QWR2026C

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Quarterly World Report JULY 2026

WFC at WHA79 Advancing Chiropractic's Voice in Global Health

(Dr John Maltby, Dr Rebekah Wilks, Dr Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Dr Ryan Coster)

"WFC is clearly seen by WHO as a significant contributor to helping promote health equity, access to care, and addressing global health challenges." Dr Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Chair of the WFC Committee on International Relations

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3 PRESIDENT'S M ESSAGE

Bu ildin g t h e Fu t u r e of Ch ir opr act ic: Global Pr ogr ess, Edu cat ion al Excellen ce an d Sh ar ed Pu r pose education remains the cornerstone upon which the future of chiropractic will be built.

Across many parts of the world, chiropractic continues to seek legislative recognition and professional regulation. As we advocate for these important advancements, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to educational excellence and high professional standards.

Strong educational frameworks not only safeguard the public but also provide the credibility and foundation necessary for governments and policymakers to recognize chiropractic as an essential component of modern healthcare systems.

Dr Ryan Coster, WFC President

Dear Colleagues, As I reflect on the remarkable momentum being experienced across our global profession, I am filled with optimism about the future of chiropractic and pride in what we are collectively achieving through the World Federation of Chiropractic.

Recently, the WFC Boar d of Dir ect or s con ven ed in Tok yo, Japan , for a productive series of meetings that highlighted the growing influence of chiropractic on the world stage. Alongside our Board meetings, we were privileged to participate in the Asian Ch ir opr act ic Su m m it , bringing together leaders, educators and representatives from across the region.

These discussions served as a powerful reminder that while our profession has made significant progress in many jurisdictions, considerable work remains to ensure that people everywhere have access to safe, evidence-based chiropractic care delivered by appropriately educated and regulated practitioners.

One message emerged with absolute clarity:

During our time in Japan, the WFC was honoured to engage with sen ior polit ical leader s and influential stakeholders regarding the advancement of chiropractic within the Japanese healthcare landscape. The enthusiasm and openness demonstrated by our Japanese colleagues and political counterparts provide genuine reason for optimism and reinforce our belief that meaningful progress can be achieved through collaboration, persistence and diplomacy.

The conversations held in Tokyo also reinforced a broader truth: the future of chiropractic will increasingly be shaped by our ability to work together across borders, cultures and healthcare systems. To fulfill our potential, we must continue investing in educational development, leadership cultivation, research advancement and interprofessional collaboration.

It is therefore with great excitement that I encourage all members of the global chiropractic community to join us at the upcoming WFC Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce in Ut r ech t , Net h er lan ds, f r om 14?17 Oct ober 2026. This conference will provide an exceptional opportunity for educators, researchers, regulators

4 PRESIDENT'S M ESSAGE cont'd and professional leaders to exchange ideas, advance educational innovation and help shape the future direction of chiropractic education.

Looking beyond Utrecht, preparations for the 2027 WFC Con gr ess in Van cou ver , Can ada, M ay 5-8, 2027, are also progressing exceptionally well. This will serve as a global celebration of our profession, showcasing leading scientific developments and inspiring the next generation of chiropractic leadership.

I am also pleased to report that the Board of Directors has formally launched the search for the Feder at ion?s n ext Secr et ar y-Gen er al. This important leadership position will play a critical role in advancing the WFC?s mission and strengthening our global partnerships. In this regard, I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr.

John Maltby for his dedicated service as Interim Secretary-General since October 2025.

As we move forward together, let us remain ambitious in our vision and enduring in our principles. The future of chiropractic is not something that will simply happen - it is something we are actively creating together and I invite you to be part of this journey.

Together, let us continue to elevate our profession, expand our global impact and ensure that chiropractic remains a respected, trusted and indispensable contributor to the health and well-being of communities around the world.

With warm regards and unwavering optimism, Sincerely, Dr Ryan Coster, WFC President

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WFC Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce 2026 w ill Br in g Toget h er t h e Wor ld?s Ch ir opr act ic Com m u n it y in Ut r ech t , Net h er lan ds -

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

The chiropractic profession will come together in Utrecht, the Netherlands, from October 14?17, 2026, for the 13th World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Global Education Conference. Hosted by the WFC in partnership with the Netherlands Chiropractors Association, the conference will be held at the Royal Jaarbeurs Convention Center and will focus on the theme Lifelong Learning: Advancing Chiropractic Education for the Future.

Recognized as the leading international forum for chiropractic education, the conference will bring together educators, researchers, administrators, regulators, accrediting bodies, professional associations, industry partners, and practicing chiropractors from around the world. Through keynote presentations, plenary sessions, workshops, and research presentations, participants will explore how the profession can strengthen educational standards and prepare future generations of practitioners and leaders.

