QWR2026A

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Quarterly World Report JANUARY 2026

WFC New Pr esiden t An n ou n ced: Dr Ryan Cost er becom es WFC's 19t h Pr esiden t

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WFC News Education News Research News World News and more!

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3 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Leadin g Toget h er : Advan cin g t h e Fu t u r e of Ch ir opr act ic Wor ldw ide Equally important is the growing recognition of chiropractic as an essential contributor to multidisciplinary, patient-centered care. Around the world, chiropractors are increasingly collaborating with other healthcare professionals, participating in public health initiatives, and serving in leadership roles that influence policy and healthcare delivery. These developments reflect not only professional maturation, but also a shared commitment to the highest standards of ethical practice and clinical excellence.

Dear Colleagues,

The World Federation of Chiropractic remains steadfast in its mission to support, connect, and advocate for the global chiropractic profession.

Through international collaboration, representation with global health organizations, and the sharing of knowledge and best practices, we continue to strengthen our collective voice and advance the profession worldwide.

It is with great pride and deep appreciation that I write to you as Pr esiden t of t h e Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic. Across every region of the world, our profession continues to demonstrate remarkable progress, resilience, and unity. The collective efforts of chiropractors, educators, researchers, regulators, and professional leaders are shaping a future that is both inspiring and impactful.

I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your dedication and service. Whether through patient care, research, education, regulation, or professional leadership, your contributions are shaping the present and future of chiropractic.

Together, we are building a profession that is evidence-informed, globally respected, and deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of people in all regions of the globe.

In recent years, chiropractic has experienced extraordinary advancements. Scientific inquiry and research continue to expand the evidence base for chiropractic care, st r en gt h en in g ou r r ole w it h in h ealt h car e syst em s an d r ein f or cin g t h e valu e w e pr ovide t o pat ien t s an d com m u n it ies.

Educational standards and accreditation processes have advanced globally, ensuring that future generations of chiropractors are well prepared to meet the evolving needs of society with competence, integrity, and professionalism.

As we look ahead, let us remain united in purpose, confident in our progress, and inspired by the opportunities before us. The future of chiropractic is bright, and it is being shaped by your passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Dr Ryan Coster, WFC President

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5 INTERIM SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE

M ovin g For w ar d There?s an old saying that the only way to coast is downhill. Well, WFC certainly hasn?t been coasting.

We?re moving forward with several initiatives and projects aimed at advancing our vision, ?All people, all ages, all nations, access to chiropractic care.?

Our Edu cat ion Con f er en ce w ill be in t h e Net h er lan ds, Oct ober 14-17, 2026. Our theme this year, ?Lifelong Learning: Advancing Chiropractic Education for the Future.? This will be the premier event of the year; you won?t want to miss it.

For those of you that don?t know, I am Dr . Joh n M alt by, WFC?s n ew In t er im Secr et ar y-Gen er al. I have served on the WFC Board for 10 years, taking the place of Gerry Clum. I am the immediate past president of the WFC. I graduated from Palmer Davenport in 1977, and have maintained an active practice in Blythe, California for almost 48 years. I served 2 terms as President of the ICA, as well as 2 terms as Chairman of the Board.

WFC will also be attending the Wor ld Healt h Assem bly in M ay 2026. Our hope is to meet with key country leaders to discuss the advancement of chiropractic within their countries. If your country can arrange for our delegation to meet with someone from your country, let me know and we will do everything to arrange. After all, this is why we go.

I have two children. My daughter and her husband have four children. My son and his wife, both chiropractors, have seven children. Debbie and I just celebrated 50 years of marriage. So, basically, my life is good.

As said in the beginning, there is only one way to coast and that?s downhill. As you can clearly see, your WFC is not coasting. We are moving forward with a purpose. We are moving forward toward our vision, ?All people, all ages, all nations, access to chiropractic care.?

So why did I take this job? Quite simple, chiropractic saved my life. Chiropractic has given me the opportunity to save more. Serving in this position gives me a greater opportunity to advance this profession globally than few have ever dreamed.

WFC?s relationship with the WHO helps to establish greater credibility. With representation from over 95 countries, WFC stands at the forefront sharing with the world the advantages of chiropractic care.

I was fortunate to represent the WFC at the British Association Centennial in London. It was a great time meeting with so many who have dedicated years to advancing their profession. What a model they are.

I will be attending Parker Vegas where, along with representatives from the Canadian Chiropractic Association, we will be showcasing our 2027 Con gr ess in Van cou ver . More to come.

Dr John Maltby, WFC Interim Secretary-General

6 SECRETARIAT MESSAGE

St eady Th r ou gh Tr an sit ion Oper at ion s High ligh t s an d 2026 Readin ess The Secretariat met on October 29 and again on December 1 to align on leadership transition, year end operations, and a busy 2026 program of events. Our focus remains on continuity, clear communications, and disciplined execution across governance, finance, IT, and global engagement.

cadence is live, supported by scheduled social posts. We launched the Call f or Bids f or Con gr ess 2029 (submissions due April), and we continue phased promotion for the WFC Edu cat ion Con f er en ce 2026 (Net h er lan ds). Additional campaign assets resume after the holiday period.

Leader sh ip & St af f in g

Ch an n el St r at egy & Com m u n it y St an dar ds: We continue to tailor out social media platforms to a professional audience while keeping a broader reach in view. Moderation protocols remain active to remove inappropriate or off topic content and to uphold respectful community standards.

In t er im Secr et ar y Gen er al: The Secretariat confirmed the appointment of Dr . Joh n M alt by as Interim Secretary General (effective Oct 28), with staff directing stakeholder inquiries to Dr. Maltby or the Secretariat to ensure consistent messaging during the transition.

On boar din g & Cover age: On Dec 1 we reviewed practical onboarding steps (shared mailboxes and social channel admin access) to support timely communications. We also confirmed year end coverage and escalation during planned staff leave to maintain service continuity.

Gover n an ce, Fin an ce & Oper at ion s Fin an ce Pr ot ocols: To streamline approvals and auditability, all finance requests route Secretariat to Finance & Admin and Secretary-Treasurer, and the Interim Secretary-General.

Au dit & Bu dget : Year end close and FY2026 budget updates are underway, including coordination with the Secretary-Treasurer in early December. The Secretariat prepared holiday coverage and will maintain responsiveness on urgent matters.

IT & Information Management: Team members continue to use SharePoint for all WFC files and WFC email for official communications; cybersecurity license renewals are being tracked through IT. Com m u n icat ion s & En gagem en t QWR & Cam paign s: The January QWR promotion

Global Even t s & M ilest on es -WFC Con gr ess 2027 (Van cou ver ): Steering Committee engagement continues following the Oct 30 session.

-Edu cat ion Con f er en ce 2026 (Net h er lan ds): Registration launch targeted at the end of October, with late November social promotion sequences and continued roll-out in January.

-Asia Su m m it & Tok yo Boar d M eet in g 2026: Promotional website active; outreach ongoing.

-Wor ld Healt h Assem bly 2026: Preliminary planning and discussions in place for WFC delegate attendance.

Boar d Elect ion s: Regional notices commenced Nov 3. Ballots were issued where nominations exceed available seats (Europe and Africa). Results will be compiled per the election timeline, with the new Board to be announced in Febr u ar y.

Wor ld Spin e Day (WSD): The 2025 campaign recap noted a highly successful campaign and global engagement achieved through Committee proactive outreach, and competition visibility.

Sixt een eligible competition entries were presented to the judging panel, with winners announced and highlighted in this QWR issue.

7 SECRETARIAT MESSAGE Look in g Ah ead: As we transition into 2026, the Secretariat?s priorities are clear: support a smooth leadership handover, close the year with strong financial discipline, and elevate communications around elections, the 2026 Education Conference, the 2027 Congress and broader global engagement.

OUR PEOPLE WFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2024-26)

Ryan Cost er (Pr esiden t ) North American Region Holly Tu ck er (Secr et ar y-Tr easu r er )

Thank you to all staff and partners for your commitment through a dynamic quarter.

North American Region Car los Ayr es Latin American Region Glen n Gu ilder son North American Region Jason Jaeger North American Region An dr ew Law r en ce Pacific Region Jak ob Lot h e European Region Ef st at h ios Papadopou los Eastern Mediterranean Region Per n ille Popp European Region

CONGRESS 2029 ? Call f or Bids

Hayden Th om as Pacific 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 .

Dale Wh it e North American Region Yi Kai Won g Asian Region

8 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM

St r at egic Decision s Sh apin g t h e WFC?s Global Dir ect ion : WFC Boar d M eet s f or Q4 2025

OUR COM M ITTEES

The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Board of Directors convened virtually on 11 Novem ber 2025 for its final quarterly meeting of the year.

Chaired by President Kendrah da Silva, the session brought together representatives from all global regions, alongside Secretariat leadership, to review organizational performance, progress on strategic initiatives, and preparations for 2026.

PUBLIC HEALTH COM M ITTEE

St r at egic an d Oper at ion al Updat es

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

Interim Secretary-General Joh n M alt by delivered a comprehensive report focused on staff morale, stakeholder engagement, and preparations for the 2026 WFC Edu cat ion Con f er en ce. The Board acknowledged ongoing Secretariat resilience during a period of transition, as highlighted in both the Operations and Office & Administration reports. IT Administration and Finance updates were adopted unanimously, including Q4 financial statements and a preliminary projection identifying a year-end deficit driven partly by legal expenses.

Deborah Kopansky-Giles, BPHE, DC, FCCS, MSc (Co-Chair) Canada

The Board approved the 2026 Dr af t Bu dget , incorporating amendments for succession planning and staff compensation, signaling a strong commitment to organizational continuity.

WORLD SPINE DAY COM M ITTEE

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

Rebekah Wilks, DC (Co-Chair) Danielle Wiesner, DC (Co-Chair)

Com m it t ee Act ivit y an d Gover n an ce Committee reports reflected significant progress across multiple portfolios. The Board endorsed recommendations from the Risk Committee, including the updated Terms of Reference, Risk Appetite Statement, and Risk Register. Discussions surrounding restructuring of the International Chiropractic Education Alliance (ICEA) will continue into Q1 2026.

The Research Committee welcomed f ive n ew

SECRETARIAT John Maltby (Interim Secretary-General) Christina Davis (Executive Operations Manager) Khalid Salim (Finance & Administration Manager) Rebekah Wilks BS, DC (Director of Strategy and Policy)

9 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM m em ber s, strengthening global research capacity, while the Disability & Rehabilitation, Public Health, World Spine Day, and Global Patient Safety Initiative committees all reported forward momentum.

Resolu t ion s an d Or gan izat ion al M at t er s Following the resignation of John Maltby from his Board seat, Dr . Jason Jaeger was appointed as Interim Director representing North America.

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:

Look in g Ah ead

General inquiries

info@wfc.org

The meeting adjourned with several action items set for early 2026, including follow-up on risk governance, ICEA restructuring, World Spine Day planning, and planning of the 2026 Education Conference and 2027 Congress. The next Board meeting will take place on 10 Febr u ar y 2026, preceded by Risk and Finance Committee sessions in January and early February.

John Maltby

jmaltby@wfc.org

Christina Davis

cdavis@wfc.org

Khalid Salim

ksalim@wfc.org

Rebekah Wilks

rwilks@wfc.org

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.

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.

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10 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 'S MESSAGE

M om en t u m w it h Pu r pose: Eviden ce, Edu cat ion & Global Access Dear colleagues, As we open 2026, we are moving with momentum and purpose, aligning evidence, education, and access to serve people in all regions. This issue captures that forward motion across leadership, learning, patient safety, and policy, proof that when we collaborate, we accelerate impact.

Leadership continuity anchors this momentum.

We welcome Dr . Ryan Cost er as the WFC?s 19th President, bringing a clear commitment to global collaboration. At the Secretariat, Dr . Joh n M alt by steps in as Interim Secretary?General, outlining a practical, purpose?driven agenda to advance our shared vision of ?all people, all ages, all nations, access to chiropractic care.? The Secretariat?s operational focus spanning governance, finance, IT, communications, and year?end readiness underscores our pledge to stay steady through transition and deliver for members.

Education remains our engine for quality and trust. Th e WFC Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce (Ut r ech t , Oct ober 14?17, 2026) will gather educators, regulators, and leaders around ?Lif elon g Lear n in g: Advan cin g Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion f or t h e Fu t u r e,? while the WFC Con gr ess (Van cou ver , M ay 5?8, 2027) will celebrate innovation, research, and unity across the profession. Please mark your calendars. Your voice is essential to shaping where education and practice go next.

Our research and safety culture continue to strengthen. The WFC Resear ch Com m it t ee welcomes new members Wren Burton, Fatima Ismail, David McNaughton, Amy Miller, and Gabrielle Swait, broadening our capacity across education science, patient safety, and health?systems research. The Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive progresses with a scoping review that maps what we know and what we still need to

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

foster a robust safety culture in chiropractic.

Integration with global health priorities is advancing. Within the Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce, chiropractic leaders are contributing to workforce, advocacy, and communications efforts that elevate rehabilitation as a core component of universal health coverage, critical as MSK conditions remain a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Our community?s public?health voice is louder than ever. Wor ld Spin e Day 2025 ?In vest in You r Spin e? achieved record global engagement, reframing movement as physical literacy across the lifespan and spotlighting equity in access to spinal care. Thank you to every association, clinic, educator, student, and partner who turned awareness into action.

Governance remains a priority. Th e Boar d?s Q4 2025 meeting advanced risk governance, committees, and 2026 preparations; regional Board elections continue on the published timeline, with the incoming Board to be announced in February 2026. Your participation

11 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MESSAGE sustains accountable leadership and a strong, connected Federation. Finally, a call to action.

Submit your bid t o h ost WFC Con gr ess 2029 by Apr il 26, 2026. Let?s showcase your city and regional leadership on the world stage.

Plan for Ut r ech t 2026 an d Van cou ver 2027.

Bring students, early?career clinicians, and multidisciplinary colleagues; collaboration multiplies outcomes.

Share your stories with the QWR on evidence?informed practice, education innovation, safety, regulation, and community impact so others can learn, adapt, and scale.

Thank you for your dedication in clinics and classrooms, in labs and legislatures, on committees and in communities.

Christina Davis, WFC Executive Operations Manager & QWR Editor?in?Chief

GET INVOLVED WITH THE WFC 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 : 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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14 WFC NEWS M EM ORIAL

REM EM BERING DR. ENRIQUE BENET-CANUT: THE MAN WHO REFUSED TO ACCEPT "THE IMPOSSIBLE" Montaño family, pioneers of Mexican chiropractic, Benet?Canut was introduced to a profession virtually unknown in his country. Inspired by Francisco Montaño Luna's decades?long fight for chiropractic recognition, he departed for Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic in Daven por t , Iow a, where he graduated in 1966.

A TRIBUTE FROM HIS CHILDREN TO THE ARCHITECT OF MODERN MEXICAN CHIROPRACTIC FEB RUARY7,1945-OCTOBER14,2025

Dr . En r iqu e Ben et ?Can u t (1945?2025) was a visionary whose life reshaped chiropractic in Mexico and across Latin America. His story is not simply one of achievements, but of relentless conviction? the belief that what seems impossible is often only what has not yet been attempted with enough courage, persistence, and love.

Root s of In t egr it y an d Pu r pose To understand him, one must begin with his family?s history. His father, Enric Benet?Massanés, served as Secretary of War Industry for the Generalitat de Catalunya during the Spanish Civil War and was remembered as a man of unwavering integrity. After the war, the family fled Franco?s dictatorship, traveling through Europe and the Americas before settling in Mexico. They did not come as victims, but as builders, an attitude that shaped Enrique?s life.

Th e Callin g t o Ch ir opr act ic In the 1960s, when his sister married into the

Returning to Mexico, he entered a nation with fewer than ten chiropractors and no legal recognition. He practiced for ten years before obtaining official licensure in 1976, building trust patient by patient. ?When you explain chiropractic logically,? he would say, ?people understand.?

M ir acles Th at Becam e M ovem en t s A turning point came in 1970 when he treated a ten?year?old girl born deaf and mute. After several adjustments, she heard her mother ?s voice for the first time. The press called it a miracle; he called it a responsibility. He went on to treat hundreds of children free of charge, including many with disabilities, and dedicated years to caring for Special Olympics athletes.

Stories of patients arriving in wheelchairs or on all fours and walking out unaided became part of his legend. He often referred to his most transformative adjustments as ?hole in one? moments, single interventions that changed lives.

Bu ildin g In st it u t ion s an d a Con t in en t al Pr of ession Believing that true change required institutions, not just individual heroes, he founded: -

Cen t r o Qu ir opr áct ico Ben et (1970) Scien t if ic Ch ir opr act ic Societ y of M exico (1984) College of Scien t if ic Ch ir opr act ic Pr of ession als FLAQ ? Lat in Am er ican Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (1988), which expanded from 5 to 15 nations.

15 WFC NEWS His greatest institutional achievement came in 2001 with Governor Arturo Montiel?s support: the creation of UNEVE, the first university?level chiropractic program in the Spanish?speaking world. This was followed by programs at the Un iver sidad del Valle de Tolu ca an d Un iver sidad Ver acr u zan a, integrating chiropractic into medical faculties globally for the first time.

Behind each of these victories stood his wife, Patricia Gregg Leurette, a brilliant lawyer whose legal structures ensured legitimacy and durability.

Their partnership was the backbone of every advance: his vision matched with her legal mastery.

Her death in 2020 deeply affected him, yet he continued his mission in her honor.

Losses, Resolve, an d Legislat ive Tr iu m ph s In 2005, their daughter Montserrat, a chiropractor and UNEVE professor, passed away. He channeled his grief into purpose, dedicating every graduate?s success to her memory.

In 2021, the Chamber of Deputies voted 442?0 to recognize chiropractic in the General Health Law, an unprecedented legislative victory, though still awaiting Senate ratification. To him, this was a seed planted for future generations.

Th e M an Beyon d t h e M ission Outside of chiropractic, he was a lover of opera, classical music, literature, Catalan culture, and spirited conversation. He adored Acapulco and San Miguel de Allende, and he instilled in his children a passion for philosophy, art, and critical thought.

As a father, he was wise, disciplined, affectionate, and unwaveringly present. ?We didn?t come to survive,?he told them. ?We came to build.?

His Palmer College years were full of colorful stories, from teaching ballroom dancing without knowing how to dance to working odd jobs to support himself. The most mysterious was an encounter at a costume party with a figure who looked like B.J. Palmer, who told him, ?You are the one who will save chiropractic.?Whether dream or destiny, it strengthened his resolve.

A Legacy Beyon d M easu r e Though he received numerous awards including Palmer ?s Doctor Honoris Causa, his true legacy lies in: -

Thousands of chiropractors where once there were fewer than ten Three university?level chiropractic programs where there were none Continental professional organizations where there was once isolation Thousands of patients healed, often dramatically Generations of students inspired by his teaching He organized more than 22 editions of the International Interdisciplinary Congress of Chiropractic, shaping professional education across Latin America.

A Pr om ise t o Con t in u e His Wor k Dr. Enrique Benet?Canut was a healer, builder, educator, reformer, husband, father, and fighter.

He changed chiropractic in Mexico forever, through perseverance, integrity, and belief in what others called impossible.

His children close their tribute with a promise: ?We will finish what he began. We will see chiropractic enshrined in law, and we will never accept ?impossible.?Because he taught us that impossible does not exist, only what has not yet been tried with enough determination, patience, and love.?

Dr. Enrique Benet?Canut (1945?2025): father of Mexican chiropractic, healer of thousands, teacher of generations, and a man whose legacy will continue to shape the future.

Patricia and Enrique Benet Gregg

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17 WFC NEWS

Sh apin g t h e Fu t u r e of Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion : Lif elon g Lear n in g

Since its inception, the chiropractic profession has stood at the intersection of clinical service, science, and principles. Every adjustment/manipulation a chiropractor delivers reflects more than just clinical skill. It reflects the education, values, and vision that shaped us as professionals. Today, the future of chiropractic education stands before us, and the question is simple but profound: How will we shape its future, or will we leave that responsibility to others?

Chiropractors continue to learn throughout their careers; thus, lifelong learning is a part of what we do. Education is the foundation of our profession?s credibility, relevance, and growth. The way we educate future chiropractors determines how well they serve patients, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, adapt to the evolving science of chiropractic, and meet the expectations of modern healthcare systems. If we care about the long-term strength of chiropractic, we must care deeply about its education and how it is taught.

This year, the 13t h Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce, Oct ober 14?17, 2026, will be held in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The conference Lifelong Learning: Advancing Chiropractic Education for the Future celebrates the growth mindset that is at the core of chiropractic learning. This conference will shape the direction of chiropractic?s future.

This meeting is not about abstract policy or distant academic debates. It is about the real-world impact of chiropractic education. It is about ensuring that our graduates are confident clinicians, critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and effective communicators. It is about aligning educational standards with the realities of practice, including evidence-based, people-centered, interprofessional, and collaborative approaches, and outcomes that matter.

Chiropractic education does not exist in a vacuum. Healthcare is changing rapidly.

Technology, regulation, public expectations, and evidence-based practice knowledge and skills continue to evolve. Chiropractic education must evolve with them; otherwise, we risk falling behind. This conference is an opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive.

Attending this conference is an act of professional leadership. Whether you are a clinician, educator, student, administrator, or policymaker, your voice matters. The future of chiropractic education should be shaped by those who understand the realities of practice, the needs of patients, and the responsibility we carry as educators and as healthcare professionals. When diverse voices come together - across institutions, philosophies, and roles - we are able to create stronger and more resilient solutions.

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Most importantly, this conference is about legacy.

The students entering chiropractic programs today define the chiropractic profession for decades to come. They will be the chiropractors that patients trust, the educators who teach, and the leaders who advocate for chiropractic?s place in healthcare worldwide.

By attending this conference, you will invest in chiropractic?s future. You are choosing collaboration over division, progress over complacency, and leadership over passivity. The future of chiropractic education and lifelong learning will be written by those who attend.

