare providers and policymakers, shaping the future of chiropractic care.?

M ar k Th om as, Senior Lecturer at LSBU, highlighted the Centre?s collaborative approach: ?The Center aims to ensure a truly cooperative effort between UK chiropractic educational institutions.?

Faye Dean e, Senior Lecturer at Teesside

112 RESEARCH NEWS University, added: ?All UK chiropractic institutions involved in the NCCR?s development will be represented on its steering committee.?

Pr of essor David Byf ield, Head of Clinical Services at the University of South Wales, commented: ?The NCCR is an innovative collaboration between chiropractic providers and the BCA, building a strong research profile to progress the profession in the UK. Its vision aligns with the BCA?s centenary goal of advancing and securing the profession?s future. The BCA remains a beacon of knowledge, professionalism, and clinical excellence, qualities that will continue to evolve through its work with the NCCR.?

Dan iel M oor e, Senior Lecturer at Teesside University, explained that the NCCR?s work will be guided by a National Advisory Stakeholder Group: ?This group will provide external insight, strategic advice, and stakeholder perspectives to ensure the

Centre?s research is relevant and impactful for the chiropractic profession, government, and society.?

The NCCR will also establish an External Peer Review College to independently evaluate funding proposals submitted through competitive calls.

This ensures funding decisions are transparent, rigorous, and grounded in academic excellence. A call for expressions of interest to join the Peer Review College will be launched this year.

Th e lau n ch of t h e NCCR is a lan dm ar k st ep in advan cin g t h e pr of ession t h r ou gh h igh -qu alit y r esear ch an d deeper in t egr at ion in t o UK h ealt h car e.

To be the first to hear about updates and opportunities to get involved with the NCCR, please email r esear ch @h su .ac.u k .

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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT

PREM IER CORPORATE PARTNER Logan University ? USA

SILVER CORPORATE PARTNERS Chiropractic Diplomatic Corps ? Philippines Northeast College of Health Sciences ? USA

PLATINUM CORPORATE PARTNERS

New Zealand Chiropractic Board - New Zealand

Activator Methods International ? USA

The Royal College of Chiropractors ? UK

Cleveland University Kansas City - USA

University of Bridgeport - College of Chiropractic ? USA

Chiropractic Economics ? USA Dynamic Chiropractic Magazine ? USA Ergotherapy ? South Africa Human Touch ? USA International Board of Chiropractic Examiners ? USA NCMIC - USA Palmer College of Chiropractic ? USA Parker University ? USA

DIAM OND CORPORATE PARTNERS Canadian Chiropractic Protective Assn ?

Canada Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College ?

Canada Foot Levelers - USA National Board of Chiropractic Examiners ?

USA The American Chiropractor ? USA

University of Western States ? USA

BRONZE CORPORATE PARTNERS Asociación de Quiroprácticos de Puerto Rico A.Q.P.R. College of Chiropractic Sciences ? Canada Elite Chiropractic Tables ? Canada Federation of Canadian Chiropractic ? Canada Four Star Industries Pte Ltd ? Singapore Fujitega Research Foundation ? Spain Japanese Association of Chiropractors ? Japan KCS Association ? Japan The Chiropractic Knowledge Hub (Kiropraktorernes Videnscenter) ? Denmark National University of Health Sciences ? USA Sommeil Terre Pte Ltd ? Singapore Southern California University of Health Sciences ? USA The Joint Chiropractic - USA

GOLD CORPORATE PARTNERS Northwestern Health Sciences University ? USA Serola Biomechanics, Inc. ? USA

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THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT

PLATINUM INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS (US$2000) Cleveland III Carl, DC ? USA

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GOLD INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS (US$750) Brown Richard, DC, LL.M, FRCC, FRSPH, FICC ?

UK Haldeman Scott, DC, MD, PhD ? USA

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SILVER INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS (US$500)

Doucet Chantale, DC - Canada El Sangak Hussein, DC, MD ? USA

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BRONZE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS (US$180)

BRONZE INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS (US$180)

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THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT Karlovassitis Parry, DC - Australia

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WANTTOMAKEADIFFERENCETOYOUR PROFESSION?CONSIDERBECOMINGAN INDIVIDUALSUPPORTEROFTHEWFC TODAY! FORINFORMATION,CONTACTUSAT INFO@ WFC.ORG

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