The 2026 program will examine topics including lifelong learning, professional resilience, mentorship, technological innovation, reflective practice, and the development of educational cultures that support continuous improvement and evidence-informed care. Attendees will have opportunities to exchange ideas, build new collaborations, and learn from experts representing a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

While education remains the central focus, the conference is designed for more than academic leaders. Practicing chiropractors will benefit from sessions dedicated to professional development, leadership, and the future direction of the profession. Participants can earn up to 20 professional development hours while gaining practical insights that can be applied in clinical practice.

A key outcome of the conference will be the development of a consensus document outlining lifelong learning competencies for the chiropractic profession. These recommendations are expected to help inform accreditation standards, guide curriculum development, support continuing education programs, and assist chiropractors in planning their own professional growth throughout their careers.

Beyond the conference program, Utrecht provides an ideal setting for international visitors. With its historic city centre, vibrant cultural atmosphere, and convenient access through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the city offers excellent opportunities for networking and collaboration.

As healthcare continues to evolve, the WFC Global Education Conference 2026 will provide a valuable opportunity for the profession to reflect, innovate, and help shape the future of chiropractic education and practice worldwide.

For more information and registration details, visit www.wfc.org/ wfc-edconf-2026.

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11 INTERIM SECRETARY-GENERAL'S M ESSAGE

Leader sh ip, Legacy, an d t h e Fu t u r e of t h e WFC Once again comes that time to recap what has happened at the WFC in the past quarter. I must say that it has been one of the busiest and most productive times since I have taken this position.

I will be mainly highlighting most of the events as there will be more detailed accounts further on in the QWR. I started my travels attending the CCA Annual Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The energy generated throughout the conference was amazing. I had the opportunity to meet with several key people, among my favorites, Jean Moss and Vince Sinclair with World Spine Care.

True giants of the profession. While there I was able to promote Vancouver Congress 2027. Hats off to Ayla Azad and her team for an unforgettable experience.

The next week it was off to Zurich, Switzerland for the ECU Annual. Again, what a great time. I was able to update the ECU Board on WFC happenings around the world. Great reports from many countries, most notably Greece, which announced the opening of a new chiropractic program beginning in October in Athens. This is being accomplished through a partnership with AECC. As the demand for chiropractic education grows, similar opportunities will hopefully continue. Again, I was able to promote both the Education Conference in the Netherlands in October as well as Vancouver Congress 2027. Thanks to Espen Ohren and his team for making us feel so welcome.

In case you thought I was done, the next week I travelled to Malaysia for a site visit. Loved the food but the highlight had to be meeting with the Deputy Minister. Those of you who have been involved in these types of meetings understand it is usually 15 minutes, a handshake, photo op, then out the door. Not this time. I was able to spend nearly an hour letting him tell his story about the health care in Malaysia. As a cardiologist, he was acutely aware of challenges we face. I was able to bring to the conversation how chiropractic could help. I was most appreciative of the time we spent together and very pleased that a short time later he asked his staff to get the correct spelling of my name. I found out that the next day he had a video produced and sent to government officials about our visit.

Our next stop was Tokyo for the annual Board meeting, where I was impressed by the dedication and experience of our new Board members as they work to advance the WFC vision. I also shared that I will not be applying for the SecretaryGeneral position. After nearly 50 years of leadership service to chiropractic, my family felt it was time for me to step back. I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. To everyone who has been part of this journey? thank you, and above all, thank Him.

Next stop Geneva for the World Health Assembly. Our team of six was in full-time mode the entire time. There are at least two reports following that will give you an extremely detailed report. Suffice it to say a great big thank you to Deb Kopansky-Giles for the effort to make this one of the most productive WHA?s for the WFC ever.

Dr John Maltby, WFC Interim Secretary-General

12 SECRETARIAT M ESSAGE

Fr om Gen eva t o Tok yo: A Bu sy Qu ar t er f or t h e WFC The second quarter of 2026 has been a dynamic and highly productive period for the WFC Secretariat, marked by significant governance activity, international engagement, strategic planning, and operational delivery. With a new Board term commencing, major global events taking place, and several flagship initiatives progressing simultaneously, the Secretariat has remained focused on supporting strong governance, strengthening organizational systems, and advancing the Federation's global mission.

Immediately following the Board meeting, the Secretariat supported the planning and delivery of the WFC Asia Summit 2026, hosted by the Japanese Chiropractors Association. The Summit provided valuable opportunities for dialogue with member associations and regional leaders while strengthening collaboration across Asia. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Japanese Chiropractors Association for its outstanding leadership, hospitality, and commitment to advancing the profession throughout the region.