We invite you to join us at the 2026 WFC Global Education Conference. For more information and

to register, please visit h t t ps:/ / w w w.w f c.or g/ w f c-edcon f -2026

John Maltby, DC, WFC Bart Green, DC, MSEd, Interim Secretary PhD, Scientific Chair, General Education Conference

Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD, Chair, Education Conference Planning Committee

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Su m m ar y of t h e act ivit ies of t h e WFC Resear ch Com m it t ee an d Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive Global Patient Safety Initiative (GPSI) update.

Sidney Rubinstein, Chair, Research Committee

Overview Research Committee (RC) activities.

The RC meets regularly, and discusses scientific issues of the day, in addition to pressing matters.

The RC has recently undergone some minor changes in composition due to terms coming to an end. To that end, we would like to thank M ik e Sch n eider , An n e Jen sen , an d Keser i Padayach y for their unwavering support and valued input during our meetings. They will be missed. In anticipation of their vacancies, we placed a Call for Applications in June. This met with an enthusiastic response, and we are h appy t o w elcom e t h e f ollow in g in ou r m idst : Wr en Bu r t on , Fat im a Ism ail, David M cNau gh t on , Am y M iller , an d Gabr ielle Sw ait . They are the future of the RC, and we look forward to working with them to advance our mission and vision.

Th e Leader sh ip St u dy, funded by the RAND REACH program through Par k er Un iver sit y, is ongoing, with data collection expected to be completed by early Febr u ar y 2026. In addition, the special thematic series in Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies (C&M T) 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 with 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.

New initiatives planned.

The Chair (Sidney Rubinstein), Vice-Chair (Katie Pohlman) 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. This development is ongoing. So, stay tuned.

Katie Pohlman, Vice-Chair, Research Committee

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RC Welcom es Dr . Wr en Bu r t on On Boar d Dr . Wr en Bu r t on is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Osh er Cen t er f or In t egr at ive M edicin e at Har var d M edical Sch ool an d Br igh am an d Wom en?s Hospit al. She completed her BSc in exercise science at the Un iver sit y of New En glan d in 2017 and her chiropractic education at Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic?s West Cam pu s in 2020.

Additionally, she completed postdoctoral fellowship training in In t egr at ive M edicin e at Har var d M edical Sch ool an d a M ast er s in Pu blic Healt h in Clin ical Ef f ect iven ess f r om t h e Har var d T.H. Ch an Sch ool of Pu blic Healt h in 2023. Her current research work emphasizes the intersection of nonpharmacologic pain management and healthy aging, specifically operationalizing novel care models to increase access to care. She is a T90 Interdisciplinary Research Training Award recipient from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the US National Institutes of Health.

For a complete overview of her education, employment, and publications, see the following link:

Dr Wren Burton MPH, DC

https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/197407

RC Welcom es Dr . Fat im a Ism ail On Boar d Dr Fat im a Ism ail is Head of the Chiropractic Department at the University of Johannesburg. Over six years, she has advanced from Senior Lecturer to departmental leadership while pursuing a PhD on interprofessional musculoskeletal education. A nationally and internationally award-winning teacher and researcher, she has published, secured funding, and supervises master ?s students to timely completion. Her work emphasises patient-centred, collaborative, and culturally responsive chiropractic education aligned with South Africa?s health priorities. Dr Ismail serves on the ECCE, CCEI and WFC, embodying excellence in leadership, scholarship, and mentorship while balancing her professional role with motherhood.

Dr Fatima Ismail, DC MTech Chiropractic (S.A.); PG DIP: Research Supervision (UJ); PhD Candidate (UJ)

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RC Welcom es Dr . David M cNau gh t on On Boar d Dr David M cNau gh t on is a clinician, academic and Senior Lecturer at CQUn iver sit y, Brisbane Australia, with a background in psychology and chiropractic. His career spans curriculum development, clinical education, and research leadership across undergraduate and postgraduate health programs. David holds two higher degrees by research in psychology with expertise in applied quantitative and qualitative methods, and a clinical master ?s in chiropractic. David?s research focuses on mental health, musculoskeletal pain, First Nations health, and healthcare quality and safety.

Dr David McNaughton, Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), Master of Research (Psychology),Master of Chiropractic, Bachelor of Chiropractic Science

RC Welcom es Dr . Am y M iller On Boar d Dr ?Am y M iller is a chiropractic researcher and lecturer at the AECC School of Chiropractic, where she leads units in interprofessional practice, research placement, and paediatric musculoskeletal health. She holds a PhD from Bou r n em ou t h Un iver sit y and has earned multiple fellowships, including with the Eu r opean Academ y of Ch ir opr act ic an d CARL. Her research focuses on adolescent musculoskeletal health, equality and diversity in chiropractic, and development of patient?reported outcome measures. She has secured competitive research funding, supervised postgraduate research, and presented widely at international conferences. Dr?Miller is also a published author with contributions to leading chiropractic and MSK research journals.

Dr Amy Miller BSc MSc PhD FEAC

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RC Welcom es Dr . Gabr ielle Sw ait On Boar d Dr ?Gabr ielle Sw ait Ph D BA FRCC is a chiropractor, researcher, and Associate Professor with extensive experience in chiropractic practice, education, and research strategy. An Oxford physiology graduate with a PhD in cervical proprioception, she serves as Trustee and Director of Research at the Royal College of Chiropractors and leads curriculum design at Coventry University. Her work spans research leadership, educational standards, quality assurance, and regulatory service, including contributions to NICE guideline development. She has published widely on patient safety and adverse events and holds professional affiliations with the Royal College of Chiropractors, BCA, and Royal Society of Medicine.

Dr?Gabrielle Swait PhD BA FRCC

25 WFC NEWS

Disabilit y & Reh abilit at ion Com m it t ee Resear ch Un der w ay Quarter four of 2025 has been a quieter time for the WFC Disabilit y an d Resear ch Com m it t ee, as we wait for institutional ethics approval and workshop applications that are currently being reviewed. Soon we will begin recruitment for participants to assist with the evaluation of the integration of Artificial Intelligence into rehabilitation planning, where we will explore qualitative insights from clinicians and compare against generative AI companions.

This work is being led by DRC member Dr . Nor a?

Bak aa from the In st it u t e of Disabilit y an d Reh abilit at ion Resear ch , at On t ar io Tech Un iver sit y. Members of the committee are also busily preparing materials for a proposed workshop on adopting of standardized patients in chiropractic teaching and objective structured clinical examinations. We hope we will be able to capture a comprehensive understanding of their current use in chiropractic education worldwide and create teaching models and materials to support integrated and consistent assessment methods worldwide.

Faculty heads and institutional leads at English-speaking Doctor of Chiropractic degree programs have been contacted by project lead Brett Guist (Canadian Chiropractic Memorial College). This project will review chiropractic curricular to further strengthen the delivery of disability and rehabilitation education for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and is one of several initiatives taking place in relation to disability and rehabilitation knowledge transfer and implementation as they relate chiropractic education. We kindly ask participants to undertake this survey and an interview to facilitate our work in developing chiropractic curriculums that that properly addresses key competency frameworks.

In regards to advocacy, the Research Workstream of the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) has not

Dr Katie de Luca, Chair, Disability and Rehabilitation Committee

met during this fourth quarter, however we look forward to the WRA members update scheduled for January 2026 to discuss ongoing coordination and transition efforts within WRA Steering Committee.

Recent impactful rehabilitation research that may be of interest to the WFC QWR readership includes -

Ear ly Ph ysical Th er apy f or Tr au m at ic Br ain In ju r y (TBI): In a non-athlete, adult population, early physical therapy (<1 week) provided significantly larger and faster rates of improvement compared to physical therapy initiated after 6 weeks, and specifically for novel measures of sensorimotor time delay and motor activation components for balance control (1).

With a strong focus on disability and rehabilitation teaching and learning, several members of the DRC committee are excited to be able to meet educators, clinicians, students and researchers in person at the upcoming WFC Education conference. As we have an important role in

26 WFC NEWS

advancing equitable, evidence-based care and support for individuals living with disability and those in need of rehabilitation services globally, we look forward to spending time in person. For more information on the WFC Disability and Rehabilitation Committee, please contact Associate Professor Katie de Luca, k.deluca@cqu.edu.au

1.

Campbell KR, Antonellis P, Peterka RJ, Wilhelm JL, Scanlan KT, Pettigrew NC, et al. In People With Subacute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Earlier Physical Therapy Improved Symptoms at a Faster Rate Than Later Physical Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Ther.

2025;105(2).

Ch am pion in g Global Reh abilit at ion : Dr Dan ielle Wiesn er Join s WRA Advocacy an d Com m u n icat ion s Task f or ce The WFC is pleased to announce that Dr Danielle Wiesner has been appointed to the World Health Organization (WHO) World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) Advocacy and Communications Taskforce.

The World Rehabilitation Alliance is a WHO-led global network whose mission is to support the implementation of the Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative through advocacy activities. The Advocacy and Communications Taskforce supports global awareness, policy engagement, and strategic messaging to elevate rehabilitation as an essential health service that is integral to Universal Health Coverage and to the realization of Sustainable Development Goal 3.

priorities and communication strategies that emphasize the importance of rehabilitation in addressing conditions such as low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders.

The WFC congratulates Dr Wiesner on this appointment and looks forward to her continued contributions to global rehabilitation and spinal health initiatives in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

For more information about the World Rehabilitation Alliance, visit the World Health Organization website.

Low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing significantly to reduced quality of life, lost productivity, and increased healthcare burden. As the prevalence of spinal conditions continues to rise globally, rehabilitation plays a critical role in preventing disability, restoring function, and supporting long-term spinal health across the lifespan.

Dr Wiesner ?s appointment reflects her leadership in global health advocacy and her commitment to advancing evidence-informed rehabilitation and spinal health initiatives. In her role on the taskforce, she will contribute to shaping advocacy Dr Danielle Wiesner, DC

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Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce: St r at egic Rest r u ct u r e an d WFC Leader sh ip Updat e Th e Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce (WRA) has entered an important new phase of development following an internal restructuring within the World Health Organization (WHO). As part of this transition, the WRA has a new primary contact within the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, Rehabilitation & Disability. During this period, the Research, Primary Care, and Workforce Workstreams have temporarily paused activity to allow alignment with the revised governance and strategic direction.

The restructure has resulted in the establishment of a new WRA St eer in g Com m it t ee, which is currently developing a draft strategy to guide the Alliance?s next phase of work. Under the updated structure, each workstream will have a designated Steering Committee liaison to strengthen coordination, governance, and strategic alignment across the Alliance.

A key outcome of this transition is the formation of the Advocacy & Com m u n icat ion s Task f or ce (ACT). The ACT was established to drive the WRA?s advocacy and strategic communications agenda, supporting implementation of the WRA Strategic Plan, strengthening the case for global investment in rehabilitation, and ensuring coherence across the Alliance?s work. In doing so, it leads high-level policy engagement and shapes strategic advocacy aligned with priority global agendas. From a chiropractic perspective, participation in the ACT ensures that the profession?s role in rehabilitation, especially in addressing musculoskeletal conditions, non-communicable diseases, healthy aging, and workforce capacity, is reflected within global advocacy and communications efforts.

The Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic is pleased to announce two leadership appointments within the World Rehabilitation Alliance: · Dr Dan ielle Wiesn er has been appointed as a member of the WRA Advocacy &

Com m u n icat ion s Task f or ce (ACT), contributing chiropractic perspectives to coordinated global advocacy and strategic communications efforts. · Dr Rebek ah Wilk s has been appointed Chair of the WRA Wor k f or ce Wor k st r eam , reflecting WFC?s ongoing leadership in rehabilitation workforce development and health systems strengthening.

The WFC is grateful for the continued contributions of Dr Debor ah Kopan sk y-Giles within the Pr im ar y Car e Wor k st r eam and Dr Kat ie de Lu ca within the Resear ch Wor k st r eam , both of whom play important roles in advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-informed rehabilitation practice within the Alliance.

The WRA Members?Meeting has been rescheduled to 20 Jan u ar y 2026. This meeting will formally introduce the new Steering Committee, ACT Members, newly appointed Workstream Chairs and Co-Chairs, and the WRA?s new primary WHO contact. Following this meeting, workstreams will re-commence activities under the new strategy and governance framework.

Th e WFC w elcom es t h ese developm en t s an d look s f or w ar d t o con t r ibu t in g t o t h e n ext ph ase of t h e WRA?s w or k in advan cin g r eh abilit at ion as a cor e com pon en t of r esilien t , people-cen t er ed h ealt h syst em s w or ldw ide.

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Pu blic Healt h is an In t egr al Par t of Ch ir opr act ic Car e We are often asked if public health is relevant to chiropractic. As members of the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic Pu blic Healt h Com m it t ee, we answer with a resounding ?Yes!? and include the following reasons.

Chiropractic has traditionally emphasized patient-centered care, prevention, and the optimization of health and function. These foundational chiropractic principles naturally align with those of public health: improving function, preventing disease, promoting health, reducing disability, and improving quality of life. Public health and health promotion expand the chiropractic profession?s impact beyond individual clinical encounters to encompass the health and well-being of communities and populations.

As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize value-based care, prevention, and long-term health outcomes, the recognition of public health and health promotion within chiropractic care is not only appropriate ? it is essential. Chiropractic care focuses on improving neurological and musculoskeletal function to support overall health and daily living. Neuromusculoskeletal conditions, particularly spine-related disorders such as back pain, are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Low back pain represents a major public health challenge due to its prevalence, economic burden, and impact on workforce participation and quality of life.

Chiropractors routinely incorporate improved posture, ergonomics, exercise, stress management, sleep, rehabilitation, and healthy lifestyle activities into patient management plans.

These patient-centered, educational approaches support long-term behavior change, which is a central component of effective public health interventions. By reinforcing healthy behaviors and empowering patients to take a more active role in their health, chiropractors are front-line health advocates.

Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD. Chair, WFC Public Health Committee

Chiropractic care emphasizes prevention and early intervention, which are key components of public health. Many patients seek chiropractic care before conditions become chronic. For many neuromusculoskeletal conditions, early, conservative management can prevent progression, reduce pain and suffering, and limit the need for more costly and invasive interventions. From a public health perspective, this approach aligns with secondary prevention strategies, which reduce the severity and duration of low back pain and, most importantly, improve function. Chiropractors, therefore, play a valuable role in reducing both upstream and downstream effects of common musculoskeletal disorders.

Complex health challenges require coordinated approaches within public health. When chiropractic services are integrated into community health settings, workplace wellness programs, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams, they can improve access to conservative care for people who may be at higher risk for disability, such as those in physically demanding occupations, older adults, and underserved populations. By reducing disability and reliance on medications such as opioids and promoting safe,

29 WFC NEWS cost-effective care, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to address this health burden through evidence-informed approaches that align with public health priorities.

As healthcare systems evolve toward population health management, value-based care, and preventive services, professions aligned with these priorities will play increasingly important roles.

Chiropractors who understand public health frameworks are well-equipped to collaborate with other healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and policymakers. This collaboration enhances continuity of care, ensures appropriate referrals, and aligns clinical practice with broader population health goals. When chiropractors engage in team-based approaches, chiropractic?s role is reinforced as a valued and responsible partner within the healthcare system. The integration of public health and health promotion into daily chiropractic practice strengthens the profession?s identity and future relevance of chiropractic care.

Chiropractors often include health promotion to address injury prevention, work-related musculoskeletal injuries, repetitive injury conditions, and to improve function. By engaging in these activities, chiropractors contribute to safer work environments and healthier communities.

These efforts reflect core public health functions, including surveillance, prevention, and health education, which emphasize how chiropractic expertise may be applied to population-level

challenges as well as to individual patients.

Chiropractors serve as advocates for the health of the public. WFC public health committee supports public health policies that prioritize prevention, wellness, and conservative care. Thus, demonstrating support for the idea that chiropractors help shape healthcare systems that emphasize long-term health outcomes and improved function rather than episodic or reactive treatment. This advocacy reinforces the chiropractic profession?s commitment to societal well-being and responsible healthcare stewardship.

In summary, public health and health promotion are integral to chiropractic practice, reflecting a shared commitment to improving health, function, and quality of life. By engaging in public health, the profession continues to demonstrate its relevance within modern healthcare systems and its contribution to community and population well-being. Integrating public health and health promotion principles is a natural extension of chiropractic?s commitment to improving health, function, and quality of life for all.

The WFC Pu blic Healt h Com m it t ee serves as a global advisory body, guiding the World Federation of Chiropractic 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 World Federation of Chiropractic and the World Health Organization.

30 WFC NEWS

Wor ld Spin e Day 2025 Pr opelled t o New Heigh t s: A Recor d-Br eak in g Global Cam paign communities where limited resources often led to chronic pain and long-term disability.

Co-ch air Dr Dan ielle Wiesn er com m en t ed, ?The ?Invest in Your Spine?theme resonated strongly worldwide. The emphasis on physical literacy helped reinforce that spinal health is built through everyday movement habits and supported by both education and access to care.?

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.

Organized annually by the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC), Wor ld Spin e Day (WSD) was once again observed globally on Oct ober 16, 2025, raising awareness of spinal health, prevention, and access to quality spine care.

Supported by healthcare organizations, non-governmental organizations, and government bodies worldwide, Wor ld Spin e Day continued its mission to educate, advocate, and engage communities in protecting spinal health across the lifespan.

The 2025 World Spine Day theme, ?In vest in You r Spin e,? emphasized the importance of proactive spinal health management as a lifelong investment in mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Central to this year ?s campaign was the concept of physical literacy, re-framing movement not as isolated exercise, but as a fundamental life skill encompassing the competence, confidence, and motivation to move effectively and safely at every stage of life. With low back pain remaining the leading cause of disability worldwide, the campaign highlighted the urgent need to support healthy movement habits early and consistently.

The campaign also draws attention to ongoing global inequities in access to spinal care and rehabilitation, particularly in underserved

This year 's World Spine Day campaign engaged significant participation, including global stakeholders such as Coch r an e. Social media metrics were at an all-time high, reflecting increased global engagement. It is estimated that over 1 billion people worldwide have exposure to World Spine Day through various campaigns, including radio, television, bus advertisements, conference presentations, clinic events, and school initiatives. Through global participation, strategic partnerships, and evidence-informed messaging, Wor ld Spin e Day 2025 reinforced spinal health? and with it physical literacy? as an essential component of public health. By investing in spinal health and prevention today, communities around the world can take meaningful steps toward healthier, more active lives for future generations.

Continuing its tradition of global engagement, the WFC?s Wor ld Spin e Day com pet it ion , generously sponsored by Foot Leveler s, once again showcased inspiring initiatives from around the world, highlighting creativity, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing spinal health awareness. The competition received a record number of high-quality, competitive submissions to date, reflecting the growing global reach and impact of the campaign. The WFC extends its appreciation to all who submitted entries and congratulates the winners, presented on the following page.

31 WFC NEWS WSD Pr oject Lead an d Co-Ch air , Rebek ah Wilk s commented: ?World Spine Day 2025 reflected the growing strength of the campaign, translating strategic, evidence-informed messaging into meaningful public health engagement and impact. We are grateful for the collective global effort and look ahead to building on this progress in 2026.?

The World Spine Day Global Executive Committee? Dr John Maltby, Dr. Hayden Thomas, Dr Rebekah Wilks, Dr Danielle Wiesner, Dr Rebecca Bauer, Dr. Florian Allix, Dr. Lykke Hoffbeck, and Dr Dinesh Palipana? extend their sincere appreciation to Foot Leveler s for sponsoring the WFC World Spine Day competition, acknowledging that their continued support helps foster global engagement and make the awards possible.

32 WFC NEWS

2025 Wor ld Spin e Day h igh ligh t s

33 WFC NEWS

2025 Wor ld Spin e Day Com pet it ion Clockwise from top: SpineHealthAfrica; CDAHK mini-bus decals; DUT-SouthAfrica; CICS-Phillipines; World Spine Care Africa; Children Chiropractic Foundation

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WFC WORLD SPINE DAY 2025 COM PETITION WINNERS WFC M EM BER ASSOCIATION CATEGORY FIRST PRIZE Ch ir opr act ic Doct or s Associat ion of Hon g Kon g (Hon g Kon g SAR) Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Ch in a SECOND PRIZE Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION CATEGORY FIRST PRIZE Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act ic College Fou n dat ion SECOND PRIZE In t er n at ion al M edical Un iver sit y (M alaysia)

PRIVATE CLINIC / INDIVIDUAL CLINICIAN

BEST ENTRY Wor ld Spin e Car e Af r ica

Pr ou dly spon sor ed by

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37 WORLD NEWS AFRICA

Sist er Yen go's Ch ildr en Su per ior of t h e or der , and also was elected in the international level as the Pr esiden t of t h e Sist er s of Cen t r al Af r ica. She is equally revered in the community, calling her clinic the " Ch ar it y Clin ic," and many Congolese doctors from across the country referring their patients to them.

For all of this and more, Sist er Yen go's Ch ildr en need the help of charitable donations to continue the good work they do, possibly now more than ever. If you wish to donate to their cause, visit h t t p:/ / w w w.sist er yen gosch ildr en .or g/

Sister Brigitte Yengo

For many in the Dem ocr at ic Repu blic of t h e Con go, their futures continue to be uncertain, as violence in the eastern part of the country and major flooding have left many homeless and without access to proper medical care. In spite of this, however (or indeed, perhaps because of it), the volunteers of Sist er Yen go's Ch ildr en have been hard at work to provide that essential care, and have been for over 20 years.

Under the direction of Sist er Br igit t e Yen go, the 501(c)(3) not for profit provides care through both their orphanage, which has 65 children under their care, and their chiropractic clinic, which services 150 to 200 patients a week. Both Sist er Yen go an d Sist er Dr . An n e M ar ie Diah ou a, the head of the Chiropractic and Orthopedic facilities, do everything they can to promote regenerative joints and soft tissues by using acoustic sound wave energy or Activator tools for the sciatic nerve and other parts of the body after diagnosis is defined.