Welcom in g t h e 2026?2028 Boar d of Dir ect or s

Advan cin g Edu cat ion an d Global Even t s

A major milestone during Q2 was the successful onboarding of the new WFC Board of Directors and support for the Board's first meeting of the 2026?2028 term in Tokyo, Japan. Extensive preparation was undertaken to ensure directors were equipped with the resources, policies, governance information, and background materials necessary to begin their term effectively.

The Secretariat coordinated onboarding sessions, board documentation, travel arrangements, and the development of an enhanced SharePoint resource environment to improve access to governance materials and organizational information.

Preparations for the 13th WFC Global Education Conference in Utrecht, the Netherlands, continued at pace throughout the quarter. Work progressed across scientific programming, workshop review, accreditation requirements, marketing, and event logistics. Promotional activities have expanded globally as the profession looks ahead to this landmark event in October 2026.

Global En gagem en t an d In t er n at ion al Repr esen t at ion Q2 featured significant international engagement on behalf of the profession. The WFC delegation participated in the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where representatives engaged with WHO programs, Member States, and strategic partners on issues including rehabilitation, health workforce development, healthy ageing, primary health care, and musculoskeletal health. The Assembly further strengthened the WFC's relationships within WHO and reinforced chiropractic's contribution to global health policy discussions.

Planning for the 19th WFC Biennial Congress in Vancouver, Canada, also advanced significantly, with the Executive Planning Committee fully engaged and promotional activities underway. At the same time, the Secretariat managed the 2029 Congress bid process, supporting candidate destinations and coordinating presentations to the Board during the Tokyo meeting.

World Spine Day preparations moved from planning into implementation, with campaign development, sponsorship discussions, and global communications activities continuing to build momentum toward October.

St r en gt h en in g Oper at ion s, Syst em s, an d Gover n an ce Behind the scenes, the Secretariat continued to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance processes.

13 SECRETARIAT M ESSAGE Significant work was completed to enhance SharePoint functionality, improve access controls, refine data governance practices, and support cybersecurity oversight. Development also continued on the WFC Observatory initiative, aimed at strengthening the Federation's ability to gather, manage, and respond to global profession data more effectively.

OUR PEOPLE WFC BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2026-28)

Ryan Cost er (Pr esiden t ) North American Region Holly Tu ck er (Vice-Pr esiden t )

Committee activity continued to expand across research, rehabilitation, education, and international relations, requiring increased coordination and support while ensuring alignment with the WFC Strategic Plan. Financial oversight, sponsorship management, policy review, and risk management remained ongoing priorities throughout the quarter.

North American Region

Look in g Ah ead

European Region

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Secretariat remains focused on supporting the newly elected Board, delivering major global initiatives, strengthening organizational systems, and preparing for a busy period of international activity. We remain grateful to our members, volunteers, committee leaders, sponsors, and partners whose dedication and collaboration continue to make the work of the WFC possible.

David Cah ill

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to advance chiropractic worldwide.

Yi Kai Won g (Secr et ar y-Tr easu r er ) Asian Region Car los Ayr es Latin American Region Cecilia Ber gst r om

Pacific Region Elga Dr ew s African Region Ju dy For r est er North American Region Jason Jaeger North American Region Rober t Jon es North American Region Br ad Kan e North American Region Baiju Kh an ch an dan i European Region Jak ob Lot h e European Region Ef st at h ios Papadopou los Eastern Mediterranean Region Hayden Th om as Pacific Region

14 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM

Tok yo Welcom es t h e New WFC Boar d

OUR COM M ITTEES

RESEARCH COM M ITTEE The WFC Board of Directors met in Tok yo, Japan , f r om Ju n e 10?12, 2026, for its Q2 meeting and the first gathering of the newly elected 2026?2028 Board. The meeting marked the beginning of a new term of service, bringing together experienced returning directors and a number of new Board members from across the WFC's seven world regions. It was an excellent opportunity for directors to build relationships, establish priorities, and begin shaping the Federation?s work for the years ahead.

A highlight of the meeting was the election of the WFC Execu t ive Of f icer s f or t h e 2026?2028 t er m .

The Board elected Dr Ryan Cost er (Can ada) as President, Dr Holly Tu ck er (USA) as Vice-President, and Dr Yi Kai Won g (M alaysia) as Secretary-Treasurer. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in leadership, advocacy, education, public health, and organizational governance, positioning the Federation well as it continues to advance chiropractic worldwide.

The Board addressed a broad range of governance and strategic matters, including financial oversight, organizational risk management, membership engagement, preparations for the 2026 Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce in Ut r ech t , 2027 WFC Con gr ess in Van cou ver and the launch of the search process for the WFC?s next Secretary-General. Directors approved a revised 2026 budget, updated financial policies, and measures to strengthen financial stewardship and operational continuity.

The Tokyo meeting was held alongside the 2026 WFC Asia Su m m it , h ost ed by t h e Japan ese Associat ion of Ch ir opr act ic. On behalf of the Board, we extend our sincere appreciation to our Japanese hosts for their outstanding hospitality, leadership, and commitment to advancing chiropractic throughout the region. The Summit provided a valuable opportunity for the Board to engage directly with member organizations and

Sidney Rubinstein DC, PhD (Chair) Netherlands Katie Pohlman DC, MS, PhD (Vice-Chair) USA

PUBLIC HEALTH COM M ITTEE Claire Johnson DC, MSEd, PhD (Chair) USA

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

COM M ITEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Deborah Kopansky-Giles, BPHE, DC, FCCS, MSc (Chair) Canada Michelle Maiers DC, MPH, PhD (Vice-Chair) USA

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

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

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

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

15 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM leaders from across Asia, strengthening relationships and gaining insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the profession throughout one of the world's most dynamic regions.

CONTACTING THE WFC

A particular highlight was a join t Boar d?Asia Su m m it pan el discussion on " In t egr at in g Ch ir opr act ic in t o Pr im ar y Healt h Car e Syst em s in Asia: Wor k f or ce, Policy, an d Pr act ice." The session explored how chiropractic can become more effectively integrated into healthcare systems through workforce development, education, policy reform, and collaborative care models. Participants shared experiences from across Asia, identifying regulatory development, workforce planning, education capacity, and stronger advocacy as critical enablers of future growth.

Call u s:

The Board was also honoured to welcome distinguished guests who traveled from around the world to present proposals to host the 2029 WFC Bien n ial Con gr ess. We thank all bidding organizations for the professionalism, enthusiasm, and vision demonstrated in their presentations. The commitment shown by each prospective host reflects the growing strength and global reach of the chiropractic profession.

As the new Board begins its work, there is tremendous optimism about the future. The Tokyo meetings demonstrated the value of international collaboration, strategic leadership, and meaningful engagement with members. We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to advance the WFC's mission of fostering high standards in chiropractic education, research, and patient care worldwide.

Wr it e t o u s: World Federation of Chiropractic, 2 St. Clair Avenue West,Toronto, Ontario M4V 1L5, Canada

+1 647 255 8030 Em ail u s: General inquiries

info@wfc.org

John Maltby

jmaltby@wfc.org

Christina Davis

cdavis@wfc.org

Khalid Salim

ksalim@wfc.org

Rebekah Wilks

rwilks@wfc.org

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

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2026-2028 WFC BOARD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ANNOUNCED At its Q2 Board Meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, from June 10?12, the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Board of Directors elected its Executive Officers for the 2026?2028 term. Representing two regions of the world and bringing extensive experience in clinical practice, association leadership, education, public health, and international advocacy, the newly elected officers will play a key role in guiding the Federation?s strategic priorities over the coming two years.

Dr Ryan Cost er (Can ada) w as elect ed WFC Pr esiden t . Based in Moncton, New Brunswick, he is President of the New Brunswick Chiropractors?

Association and holds an MBA focused on organizational management. He has previously served on the Board of Chiropractic Australia and has been recognized for his leadership and service to the profession. Dr Holly Tu ck er (Un it ed St at es) w as elect ed WFC Vice-Pr esiden t . A graduate of Logan University, Dr Tucker maintains a private practice in North Carolina and is an active

leader within the American Chiropractic Association. With a background in public health and experience as a participant in the World Health Organization Internship Programme, she brings valuable expertise in advocacy and international engagement. Dr Yi Kai Won g (M alaysia) w as elect ed WFC Secr et ar y-Tr easu r er . A senior lecturer at IMU University and President of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia, Dr Wong is a respected educator and public health advocate. He has played an important role in advancing chiropractic policy and education in Malaysia and serves on the WFC Public Health Committee.

Together, the newly elected Executive Officers bring diverse perspectives and complementary expertise to the leadership of the WFC, positioning the Federation to continue advancing its mission of promoting high standards in chiropractic education, research, patient care, and global collaboration.

M EET OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Ryan COSTER, WFC President Ryan Coster of Moncton, New Brunswick, serves as President of the New Brunswick Chiropractors' Association. A Macquarie University graduate, he received the Student of the Year Award and the Chiropractic Association of Australia's Academic Excellence Award. He also holds an MBA from Mid Sweden University with a focus on organizational management. A strong advocate for evidence based practice, he previously served on the Board of Chiropractic Australia and has a special interest in sports chiropractic. Ryan received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 and the Canadian Chiropractic Association's Public Service Award in 2024.

Ryan Coster represents the WFC North American Region

19 NEWS FROM THE BOARDROOM Holly TUCKER, WFC Vice-President Holly Tucker, of Wilmington, North Carolina, is a 2011 graduate of Logan University and State Delegate of the American Chiropractic Association.