For her stellar work in the field, Sist er Yen go was elected by the entire congregation of the Sist er s of Not r e-Dam e of t h e Rosar y as t h e M ot h er

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39 WORLD NEWS AFRICA

SPINE20 2025 Su m m it

Dear SPINE20 related members, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your extraordinary contributions to the SPINE20 2025 Su m m it in Cape Tow n. Thanks to your all dedicated efforts, our meeting was a great success ? perhaps the one of most memorable and impactful summit in SPINE20?s history.

This success would not have been possible without the tireless commitment of all Taskforce members, and especially the r em ar k able leader sh ip of Ian Vlok and the warm collaboration of the Sou t h Af r ican or gan izin g t eam . Their dedication, hospitality, and professionalism created the ideal environment for our scientific and policy discussions to flourish.

One of the most meaningful achievements was that we were able to hand over our SPINE20 Recommendations directly to the Pr ovin cial M in ist er of Healt h an d Welln ess of t h e West er n Cape, M s. M ir eille M ar y Wen ger . This symbolic and practical moment represents a major milestone in translating our advocacy efforts into tangible governmental engagement.

In addit ion , if you h ave an y f eedback or r ef lect ion s on t h e Cape Tow n Su m m it ? in clu din g lesson s lear n ed or ideas f or im pr ovin g f u t u r e su m m it s ? please f eel f r ee t o sh ar e t h em w it h u s. You r in pu t w ill be in valu able as w e con t in u e t o st r en gt h en t h e SPINE20 in it iat ive.

Thank you once again for your dedication and contribution to advan cin g Su st ain able Spin e Car e f or All. I look forward to continuing this meaningful journey together.

With deep appreciation and best regards, Koji Tamai, Chair of Scientific Taskforce

40 WORLD NEWS CANADA

Fr om Local t o Global: CCA?s M en t or sh ip St r at egy in Act ion Early in her career, while building a practice in a new country, Dr . Ayla Azad, CEO of t h e Can adian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion , reached out to a mentor during a moment of uncertainty, frustration, and fear. The mentor didn?t offer a perfect solution; instead, he asked a simple question that reframed everything, ?Wh at does su ccess look lik e t o you ??

This simple question was the catalyst that changed the direction of her career. That brief exchange became a reminder of what mentorship can do at the right time.

M en t or sh ip in ch ir opr act ic is r ar ely on e-size-f it s-all: -

-

-

It can be a lon g-t er m , on e-t o-on e r elat ion sh ip or a sh or t con ver sat ion t h at r est or es clar it y.

It can be clin ical, leader sh ip-f ocu sed, r esear ch -or ien t ed, or cen t er ed on pr act ice m an agem en t .

It can be peer -t o-peer , cr oss-gen er at ion al, or r oot ed in sh ar ed lived exper ien ce.

What unites these forms is not perfection, but timely guidance that helps someone see possibility when the path forward is unclear. Just as importantly, mentorship is reciprocal: exper ien ced clin ician s of f er per spect ive, w h ile em er gin g ch ir opr act or s br in g n ew ideas t h at h elp t h e pr of ession con t in u e t o evolve.

That two-way exchange is a core aim of the CCA?s Mentorship Program. The current 1:1 cycle began in September 2025, and many mentors have chosen to support more than one mentee. To date, participants have contributed appr oxim at ely 250 h ou r s of m en t or sh ip, each conversation building confidence, leadership skills, and professional connection.

Mentorship has also been elevated through professional storytelling and learning, including

Th e Ch ir opr act ic Playbook ? a six-episode podcast series that explores what meaningful mentorship looks like, why it works best as a two-way relationship, and how to seek mentors who reflect one?s values while still challenging one?s thinking.

At the same time, the Canadian experience is only one thread in a much larger tapestry.

Mentorship also comes to life through the network of global organizations. Around the world, associations operate within different regulatory environments, health systems, educational models, and cultural contexts. That diversity is exactly why global connection matters and why the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) Con gr ess holds such unique value. Congress creates a space where mentorship can happen in its broadest sense: introductions that become collaborations, conversations that become practical tools, and relationships that lead to shared guidance on advocacy, education, professional standards, research capacity, and public engagement.

In that setting, mentorship can also include something less visible but just as important: the honest sharing of frustrations and challenges ? and the reassurance that others are facing similar realities. An association might learn how another strengthened its policy voice, a clinician might discover new approaches to interdisciplinary care, or leaders might exchange lessons on sustaining high-quality continuing education. These connections often begin globally, then take root locally through mentorship initiatives, leadership development, and education programs, creating a feedback loop where learning and support move in both directions.

With that perspective, Canada?s role is best understood not as a claim to ?having it figured out,? but as a commitment to participate fully in a global community, learning from other

41 WORLD NEWS associations, contributing where helpful, and strengthening the connective tissue of the profession. Mentorship shapes the future of chiropractic, and as the profession grows, so does the shared responsibility to lift one another up through knowledge, humility, and partnership.

Looking ahead, Canada is proud and genuinely excited to welcome the global chiropractic community to Vancouver for the 19t h WFC

Bien n ial Con gr ess (M ay 5?8, 2027). The Congress is where many mentorship moments begin and where the profession?s shared perspective continues to shape what chiropractic can become: through guidance, collaboration, candid conversations, and connections that endure long after everyone returns home.

CANADA

Healt h car e Policy Digest ? Novem ber 2025: Br ief Su m m ar y Th e CCA Healt h car e Policy Digest ? Novem ber 2025 provides a comprehensive snapshot of major policy, regulatory, and sectorwide developments affecting chiropractic care and the broader Canadian health landscape. This edition highlights expanding research partnerships, including the new CCRF?CIM VHR M ilit ar y an d Vet er an Resear ch In it iat ive, which offers up to $125,000 in funding for MSK-focused projects supporting Armed Forces personnel and Veterans.

Interprofessional education and workforce development also take centre stage, with new academic pathways in British Columbia and enhanced clinical training capacity supported through national investments. Regulatory modernization continues across provinces? m ost n ot ably Qu ebec?s com m it m en t t o developin g n ew car e pat h w ays r ecogn izin g ch ir opr act or s? diagn ost ic an d M SK exper t ise. Provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario introduce legislation aimed at strengthening system capacity, expanding scopes of practice, improving patient access, and modernizing health infrastructure.

National insurance trends are also featured, with updated CLHIA data showing significant growth in health benefits utilization and paramedical claims.

Additional updates include expanded direct-billing options, disability claims standardization, and reforms to preferred pharmacy networks.

Th is edit ion posit ion s ch ir opr act ic car e w it h in a r apidly evolvin g h ealt h policy en vir on m en t an d u n der scor es gr ow in g oppor t u n it ies f or in t egr at ion , r esear ch , an d in t er disciplin ar y collabor at ion .

Read t h e f u ll Healt h car e Policy Digest ?

Novem ber 2025 h er e!

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43 WFC NEWS

44 WORLD NEWS FLAQ

Lat in Am er ica?s Next Ch apt er : FLAQ An n ou n ces Tr an sf or m at ion al Leader sh ip f or 2026 Th e Lat in Am er ica Ch ir opr act ic Feder at ion (Feder ación Lat in oam er ican a de Qu ir opr áct ica [FLAQ]) enters 2026 with renewed purpose as it undertakes a historic leadership transition. Following 29 years of foundational service by Dr . Sir a Bor ges, whose visionary stewardship established the infrastructure for chiropractic education, regulation, and regional cohesion across Latin America, FLAQ welcomes its new Executive Director, Dr . M ayda N. Ser r an o. This transition represents both continuity and evolution, honoring a distinguished legacy while positioning the profession for its next phase of growth and influence within regional and global public health systems.

Dr. Sira Borges?contributions are foundational to the profession?s development in Latin America.

Through her pioneering leadership, diplomatic engagement, and persistent commitment to professional standards, she guided FLAQ to become a respected speaker with governments, academic institutions, and international partners, including the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC). Her work, alongside other early visionaries, enabled chiropractic to gain recognition and establish educational pathways in countries where such structures had previously been absent. The Latin American chiropractic community expresses profound gratitude for her enduring legacy as an architect of regional professional identity and unity.

Building on this strong foundation, Dr. Mayda N. Serrano assumes the Executive Director role with a transformational leadership vision oriented toward integration, sustainability, and future readiness. Wit h m or e t h an 16 year s of exper ien ce in ch ir opr act ic pr act ice, m or e t h an 5 year s in academ ia, an d over 11 year s of

Left: Dr. Sira Borges, Right: Dr. Mayda N. Serrano

ser vice t o FLAQ an d t h e Cou n cil on Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion ?Lat in Am er ica (CCE-LA), Dr. Serrano brings extensive expertise in clinical education, accreditation, health-systems collaboration, and cross-regional organizational development. Her professional trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-informed, interprofessional, and community-centered chiropractic care across diverse health-care contexts.

Colleagues describe Dr. Serrano?s leadership as strategic, empathetic, and mission-driven, grounded in transformational principles that mobilize collective vision, strengthen institutional systems, and inspire collaboration toward shared goals. Under her direction, FLAQ seeks to further consolidate its role as the premier political and professional institution representing chiropractic in Latin America, w it h an expan ded f ocu s on con t in u in g edu cat ion f or doct or s an d st u den t s, an d t h e cu lt ivat ion of a u n if ied r egion al vision f or t h e pr of ession .

Dr. Serrano?s 2026 strategic priorities emphasize expanding regional networks, strengthening

45 WORLD NEWS national chiropractic associations, and deepening collaboration with governments, academic institutions, and global partners. Central to this agenda is the active engagement and support of chiropractic students as future leaders of the profession. A key pillar of her vision is reinforcing support for CCE-LA to advance chiropractic education aligned with international accreditation standards and the Cou n cil on Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion In t er n at ion al (CCEI), thereby enhancing public trust, professional regulation, and long-term sustainability.

credibility of Latin American chiropractic. With deep appreciation for Dr. Borges?extraordinary legacy and confidence in Dr. Serrano?s forward-thinking leadership, FLAQ stands prepared to transform challenges into opportunities and strengthen the collective voice of chiropractic across the region.

As 2026 begin s, t h e m essage is u n equ ivocal: Lat in Am er ica is r eady t o lead!

As FLAQ enters this new chapter, it is positioned to build bridges across cultures, languages, and health systems, amplifying the visibility and GERM ANY

Fr om St ar t t o Fin ish : Ger m an y 's Fu ll B.Sc./ M .Sc. Ch ir opr act ic Pat h w ay is Now Est ablish ed A Fou n dat ion f or Excellen ce This multi-party collaboration has been key to successfully establishing the Bachelor of Science in Chiropractic Fundamentals program, which is now successfully entering its final year. Building on this strong foundation, the partners are thrilled to announce that the consecutive Master 's program in Chiropractic is on track for launch in the Summer of 2026.

Th e Ger m an ch ir opr act ic com m u n it y is exper ien cin g a m ajor m ilest on e in t h e developm en t of it s n at ion al edu cat ion al f r am ew or k ! A lan dm ar k collabor at ion bet w een t h e Ger m an Ch ir opr act or s' Associat ion (GCA), Hoch sch u le Fr esen iu s, an d t h e Healt h Cam pu s Br au n sch w eig h as paved t h e w ay f or a f u lly accr edit ed, seam less academ ic pat h w ay f or f u t u r e Ger m an Ch ir opr act or s.

This is a profoundly exciting time, as this development will ensure that students in Germany can complete a rigorous, university-level education in their home country. The Health Campus Braunschweig, with its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive infrastructure, serves as the centerpiece of this educational innovation? providing students with modern training environments, practical experience opportunities, and a collaborative learning community that bridges academic rigor with real-world clinical practice.

46 WORLD NEWS En r oll in Ger m an y 's Leadin g Ch ir opr act ic Pr ogr am s: Gr u n dlagen der Ch ir opr ak t ik (B.Sc.) (Bach elor of Scien ce in Ch ir opr act ic Fu n dam en t als) Students can now apply for the highly respected B.Sc. program at Hochschule Fresenius. This comprehensive foundation program equips students with the theoretical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competencies essential for modern chiropractic practice.

Interested in joining the program? Visit the Hochschule Fresenius website to access the Bachelor 's program booking and enrollment information: h t t ps:/ / w w w.h s-f r esen iu s.de/ bach elor / ch ir opr ak t ik /

Ch ir opr ak t ik (M .Sc.) (M ast er of Scien ce in Ch ir opr act ic) The consecutive Master 's program represents the next level of specialization and advanced clinical training. Launching in Summer 2026, this program will allow graduates from the B.Sc. program to continue their education seamlessly and develop expertise in advanced diagnostic techniques, specialized treatment methods, and clinical research.

Th is in t er n at ion al accr edit at ion f r am ew or k en su r es t h at : -

-

Gr adu at es m eet r igor ou s Eu r opean edu cat ion al st an dar ds Qu alif icat ion s ar e r ecogn ized acr oss EU m em ber st at es Ger m an ch ir opr act or s can pu r su e car eer oppor t u n it ies in t er n at ion ally Th e pr ogr am s m ain t ain con sist en cy w it h global best pr act ices in ch ir opr act ic edu cat ion St u den t s r eceive edu cat ion t h at r ef lect s cu t t in g-edge developm en t s in t h e f ield

A Collabor at ive Vision f or Ch ir opr act ic Excellen ce This collaborative effort represents a significant breakthrough for chiropractic in Germany, moving toward an educational system that is robust, academically rigorous, and globally recognized.

The partnership between the German Chiropractors' Association, Hochschule Fresenius, and the Health Campus Braunschweig demonstrates the commitment of key stakeholders to advance the profession through quality education and international standards.

h t t ps:/ / w w w.h s-f r esen iu s.de/ m ast er / ch ir opr ak t ik /

The establishment of this comprehensive B.Sc./M.Sc. pathway marks a transformative moment for German chiropractic education? one that will shape the future of the profession for years to come.

Th e Pat h t o In t er n at ion al Accr edit at ion

Next St eps

Crucially, the GCA has now initiated the accreditation process with the Eu r opean Cou n cil on Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion (ECCE). The goal is to secure ECCE accreditation by the conclusion of the Master 's program, ensuring that German-educated Chiropractors not only meet national standards but are also fully recognized and qualified to practice on the international stage.

For prospective students interested in becoming part of this groundbreaking educational initiative:

Secu r e you r place in t h e M ast er 's pr ogr am : Visit Hochschule Fresenius to register for the M.Sc. in Chiropractic program:

Bachelor 's Program Inquiries: Contact Hochschule Fresenius directly through their official website.

M ast er 's Pr ogr am Regist r at ion: Early registration opens at Hochschule Fresenius for the 2026 cohort Pr ogr am In f or m at ion : Comprehensive details about curriculum, admission requirements, and career pathways are available on the Hochschule Fresenius website.

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50 WORLD NEWS Hon g Kon g - HKCA

HKCA Qu ar t er ly Updat e: Key Developm en t s & Even t s 1. M ilest on e Ach ievem en t : Ch ir opr act or s Join t h e eHealt h Syst em Ef f ect ive lat e Oct ober 2025 Chiropractors have officially gained access to the Hong Kong Government?s Electronic Health System (eHealth). This integration marks a significant step forward in recognizing our Chiropractors within the wider healthcare ecosystem.

Wh at t h is m ean s f or Ch ir opr act or s: Pat ien t -Cen t r ic Car e: eHealth is transitioning into "eHealth+," a comprehensive infrastructure for data sharing and care journey management.

Dat a Access: Chiropractors can now view essential patient data? including diagnoses, allergies, and medication records? provided Chiropractors are actively treating the patient ("patient-under-care") and have their express consent.

Secu r it y & Pr ivacy: The system operates on a "need-to-know" basis with role-based access controls, ensuring Chiropractors see information specifically tailored to their clinical function while maintaining strict compliance with the Electronic Health System Ordinance.

Advocacy in Act ion : HKCA Submission to The Ombudsman

Addr essin g Adm in ist r at ive & Disciplin ar y Delays On 5 November 2025, The Office of The Ombudsman launched a full investigation into the Boards and Councils Office (BCO) regarding ineffective administrative support. The HKCA has submitted a formal written response to support this inquiry, validating concerns with specific evidence regarding the Chiropractors Council.

HKCA attending a Legislative Council Election Forum Left to Right - Dr Claudia Ng (Vice-President HKCA), Dr David Lam (Legislative Council Medical and Health Services Functional Constituency Representative), Dr Alex Tsang (Treasurer HKCA), Dr Antonio Wong (Public Relations Chairperson HKCA)

Key High ligh t s of t h e Su bm ission : Disciplin ar y St agn at ion : HKCA highlighted a severe lack of transparency and efficiency. The last disciplinary decision published by the Council dates back to 2016? a gap of over eight years.

Some complaints have seen no progress for five years, eroding public trust.

Regist r at ion Bot t len eck s: Overseas-trained chiropractors (who make up 100% of new applicants due to the lack of an accredited local program) face waiting periods of six months to over a year, often jeopardizing job offers.

HKCA Recom m en dat ion s: HKCA have urged the Department of Health to allocate "ring-fenced" administrative resources specifically for the Chiropractors Council and to establish mandatory timelines for disciplinary cases and fast-tracked registration for non-contentious applications.

51 WORLD NEWS 3. CPD Recap: A Fu n ct ion al Appr oach t o Bon e & Join t Healt h Speak er : Gr aem e Br adsh aw HKCA recently hosted an insightful CPD seminar, "Focus on Bone Health," featuring renowned Naturopath and Homeopath, Graeme Bradshaw.

Drawing on over 26 years of clinical experience and his role as founder of the Integrated Medicine Institute, Graeme offered a functional medicine perspective on skeletal health.

Key Tak eaw ays f or Pr act it ion er s: Beyon d t h e Basics: The session moved past standard treatments to analyze the systemic impact of diet, lifestyle, and inflammation.

Legislative Council. He continues to represent a diverse coalition of health professionals, including chiropractors, medical practitioners, dentists, and physiotherapists.

Wh y t h is m at t er s: Dr. Lam has been a staunch advocate for public safety, specifically regarding the rise of unlicensed "pain clinics." He recently led a joint delegation, including HKCA, to the Health Bureau to demand urgent regulation of these operators. We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Lam to protect patients and uphold professional standards.

Th er apeu t ic In t er ven t ion s: Attendees learned about the use of bioactive peptides (e.g., Fortibone, Tendoforte) and targeted anti-inflammatories like Curcumin and Boswellia.

Clin ical Pr ot ocols: Critical discussions included optimal Vitamin D and K dosing, the calcium supplementation debate, and specific protocols for treating osteopenia versus ligament health.

Elect ion New s: Dr . Hon . David Lam Tzit Yu en Re-elect ed M edical an d Healt h Ser vices Fu n ct ion al Con st it u en cy On 7 December 2025, Dr. David Lam was successfully re-elected to the Hong Kong

Dr Leonard Wong, President of HKCA, speaking to the press at Dr David Lam?s re-election campaign rally

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54 WORLD NEWS HONG KONG - CDAHK

Hon g Kon g Ch ir opr act or s: Leadin g w it h Com passion , In n ovat ion , an d Un it y in a Dyn am ic Lan dscape As the Ch ir opr act ic Doct or s' Associat ion of Hon g Kon g (CDAHK) reflects on a transformative year, we are proud to share our story with the global chiropractic community through the World Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) Qu ar t er ly Wor ld Repor t . Founded in January 2000, CDAHK has evolved into Hong Kong's largest professional chiropractic organization, representing the majority of full-time practitioners dedicated to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Our mission? to promote chiropractic as an integral part of public health? drives us to lead with integrity, foster innovation, and build bridges across healthcare sectors.

In a city where East meets West, our chiropractors embody resilience, blending traditional wisdom with modern science to enhance community well-being. This report celebrates our achievements, touches the essence of our profession's soul, and invites the world to witness Hong Kong's chiropractic leadership in action.

In the face of adversity, CDAHK's commitment to humanitarian service shines brightest. On November 26, 2025, a devastating Grade 5 fire ravaged Tai Po Wang Fuk Court, claiming lives and injuring many, including a brave firefighter. CDAHK swiftly expressed profound sorrow and extended condolences to affected families. More than words, our Ch ir opr act ic Volu n t eer Team mobilized to the temporary shelter at Tai Po Tung

Cheong Street Sports Centre, providing on-site professional chiropractic care. This initiative alleviated musculoskeletal strain for displaced residents, frontline volunteers, and rescuers, demonstrating chiropractic's vital role in crisis response. By integrating hands-on adjustments with holistic support, we not only eased physical pain but also restored hope amid tragedy. This effort underscores our ethos: ch ir opr act ic is n ot ju st t r eat m en t ; it 's a com passion at e f or ce f or h ealin g com m u n it ies in t h eir dar k est h ou r s.

Our leadership extends to advocacy and policy influence, ensuring chiropractic's voice resonates in Hong Kong's legislative arenas. Ahead of the eighth Legislat ive Cou n cil (LegCo) Gen er al Elect ion on December 7, 2025, CDAHK urged members and the public to vote, emphasizing the election's pivotal impact on healthcare. In preparation, we co-hosted a high-profile M edical an d Healt h Sect or Elect ion For u m on November 26, 2025, in Wan Chai. Featuring candidates Dr. David Lam and Dr. John Leung, the event facilitated direct dialogues on industry development, drawing professionals from over 20 associations, including the Hong Kong Medical Association, Dental Association, and Physiotherapy Association. As a key organizer, CDAHK fostered unity, enabling chiropractors to articulate needs like enhanced regulation and integration. This forum empowered attendees to make informed choices, reinforcing our role in shaping policies that protect public health.

A landmark victory came on October 16, 2025, when LegCo member Chan Wing-kwong's motion to " St r en gt h en Com bat in g Illegal M edical Pr act ice an d Saf egu ar d Pu blic Healt h" passed with broad support. CDAHK has collaborated closely with Chan for years, advocating for stricter oversight of unlicensed practitioners across Western medicine, Chinese medicine, chiropractic,

55 WORLD NEWS

and physiotherapy. The government's commitment, echoed in policy reports, promises robust enforcement? a direct result of our persistent efforts. This achievement safeguards patients and elevates chiropractic's professional standing, proving that collective advocacy yields tangible change.

Innovation in healthcare access marks another milestone. On October 30, 2025, registration for chiropractors in the Elect r on ic Healt h Recor d Sh ar in g Syst em (eHRSS) opened, with full access anticipated by year 's end. This integration allows seamless patient data sharing, enhancing collaborative care and benefiting the community through safer, more efficient treatments. CDAHK's advocacy, bolstered by inter-professional alliances, made this possible, highlighting our forward-thinking approach.

Culminating these efforts, CDAHK served as a convener for the 2025 Hon g Kon g Healt h car e Sect or Gala celebrating the People's Republic of China's 76th National Day. We orchestrated an event uniting over 20 healthcare bodies. This gala not only fostered deeper understanding of chiropractic among peers but also symbolized our integration into Hong Kong's " h ealt h car e f am ily."

Our logo on the backdrop affirmed chiropractic's place in the mainstream. Further networking at the Hon g Kon g Den t al Associat ion's 75t h an n iver sar y ban qu et connected us with leaders like Dr . Spen cer Lai, and others from medical, physiotherapy, and optometry fields, exchanging insights on emerging trends.

Looking ahead, CDAHK envisions a future where chiropractors issue medical certificates, access public systems, and lead global innovations in holistic healthcare. Our journey inspires the worldwide chiropractic community: in unity, we amplify impact; in compassion, we heal souls; in leadership, we pioneer progress. Join us in this mission? t oget h er , w e elevat e ch ir opr act ic f or a h ealt h ier w or ld.

56 WORLD NEWS ITALY

AIC Welcom es New Pr esiden t : Dr Ben it o Oliva Leads t h e Next Ch apt er f or Ch ir opr act ic in It aly During the last General Assembly (October 25th), the Association of Italian Chiropractors (AIC) has elected a new president. Dr Benito Oliva, former AIC Vice-President has replaced Dr John Williams as AIC president. The AIC thanks Dr Williams for his continuous dedication to promote the chiropractic profession?in Italy.?Here, we share a message from the newly elected president, Dr Benito Oliva.

Damiano?Costa, DC, AIC Secretary and Treasurer It is with great honor and a sense of profound responsibility that I write to you today to introduce myself as the newly elected President of the Associazion e It alian a Ch ir opr at ici (AIC).?On behalf of the AIC, I extend warm greetings to you and your esteemed organization. The AIC has been active since 1974, dedicated to promoting the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic in Italy and working towards the full regulation of the profession within our country's healthcare system.

We are proud members of the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) and firm supporters of the chiropractic profession in Europe and value the strong international ties that support our shared mission. I am committed to continuing the vital work of strengthening the chiropractic profession in Italy. My primary goals during my tenure include:

Dr John Williams and Dr Benito Oliva

- Continuing our efforts alongside Italian institutions to establish a state-recognized university-based chiropractic program given we have landmark legislation in 2007 and 2018 thanks to the unrelenting efforts and leadership of Dr John Williams.

- Promoting the highest standards of education and professional conduct among our members to ensure the best possible care for patients.

- Enhancing collaboration with national and international health bodies to further the integration of chiropractic into the broader healthcare landscape.

I look forward to building upon the existing strong relationship between our associations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

Your organization's work is a valuable contribution to the global chiropractic community, and I am eager to support our mutual goals. I look forward to meeting and working with you.

I wish to take the opportunity to inform you that ou r n ext Sem in ar (M ar ch 13-15t h 2026) will be held in Florence with Pr of . Car r ick !

Dr Ben it o Oliva BSc, DC Associazion e It alian a Ch ir opr at ici

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58 WORLD NEWS JAPAN

16t h An n u al JAC Sym posiu m The 16th JAC Symposium was held over two days on October 19th and 20th. This year 's theme was ?Expan din g Possibilit ies: How t o Use You r Body.? The first day's lecture featured Pr of . Eish i Kider a (Professor, Faculty of Sports, Kyushu Kyoritsu University) teaching ?Nam iash i,? a physical method for efficient body movement that relies on force. It was a seminar where many participants physically moved their bodies, experiencing their own changes firsthand. The second day's lecture, presented by Dr . Ar iel Th or pe (DC, Electra Chiropractic), was titled ?St r en gt h in Pr act ice: Cor e Tr ain in g f or t h e Ch ir opr act or an d Pat ien t .? This lecture was both specialized and practical, focusing on the coordination of movement, posture, and the nervous system. It went beyond core theory, allowing participants to experience these concepts through physical movement. Following the pandemic, the first in-person event for the entire JAC members was held at a venue in a long time, and received numerous positive feedback from members expressing satisfaction.

Photo From L to R: Dr Takayanagi President, and Dr Orihashi

Dr Or ih ash i w as n am ed t h e f ir st JAC Ch ir opr act or of t h e Year The JAC Ch ir opr act or of t h e Year Aw ar d, which started this year, was presented during the recent JAC Symposium. Dr . Naok i Or ih ash i of Kanazawa city has devoted many years to professional activities and was highly recognized for his ongoing volunteer contributions, including support for victims of the Noto Peninsula earthquake. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

JCR m eet s w it h M HLW at t h e f or m er PM ?s of f ice

Photo: Dr Ariel Thorpe in the center and JAC members

On November 17, 2025, at the f or m er Pr im e M in ist er Sh iger u Ish iba, Senior Advisor to the JCR?s House of Representatives Member office room, Dr M asah ir o Got o, Chairman of the JCR submitted the ?16t h Regist er ed Ch ir opr act or Rost er ? to Dr Kat su m i Nak at a, Director of the Medical Affairs Division, Health Policy Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (LMHW).

The total number of JCR registrants this time reached 655.

59 WORLD NEWS Dr Sim on Tak ayan agi, President of the Japanese Association of Chiropractors (JAC), was also present to discuss the content of the ?Gu idelin es f or Adver t isin g Acu pr essu r e, M assage, an d Ost eopat h ic M an ipu lat ive Th er apy,? published by the MHLW. During these discussions, the JAC requested a thorough review and reconsideration of the guidelines' content, including the labeling of unlicensed practitioners. In response, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare stated that they are aware of the existence of the WHO guidelines for chiropractic and understand that qualification systems for chiropractors are prevalent in many countries. Furthermore, the JAC requested that the necessary regulation system be established to ensure the public can safely receive chiropractic care, utilizing the ?JCR Regist er ed Ch ir opr act or Dir ect or y ?.

Photo L to R: Mr Tomohisa Shiono (MHLW), Dr Katsumi Nakata (MHLW), Dr Masahiro Goto (JCR), Dr Simon Takayanagi (JAC)

WFC 2026 Boar d M eet in g in Tok yo The Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC) will have its 2026 Board Meeting in Tokyo from June 10 to 12, 2026. Along with the WFC Board Meeting, the WFC-JAC sem in ar is organized for chiropractors in the region on June 13. WFC previously had a 1997 congress in Tokyo, which was co-sponsored by the World Health Organization.

60 WORLD NEWS PORTUGAL

SWITZERLAND

Por t u gu ese Ch ir opr act or s Associat ion begin cam paign t o den ou n ce per son s w it h ou t a ch ir opr act ic licen se

Ch ir oSu isse Elect s New Pr esiden t

The Por t u gu ese Ch ir opr act or Associat ion (APQ) began a campaign this past November to denounce persons claiming to be chiropractors.

This campaign will be ongoing and in collaboration through our attorneys with local offices of the Por t u gu ese At t or n ey Gen er al.

Practicing Chiropractic without a license in Portugal is a crime, as well as using the title without the right to. If one is found guilty of these crimes, they are su bject t o su bst an t ial f in es an d in ext r em e cases t o jail t im e. Fiscal crimes are many times tied into these cases due to the fact that only licensed chiropractors are VAT exempt.

As in many other jurisdictions with relatively new chiropractic legislation, persons claiming to be chiropractors are abundant especially due to the excellent reputation chiropractic has as a health care profession. With public health at risk, the APQ will exercise its responsibility to help protect the public and our profession's reputation.

If any chiropractor knows of persons in Portugal claiming to be chiropractors and are unsure if they are really chiropractors we ask you contact the APQ at apqu ir opr at ica@gm ail.com

Ch ir oSu isse, t h e Sw iss m em ber association of the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic (WFC), has elected Alexan dr e Em er y as its new President, succeeding Dr Beat r ice Wet t st ein .

As the first French-speaking President of ChiroSuisse, Dr Em er y is widely recognised as a leading figure within the chiropractic profession in Switzerland.

Dr Em er y brings more than two decades of clinical experience and a strong track record in professional leadership. He has been in clinical practice in Sierre, in the south-west of the country, since 2003.

He has long been committed to advancing chiropractic care and education in Switzerland and is particularly well known for his work in paediatric care and neuro-sensory development. His clinical focus includes supporting children with learning and behavioural disorders through gentle chiropractic techniques and the ?M ove t o Lear n? programme.

Upon taking up the presidency, Dr Em er y outlined his priorities, including strengthening postgraduate education and continuing professional development, establishing a second professorship in chiropractic in Switzerland, and further strengthening the role of chiropractic within the Swiss healthcare system, while maintaining close engagement with Ch ir oSu isse members.

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62 WORLD NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

CASA Car es: St r en gt h en in g Com m u n it ies Th r ou gh Ser vice an d Spin al Healt h Th e Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Sou t h Af r ica (CASA) is proud to share the growth and impact of CASA Cares, our newly formalised philanthropic arm dedicated to advancing community well-being through service, education, and spinal health promotion. This year marked a significant milestone as CASA Cares was officially registered as a separate Non-Profit Company,operating under the umbrella of the association. This step enhances governance and sustainability while allowing us to broaden our reach and support more individuals and organisations across South Africa.

Ou r vision f or CASA Car es is clear : t o u n it e t h e ch ir opr act ic com m u n it y in m ean in gf u l ou t r each t h at im pr oves qu alit y of lif e, pr om ot es spin al h ealt h lit er acy, an d u plif t s vu ln er able popu lat ion s. Th e m om en t u m gen er at ed in 2025 h as sh ow n w h at is possible w h en ou r m em ber s w or k t oget h er t ow ar d a sh ar ed pu r pose.

One of the flagship initiatives of the year was our national baby-care collection drive, which mobilised members, practices, and regional branches to gather essential items for families in need. Donations ranged from blankets and baby clothing to diapers, pacifiers, and other infant essentials. This project culminated in a substantial delivery to a baby home in the Western Cape and to Hlokomela Clinic, where the World Spine Care Africa clinic is based. As part of our outreach efforts, a knitting and crocheting drive was incorporated into the CASA Congress, enabling delegates to create donation-ready items for the same facilities.

In addition to material contributions, CASA Cares extended its impact through health education.

Chiropractors delivered a spinal health presentation to caregivers, offering practical

guidance on infant spinal development, handling, and positioning. A fully visual, text-free leaflet was designed to overcome language barriers while sharing essential paediatric spinal health tips. This dual approach embodies the holistic ethos of chiropractic care and our commitment to long-term community well-being.

The success of this initiative demonstrates the strength of the CASA community and the meaningful change we can create when we combine clinical expertise with compassionate outreach. Looking ahead, CASA Cares is committed to expanding partnerships with baby and children?s homes and developing new projects that promote healthy development from infancy through adolescence.

In addition to our local outreach, CASA Car es played a key role in supporting international humanitarian efforts through Wor ld Spin e Car e Af r ica. During the 2025 CASA Con gr ess, we hosted a fundraising auction to support the World Spine Care Africa clinic in Hoedspruit. The response from delegates was overwhelming, and all proceeds were donated directly to the clinic. We are proud to stand behind our members who

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volunteer their time and expertise in underserved communities.

As CASA Car es continues to grow, our mission remains anchored in service, collaboration, and advocacy for equitable spinal health. The establishment of this dedicated non-profit entity marks the beginning of a long-term journey to deepen our philanthropic impact and ensure chiropractic care contributes meaningfully to the well-being of all South Africans.

Together, as a united chiropractic community, we are creating a healthier, more supported future.

SOUTH AFRICA

CASA An n ou n ces Fin alizat ion of t h e In f or m ed Con sen t f or M in or s: A M ajor St ep For w ar d in Pr of ession al an d Legal Pr ot ect ion CASA is pleased to announce that, after several years of dedicated collaboration with Genoa, our malpractice insurance carrier, and Paediatric Chiropractic Africa (PCA), Genoa?s legal team has formally reviewed and confirmed their satisfaction with the final version of the Informed Consent for Minors. This milestone represents the completion of an extensive process of legal consultation, professional input, and careful refinement to ensure the document meets the highest medico-legal standards.

Importantly, this initiative was a CASA brainchild from inception. Conceptualized, developed, and carefully crafted under the Association?s leadership to support our members and strengthen best-practice standards within the profession.

The updated informed consent has been deliberately

drafted as a comprehensive, detailed resource that offers robust protection for practitioners who provide care to minors. While lengthier than a standard consent form, each section has been included to address specific legal requirements and scenarios that may arise in clinical practice. As Genoa?s advocate emphasized during the review process, ?An informed consent should be a book, not a page.? Her experience highlights a critical truth: practitioners with the most detailed, thorough informed consents are consistently the ones who face the fewest, if any, complaints.

She further noted the decisive role informed consents play in legal matters, explaining that ?the first documents tribunals and attorneys request in a liability case are your informed consent and clinical records, those two together can make or

64 WORLD NEWS break your defense.? This underscores the importance of ensuring that every practitioner is using a legally sound, properly completed, and up-to-date consent document.

forward with renewed confidence, knowing they are supported by a document that strengthens ethical practice, safeguards patient rights, and enhances the professional security of the chiropractic community.

Practitioners were strongly reminded that the Informed Consent for Minors must be reviewed and signed annually. Regular renewal ensures that parents or guardians remain fully aware of the nature of chiropractic care, associated considerations, and their ongoing permission for treatment. It also reinforces practitioners?compliance with medico-legal expectations and enhances the defensibility of their practice should any concerns ever arise.

The finalization of this document represents a meaningful advancement in patient safety, professional accountability, and legal protection within South African chiropractic practice. CASA extends its gratitude to Genoa, PCA, and all individuals who contributed their time and expertise to the development of this critical resource.

With this milestone achieved, practitioners can move

SOUTH AFRICA

Fost er in g Excellen ce: Th e Su ccessf u l Lau n ch of t h e CASA M en t or sh ip Pr ogr am m e The year marked the official launch of the inaugural CASA Mentorship Programme cycle, a significant and highly anticipated milestone for the South African chiropractic community! This pioneering initiative is already proving instrumental in strengthening and advancing our profession.

The journey began with a rigorous and professional selection process for potential mentors. Our dedicated Selection Committee, comprising esteemed CASA members, conducted thoughtful interviews to ensure the highest quality of guidance.

Following selection, mentors received comprehensive training, including an insightful Online Discussion Forum focused on cultivating successful mentorship relationships. Following a review of guidelines, the official mentorship pairs were then announced, setting a positive stage for the program?s commencement.

Meticulous Pairing and High Engagement Our pairing process was meticulous, focusing on

geographical feasibility, mutual interests, and strategic alignment with mentees?professional needs. Regular one-on-one check-ins confirmed commitment. Overall results indicate exceptionally high levels of engagement, consistent goal achievement, and a significant boost in professional confidence. The programme utilized a flexible, mixed-method approach, with in-person meetings beautifully complemented by frequent use of digital communication to bridge geographical distances.

Mentors reported overwhelmingly positive commitment, noting mentees were proactive and effectively engaged. Mentees similarly confirmed their mentors were punctual, invested, and maximized their time as guides.

Impact on Confidence and Knowledge Mentees universally sought growth in key areas including improving chiropractic knowledge, mastering adjusting techniques, increasing professional confidence, and understanding crucial

65 WORLD NEWS practice management strategies. The mentor experience was overwhelmingly valuable and aligned with mentee objectives, leading to tangible improvements in assessment skills and overall professional self-assurance. The program delivered immense value across critical domains including patient communication, adjusting techniques and modifications, as well as business acumen. The business needs identified through the Mentorship Programme include topics such as fee structuring, time management, and practice start-up costs.

The program's measured confidence rating indicated a high success rate in boosting the ability to treat patients independently. The most impactful experiences cited were the invaluable in-person adjustment technique sessions, mentor-guided management of difficult patient cases, and building a strong, personal relationship.

program effectiveness and accessibility. We will continue to refine our methodology, taking on board recommendations from participants, including prioritizing geographical proximity for pairings whenever possible, as this facilitates practical, in-person learning opportunities.

The future of the CASA Mentorship Programme is incredibly bright. A large portion of the current mentor cohort has already indicated their availability, and almost all mentees expressed a keen interest in eventually becoming a mentor themselves. We eagerly anticipate welcoming many more members in subsequent cycles, further cementing our commitment to professional excellence.

Looking to the Future A key area for strategic development revolves around further optimizing our pairing structure to maximize SOUTH AFRICA

CASA Welcom es It s 2025/ 2026 Leader sh ip Team : A Fr esh Ch apt er of Leader sh ip an d Vision We are thrilled to announce CASA?s newly appointed Council, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter in our Association?s journey. This moment signifies not only a change in leadership but also a renewed commitment to advancing chiropractic care in South Africa, serving our members, and fostering a vibrant, connected community.

We are pleased to announce our leadership team for 2025/2026 term: Dr. Danella Lubbe as President, Dr. Adams as Vice President, and Dr. Bromfield, continuing her role as Secretary-General. This team will provide strategic direction and champion initiatives that strengthen our profession, support our members, and promote high standards of care across South Africa.

The outcomes of our most recent elections at the Annual General Meeting highlight the trust and confidence our members place in the Council to guide the profession forward. CASA congratulates and celebrates all those who have been elected and re-elected, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their dedication to the Association and its mission.

This dynamic team brings together fresh perspectives, thoughtful leadership, and collaborative energy, all of which are essential as we work towards shared goals and continue to enhance the value we provide to our members.

In addition to our leadership team, we acknowledge with gratitude the re-election of Dr. Cleo Prince, Dr. Keseri Padayachy, and Dr. Rowan White. Their continued service brings stability, institutional knowledge, and experience that will help guide CASA into its next chapter. We also extend a warm welcome to our newly elected Councillors, Dr. Jan Enslin and Dr. Nerina Le Roux, whose fresh insights and enthusiasm will further enrich our Council?s work.

As a united Council, this leadership team is committed to building on CASA?s strong foundation of

66 WORLD NEWS excellence, advocacy, and service to our members.

Our focus remains on promoting evidence-based chiropractic care, enhancing member support and education, and raising public awareness of the profession?s value in health care.

Looking ahead, CASA has already undertaken strategic planning for 2026, setting ambitious goals to ensure continued growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Our vision for the year is encapsulated in our catchphrase: ?Connecting care, community, and everyone we serve.? Under the banner of #CASAConnects2026, we aim to foster collaboration, strengthen engagement across our network, and deliver meaningful impact to the communities we serve.

This is a time of energy, enthusiasm, and opportunity.

CASA?s new Council is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, innovate, and drive initiatives that matter most to our members and patients alike.

Together, we are confident that our Association will continue to thrive, advancing chiropractic care in South Africa and ensuring that every member feels supported, connected, and empowered.

As we embark on this new chapter, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating our newly appointed Council and to engage actively in the exciting initiatives planned for 2026. The journey ahead promises to be one of growth, collaboration, and shared success.

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Ch ir opr act or s ?Level Up? at CASA Con gr ess 2025 Organizing Committee played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of the event.

Dr Scott Haldeman

The Chiropractic Association of South Africa (CASA) hosted its annual congress from 19?21 September 2025 at Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, bringing together 129 delegates under the inspiring theme ?Level Up.? The three-day event blended evidence-based learning, professional networking, and a celebration of chiropractic?s evolving role in healthcare.

This year?s academic programme was structured around five core pillars: professional development, clinical excellence, ethics and compliance, innovation, and mentorship.

Keynote speakers Dr Scott Haldeman and Dr Brian Nook captivated audiences with global insights on spine health and the imperative of clinical excellence.

Their contributions set the tone for a programme widely praised, reinforcing that the congress delivered on its promise of a chiropractic-forward, rigorously evidence-informed agenda. The Local

Beyond the academic sessions, the congress offered several memorable social moments. A welcoming cocktail function brought together allied health associations, the wine tasting event added a distinctly Cape Town flair, and the gala dinner successfully raised funds for World Spine Care Africa, featuring a heartfelt reflection from Dr Haldeman.

Exhibitors and sponsors contributed significantly to the vibrancy of the event, showcasing a diverse mix of chiropractic and health-focused offerings. Creative engagement initiatives, such as the Delegate Scavenger Hunt added an interactive element, while the inclusion of a research poster presentation enriched the academic landscape.

Importantly, the congress attracted representatives from key role players in both local and international chiropractic leadership, highlighting CASA?s growing influence within the global chiropractic community.

Delegates left with sharpened clinical insights, strengthened professional networks, and a renewed sense of pride in chiropractic?s contribution to healthcare. In keeping with our theme, Level Up, CASA Congress 2025 elevated the profession?s premier annual gathering and set a high benchmark for future organizers to build upon.

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Spain Secu r es Hist or ic Polit ical Br eak t h r ou gh f or Ch ir opr act ic Recogn it ion in t h e Eu r opean Un ion by institutional resistance, leaving chiropractors without legal recognition and patients without proper safeguards. Redirecting the discussion to European institutions reframes chiropractic as a matter of EU professional mobility, patient safety, and market fairness, rather than a purely Spanish debate.