Earlier in her career, she operated a practice in Tennessee and was an active member of the TCA while completing her master 's degree in public health at UTK. She serves as District Liaison for the North Carolina Chiropractic Association; completed the Internship Programme at the World Health Organization in 2011 and was elected to the WFC Board in 2019.

Holly Tucker represents the WFC North American Region

Yi Kai WONG, WFC Secretary-Treasurer

Yi Kai Wong represents the WFC Asian Region

Yi Kai Wong is a pioneer graduate of the chiropractic program at IMU University and currently serves as a senior lecturer in the program.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, he plays key leadership roles in both national and international organizations, including serving as President of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia. With a Master 's degree in Public Health, he is a strong advocate for accessible, affordable, and evidence-based healthcare. His advocacy efforts with the Malaysian Ministry of Health have been instrumental in shaping policy, and he also contributes as a member of the WFC Public Health Committee. A passionate educator, he is committed to developing the next generation of chiropractic professionals in the Asian region.

We welcome our Executive Officers for the 2026-28 term.

20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 'S M ESSAGE

Con n ect ed Leader sh ip, Lif elon g Lear n in g, an d Global Im pact Dear colleagues, As I reflect on the remarkable breadth of stories featured in this edition of the Quarterly World Report, one message emerges with unmistakable clarity: chiropractic is entering a period of unprecedented global momentum and with that momentum comes responsibility, opportunity, and purpose.

Across every region of the world, we are witnessing evidence of a profession that is increasingly connected, engaged, and influential.

From the World Federation of Chiropractic's participation at the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva to policy discussions in parliaments, ministries of health, universities, and regulatory bodies, chiropractic is continuing to strengthen its voice within modern healthcare systems. These achievements remind us that progress is not measured solely by recognition, but by the meaningful contributions we make to improving health, function, and quality of life for the communities we serve.

A defining feature of this issue is the central role of education. Whether through international student exchanges, new academic programs, accreditation initiatives, groundbreaking educational research, or preparations for the 2026 WFC Global Education Conference in Utrecht, we are seeing a profession committed to lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Education remains our greatest investment? not only in future practitioners, but in the credibility, sustainability, and advancement of chiropractic worldwide.

Equally inspiring is the growing emphasis on collaboration. Throughout these pages, we see chiropractors working alongside governments, rehabilitation leaders, researchers, educators, public health experts, athletes, community organizations, and healthcare partners. These

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

relationships are expanding opportunities for integration, demonstrating the value of evidence-informed care, and positioning chiropractic as a trusted contributor to multidisciplinary health systems.

Research continues to strengthen our foundation.

New studies, educational initiatives, leadership programs, and rehabilitation efforts showcased in this issue reinforce an important truth: the future of our profession will be shaped by those willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, generate evidence, and translate knowledge into action.

Innovation and inquiry are essential companions on our journey forward.

Most importantly, this edition reflects the collective efforts of thousands of dedicated individuals around the world; leaders, volunteers, clinicians, researchers, educators, students, regulators, and advocates, each contributing in their own way to advancing the profession. While our contexts may differ, our shared commitment remains constant: improving health through safe,

21 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 'S M ESSAGE ethical, person-centred, evidence-informed chiropractic care.

As we look ahead to the coming months and to gathering together in Utrecht in 2026, let us continue building on this momentum with purpose. By staying connected, embracing lifelong learning, and working collaboratively across borders and disciplines, we can help shape a stronger future for chiropractic and the populations we serve.

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

Ch r ist in a Davis Executive Operations Manager, WFC Editor?in?Chief, Quarterly World Report

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22 WFC NEWS

WFC Delegat ion St r en gt h en s Global Voice at t h e 79t h Wor ld Healt h Assem bly The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) was proud to participate in the 79t h Wor ld Healt h Assem bly (WHA79), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 18?23, 2026. As the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Health Assembly brings together health ministers and delegations from 194 Member States to shape the future of global health policy. This year 's theme, ?Resh apin g Global Healt h : A Sh ar ed Respon sibilit y,? highlighted priorities including primary health care, health workforce development, rehabilitation, healthy ageing, digital health, pandemic preparedness, and health equity.

The WFC delegation was led by Interim Secretary-General Dr Joh n M alt by and included WFC President Dr Ryan Cost er , Chair of the Committee on International Relations Dr Debor ah Kopan sk y-Giles, Director of Strategy & Policy Dr Rebek ah Wilk s, and representatives of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, Dr Ayla Azad and Dr Ru ssell Bar on . The delegation also engaged with colleagues attending the Geneva Health Forum, further strengthening chiropractic's presence within the wider global health community.

Participation in WHA79 was particularly significant as WHO continues to undergo major organizational restructuring. Despite these changes, the WFC maintained and strengthened relationships across key WHO programs, including health workforce, rehabilitation, healthy ageing, primary health care, and traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. As a Non-State Actor in Official Relations with WHO since 1997, the WFC continues to play an important role in supporting global health initiatives and contributing technical expertise to policy development and implementation.

One of the most impactful aspects of the Assembly was the opportunity for the WFC to speak directly

Dr Deborah Kopansky-Giles delivering the WFC Intervention

to Member States. During formal proceedings, Dr Deborah Kopansky-Giles delivered a statement calling for greater recognition of musculoskeletal health within national noncommunicable disease strategies, while Dr Rebekah Wilks addressed the Assembly on the need to fully integrate rehabilitation into primary health care systems.

The WFC also collaborated on several multi-organizational constituency statements, helping to advance priorities related to healthy ageing, person-centred care, equitable health services, and workforce development.

The WFC's leadership role extended beyond the Assembly floor. Together with the World Rehabilitation Alliance and Member States including Japan and Cameroon, the WFC co-sponsored the official WHO side event " Beyon d Su r vival: In t egr at in g Reh abilit at ion f or Healt h , Lon gevit y an d Equ it y." The Federation also supported global discussions

23 WFC NEWS WHA79 was a landmark event for the WFC. Through advocacy, partnership-building, and active participation in global health discussions, the Federation strengthened its voice within WHO and reinforced chiropractic's role in advancing health equity, rehabilitation, healthy ageing, and integrated, people-centred care. The relationships strengthened and opportunities created during the Assembly will continue to support the WFC's mission of advancing evidence-based chiropractic care and improving musculoskeletal health around the world.

Dr Rebekah Wilks delivering the WRA-supported WFC Intervention

highlighting pain management, rehabilitation, and equitable access to care. These activities reinforced the growing recognition of musculoskeletal health and rehabilitation as essential components of sustainable health systems.

Throughout the week, the delegation held strategic meetings with key WHO technical units, discussing upcoming initiatives including expanded workforce data collection through National Health Workforce Accounts, contributions to rehabilitation quality standards, and participation in healthy ageing and long-term care initiatives. WHO leaders also encouraged collaboration on the development of a future Global Status Report on Chiropractic, an important opportunity to raise awareness of the profession's contribution to health systems worldwide.

Drs Ryan Coster, Russ Baron, John Maltby and Ayla Azad

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WFC Asia Su m m it 2026 Aligning Asia: Collaboration, Leadership and a Shared Vision for the Future Following the WFC Board of Directors Meeting in Tokyo, Japan, chiropractic leaders from across the region gathered for the WFC Asia Su m m it 2026, h ost ed by t h e Japan ese Associat ion of Ch ir opr at ic (JAC). Facilitated by Dr Yi Kai Won g, WFC Board Asian Representative, the Summit provided an important opportunity for member associations and professional leaders to exchange ideas, share national developments, and strengthen collaboration in support of chiropractic's continued growth throughout Asia.

The WFC extends its sincere thanks to the JAC for its outstanding leadership, hospitality, and commitment to advancing the profession throughout the region.

A major focus of the Summit was reviewing progress on Align in g Asia, the regional strategic framework designed to guide chiropractic development toward 2030 and beyond.

Discussions highlighted achievements in education, regulation, research, public awareness, workforce development, and healthcare integration, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges related to title protection, workforce sustainability, professional recognition, and public understanding of chiropractic. Participants also reviewed country reports from across Asia, revealing both the diversity of the region and its shared priorities.

While some countries have well-established

Panelists: Dr Junko Usuda, Dr Yi Kai Wong, Dr Baiju Khanchandani

regulatory and educational frameworks, others continue to work toward professional recognition, title protection, and the development of accredited educational pathways.

A highlight of the Summit was the join t WFC Boar d?Asia Region pan el discu ssion , " In t egr at in g Ch ir opr act ic in t o Pr im ar y Healt h Car e Syst em s in Asia: Wor k f or ce, Policy, an d Pr act ice." The session brought together Board members and regional leaders to discuss healthcare integration, workforce development, education, regulation, and policy advancement across Asia. The Summit reinforced the importance of partnership, shared learning, and collective action across the region.

The WFC thanks all delegates and member associations for their contributions and looks forward to continuing to advance a trusted, evidence-informed, and integrated chiropractic profession throughout Asia.

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26 WFC NEWS

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

Sidney Rubinstein, Chair, Research Committee

The Research Committee Ch air (Sidn ey Ru bin st ein (SM R)) an d Vice-Ch air (Kat ie Poh lm an (KP)) meet regularly with the Interim Secretary-General, the Executive Operations Manager, and Board Liaison (Cecilia Bergstrom) to discuss planning and strategy.