Spain has reached a major turning point in its long struggle for chiropractic recognition. For t h e f ir st t im e in h ist or y, the issue has formally entered the political machinery of the European Union. On 24 October 2025, Spanish members of the European Parliament (MEPs) submitted an official Parliamentary Question to the European Commission asking for clarification on the recognition of chiropractic qualifications in Spain and whether the Spanish system may be breaching EU principles on the free movement of professionals, qualification recognition, and patient safety.

The submission of this question is the direct result of a strategic advocacy mission led by the Asociación Españ ola de Qu ir opr áct ica (AEQ) in Brussels in May 2025 supported by the European Chiropractors?Union (ECU) and public affairs consultancy Acento, held several high-level meetings. Their objective: to expose the legal uncertainty faced by chiropractors in Spain and the difficulties created by the absence of regulation.

This achievement represents a historic political victory for the chiropractic profession in Spain. For decades, national-level progress has been blocked

If the Commission provides a positive response, the next step would be for the case to enter the Com m it t ee on Pet it ion s (PETI), where it could trigger investigations, public hearings, or formal recommendations to Spain. , such a process could set an EU-wide precedent benefiting other nations where chiropractic remains unregulated or insufficiently recognized.

The AEQ describes this moment as a watershed? n ot on ly f or Spain , bu t f or t h e w ider Eu r opean ch ir opr act ic com m u n it y. Close cooperation with the ECU and national associations will now be crucial as the process moves forward.

Left, Bart Vandrendies (ECU). Right, Alberto Fernandez (AEQ)

Spain continues to work on new regulatory strategies at both the European and national levels, aware that the current domestic political context remains challenging. But for the first time in decades, the profession in Spain can look toward a concrete and promising political path? on e t h at m ay u lt im at ely secu r e legal r ecogn it ion an d pr ovide st r on ger gu ar an t ees f or pr act it ion er s an d pat ien t s alik e.

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70 WORLD NEWS UNITED KINGDOM

Ch ir o Live 2025: Th e High ligh t s How the BCA honoured 100 years of the Association and Inspired the Future of Chiropractic tangible demonstration of the incredible future we are building together. From visionary talks and energetic breakout sessions to inspiring recognitions and awards, we have armed our profession with the cutting-edge evidence and business acumen needed to thrive. What Chiro Live 2025 has truly brought to the profession is a renewed sense of unity, a higher standard for clinical excellence, and the absolute conviction that some of our best work is still ahead of us?.

Have a look at t h e ph ot os f r om t h e even t h er e.

The British Chiropractic Association?s (BCA) landmark conference, Ch ir o Live 2025: Celebr at in g Excellen ce, Sh apin g t h e Fu t u r e, concluded earlier this month, leaving a profound and indelible mark on the profession. Held at the majestic De Ver e Beau m on t Est at e in Win dsor , the two-day event (November 14-15) was not just an annual gathering, but a historic celebration of the BCA?s 100th birthday. Attracting record numbers of delegates, exhibitors, and international guests, the conference was universally hailed as an overwhelming success, seamlessly blending cutting-edge clinical knowledge with transformative business insights and unforgettable celebratory moments.

Com m en t in g on t h e even t ?s su ccess, BCA Pr esiden t , Tim Bu t t on , said: ?Chiro Live 2025 was more than a conference; it was the jubilant culmination of a century of dedication, innovation, and trust. This event wasn?t just about celebrating the BCA?s 100th birthday - it was a powerful,

A Pr ogr am m e of In spir at ion al an d Clin ical In sigh t The conference?s main stage boasted a truly stellar line-up, meticulously curated to provide both inspiration and evidence-based clinical knowledge.

This year ?s programme featured global leaders, inspiring personalities, and innovators whose insights challenged and broadened our perspective on chiropractic care. Highlights

71 WORLD NEWS included Dr William M or gan , President of Parker University and internationally recognised Chiropractor, who explored Kairos ? the art of taking action at the right time ? and the complexities of lumbar stenosis. Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, who joined us for a fireside chat on movement, mindset and living well, offering a fresh dimension to learning and professional growth.

M ich ael Coplan d-Gr if f it h s (1985 ? 1987) bringing the BCA?s legacy to life in his unique and personal account of the Association?s milestones, challenges and defining moments as part of his Past, Present and Future session.

Dyn am ic Br eak ou t Session s Fu ellin g Pr act ical Gr ow t h Sh ar in g abou t h is exper ien ce at Ch ir o Live 2025, Dr William M or gan said: ?It was a true joy to join you all for Chiro Live 2025, and I?m grateful for the opportunity to contribute. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Windsor and was genuinely touched by the hospitality and warmth shown throughout the event. My appreciation goes to the entire BCA team for the thoughtful planning, seamless coordination, and the spirit of excellence that made Chiro Live 2025 such a standout experience?.

We were also thrilled to be joined by Eddie ?Th e Eagle? Edw ar ds, who shared lessons on resilience and reinvention from his extraordinary career, and Dr Edward Cambridge, whose evidence-driven approach to spinal assessment and the McGill Method continues to shape best practice across the world. Added to that, we had the legendary Ulr ik San dst r øm ?s providing practical muscle testing techniques and BCA Past President,

A cornerstone of Chiro Live 2025?s success was the exceptional range of interactive breakout sessions and masterclasses, designed for both clinical and non-clinical staff.

The conference excelled in providing targeted, specialised education, allowing delegates to tailor their learning to specific areas of practice growth.

The popular ?M SK Th r ou gh t h e Ages?breakout session provided a comprehensive, full-lifecycle approach to patient care. A growing area of interest was addressed in our dedicated session on Animal Chiropractic. Led by experts from the In t er n at ion al Academ y of Vet er in ar y Ch ir opr act ic (IAVC), delegates had the unique opportunity to explore the anatomy, biomechanics, and specialised treatment approaches for animal patients.

Equally essential was the Non -Clin ical M ast er class, a session vital for strengthening the

72 WORLD NEWS foundational success of every practice. Tailored for receptionists, practice managers, and clinical assistants, the masterclass focused on enhancing patient communication, mastering efficient scheduling, and skilful conflict management, ensuring that the front-of-house team is as well-equipped as the clinician.

Balancing this professional drive was the Reju ven at e-Ref lect -Rest or e session, which offered a vital space for attendees to focus on their own wellbeing, acknowledging the importance of self-care in a demanding career.

The session?s highlight was the Silen t Yoga w it h in st r u ct or Ch et , using noise-cancelling headsets to guide focus inward and restore attendees? energy, in combination with guided breathwork andgentle movement ? a truly exceptional experience.

Celebr at in g Excellen ce: Th e 2025 Aw ar ds Recogn it ion s Chiro Live 2025 served as a platform for honouring deep dedication across the profession. The event recognised long-standing commitment and service through the presentation of multiple Long Service Member Awards, 3 Fellowships, 3 Honorary Memberships, 2 Lifetime Achievement Awards, 2 Research Poster Awards and 1 President?s Award.

Huge congratulations to everyone for the well-deserved recognition.

BCA Excellen ce Aw ar ds The event culminated on Saturday evening with the spectacular BCA Excellen ce Aw ar ds Gala Din n er . This unforgettable black-tie event served as the crowning glory of the 100th birthday celebrations. Delegates enjoyed an evening of fine dining, high-class live entertainment, and the most inspiring award presentations of the year.

The Excellence Awards truly put the spotlight on the dedication, innovation, and clinical excellence demonstrated across the profession. Awards were presented in categories recognising outstanding clinical practice, dedication to community service, and exceptional career start, offering powerful moments of recognition that celebrated individuals who are elevating the standard of chiropractic care in the UK. The atmosphere was electric and celebratory, providing a perfect conclusion to the educational schedule and reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defines the BCA community.

73 WORLD NEWS Ech oes of Su ccess: Wh at m em ber s said abou t Ch ir o Live 2025 ?Honoured to have attended such a fantastic weekend at the British Chiropractic Association?s 100th anniversary! As a final year chiropractic student it was incredibly inspiring to be part of such a significant milestone and to connect with passionate professionals and hear their stories. This event has reinforced my excitement for the future of our profession, especially as I prepare to graduate and begin my own journey. I?m truly grateful for the insights, conversations, and strong sense of community shared throughout the weekend?. ?Really enjoyed attending the British Chiropractic Association?s Chiro Live Conference on Saturday. The inspiring talks and engaging workshops provided a great opportunity to learn and take away insights I can apply in my studies and future practice?. ?A fantastic weekend at the BCA?s 100th anniversary celebration! I?m excited for what the future holds and to join this incredible group of people to improving the lives of many?. ?What a weekend! So proud to have been part of the 100th year celebrations of The British Chiropractic Association who have once again provided an experience, not just a conference, filled with engaging, interactive, thoughtful and at times, emotional moments from speakers and delegates alike?. ?A huge thank you to the BCA team and everyone involved for putting together such a motivating and memorable day. I left feeling energised, inspired and moredetermined than ever to contribute to a profession with such vision and impact!? ?I am still buzzing with energy, gratitude, and admiration for this historic event that showcased the very best of our profession. A very special word goes to the students I had the pleasure of engaging with: your enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion lit up every conversation. You are the future of chiropractic, and the future is bright? ?There truly are no words to capture how brilliant this milestone event was. The energy, passion, and pride in our profession were felt in every moment. It was

truly one of the most remarkable events in our profession?s history?.

Closin g t h e Celebr at ion , Open in g t h e Fu t u r e Chiro Live 2025 will be remembered not only as a fitting tribute to the BCA?s 100-year legacy but as a dynamic springboard for the future. The overwhelming success, characterised by the calibre of speakers, the depth of practical learning, and the joyous spirit of celebration, has solidified the event?s position as the UK's premier chiropractic conference. The commitment displayed by every delegate to " Celebr at in g Excellen ce an d Sh apin g t h e Fu t u r e" ensures that the chiropractic profession is moving into its next century with unparalleled confidence and clinical purpose. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year as we build on the momentum of this historic triumph.

Ch ir o Live 2027 11t h & 12t h Ju n e 2027 - Bou r n em ou t h Get ready for another unforgettable weekend of connection, learning and celebration by the sea.

Following the incredible energy of our 100th year conference in Windsor, we?re taking things coast-side for our next Chiro Live in 2027.

Regist er you r in t er est h er e.

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Act ivat or M et h ods: A Tech n iqu e Th at Tr an sf or m ed Ch ir opr act ic Globally For over 50 years, Act ivat or M et h ods has revolutionized patient care as the original and the world's most trusted instrument-assisted technique. Utilized by clinicians across m or e t h an 30 cou n t r ies, it has earned its reputation through clinical versatility, remarkable consistency, and a commitment to evidence-based care. The impact is significant: according to the Nat ion al Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s' 2025 Pr act ice An alysis, an impressive 87% of practicing doctors now integrate instrument-assisted adjusting into their treatment approach, with 6% relying on it exclusively. These numbers reveal a powerful trend as practitioners and patients increasingly embrace instrument-assisted care. Activator saw this future first, laying the groundwork decades ago for what the profession now recognizes as essential for delivering care and supporting superior patient outcomes. An d in t er n at ion ally, t h e m om en t u m is even st r on ger .

Global adoption of Activator Methods by practitioners is driven by many factors.

Practitioners often comment that they appreciate that Activator Methods in t egr at es an an alysis pr ot ocol w it h leg len gt h an d f u n ct ion al t est in g to help identify areas of dysfunction and apply precise adjustments based on objective findings.

In addition, with Activators evidence-informed foundation and clinical precision, the standardized protocol h elps doct or s deliver qu alit y pat ien t car e an d h as dir ect im pact on ou t com es.

Activator Methods is used in a variety of clinics such as family wellness and sports injury and treats patients of all types r an gin g f r om in f an t s t o older adu lt s. The technique is also well-received in regions where patients and cultural norms favor less forceful interventions or manual techniques.

Across continents, patients seek Activator Methods for care based on t h e com f or t an d pr ecision it pr ovides, and practitioners are often sought after for their training in the technique. The technique is trained globally by teaching teams in many seminars and academic programs both face-to-face and through Activator Institute w h ich of f er s vir t u al cou r se w or k ar ou n d t h e clock .

Millions of patients receive treatment with Activator adjustments globally each year. This number is tracked through ou r Fin d-A-Doc f eat u r e on ou r w ebsit e that lists our proficiency-rated doctors and received 70,000 patient inquires.

Activator Methods is one of the most extensively researched chiropractic techniques, with m or e t h an 100 peer -r eview ed st u dies spanning biomechanical analysis, neurophysiological responses, and clinical outcomes. It is the only instrument-adjusting technique supported by randomized controlled clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy. Studies that have identified the method deliver s t h er apeu t ic ben ef it s com par able t o t r adit ion al m an u al m an ipu lat ion for a variety of conditions. The instrument provides clinically meaningful benefits while maintaining patient safety through a precise controlled force.

Activator stands out as a unifying technique: on e t h at t r an scen ds bor der s, lan gu ages, an d pr act ice st yles. With consistent accessible training, global certification, and a presence in Chiropractic clinics on nearly every continent, it h as becom e a gold st an dar d f or saf e, ef f ect ive, an d pr ecise ch ir opr act ic car e.

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76 WORLD NEWS UNITED STATES

Su ppor t in g Global Healt h Th r ou gh Ch ir opr act ic an d Wh ole-Bein g Align m en t f r om Th e Fou n dat ion f or Ch ir opr act ic Pr ogr ess ?Foundational Seven Pillars of Whole-Being? Investment, Replenishment, Nourishment, Movement, Adjustment, Contentment, and Revitalizement? is a practical roadmap for preventive, integrative chiropractic care.?

Around the world, daily routines are placing increasing strain on people?s bodies. Long periods of sitting, extended screen time and the physical demands of everyday life are leaving many individuals feeling worn down. Instead of waiting for discomfort to escalate, more people are seeking meaningful ways to optimize their health.

This is where chiropractic care excels, offering a proactive path centered on prevention, optimization and alleviation.

At the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), our mission is clear and global: to help every community discover the life-changing benefits of chiropractic care. We are here to support the World Federation of Chiropractic and its member organizations as we uplift health outcomes and empower populations across nations.

Em pow er in g Ch ir opr act ic Th r ou gh Edu cat ion : Adju st ed Realit y One of the most influential tools advancing this global message is the Foundation?s recent launch of a Forbes-published book, Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being for Optimal Living and Longevity. Now an Amazon and Barnes & Noble Best Seller, available in 21+ countries and praised by leading reviewers, Adjusted Reality offers a timely and transformative framework for whole-being health. Publishers Weekly recently gave accolades to the book noting:

Th e Dat a Is Clear : Com m u n it ies Ever yw h er e Need Su ppor t A recent Harris Poll conducted by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress revealed: -

-

54% of adults experience physical discomfort from daily activities such as prolonged sitting or gaming 88% of gamers report strain during play Posture-related tension and alignment issues are widespread across all ages

These trends are not limited to one country, t h ey r ef lect a global n eed f or car e t h at en h an ces post u r e, supports nervous-system function and optimizes daily movement patterns.

Chiropractic care answers this call with a preventive, whole-being approach centered on alignment and balance.

Adjusted Reality helps turn awareness into action by of f er in g a w h ole-bein g f r am ew or k t h at r eson at es w it h f am ilies, pr of ession als, st u den t s an d global com m u n it ies. The book serves as the powerful ?why? behind seeing a chiropractor, while the ?how? is expressed uniquely by every chiropractor around the world as they inspire new patients and deepen the engagement of those already under their care.

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Th e Fou n dat ion f or Ch ir opr act ic Pr ogr ess is Her e t o Su ppor t WFC M em ber s As part of our commitment to advancing chiropractic worldwide, F4CP proudly supports WFC member organizations with: ??? M em ber sh ip Su ppor t & M ar k et in g Ben ef it s?

We provide professionally developed public education resources, marketing campaigns, research-based materials, and communication tools that help your association and your members expand awareness and highlight the preventive value of chiropractic care. ??? No-Cost Even t Par t icipat ion?

We are honored to attend your conferences or community events at no cost to your organization, helping you showcase the benefits of chiropractic membership and demonstrating how our collaboration strengthens your national efforts. ??? Global Par t n er sh ip f or Pr even t ion & Opt im ized Healt h ?

Together, we have the opportunity to elevate preventive care, optimize whole-being health and advance chiropractic as a trusted resource for communities worldwide.

For membership or partnership inquiries, please reach out to F4CP Membership Marketing Coordinator, Hailey at h ailey@f 4cp.com .

Join u s.

Let?s collaborate to expand preventive care, optimize community health and bring the promise of Adjusted Reality to people across the world.

Lear n m or e at : f 4cp.or g/ adju st ed-r ealit y

78 WORLD NEWS UNITED STATES

Q3 2025 Bu ck s f or Boar ds Win n er s An n ou n ced

Clive, Iowa ? (Dec. 10, 2025) ? Twenty-five chiropractic students have an extra $1,000 in their pockets thanks to NCMIC?s Bu ck s f or Boar ds Aw ar ds f or Q3.

One hundred awards, in t h e am ou n t of $1,000 each , will be given to 25 students quarterly in 2025. The awards can be applied to the cost of NBCE chiropractic board exams, books, tuition, study materials or any other expenses to which the recipient sees fit. Bu ck s f or Boar ds w in n er s f or Q3 in clu de: An gelen a Allen , Northeast College of Health Sciences Sam an t h a Cox, Palmer College of Chiropractic ? Florida Campus Sam u el Dign am , Parker University Kayla Dom in gu ez, Cleveland University ? Kansas City M ax Fer r ar o, Northeast College of Health Sciences Pau la Floyd, Palmer College of Chiropractic ? Florida Campus Alexis Gar cia, Northwestern Health Sciences University M ar iela Gar vin , Logan University Gr acie Gr oss, Sherman College of Chiropractic Ju lia Gu ppy, National University of Health Sciences Jacob Hall, Sherman College of Chiropractic Cam ille Lee, University of Bridgeport Jor dan Lian g, Southern California University of Health Sciences Ash ley Lin t on , Life University Cor a Lu t z, Life University Dar by M cNam ar a, Northeast College of Health Sciences Gage M eu n ier , Campbellsville University Lu is M u jica, National University of Health Sciences ? Florida William M u scar a II, Palmer College of Chiropractic ? Florida Campus Lin da Ngu yen , Life Chiropractic College West Alexan dr a Per eir a, Northeast College of Health Sciences M olly Pit t s, Life Chiropractic College West ?

Bellevue Jack son Sadler , Northwestern Health Sciences University M ik ah Sh r iver , Texas Chiropractic College Dr ake Sh u ll, Palmer College of Chiropractic ? Florida Campus

NCM IC, in conjunction with the Nat ion al Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s (NBCE), launched the Bucks for Boards program in 2020 to recognize the hard work and dedication of students working toward their Doctor of Chiropractic degree.

Ch ir opr act ic st u den t s en r olled at a ch ir opr act ic college an d DCs w h o gr adu at ed in t h e last six m on t h s ar e eligible t o w in .

Applyin g is easy: students complete a qu ick on lin e f or m and hit submit. No essays, no references or complicated financial aid documents are required. Winners are drawn at random from those who enter each entry period. Students can sign up once per entry period and are eligible to win one NCMIC Bucks for Boards award annually.

Win n er s w ill be n ot if ied by em ail an d/ or ph on e.

NCMIC provides other resources for future DCs, too. Th e St ar t in g In t o Pr act ice®?Pr ogr am has held on-campus presentations for over 20 years to help prepare students for the transition from school into practice and a w ebsit e gives them access to in-depth information about business, marketing, practice structures, finances and more.

Abou t NCM IC NCMIC was formed in 1946 by a group of doctors of chiropractic with the express purpose of offering malpractice insurance to DCs when no one else would. Delivering on its promise, We Tak e Car e of Ou r Ow n ®, NCMIC has grown to become the largest provider of chiropractic malpractice insurance in the nation and has expanded its offerings to include bu sin ess an d per son al in su r an ce, equ ipm en t loan s, cr edit car d pr ocessin g, bu sin ess cr edit car ds, an d pr em iu m f in an cin g. With more than 75 years?experience and an ?A? (Excellent) rating from industry analyst A.M. Best1, NCMIC is a company that DCs can rely on today and in the years to come. For more information, please visit n cm ic.com .

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New s f r om t h e Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion Th e Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (ACA) continues to work toward passage of the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide patients access to all Medicare-covered services allowable under a chiropractors?state license. The bill continues to gain momentum and, as of December, h as m or e t h an 140 cospon sor s.

In January, ACA will host its annual conference, ACA Engage. The event will take place in Ar lin gt on , Va., f r om Jan . 22-24, 2026, and will bring together DCs and students from across the chiropractic profession. Engage offers top-notch education offerings, networking and leadership development opportunities, presentations from clinical experts, panel discussions, social events, and a chance to lobby members of the U.S. Congress during Chiropractic?s Day on Capitol Hill. Visit w w w.acat oday.or g/ en gage for more information and be sure to check out the daily updates during the conference on the ACA blog.??

In other news, ACA, the Am er ican Black Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (ABCA), and Sou t h er n Calif or n ia Un iver sit y of Healt h Scien ces (SCU) will unite in September 2026 to host a collaborative Student Leadership Conference. This joint event represents a significant opportunity for student leaders to connect, develop their leadership skills, and strengthen pathways that support the future of chiropractic. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment by ACA, ABCA, and SCU to advance leadership, innovation, and unity within chiropractic education. Lear n m or e h er e.

Finally, ACA had a successful Nat ion al Ch ir opr act ic Healt h M on t h (NCHM ) celebration this past October. The campaign, ?Get St ar t ed w it h Ch ir opr act ic? helped focus on the benefits of starting with a non-drug approach to pain management. A total of 40 NCHM proclamations were issued across the country and there were more than 500,000 impressions of NCHM-related content recorded in social media during October.

Read m or e abou t NCHM 2025 h er e.??

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Nevada?s Par it y Ref or m : A Global Blu epr in t f or Ch ir opr act ic In t egr at ion

Assembly Speaker Steve Yeager

In June 2025, Nevada enacted a landmark reform that elim in at ed ou t dat ed t r eat m en t capit at ion and mandated true reimbursement parity between Doctors of Chiropractic and their medical and osteopathic colleagues.

While this change directly benefits Nevada patients, its broader significance extends internationally. Around the world, chiropractors? recognized as a distinct healthcare profession and primary-contact providers for neuromusculoskeletal and whole person health? ar e in cr easin gly cen t r al t o m oder n con ser vat ive car e st r at egies. Nevada's reform serves as a scalable model for equitable access and global chiropractic integration.

For decades, Nevada patients faced restrictive annual treatment capitation regardless of clinical necessity, along with reduced reimbursement for services provided by a Chiropractic Doctor even w h en per f or m in g iden t ical cover ed pr ocedu r es w it h in t h eir scope. These limitations hindered continuity of care, especially for individuals requiring ongoing management of complex neuromusculoskeletal and related health conditions.

Over eight years, the Nevada Ch ir opr act ic Cou n cil/ Nevada Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion Par it y Com m it t ee advanced a sustained, research-driven campaign emphasizing that reimbursement parity

is fundamentally a patient rights issue. With strong legislative leadership from Assembly Speaker St eve Yeager and Assemblywoman Elain e M ar zola, the reform passed both chambers unanimously before being signed by Gover n or Joe Lom bar do.

Left, Governor Joe Lombardo. Right, Jason Jaeger, DC, FCBP

Nevada?s transformation aligns with established global models. In Australia and Canada, chiropractors serve as primary-contact healthcare providers integrated into early-stage conservative care pathways. Denmark and Switzerland offer some of the most fully developed systems, w h er e ch ir opr act or s com plet e gover n m en t -su ppor t ed clin ical r esiden cies, h old h ospit al pr ivileges, an d r eceive st an dar dized r eim bu r sem en t . In the United Kingdom, although coverage varies regionally, community neuromusculoskeletal programs increasingly incorporate chiropractic-aligned conservative care.

These global precedents mirror principles advanced by the World Health Organization, which emphasizes nonpharmacologic spine care, integrated care pathways, and cost-effective use of

81 WORLD NEWS Nevada?s reform reinforces the professionalism, distinctiveness, and clinical capabilities of Doctors of Chiropractic. Chiropractors contribute not only to drug-free conservative pain management but also through structural rehabilitation, functional improvement, and strategies that prevent recurrent disability. These characteristics make them invaluable participants in global initiatives to reduce neuromusculoskeletal disease burden.

specialized healthcare providers. Across health systems, chiropractic is understood to be more than symptom relief? it en com passes st r u ct u r al an d f u n ct ion al cor r ect ion , lon g-t er m spin al h ealt h , pr even t ion , post u r e opt im izat ion , an d com pr eh en sive n eu r om u scu losk elet al m an agem en t . For many Doctors of Chiropractic, this includes identification of vertebral subluxation as part of a holistic biomechanical and neurological evaluation. The International Chiropractors Association has defined Vertebral Subluxation as, ?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.?

The implications for U.S. Medicare are significant.

Medicare continues to restrict reimbursement for Doctors of Chiropractic to a narrowly defined service category that does not reflect modern practice including coverage of examinations and diagnostic imaging. Nevada?s su ccess dem on st r at es t h at equ it able r eim bu r sem en t is f easible, su st ain able, an d align ed w it h con t em por ar y eviden ce.

As nations work to advance regulation and coverage of chiropractic care, Nevada?s achievement offers a clear blueprint: r em ove ou t dat ed t r eat m en t capit at ion , r eim bu r se equ it ably, an d r ecogn ize t h e essen t ial r ole of ch ir opr act or s as dist in ct pr im ar y pr ovider s w it h in in t egr at ed h ealt h car e syst em s.

82 WORLD NEWS UNITED STATES

Pu er t o Rico Ch ir opr act ic Con gr ess: 100 YEARS OF HISTORY Held from Oct ober 10-12t h , 2025, at t h e Em bassy Su it es, Isla Ver de, Pu er t o Rico, this biennial event, organized by the PR Chiropractic Association, marked a significant milestone in the history of chiropractic in Puerto Rico, celebrating a century of dedication Dr. Edgar Rivera, President and progress. The congress was a resounding success, bringing together practitioners, pioneers, and supporters to reflect on our rich heritage and look towards the future of the profession.

Students of UCC winning the Abstract competition

A highlight of the congress was the inaugural Fr iday Nigh t Cock t ail in honor of the chiropractic pioneers who laid the groundwork for the profession we cherish today. This heartfelt evening paid tribute to six remarkable doctors, each holding one of the lowest license numbers still active, whose unwavering Dr. Erain Palmer- Pioneer male commitment shaped Chiropractor in Chiropractic in PR the landscape of chiropractic in Puerto Rico. Dr . Edgar River a,

President of PR Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (AQPR), presented exceptional historical research, meticulously tracing the journey of chiropractic from the arrival of the first chiropractor on the island in 1925 to the present day. This comprehensive narrative underscored the immense efforts of our predecessors, fostering a deep appreciation for the foundations upon which our modern profession stands.

Dr. Mayda Serrano

Michelle Rivero, speaking to Chiropractic Assistants.

The three-day congress featured an engaging program with insightful speakers and great sponsors, offering valuable learning opportunities for all Dr. Ogla Silva- pioneer woman attendees. The event chiropractor awarded at the Cocktail served not only as a celebration of our past bu t also as a plat f or m f or pr of ession al developm en t an d n et w or k in g, r ein f or cin g t h e st r on g com m u n it y w it h in t h e Pu er t o Rican ch ir opr act ic pr of ession . The success of this congress is a testament to the enduring spirit and dedication of the chiropractic community in Puerto Rico, and we look forward to continuing this legacy for another century.

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AECC Sch ool of Ch ir opr act ic Celebr at es 2025 Gr adu at es at HSU AECC Sch ool of Ch ir opr act ic at Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y marked a major milestone on Friday 21st November 2025, as more than 180 students celebrated their graduation. The ceremony, held at Bournemouth?s historic Pavilion Theatre, formed part of a full day of University-wide celebrations recognising student achievement across all Schools.

Hazel Jen son , Sen ior Lect u r er at t h e AECC Sch ool of Ch ir opr act ic, said: ?We are immensely proud of this year?s graduating cohort, whose hard work, dedication and resilience have brought them to this milestone. The ceremony was a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and colleagues to recognise not only their academic achievements but the personal journeys behind them." ?The skills and

experiences they?ve gained have prepared them well for their professional pathways, and many have already begun exciting careers in chiropractic.?

The ceremony also welcomed Guest of Honour Dr Vivian Kil, ECU Pr esiden t an d Ch air of t h e Boar d, who addressed the graduands and reflected on the profession?s future. The Br it ish Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion also received special recognition on the day, marking their 100 years of contribution and excellence to the chiropractic community.

2025 BCA Award

To see the gallery of photos from the event please visit hsu.ac.uk/ Bournemouth-graduation

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St at e of t h e Ar t Sim u lat ion at Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (AECC Sch ool of Ch ir opr act ic) Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (HSU) is proud to announce the successful award of a?£2,136,638 capital funding bid?from the UK?s Office for Students (OfS). This landmark investment will therefore directly impact our students, aiding the expansion of our clinical training capacity and modernising local healthcare education, with a strong focus on musculoskeletal care.?

The funding will enable HSU to further establish? teaching clinics and state-of-the-art simulated environments, directly addressing urgent healthcare workforce shortages. With the local population ageing faster than the national average, demand for skilled professionals in musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation is rising sharply. Chiropractors will play a vital role in meeting this challenge.

Examples of some key enhancements for Chiropractic Training at Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (AECC Sch ool of Ch ir opr act ic); For ce-Sen sin g Ch ir opr act ic Tables: Providing additional tables, in order to provide real-time feedback, to refine manual techniques and ensure precision in patient care.

Im m er sive Sim u lat ion & VR Spaces: Giving chiropractors access to advanced clinical scenarios to strengthen diagnostic reasoning and interprofessional collaboration.

M u lt i-Use Sim u lat ion War d: Enabling chiropractic students to train alongside other allied health professionals in musculoskeletal, neurological, and rehabilitation care.

Digit al Deliver y Su it e: Preparing chiropractors for the future of healthcare with essential digital competencies for the new world.?

Pr of essor Lesley Haig, Vice Ch an cellor of HSU, com m en t ed: ?This significant investment marks a huge step

forward in our mission to tackle healthcare workforce shortages. By expanding clinical training capacity and embracing digital innovation, HSU is equipping the next generation of professionals, including chiropractors, with the skills and resilience needed to meet the evolving demands of our communities.?

Dr Claire Nadaf with some simulation equipment

The new facilities are scheduled for completion by?

September 2026, unlocking substantial growth in chiropractic and healthcare education and strengthening the local areas long-term health resilience. A huge congratulations to the successful bidding team at HSU.

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IM U Un iver sit y Celebr at es 15 Year s of Advan cin g In t egr at ive an d On e Healt h Edu cat ion IM U Un iver sit y marked a significant milestone on 21 November 2025 with the celebration of 15 years of advancing education, leadership, and global partnerships in complementary and alternative medicine. The commemorative event, themed??Em pow er in g Car e Th r ou gh a On e Healt h Vision : 15 Year s of Em pow er in g Local Leader s an d Global Par t n er sh ips in Com plem en t ar y M edicin e?, brought together policymakers, academics, healthcare practitioners, alumni, students, and industry partners to reflect on achievements and explore future directions in integrative healthcare.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks by Jan ice Ch an , followed by the official opening address by Academ ician Pr of essor Em er it a Dat u k Dr Asm a Ism ail. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Goh Ch en g Soon from the M in ist r y of Healt h M alaysia, who shared perspectives on the role of integrative and Traditional and Complementary Medicine within Malaysia?s healthcare system and the importance of collaborative, patient-centred care.

A plenary session explored the One Health concept from multidisciplinary perspectives.

Pr of essor Win n ie Ch ee highlighted the role of sustainable diets in promoting human and planetary health, while integrative animal health was discussed through a panel session featuring Associat e Pr of essor Dr M ik i Won g Ch ee M ay an d Sh ee Yee Lim . These discussions underscored the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The afternoon programme featured parallel tracks showcasing diverse applications of integrative care. Topics included the use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in cancer care by Dr Sh u h ada YOP Ah m ad, mental health and neurological disorders in Traditional Chinese Medicine by Teh M in Ju n , and strategies to

optimise maternal and infant health by Ch r ist in e L.S Yap. Clinical practice within the public health system was highlighted by Dr Devan an dh in i Kr isn an, who shared experiences on acupuncture for pain management in Ministry of Health hospitals. Chiropractic and emerging health technologies were represented by Sam u el Lee Zh en Yee, who discussed the Gonstead System in clinical practice, and Pr of essor Dr An dy Hsu , who explored future directions in brain health technologies.

The event was especially meaningful with the strong participation of IMU alumni as speakers and contributors, reflecting the lasting impact of IMU University?s educational programmes and its role in developing healthcare leaders.

IMU University extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this milestone celebration. The event was made possible with the generous support of sponsors including Eu Yan San g, Tr im ax, TAGS Ch ir opr act ic an d Reh abilit at ion , Eagle Pagoda Br an d, GK Bio In t er n at ion al Sdn . Bh d., Hai-O, Hu r ix?s, Vit aHealt h , an d RECOGEN. Th is 15t h an n iver sar y celebr at ion r eaf f ir m ed IM U Un iver sit y ?s com m it m en t t o advan cin g in t egr at ive an d On e Healt h edu cat ion , r esear ch , an d collabor at ion , as t h e Un iver sit y con t in u es t o sh ape t h e f u t u r e of h olist ic h ealt h car e in M alaysia an d beyon d.

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IM U Un iver sit y Gr adu at es 43 New Ch ir opr act or s an d Pr esen t s In au gu r al Gam ech an ger Aw ar d In?November 2025,?IM U Un iver sit y?celebr at ed t h e gr adu at ion of ?43 n ew ch ir opr act or s f r om t h e Class of CH221, marking another milestone in Malaysia?s continued growth and development of its chiropractic profession under the?Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) framework? of the Ministry of Health.

IMU?s chiropractic programme continues to lead regional education in the field, emphasising? evidence-based practice, people-centred care, and interprofessional collaboration. The newly graduated chiropractors are now ready to contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams and to play a vital role in advancing neuromusculoskeletal health services across Malaysia and the wider region.

A highlight of the convocation was the presentation of the?in au gu r al Pr of essor Em er it a Dat u k Dr Asm a Ism ail Gam ech an ger Aw ar d, conferred to?Yvon n e Tan Yi Wen . The award recognises a graduating student who

demonstrates?outstanding academic achievement, visionary leadership, innovative thinking, global consciousness, and meaningful community engagement. This award is named in honour of?

Pr of essor Em er it a Dat u k Dr Asm a Ism ail, IM U?s Vice-Ch an cellor an d CEO, the award celebrates her exceptional contributions to higher education, research, and innovation, and her enduring impact on Malaysia?s academic and scientific landscape.

The chiropractic community warmly welcomes these new graduates into the profession and looks forward to their contributions in enhancing patient care, fostering professional collaboration, and shaping the future of chiropractic practice in Malaysia and beyond.

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IM U Un iver sit y Holds In au gu r al Ch ir opr act ic Oat h -Tak in g an d Clin ical At t ir e Pr esen t at ion Cer em on y IM U Un iver sit y reached a significant milestone with the in au gu r al Ch ir opr act ic Oat h -Tak in g an d Clin ical At t ir e Pr esen t at ion Cer em on y, an event that marked the transition of the CH122 and CH222 cohorts into their clinical training phase.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty members, family guests, and professional representatives, reflecting a strong sense of community and a shared commitment to advancing chiropractic education in Malaysia.

Chiropractic Programme Director,?M s. Ch ow Kit Yee,?opened the ceremony with a warm and heartfelt address. She congratulated the students as they stepped into a new stage of their professional journey and reminded them of the deeper meaning behind this milestone. She highlighted that the occasion represented not only the start of clinical rotations, but also the trust and responsibility that accompany the role of a future chiropractor. Speaking to the values expected in clinical practice, she encouraged the students to uphold compassion, integrity and professionalism throughout their careers. She said, ?Techniques can be refined and knowledge will continue to grow, but the way you treat your patients reflects the kind of clinician you choose to become. Always listen with intention and uphold the standards of our profession.?

The ceremony also welcomed?M r . Won g Yi Kai, Pr esiden t of t h e Associat ion of Ch ir opr act ic M alaysia (ACM ), an d?M r . New ell Tan , Vice Pr esiden t of ACM , bot h alu m n i f r om IM U?s in au gu r al ch ir opr act ic coh or t . Their presence underscored the strong partnership between IMU University and the national professional body, as well as the continued maturation of the chiropractic profession in Malaysia. In his speech, M r . New ell reflected on the journey of the profession from its early days to the present, and emphasised the responsibility carried by each new cohort in shaping the future of chiropractic practice in the country.

The Oat h -Tak in g Cer em on y served as the focal point of the event.

Students raised their right hands and pledged to uphold patient-centred, ethical and evidence-informed practice. This symbolic commitment marked their readiness to assume the responsibilities of supervised clinical care within Malaysia?s regulated musculoskeletal and Traditional and Complementary Medicine ecosystem. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates and clinical attire, further reinforcing the students?transition into their new roles as developing clinicians.

This landmark event represents a meaningful step in strengthening chiropractic education at IMU University. It supports the development of professional identity among students and prepares future practitioners who will contribute to the growth and recognition of chiropractic care in Malaysia and the wider region.

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Logan Un iver sit y Welcom es Vice Pr esiden t of En r ollm en t M an agem en t

ST. LOUIS, M O (Decem ber 15, 2025) ? Logan Un iver sit y is pleased to welcome Joh n M assen a as Vice Pr esiden t of En r ollm en t M an agem en t .

John brings more than 20 years of experience leading enrollment growth, marketing strategy and student-centered recruitment initiatives across public and private higher education institutions. ?We are thrilled to welcome John to the Logan community,?said Logan President H. Garrett Thompson, DC, Ph.D. ?This role was created to bring together admissions, financial aid and marketing in a way that reflects our shared commitment to supporting students and families at every stage of their journey. We are excited for the collaboration this position will foster across our campus and the positive impact it will have on our community."

Throughout his career, John has built and led cross-functional enrollment teams, managed multi-million-dollar budgets and worked closely with marketing, admissions, financial aid and advising to drive meaningful, measurable results.

"I?m honored to join Logan University at such an important moment in its growth,?John said. ?This is a time of tremendous opportunity for institutions that know who they are and what they do best. Logan?s focus on chiropractic and health sciences, its national reputation and its ability to move quickly give it an advantage few universities enjoy. With rising demand for health and wellness professionals, Logan is uniquely positioned to grow, innovate and expand its reach in meaningful ways."

John recently served in a national leadership and consulting role at Liaison, working with colleges and universities to develop data-informed

recruitment, marketing and enrollment strategies.

He previously spent several years with Ru f f alo Noel Levit z (RNL), partnering with institutions across the country to design and implement strategic enrollment plans, outreach campaigns and operational improvements focused on sustainable growth and student success.

John has also held senior campus leadership positions at the Un iver sit y of M on t an a, Webst er Un iver sit y an d Gr een ville Un iver sit y, where his teams set enrollment records while strengthening community partnerships and enhancing the overall student experience.

At Logan, John will serve on the President?s Cabinet and oversee Admissions, Marketing and Financial Aid. He is focused on building a collaborative, mission-driven enrollment operation that blends marketing, personalized recruitment, and thoughtful use of analytics to best serve students and families while supporting Logan?s growth goals. ?Logan?s mission and commitment to excellence resonate deeply with me, and I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and leadership to strengthen our enrollment strategy and expand our impact on students, the region and the professions we serve," he said.

John lives in the St. Louis area with his wife, Mary, and their daughters.

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91 EDUCATION NEWS

Gu ided by Eviden ce, Sh aped by Logan : Dr . M ar a Alayón Ru llán?s Jou r n ey in Ch ir opr act ic Fellow sh ip From the sunshine in Puerto Rico to the Wisconsin winters, and all the St. Louis seasons in between, M ar a Alayón Ru llán , DC (?25) has carried one goal with her: helping others.

Dr. Alayón?s journey in healthcare began while pursuing her bachelor ?s degree in environmental microbiology at the Universidad de Puerto Rico en Arecibo. As a member of a neurological association that regularly hosted healthcare professionals from various professions, she was introduced to chiropractic care. ?I was really drawn to the hands-on approach of chiropractic,? Dr. Alayón said. ?When?Logan University?hosted an open house to talk about its?

Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)?program, I liked the emphasis on evidence-based practices.?

After graduating with her bachelor ?s degree in 2021, Dr. Alayón moved to Missouri to pursue a chiropractic degree from Logan. The highlight of the program for her was during the clinical phase at the?St eph en A. Or t h w ein Cen t er at Par aqu ad? an d at ?Af f in ia Healt h car e. ?I truly enjoy helping every patient ? from someone with a minor ache, like knee pain after a long walk, to more complex cases such as patients with spinal cord injuries. Being part of their care team and supporting their recovery was incredibly rewarding,? Dr. Alayón said. ?Logan does a great job of incorporating evidence-based thinking into its program, and if you want to help people, the DC program is a great way to start.?

While at Affinia Healthcare, she learned about a? chiropractic fellowship?at the?M edical College of Wiscon sin (M CW). The fellowship is a one-year, full-time faculty position housed in the Department of Neurosurgery and is designed to provide fellows with advanced training as a spine and musculoskeletal-focused member of an

interdisciplinary healthcare team. ?I talked about the fellowship with Logan Health Center clinicians Kelsey Lewis, DC (?17); Leslie Reece, DC, MS (?19), DACBSP; and Jevinne Khan, DC (?20), and they encouraged me to apply,? she said. ?I really liked the collaborative approach I experienced during clinicals and after additional research into the fellowship, I realized the two were very similar.?

Dr. Alayón is the second chiropractic fellow and Logan graduate to hold the position at the MCW. Au br ian n a Jon es, DC (?23) was the first during the 2024-25 academic year and provided guidance and mentorship during the program transition support that Dr. Alayón says she?s deeply grateful to have had.

Aside from providing hands-on treatments, Dr. Alayón enjoys guiding patients to the right resources connecting them with the providers and services that best fit their needs. ?Being part of an integrated team allows me to learn how to ensure every patient receives comprehensive, evidence-based care,?she said. ?They?ve been incredibly supportive and truly created a positive and encouraging learning environment from day one.?

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M u lt iple Academ ics at t h e Depar t m en t of Ch ir opr act ic, M acqu ar ie Un iver sit y, ach ieve Academ ic Pr om ot ion Effective January 2026, four staff from M acqu ar ie Un iver sit y ?s Depar t m en t of Ch ir opr act ic earned academic promotions, reflecting the department?s excellence in education and research and outstanding academic contributions. Promotions at Macquarie University follow a rigorous process involving a detailed written application, expert reviews, and an interview with senior faculty members. The following academics achieved promotion.

Pr of essor Rosem ar y Giu r iat o Rosemary?s promotion to full Professor recognises more than 35 years of leadership and innovation in chiropractic education at Macquarie University. As Head of Depar t m en t f or 13 year s, an d Dir ect or of Clin ics for 16, she has driven transformative change by strengthening research culture, curriculum design, accreditation, and interprofessional collaboration. Her leadership is recognised nationally and internationally through roles with key organisations, global partnerships, and initiatives supporting First Nations health and graduate employment. Rosemary has introduced sector-leading assessment methods, led curriculum reviews, and embedded research into learning. Her contributions to accreditation and policy have shaped national standards, while her PhD and collaborations have advanced anatomy

education. Through visionary leadership, she has elevated chiropractic?s reputation globally.