The following provides a brief overview of the Research Committee's composition and recent developments. The RC last met in April. The primary agenda item was the planning for the upcoming WFC events, particularly the 2026 Global Edu cat ion Con f er en ce in Ut r ech t an d t h e 2027 Wor ld Con gr ess in Van cou ver , with substantial attention to abstract review processes, submission timelines, and presentation formats for 2027.

Discussion centered on the transparency and rigor of the current two-stage abstract review process, concerns about submission deadlines, and possible adjustments as well as opportunities to improve the poster competition. Planning for the 2027 WFC Congress will continue in future meetings after discussions with the Congress Planning Committee. Updates were also provided on ongoing research initiatives, notably the GPSI. The following provides a brief overview of Global Pat ien t Saf et y In it iat ive (GPSI) committee's recent activities and developments. In the second quarter, the GPSI focused on consolidating ongoing work and advancing key priorities. Dr. Gay Swait has been formally integrated into the GPSI,

Katie Pohlman, Vice-Chair, Research Committee

bringing substantial experience from the Royal College of Chiropractors (RCC). Th e WFC Leader sh ip St u dy is progressing well, including presentations delivered at ACC-RAC (March 2026) and the Integrative Conference (April 2026).

The Chiropractic & Manual Therapies special theme on patient safety, guest-edited by Rubinstein, Salsbury, and Coleman, continues to advance, with approximately 26 submissions and ongoing editorial processing. The plan is to hold a final hybrid end-of-the-theme session at the WFC Congress in Vancouver.

The Advisory Committee?s next projects are also moving forward. Th e CITADEL in it iat ive has been reframed as Ch ir oSaf e: Ch ir opr act ic Saf et y Best Pr act ices In it iat ive. A pilot study on patient perspectives of safety in chiropractic care has received funding in Canada (via CCRF), which will set the stage for a more global project to be conducted with the GPSI, and the development of a Global Patient Safety Consortium is underway, linked to planned workshops or congress-related activities.

27 WFC NEWS

WFC Com m it t ee on In t er n at ion al Relat ion s (CIR) The World Federation of Chiropractic has been in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) as a non-state actor (NSA) since 1997. WFC maintains an active program of work with WHO, which includes support for WHO policies and programs, advice on matters relative to the chiropractic profession, and attendance at annual and other meetings.

The WFC Committee on International Relations (CIR) has had a productive second quarter, highlighted by participation in the 79t h Wor ld Healt h Assem bly (WHA79) in Gen eva, Sw it zer lan d. The WFC delegation included President Dr Ryan Coster; CIR Chair Prof Deborah Kopansky-Giles; Interim Secretary-General Dr John Maltby; CCA CEO Ayla Azad; CCA President Russell Baron; and WFC Director of Strategy & Policy Dr Rebekah Wilks, while CIR member Dr Faye Deane attended the Geneva Health Forum. The theme of WHA79 was ?Resh apin g Global Healt h : A Sh ar ed Respon sibilit y,? bringing together health leaders from all 194 WHO Member States to discuss global priorities including primary health care, universal health coverage, noncommunicable diseases, pandemic preparedness, and health workforce development. As a Non -St at e Act or in Of f icial Relat ion s w it h WHO, t h e WFC delivered two statements to the Assembly, advocating for greater recognition of musculoskeletal health within NCD strategies and stronger integration of rehabilitation within primary health care and universal health coverage. The WFC also contributed to four constituency statements with

Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Chair, CIR Committee

international partners.

A significant milestone was the WFC's first co-sponsorship of an official WHO side event, ?Beyon d Su r vival: In t egr at in g Reh abilit at ion f or Healt h , Lon gevit y an d Equ it y.? The WFC also supported a global pain care side event and participated in discussions on rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions. Strategic meetings with WHO leaders across rehabilitation, health workforce, healthy ageing, and traditional and integrative medicine created new opportunities for collaboration and further strengthened chiropractic's voice within the global health community.

Thank you to the many individuals within the WFC who contributed to the success of our attendance at the 79th World Health Assembly.

Submitted on behalf of the WFC Committee on International Relations: Debor ah Kopan sk y-Giles, Ch air M ich ele M aier s, Vice Ch air Faye Dean e Rau l Car r illo M ar t in Cam ar a Neer ash a Ram sam y Jak ob Lot h e Prepared by Committee Chair, Deborah Kopansky-Giles

28 WFC NEWS

Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce: Advan cin g Reh abilit at ion on t h e Global Healt h Agen da

Th e Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Allian ce (WRA) continues to advance global advocacy efforts to strengthen the integration of rehabilitation within health systems and broader global health agendas.