Associat e Pr of essor Hazel Jen k in s Hazel, a chiropractor with over 20 years of clinical experience, has been an academic in Macquarie University?s Department of Chiropractic since 2013. As cou r se dir ect or of t h e M ast er of Ch ir opr act ic pr ogr am , she leads curriculum design and facilitates student success, and also leads radiology units. Hazel leads impactful research on low back pain, with >50 peer reviewed publications, $6M in grants, and supervision of >10 graduate research students. Her promotion reflects outstanding contributions, including leading multidisciplinary collaborations, systematic reviews, curriculum standards, and clinical resources for primary care.

She redesigned the Master ?s curriculum and received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor ?s Learning and Teaching Innovation Award for advancing clinical decision-making skills, strengthening the department?s academic standing nationally and internationally.

Associat e Pr of essor Ir in a Dedova Irina, Disciplin e Lead in An at om y, brings >25 years of experience teaching Anatomy and Physiology across leading Australian universities.

She oversees multiple units for >2,000 students annually, driving curriculum innovation and student-centred learning. Her leadership has

93 EDUCATION NEWS transformed traditional teaching into interactive models that enhance engagement and success.

Recognised with the 2023 Vice-Chancellor ?s Student-Nominated Award and a Senior Fellowship of Advanced Higher Education, Irina has introduced high-impact strategies, mentored academic teams, and led digital transformation. She has advanced national radiology training standards and published 38 peer-reviewed papers. Her current research focuses on educational practices and curriculum quality, shaping future-ready graduates and elevating anatomy education globally.

Dr Ch r ist oph er Agiu s, Sen ior Lect u r er Chris has spent nearly two decades shaping future chiropractors at Macquarie University. He con ven es f ive post gr adu at e u n it s, leads a t eam

.

of 24 session al academ ics, an d over sees lear n in g f or >300 st u den t s an n u ally. During COVID, he produced >300 videos to maintain teaching quality of practical skills. Beyond teaching, Chris secured AUD$300K in advanced x-ray equipment and introduced tools like Onform? video analysis and force-sensing tables to enhance performance. He established First Nations outreach programs and partnerships with Australian Unity for placements and scholarships.

By integrating real-world case studies and business insights, Chris prepares students for successful careers while driving innovation in facilities, technology, and community engagement.

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Pr of essor Ch r ist in a Cu n lif f e Aw ar ded OBE f or Ser vices t o Ch ir opr act ic an d Healt h Edu cat ion The World Federation of Chiropractic warmly congratulates Professor Christina Cunliffe on being awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the United Kingdom?s national honours system.

The OBE is one of the United Kingdom?s most recognised civilian honours, awarded on behalf of the King to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to public life. It is granted to people whose work has delivered sustained impact at national or international level, often through leadership, innovation, and service that benefits communities and society more broadly.

Professor Cunliffe, the Principal of the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, with campuses in the UK, Madrid and Hong Kong, has been recognised for her services to chiropractic and health education, reflecting a distinguished career dedicated to advancing professional standards, strengthening evidence-informed practice, and supporting the development of high-quality healthcare education.?

Her work has helped shape the learning environment for future chiropractors and contributed to wider conversations about patient safety, professionalism, and excellence in healthcare delivery.

Across her academic and professional leadership roles, Professor Cunliffe has consistently championed collaboration between chiropractic and other health professions, between educators and regulators, and between institutions committed to improving clinical education and outcomes. Her contribution has been marked by a commitment to raising expectations, promoting ethical practice, and supporting the evolving role of chiropractic within modern, integrated healthcare systems.

This honour not only a recognizes Professor Cunliffe?s individual achievement, but also reflects the growing importance of chiropractic education and professional regulation in improving patient care. It highlights the value of sustained service to the profession and to the public.

The WFC extends its sincere congratulations to Professor Cunliffe on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for the leadership and dedication she has shown throughout her career.

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Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic an n ou n ces Cabin et -level Leader sh ip Tr an sit ion in In st it u t ion al Advan cem en t Bar bar a M elbou r n e, J.D. r et ir es af t er a car eer in Ph ilan t h r opy, Clar e Th om pson , CFRE n am ed New Vice Ch an cellor DAVENPORT, Iow a ? Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic announced today that Bar bar a M elbou r n e, J.D., vice chancellor for institutional advancement, will retire at the end of January following a distinguished career in higher education and nonprofit advancement. The College also announced that Clar e Th om pson , CFRE, has been appointed as Palmer ?s next vice chancellor for institutional advancement.

Melbourne has served Palmer College for nearly a decade and has been a driving force behind the institution?s most successful fundraising and engagement efforts in history, most notably the historic $30.2 million ?Dar in g an d Dr iven? campaign that drove major capital improvements and endowment growth for the College and its two campuses. Under her leadership, Palmer strengthened its culture of philanthropy, expanded alumni and donor engagement, and clarified a bold institutional narrative centered on Palmer ?s mission of advancing a world of unlimited health and human potential. ?Barb?s impact on Palmer College is profound and lasting,?said Den n is M ar ch ior i, D.C., Ph .D., chancellor and CEO. ?She is a rare leader who combines strategic excellence with deep humanity.

Her work has advanced this institution and inspired belief in our mission, our future, and in the people who make Palmer what it is. We are deeply grateful for her service and leadership.?

Melbourne?s influence extends beyond campaign success to mentorship, team development, and national leadership within the advancement profession. Her retirement marks the conclusion of a career defined by purpose, integrity, and transformational leadership. ?It has been an

extraordinary honor to serve Palmer College,?

Melbourne said. ?This institution, its alumni, and its mission have meant so much to me. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and deeply grateful for the relationships that have shaped my time here.

Palmer?s future is bright, and I look forward to cheering it on in the years ahead.?

Succeeding Melbourne is Clar e Th om pson , CFRE, an experienced advancement leader with more than 20 years in fundraising and alumni relations.

Thompson previously served at Palmer as executive director of advancement, where she played a central role in the ?Dar in g an d Dr iven? campaign and significantly increased philanthropic support and alumni participation. Most recently, she served as vice president for advancement, alumni relations, and athletics at Western Illinois University. ?Clare brings exceptional experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a collaborative leadership style,?Marchiori said. ?She understands Palmer, she understands advancement, and she understands the importance of aligning generosity

96 EDUCATION NEWS with mission. We are confident she is the right leader to build on Barb?s legacy and guide Palmer?s advancement efforts forward.?

Thompson is excited to hit the ground running, filled with gratitude for the opportunity to return to Palmer and work with alumni and donors to move the College?s strategic priorities forward. ?Palmer College holds a special place in my heart,?

Thompson said. ?I am honored to step into this role and continue to grow generosity and alumni participation. I look forward to working with alumni, donors, and partners to advance Palmer?s mission and support the students and communities we serve.?

The transition reflects Palmer College?s commitment to continuity, mission-driven leadership, and sustained philanthropic growth as the institution continues to shape the future of chiropractic education and healthcare. ?The work of engaging alumni in the future of our great institution is both deeply meaningful and critically important to our future, and I?m excited for what?s next,?Marchiori added.

Abou t Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic: Palm er College of Ch ir opr act ic is the world?s first and largest chiropractic college. We lead with world-class education, groundbreaking research, and hands-on training. We create the next generation of clinicians, prepared to advance patient care, relieve pain, and improve lives ? without the use of drugs or surgery.

Par k er Sem in ar s An n ou n ces Las Vegas 2026, Feb. 26?28 at Caesar s For u m Th r ee days of lear n in g, leader sh ip, an d in n ovat ion as Par k er Sem in ar s m ar k s 75 year s. Regist r at ion is open .

Parker Seminars announces its flagship conference, Parker Seminars Las Vegas 2026, that will take place February 26?28, 2026, at the Caesars Forum Event Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The milestone gathering celebrates 75 years of Parker Seminars and invites attendees to Kairos ?Own your moment? through a three?day program designed for healthcare, fitness, wellness, and business professionals. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com) Headlining speakers will bring cross?disciplinary insight across brand building, longevity, human performance, medicine, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Confirmed keynotes include:

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Gary Vaynerchuk, entrepreneur and investor Rhonda Patrick, a scientist focused on evidence?based health and nutrition Andy Galpin, human performance scientist William Li, physician, scientist, and bestselling author Steven Bartlett, entrepreneur and host of The Diary of a CEO William E. Morgan, president of Parker University

February 2, 2026, subject to availability. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com)

Call to action Register: lasvegas.parkerseminars.com. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com) Hotel: Book through the official Harrah?s link on the event site to access discounted rates. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com)

These voices will be joined by a robust faculty of clinical, business, and performance experts. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com)

Questions: AskParkerSeminars@Parker.edu or 888?727?5338. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com)

Across three days, attendees can expect mainstage keynotes and 35+ speakers in hands?on breakouts, and an interactive Expo Hall that showcases innovations advancing patient outcomes, performance, practice growth, and operational excellence. Continuing education opportunities are available for doctors and other licensed healthcare professionals.

Founded 75 years ago by Dr. James W. Parker, Parker Seminars has grown from a small gathering into one of the most recognized events in chiropractic and beyond, serving a global community across healthcare, wellness, fitness, leadership, and business. The organization remains grounded in Parker Principles and a commitment to education, innovation, and service. (lasvegas.parkerseminars.com)

Registration is open now with flexible options for clinicians, teams, students, and general attendees.

Pricing tiers include All Access and CE?inclusive options, student access, and group packages.

To simplify travel, Parker Seminars has secured an exclusive hotel partnership with Harrah?s Las Vegas, connected directly to Caesars Forum via the FORUM sky bridge and the LINQ Monorail Station. Discounted room rates are available through

About Parker Seminars

About Parker University Parker University, based in Dallas, Texas, is a leader in healthcare education and the home of Parker Seminars. The university prepares students and professionals to advance health and human performance through academic excellence, research, and service.

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99 EDUCATION NEWS

Parker University Honored as 2025 Great College to Work For® and Recognized as an Honor Roll Institution Parker University is proud to announce that it has been recognized, for the sixth consecutive year, as one of this year?s 76 colleges and universities honored as a 2025 Great College to Work For®.

This distinction is based on direct feedback from the organization?s faculty and staff. Parker University was also named a Great College to Work For® Honor Roll Institution for the fifth year, receiving recognition in nine out of 10 possible categories.

the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country, recognizing colleges with top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies. The Great Colleges to Work For® program recognizes institutions that have successfully created great workplaces and furthered research and understanding of the factors, dynamics, and influences that impact the organizational culture at higher education institutions.

The categories Parker University was recognized for include:

To learn more about Parker University?s latest recognition, visit greatcollegesprogram.com.

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Job Satisfaction and Support Compensation and Benefits Professional Development Mission and Pride Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness Confidence in Senior Leadership Faculty and Staff Well-being Faculty Experience Inclusion, Belonging, and Community

The Great College to Work For® badge of honor helps support Parker University?s efforts to recruit and retain top talent, elevate its institutional brand, and reinforce a strong internal culture. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition comes from employee feedback.

The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of

About Parker University Parker University, the fastest-growing college in Dallas and the fourth-fastest-growing in Texas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker as Parker College of Chiropractic. Today, the university serves over 2,300 students and offers more than 25 accredited academic programs and certificates, including its flagship?Doctor of Chiropractic?program, which is home to the second-largest chiropractic cohort in the world. Parker University also leads in innovation with master?s degrees in?Clinical Neuroscience,?Strength and Human Performance, and?Functional Nutrition. Recently, Parker University launched its new Human Performance Center, led by Andy Galpin. Additionally, five new board-approved programs are set to launch soon.

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Parker University President Dr. William E. Morgan has been elected as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) Established in 1989 and led by its Board of Directors, the ACC advances chiropractic education by supporting its members to educate future doctors, increasing awareness of the rewards and satisfaction of a chiropractic education, attracting a more diverse student body, and promoting innovation and quality in healthcare through chiropractic education, research, and service. The ACC is committed to supporting its members in advancing excellence in chiropractic education, leading to the delivery of evidence-informed, quality, patient-centered care and the health and well-being of communities.

Parker University proudly congratulates Dr. Morgan for this honor! For additional information about the ACC, go to chirocolleges.org.

About Parker University Parker University, the fourth-fastest growing college in Texas and the fastest-growing college in Dallas, was founded in 1982 by Dr. James William Parker (formerly Parker College of Chiropractic). Today, Parker University has more than 2,100 students and more than 35 academic programs,?including its renowned chiropractic program, as well as master?s degrees in clinical neuroscience, strength and human performance, and functional nutrition. Currently, Parker University has the second-largest chiropractic cohort of any campus worldwide. Parker University has been recognized as an Honor Roll Institution by Great Colleges to Work For®, one of the 25 Fastest-Growing Colleges in the U.S., as a recipient of the FutureEdge 50 Awards, and as a Best Texas Online College by Forbes.

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Highlights from the Process of Integrating Evidence (PIE) Conference From November 6?8, 2025, Parker University in Dallas, Texas hosted the 5th bi-annual Process of Integrating Evidence (PIE) conference, bringing together complementary and integrative health (CIH) educators and administrators for three days of highly interactive, evidence-based learning. Held in-person for the first time in Dallas, PIE 2025 continued the conference?s tradition of equipping chiropractic and CIH faculty with practical tools to integrate research into classroom, clinic, and curriculum, modeled after McMaster University's week-long Evidence-Based Clinical Workshop. This year, the conference embraced the spirit of Ted Lasso, encouraging attendees to stay ?curious, not judgmental? as they explored new approaches to teaching and learning.

Co-organized with the Association of Chiropractic Colleges, PIE 2025 featured small-group teaching tracks, hands-on workshops, and an administrative leadership stream focused on sustaining evidence-based practice (EBP) within educational programs. Plenary sessions led by multidisciplinary experts, including Drs. Stites, Wilks, Vining, Hartlieb, and Coulter, guided participants through real-world challenges such as teaching critical appraisal skills, embedding guidelines into clinical education, and supporting faculty who are new to EBP. A central theme of the conference was implementation: how to move beyond ?knowing the evidence? to actually transforming learning environments, assessment methods, and patient care behaviors. In workshop-style sessions, attendees mapped out change projects for their home institutions, ranging from revising case-based teaching in student clinics to designing EBP mentorship for early-career faculty. Throughout, participants were encouraged to anchor their plans in patient safety, equity, curiosity, and global best practices, goals closely aligned with the World Federation of Chiropractic?s ongoing emphasis on quality, safety, and evidence-informed care.

By the close of the conference, participants left with concrete action plans, new collaborations, and

renewed energy for advancing evidence-based chiropractic education. PIE 2025 demonstrated how bringing educators together around shared EBP values, and a shared spirit of curiosity, can strengthen curricula, enhance clinical training, and ultimately benefit the patients and communities served by chiropractors worldwide.

PIE 2025 also highlighted the power of partnership.

Support from sponsors, including the NCMIC Foundation (which provided the travel stipends for educators); the Chiropractic Education Research Foundation (CERF); the International Chiropractors Association (ICA); the American Chiropractic Association (ACA); the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE); Clinical Compass; the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC); and Dr. Shawn Thistle, expanded access for faculty who might otherwise be unable to attend and contributed to the overall strength and success of the conference. Looking ahead, PIE organizers are exploring both virtual and in-person programming to further support educators in using emerging tools, including AI, responsibly to source, evaluate, and teach evidence. Keep an eye out for the next PIE event.

By: Dr. Vanessa Morales

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NWHSU Facu lt y M em ber St r en gt h en s M exico?U.S. Ch ir opr act ic Par t n er sh ip Th r ou gh Edu cat ion Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) Assistant Professor Dr. Joel Fugleberg recently represented the university and the U.S. chiropractic profession at an annual chiropractic congress hosted by Universidad Veracruzana in Veracruz, Mexico an institution with deep historical ties to NWHSU. The invitation reflected a long-standing partnership between NWHSU and the Mexican chiropractic profession. Jim McDonald, former Chief Financial Officer at NWHSU, and Dr. John Allenburg, former President, played a significant role in supporting the development of chiropractic education at Universidad Veracruzana. Chiropractic pioneer Dr. Enrique Benet, who spearheaded efforts to legalize chiropractic in Mexico, worked closely with McDonald to establish the program using NWHSU?s curriculum as a framework. In recognition of this history, the university reached out to NWHSU to provide a faculty lecturer for its annual congress.

On the first day, Dr. Fugleberg lectured on ?the prevalence of low back pain, the structure and function of the lumbar and pelvic regions, and common conditions affecting the lumbopelvic spine,? including diagnosis and treatment strategies. He emphasized, ?A key thesis in my presentation was the vital role chiropractors play in managing low back pain. We provide education to our patients, we provide hope and we provide movement-based care.?

He concluded the day with a breakout session based on case studies and shared, ?I was told by the faculty there that this was a very beneficial exercise for their students.?On the second day, he led a workshop where participants practiced ?common orthopedic tests, static and motion palpation of the pelvis,?and ?corrective exercise and rehabilitation for the low back.?

?I volunteered to present at this conference when I learned about it, partly because it was a unique opportunity, and also to do a deeper dive into the subject matter of the courses that I already teach,? shared Dr. Fugleberg.

Dr. Fugleberg presented on ?Low Back Pain: How to Detect its Possible Causes and Correct it,? building directly on the content he teaches at NWHSU in Methods 4: Lumbopelvic Manual Therapy and Clinical Case Studies 1, which focus on managing musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Fugleberg described the personal impact of the experience: ?The people of Mexico couldn?t have been friendlier and warmly welcomed us into their community.?He also noted the profession?s growth, stating that chiropractic in Mexico ?is still very young? and that the country needs ?many more chiropractors to serve their population.?

Looking back, he reflected, ?It was a lot to prepare for, but rewarding to share information to an eager and receptive audience.?

103 EDUCATION NEWS strengthening partnerships, centring community governance and leadership, and aligning evaluation with equity, cultural safety, and real-world service delivery.

?As a 2003 AECC alumni, I?m honoured to share that I have been admitted to Queen?s University?s Doctor of Science (DSc) in Rehabilitation & Health Leadership (RHL) program in May 2025 and proud to be the first chiropractor ever admitted to this program. This milestone is personally meaningful, but it also represents something bigger: a growing recognition that musculoskeletal (MSK) care, implementation science, and health systems leadership belong in the same conversation when we?re serious about improving access, quality, and equity. ???My doctoral work will focus on?health care equity? and?applied implementation outcome research?in? rural, remote, and underserved Indigenous communities, with particular attention to the realities of coastal and geographically isolated settings.

Across many communities, MSK conditions including persistent back and neck pain can quietly erode wellbeing, participation, and livelihoods. Yet access to timely, culturally safe, and locally relevant MSK care is often limited by distance, workforce shortages, fragmented pathways, and inconsistent service funding. ???The heart of my research is practical and accountability-driven: not only?what?care works, but? how?we implement it well together with communities in ways that are sustainable and measurable. I?m especially interested in?implementation outcomes?(for example: acceptability, feasibility, appropriateness, adoption, fidelity, reach, cost, and sustainability) and how these outcomes can be defined and tracked in ways that reflect both health-system realities and Indigenous priorities for success. This includes

I?m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the Queen?s University RHL community. I also want to acknowledge the mentors, colleagues, and community partners who have shaped my thinking and kept the work grounded: equity isn?t a slogan it?s a design requirement. My Dr. Ron G.K. Norman hope is that this HBSc, BSc(Hons), MSc, DC, *DSc(c) doctoral journey helps build stronger, more integrated MSK pathways that communities can trust, use, and ultimately own.

Professor supervisors:?

Primary: Dr Jordan Miller, PhD Co-supervisor: Dr Amrita Roy, MD, PhD

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Dr. Isabelle Pagé Honoured with the University of Québec Excellence in Teaching Award ?

Achievement Category ?Dr. Isabelle Pagé, professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada), has been awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award ? Achievement Category by the University of Québec. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional and innovative accomplishments in university teaching and pedagogy.

video presentation (in French) about her work is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyBq7f2LE4k The award was officially presented during the University of Québec Excellence Gala, held in the city of Québec on October 1, 2025.

The University of Québec is a public university network composed of ten autonomous institutions across the province of Québec, Canada. It is one of the country?s largest higher-education systems, committed to providing accessible, high-quality education and advancing research and innovation across multiple disciplines.

Dr. Pagé received this distinction for the creation and implementation of CHIRO-Force, an innovative peer-mentoring program that integrates advanced technology with pedagogical support to transform the teaching and learning of spinal manipulation techniques within the chiropractic program. The initiative incorporates Force-Sensing Table Technology (FSTT®) ? a state-of-the-art system that provides immediate feedback on applied forces during chiropractic adjustments. By combining this technology with structured peer mentoring and guided supervision, CHIRO-Force has significantly enhanced students?confidence, and understanding of biomechanical principles.

This initiative perfectly embodies the Achievement Category, which honours individuals or teams whose concrete and innovative accomplishments have produced measurable impact on teaching quality and student outcomes. Through CHIRO-Force, Dr. Pagé has elevated the learning experience in chiropractic education, effectively bridging the gap between theory and clinical practice.

Dr. Pagé emphasises that this achievement would not have been possible without the active engagement of the chiropractic program students who serve as peer mentors, and the ongoing support and collaboration of her departmental colleagues. A

Dr. Isabelle Pagé, recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award ? Achievement Category, accompanied by the Rector of UQTR (left) and the President of the University of Québec (right) at the 2025 Excellence Gala. Photo credit: Simon Clark Photographe

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RCC Launches Chiropractic Patient Incident Reporting and Learning System (CPiRLS) Platform Th e Royal College of Ch ir opr act or s (RCC) is delighted to announce the launch of its new Chiropractic Patient Incident Reporting and Learning System (CPiRLS)platform www.cpirls.com for practitioners,alongside its sister CPiRLS4S, www.cpirls4s.com,designed specifically for students.

CPiRLS is a secure and anonymous incident reporting and learning system.Chiropractors use this platform to share and learn from past and potential incidents, so the whole profession can identify potential risks and improve patient safety.

CPiRLS is a safe and secure space for reporting

safety incidents. This enables it to be used to focus on learning, and similar systems are used across all healthcare professions, helping everyone to work together to make care safer for every patient.

By reporting safety incidents, near misses and potential risks, the profession can work together to identify trends, improve practice and enhance patient safety. Every safety incident reported contributes to our shared knowledge and supports a culture of openness and learning.

The RCC shares access with its members and has a licensing agreement with the Eu r opean Ch ir opr act ic Un ion for their members to have

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access to the platform. A new agreement with the Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion of Alber t a is now providing access to their members for the next year to trial and research clinician engagement.

CPiRLS-4S (for students)was also developed and works in the same way as CPiRLS except that access is for students only. Each participating university has its own access and safety incidents that are uploaded are moderated by teaching staff to ensure that they fulfil the necessary criteria for data sharing.

The CPiRLS database is reviewed regularly by the CPiRLS development team, a group of academics and clinicians with an interest in patient safety.

Where trends are identified, guidance is produced in the form of Safer Practice Notices, which are shared to benefit the wider profession.

The most recent Safer Practices Notices can be accessed at https://rcc-uk.org/quality-safety/cpirls/ and cover the following topics:

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Redu cin g t h e r isk of f alls f r om a ch ir opr act ic t r eat m en t t able Redu cin g t h e r isk of r ib f r act u r e Redu cin g r isk s associat ed w it h discon t in u it y of pat ien t car e Redu cin g t h e r isk of pelvic gir dle post t r eat m en t pain an d/ or br u isin g Redu cin g t h e r isk of h ar m associat ed w it h pat ien t syn cope Redu cin g t h e r isk of m issin g a ser iou s u n der lyin g pat h ology issu ed.

The CPiRLS platform can be accessed directly from the RCC website,The Royal College of Chiropractors or using the URL www.cpirls.com.

The student site can be found at www.cpirls4s.com. If you would like more information or would like to explore access to CPiRLS for your organisation, then please contact the Royal College of Ch ir opr act or s viaadmin@rcc-uk.org.

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CCRF Im pact Updat e 2025 ? Br ief Su m m ar y The CCRF Im pact Updat e 2025 highlights a milestone year of innovation, partnerships, and expanding research capacity within Can ada?s ch ir opr act ic com m u n it y. This edition celebrates the legacy of Dr . Gr eg Kaw ch u k , whose lifelong commitment to mentorship and scientific excellence continues to inspire new generations of researchers. CCRF?s growing support for emerging leaders is reflected in achievements such as Dr .

Ast r id DeSou za?s recent PhD completion and the expansion of student volunteer engagement.

A key highlight of the year is CCRF?s $125,000 m at ch edf u n din g par t n er sh ip w it h t h e Can adian In st it u t e f or M ilit ar y an d Vet er an s Healt h Resear ch , strengthening national collaboration in musculoskeletal (MSK) and military health research. The update also showcases CCRF?s strategic entry into Artificial Intelligence?enhanced research, including a new project with Acadia University examining how machine learning can transform MSK knowledge discovery.

Additional features include new governance leadership, expanded RFPsupported research, the Wen dy Por t er M em or ial Resear ch Gr an t par t n er sh ip, advances in diagnostic imaging advocacy, and national conference engagement.

Together, these initiatives underscore CCRF?s commitment to accelerating evidenceinformed care and supporting the researchers shaping the future of MSK health.

Read the full CCRF Impact Update 2025 here: [Insert Link] Su per ch ar gin g Resear ch Fu n din g ? Th e $125,000 Solu t ion Think of chiropractic research as a car that?s ready to make a trip. CCRF provides the charge for this car. If we don?t plug in we can?t move forward.

If we give this same car a supercharge it can go farther and faster. That?s what CCRF does when we sign partnerships, as smart collaborations helps us boost funding to fuel more research.

Our latest ?su per ch ar ged par t n er sh ip? is w it h t h e Can adian In st it u t e f or M ilit ar y an d Vet er an s Healt h Resear ch (CIM VHR). In the past 15 years they?ve built a network of 46 Canadian universities who work together to address the health research requirements of the military, Veterans and their families. The institute acts as a conduit between the academic community and research funding organizations, so they?ve connected with CCRF and made a generous offer to provide $125,000 in matching funding over the next two years!

This is terrific news ? made even better by the fact CCRF has created a sector plan designed to support Military & Veteran health research. This is an attractive area for granting, as government spending in Canada is planned to grow by at least $8 billion?in the next?5 years. In this environment there?s a pressing need for studies addressing health protection and care across the life course of those who serve the country.

With a population of 60,600 military families, 71,500 primary force members, 30,000 reserve force members and 639,900 Veterans, there is an essential need for our profession to collaborate with prestigious partners to advance the wellbeing of armed forces personnel. At the annual CIM VHR For u m in Ot t aw a t h is Oct ober , we?ll put our ideas into action by announcing this new research funding relationship to 1,000 delegates, demonstrating chiropractors are ready to stand strong and free to support research that makes an impact.

Do you h ave a par t n er sh ip/ f u n din g idea you ?d lik e t o explor e? Please con t act Rober t Har r is, CCRF Execu t ive Dir ect or at r h ar r is@ch ir or esear ch .ca

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Wh o f eels m ost r eassu r ed

w h en con su lt in g a ch ir opr act or ?

Reassurance and confidence-building information are considered central elements in the treatment of low back pain. This includes creating a sense of safety by explaining that the pain is rarely caused by anything serious and that movement is safe.

A new international study, based on data from Dan ish ch ir opr act ic pr act ice and published in the?

Eu r opean Jou r n al of Pain , shows that patients with acute, sub-acute or chronic low back pain experience varying degrees of reassurance during a consultation ? and that this is, to some extent, linked to their background and expectations.

Therefore, the researchers encourage strengthening communication and tailoring it to the individual patient, so that patients with negative expectations receive more targeted support and feel reassured.

Pat ien t s?var yin g exper ien ces The researchers analysed data from more than 2,000 patients with acute (70 %), sub-acute (12.4 %) or chronic (17.6 %) low back pain in the ChiCo cohort, who had attended their first consultation with a chiropractor. After the visit, the patients completed a questionnaire about how much reassurance ? meaning comfort and a sense of safety ? they felt the practitioner had provided.

Based on the collected data, the researchers identified patient characteristics associated with the degree of reassurance experienced during a chiropractic consultation for low back pain and concluded that: Patients with higher pain intensity in the lower back and pain lasting more than four weeks experienced slightly higher levels of reassurance than patients with pain lasting less than four weeks.

Patients with a higher perceived risk of persistent pain, previous imaging for low back pain (in a

chiropractic clinic, in a public hospital, in a private hospital, with a specialist, or abroad), male gender, and higher age experienced slightly lower levels of reassurance.

Dif f er en ces as a gu idin g in dicat or These differences may affect how healthcare professionals communicate with their patients.

The results suggest that either there are some groups chiropractors are less likely to try to reassure and inform, or that some groups find it harder to feel reassured. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into the patient?s understanding and needs, so the clinician can adapt communication to the individual patient.

For m or e det ails, r ead t h e f u ll paper : Anika Young, Adrian C. Traeger, Simon D. French, Alice Kongsted, Mark J. Hancock, Tue S. Jensen, Hazel J. Jenkins. Patient Characteristics Are Associated With Differences in Perceptions of Reassurance After a Consultation for Low Back Pain: Analysis of an Observational Study in Primary Care.?European Journal of Pain?2025. h t t ps:/ / on lin elibr ar y.w iley.com / doi/ 10.1002/ ejp.70098

M yt h s Abou t Back Pain in Older Adu lt s ? Wh at Ch ir opr act or s Need t o Kn ow The health myths keeping older adults in pain and out of action ? and how chiropractors can fight back.

Low back pain (LBP) in older adults is one of the most common and costly health issues ? but also one of the most misunderstood. A new review paper, Ten myths of back pain in older adults that can lead to ineffective and harmful care, by Car lo Am m en dolia, pu blish ed in ?Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies, highlights ten persistent myths that can lead to ineffective and even harmful treatment of older patients.

111 RESEARCH NEWS M yt h s Th at Cost ? Bot h f in an cially an d in Qu alit y of Lif e According to Car lo Am m en dolia, misinformation and outdated beliefs about back pain are major drivers of overtreatment, unnecessary surgeries, and excessive medication use ? all of which can worsen outcomes and reduce quality of life. Many of these myths are perpetuated by media, industry, and even healthcare professionals.

Car lo Am m en dolia points out that these myths also reflect age discrimination tendencies in healthcare. Older adults are often offered more medication and fewer conservative treatments ? despite evidence suggesting the opposite approach is more effective.

Wh at Can Ch ir opr act or s Do? -

Her e ar e som e k ey t ak eaw ays: -

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Back pain is not inevitable with aging.?While common, its prevalence peaks before retirement age and then declines.

Most back pain in older adults is not caused by serious disease.?Less than 5% of cases are due to conditions like cancer or fractures.

Routine imaging is rarely necessary.?MRI and X-ray findings often don?t correlate with symptoms and can lead to overtreatment.

Movement is medicine.?Activity promotes healing, while inactivity worsens pain and function.

Medication should not be the first line of treatment.?Non-pharmacological approaches like exercise and manual therapy are often more effective and safer.

Th e Ch ir opr act or ?s Role: Fr om M yt h -Bu st er t o Ch an ge Agen t The paper urges chiropractors to actively challenge these myths and promote evidence-based care. Th is in clu des: -

Educating patients about what?s normal in aging ? and what?s not.

Avoiding unnecessary imaging and invasive procedures.

Encouraging physical activity and function over fear and avoidance.

Collaborating across disciplines and using biopsychosocial approaches, especially for chronic pain.

A Call t o Com bat Age Bias an d Over m edicalizat ion

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Update your knowledge?on back pain in older adults ? using WHO guidelines and recent research.

Talk to your patients?about their concerns and beliefs ? and help them understand their pain.

Be critical?of habitual practices and overtreatment ? and advocate what works.

For m or e det ails, r ead t h e f u ll paper : Carlo Ammendolia.?Ten myths of back pain in older adults that can lead to ineffective and harmful care.?Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2025. h t t ps:/ / ch ir om t .biom edcen t r al.com / ar t icles/ 10.1186/ s12998-025-00609-9#Tab1

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?In t egr at in g Clin ical Pr act ice an d Resear ch Advan cin g Ch ir opr act ic Scien ce in Br azil an d Beyon d?

From an early age, I recognized my deep empathy and curiosity as guiding forces toward a career in healthcare. Although initially uncertain about which path to follow, this changed the moment I discovered Chiropractic - a very new profession in Brazil which aligned perfectly with my desire to support health through non-invasive, drug-free care. After graduating in Chiropractic from Feevale Un iver sit y in 2008, I soon realized that professional excellence required continuous questioning and learning. This led me to pursue a Specialization in Kinesiology at the Feder al Un iver sit y of Rio Gr an de do Su l (UFRGS), where, in 2010, I was introduced to pioneering chiropractic research conducted by Dr . Walt er Her zog at t h e Un iver sit y of Calgar y.

In 2015, I joined the research group ?Cor po, M ovim en t o e Saú de? at Feevale Un iver sit y.

Motivated by a desire to deepen my understanding of Health and aging I began a Master ?s program in 2017 and later a PhD in 2019, both supported by Brazilian government scholarships. My research contributed to national scientific discussions, and in 2022, our study ?An alysis of t h e r isk of f alls w it h cogn it ive per f or m an ce in su ccessf u l agin g? r eceived t h e An t ôn io Car los Ar aú jo de Sou za Aw ar d at t h e 24t h Con f er en ce of t h e Br azilian Societ y of Ger iat r ics an d Ger on t ology.

Encouraged by my doctoral supervisor, I reached out to Dr . Walt er Her zog in 2020 to propose a six-month research internship. This opportunity became a turning point in my career. From September 2021 to February 2022, I joined his laboratory at the University of Calgary, gaining invaluable experience in biomechanics and chiropractic-related research methods.

After returning to Brazil, I resumed clinical practice while engaging in scientific Publication and

finished my PhD in 2023. In 2024, I published some articles, including ?St r ain of t h e ver t ebr al ar t er y du r in g passive n eck m ovem en t s an d spin al m an ipu lat ion of t h e cer vical spin e: An obser vat ion al st u dy ? in t h e Jou r n al of Bodyw or k & M ovem en t Th er apies w it h Dr .

Walt er Her zog. I also participated in the 9th Brazilian Chiropractic Congress, serving on a roundtable on clinical success and receiving a nomination for the 2024 Chiro?s Choice Awards in the Scientific Contribution category. My work reached international audiences through live presentations and a podcast interview with Dr .

Dean Sm it h on Ch ir opr act ic Scien ce.

Today, as a chiropractor and acupuncturist, I remain committed to advancing evidence-informed, patient-centered care.

Recently, I co-authored a systematic review and meta-analysis on vertebral artery strain published in Clinical Biomechanics, with Dr . Walt er Her zog an d Dr . Felipe Du ar t e. Besides, I contributed to the organization and scientific committee of the I Br azilian Pediat r ic Ch ir opr act ic Sym posiu m .

My journey reflects a commitment to integrating clinical practice and academic research? always with the goal of elevating chiropractic science and transforming lives.

Dr. Caroline Fagundes, DC, MSc, PhD

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A/ PROF Kat ie de Lu ca Appoin t ed as Ch air of t h e FICS Resear ch Com m ission Spor t s ch ir opr act ic has evolved from a niche, practitioner-led discipline to an increasingly research-minded profession, and its trajectory reflects broader trends in evidence-based sport medicine. Early research was largely descriptive and anecdotal, documenting the role of chiropractors at major sporting events and their integration into the athlete care team (1). A major inflection point came when a Delphi study to identify its global research priorities, led by CM CC st u den t M elissa Belch os an d A/ Pr of Alex Lee brought together many sports chiropractic experts to chart a coordinated research agenda (2).

Within this context, the?FICS Resear ch Com m ission ?has become central to the formalization and expansion of sports chiropractic research. According to FICS, the Commission is tasked with promoting and disseminating research, creating a global research agenda, developing guidelines, and building a network of researchers within its membership. In recent years, FICS has formalized its relationships with academic institutions? for instance, signing a memorandum of understanding with CQUn iver sit y Au st r alia to support joint research, injury surveillance, and graduate student projects, and serves as a vehicle for building high-performance research pipelines ahead of major sporting events (such as the Brisbane 2032 Olympics (CQUniversity).

The recent appointment of?Associate Professor Katie de Luca?as Chair of the FICS Resear ch Com m ission marks a significant and exciting shift.

A/Prof de Luca brings strong academic credentials ? she is an experienced researcher in musculoskeletal epidemiology at CQUniversity, has led large, funded projects, and holds several chiropractic leadership roles. In response to a recent call by FICS for members to the Research Commission, we are excited to introduce a globally

representative and skilfully diverse Research Commission that includes: M u st af a Agaoglu (Tu r k ey); Rob Bef f a (Sou t h Af r ica), M elissa Belch os (Can ada), Joel Car m ich ael (USA), Ch iar a Ier adi (Au st r alia); Alex Lee (Can ada), M ick aela Len gw in (USA), Fr esh Pen g Li (Ch in a), Em ile M ar in eau -Bélan ger (Can ada), Clau dio M er k ier (UK), Glen Pat on (Sou t h Af r ica), Alex Alevr as (AUS), Su n sh in e Lau Siew Qin (M alaysia), M ich ael Sw ain (Au st r alia) an d Lou is M ar t in (UK an d 2025 FICS sch olar sh ip w in n er ). Please see a recent screenshot of the first meeting of the FICS Research Commission!

Look in g ah ead: First, we will continue and expand the capture of injury surveillance data at FICS international events. Second, we will learn from existing and successful practice-based research networks in Canada to implement in other countries. Thirdly we will strongly be advocating for academic partnerships and will look to supervise higher-degree research students in the field of sports chiropractic research. A major strength of the current FICS Research Commission is the current capacities to supervise field chiropractors who aspire to undertake research and gain post-doctoral qualifications such as PhDs. Additionally, this group will seek to support existing sports chiropractic research projects through dissemination of their work.

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Ch ir opr act ic Par t icipat ion in WHO Eu r ope?s Wor k f or ce Opt im izat ion In it iat ive: Th e Span ish Con t r ibu t ion In 2025, WHO Europe launched a coordinated effort to document effective strategies for health and care workforce optimization, focusing on service redesign, skill-mix transformation, and digital capability building. Through guidance documents and international briefing sessions, WHO emphasized the need to collect real-world examples illustrating how different sectors? including smaller professions? are adapting to shortages, changing population needs, and growing demands for efficiency and people-centred care.

Workforce optimization is increasingly central to health system planning, and participation in such frameworks allows chiropractic organizations to demonstrate their contribution to musculoskeletal care, their capacity for innovation, and their alignment with international health priorities. By submitting cases to WHO, chiropractic institutions can ensure their work is visible within broader health policy discussions rather than remaining isolated from them.

Spain has responded to this call through the Fu jit ega Fou n dat ion, which prepared and submitted a case study describing its initiatives in both service redesign and digital transformation, consistent with WHO's expectations for reporting structured, evidence-informed workforce innovations.

Digit al In n ovat ion : Th e AppRIQ Plat f or m One of the foundation's principal contributions is the development of AppRIQ, a digital tool designed to support real-world data collection in chiropractic clinics. The platform uses validated questionnaires, automates patient follow-up, and generates outcome reports over time. This aligns directly with WHO priorities that encourage the use of digital tools to reduce administrative burden, improve workforce efficiency, and strengthen data-driven decision-making in clinical settings.

Early implementation shows that clinicians can

integrate the tool into their workflow without added workload, allowing them to participate in research activities even in single-practitioner clinics. This supports WHO's broader aim of making digital transformation accessible to all levels of the workforce, not only large institutions.

Su ppor t in g Ser vice Redesign an d Pat ien t En gagem en t In addition to digital development, the Fujitega Foundation has produced structured patient-education materials, self-management instructions, and communication tools designed for use in chiropractic settings. These resources help standardize explanations and promote clearer patient involvement in decision-making? an area highlighted repeatedly in WHO guidance on service redesign and people-centred care.

The foundation has also initiated several research protocols on temporomandibular disorders, cervical biomechanics, sports performance, and youth concussion. While these projects are still progressing, they illustrate how small organizations can contribute to multidisciplinary and integrated care approaches promoted by WHO Europe.

Developin g Wor k f or ce Capabilit y Educational seminars, workshops, and the ChiroWoman initiative have further supported capability-building within the Spanish chiropractic workforce. These activities promote professional development, communication skills, and engagement with evidence-based practice? elements consistent with WHO's call to strengthen workforce supply, flexibility, and preparedness.

Look in g Ah ead Continued collaboration and data collection will help integrate chiropractic more fully into international workforce discussions and provide a clearer picture of its potential contributions to musculoskeletal health.

Submitted by: Ricardo Fujikawa

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Global Recogn it ion f or Ch ir opr act ic Pat ien t Saf et y Resear ch Th e WFC Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive (GPSI) is a catalyst within the chiropractic profession, advancing a pivotal shift from reactive responses to harm toward a proactive, evidence-informed, safety culture that places patient safety at the center of every clinical interaction. The GPSI was created by the WFC Research Committee in 2023 to support the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Patient Safety Action Plan, which focuses on eliminating avoidable harm in healthcare.

Following our ?Call to Action? [2], the WFC-GPSI recognized the need for a foundational understanding of the profession?s current research landscape.

The importance of patient safety in chiropractic was highlighted at the 2025 WFC Biennial Congress in Copenhagen where the NCMIC-JMPT Research Award was awarded to Dr. Debbie S. Wright for ?Patient safety culture research within the chiropractic profession: a scoping review?, signaling growing global recognition of patient safety as a defining imperative for the profession?s future.?

[1] .

Th is com pr eh en sive scopin g r eview w as pu blish ed in Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies as the inaugural article in its ?Pat ien t Saf et y in Ch ir opr act ic Car e an d M an u al Th er apies? special collection. The authors synthesized findings from 65 articles and revealed significant insights: -

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Performance and Processes Studies Lead the Way: Most patient safety research in chiropractic focuses on safety performance (95% of included studies), such as the incidence and reporting of adverse events, and safety processes (81%), such as clinical decision-making protocols.

The Values Gap: Only 23% of studies explored patient safety beliefs and values

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among chiropractors and students with few papers including patients or families. Understanding how chiropractors think about patient safety is essential, as these attitudes shape behaviors necessary for sustained cultural change.

Opportunities for Future Action: The review identified pressing research gaps in policy development, high-reliability systems, patient engagement and interprofessional collaboration, all of which must be addressed to optimally align the profession with the WHO global strategic objectives.

Dr . Wr igh t , a pr act icin g ch ir opr act or an d f or m er Ch air of t h e Can adian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (CCA) Boar d of Dir ect or s, con du ct ed t h is r eview u n der t h e m en t or sh ip of Dr . Kat h er in e A. Poh lm an (Ch air , WFC GPSI). Dr. Wright is commended for leading an international collaboration with co-authors from Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. These findings provide an essential evidence base to guide the WFC GPSI?s strategic direction and support the chiropractic community?s continued evolution toward a global culture of patient safety.

1.

Wright DS, Kleppe M, Coleman BC, Funabashi M, Ferguson AG, Brown R, et al. Patient safety culture research within the chiropractic profession: a scoping review. Chiropr Man Ther.

2025 Oct 21;33(1):46.

2.

Coleman BC, Rubinstein SM, Salsbury SA, Swain M, Brown R, Pohlman KA. The World Federation of Chiropractic Global Patient Safety Task Force: a call to action. Chiropr Man Ther. 2024 May 13;32(1):15, s12998-024-00536?1.

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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 ?

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USA The American Chiropractor ? USA

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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

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THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT

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THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT Kopansky-Giles Deborah, DC - Canada

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WANTTOMAKEADIFFERENCETOYOUR PROFESSION?CONSIDERBECOMINGAN INDIVIDUALSUPPORTEROFTHEWFC TODAY! FORINFORMATION,CONTACTUSAT INFO@ WFC.ORG

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