The WRA maintained a strong presence at the recent World Health Assembly (WHA) in May, coordinating advocacy across a wide range of agenda items and supporting the delivery of coordinated statements related to rehabilitation, universal health coverage (UHC), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), sustainable development goals (SDGs), primary health care, stroke, health emergencies, emergency and operative care, and well-being.

The WFC, in collaboration with the WRA, delivered an individual statement highlighting the importance of fully integrating rehabilitation into primary health care. The statement emphasized that achieving UHC requires accessible rehabilitation services, supported by a competent workforce, sustainable financing, effective referral pathways, and integration within health information systems.

Several rehabilitation-focused side events were held during WHA, highlighting the role of rehabilitation in promoting health, equity, and quality of life. These events strengthened engagement with Member States and partners while reinforcing the importance of rehabilitation and assistive technology within UHC discussions.

The WFC was an official supporter of two side-events, reflecting an unprecedented level of engagement at the WHA. Momentum for rehabilitation continues to grow at the country level. During WHA, 38 M em ber St at es

r ef er en ced r eh abilit at ion under the dedicated rehabilitation agenda item, while at least 17 additional countries highlighted rehabilitation across other agenda items, including UHC, primary health care, stroke, and health emergencies.

Discussions increasingly emphasized the importance of rehabilitation monitoring, accountability mechanisms, and the use of functioning outcomes to measure health system performance and population well-being.

The WRA continues to engage with WHO and partner networks on the integration of rehabilitation and functioning within global monitoring and reporting frameworks. Advocacy efforts have focused on ensuring that rehabilitation is reflected within UHC and NCD monitoring systems and on advancing recognition of functioning as a key dimension alongside mortality and morbidity.

Th e WRA's UHC Policy Br ief has been finalized and published on the WRA webpage. The brief anchors the WRA position of functioning as a measurable dimension of UHC and will support advocacy activities leading into upcoming global UHC discussions and preparations for the 2027 UN High-Level Meeting on UHC as well as the 2027 UHC HLM political declaration. The brief will equip Member States, regional allies and civil society in their advocacy through 2026-27.

Looking ahead, the WRA is also fully engaged with preparations for Wor ld Reh abilit at ion Day, and the Ch am pion s Pr ogr am m e which will capture lived experience cases meeting WHO Declarations of Interest and anchored in the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement. Cases will capture policy relevant evidence such as out-of-pocket costs, access gaps and service availability.

29 WFC NEWS

Reh abilit at ion : An Oppor t u n it y f or Ch ir opr act ic t o M ake an Even Gr eat er Con t r ibu t ion Th e Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic's Disabilit y an d Reh abilit at ion Com m it t ee has published an important new commentary that explores chiropractic's role within the rapidly evolving global rehabilitation agenda.

Published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, the paper, led by Com m it t ee Ch air Associat e Pr of essor Kat ie de Lu ca and an international team of authors, comes at a pivotal time for healthcare. As populations age, the prevalence of chronic disease increases and more people live with disability, rehabilitation has become one of the fastest-growing priorities for health systems worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that some 2.4 billion people could benefit from rehabilitation during the course of their lives.

The commentary demonstrates how chiropractic is well positioned to contribute to this global need.

Drawing upon the WFC Chiropractic Rehabilitation Competency Framework, the authors describe the profession's potential role across a broad spectrum of rehabilitation settings, including primary care, multidisciplinary musculoskeletal services, sports medicine, neurological rehabilitation and postoperative recovery.

Throughout, the emphasis is firmly on person-centred, evidence-informed care that seeks not simply to reduce pain, but to improve function, participation and quality of life.

Importantly, the paper also recognises that opportunities remain alongside challenges.

Greater integration within health systems, stronger interprofessional collaboration, enhanced education and continued research will all be essential if chiropractic is to realise its full potential as a rehabilitation profession. The authors argue that these developments should be viewed not simply as aspirations, but as practical priorities for

Dr Katie de Luca, Chair, Disability and Rehabilitation Committee

the years ahead.

For the WFC, the publication reflects a broader strategic direction that has increasingly aligned chiropractic with contemporary healthcare priorities, including rehabilitation, disability inclusion, whole-person care and interprofessional practice. It reinforces the Federation's vision of ensuring access for all people, of all ages, in all nations to safe, evidence-informed, people-centred chiropractic care.

The WFC congratulates Associate Professor de Luca and her co-authors on producing a thoughtful and timely contribution that will help shape future discussion about chiropractic's place within global rehabilitation.

Read the full article h er e.

30 WFC NEWS

WFC Pu blic Healt h Com m it t ee Advan ces Global Healt h Pr ior it ies Over the past two years, the WFC Public Health Committee (PHC) has worked on six WFC position statements to advance chiropractic and public health. Each position statement topic was strategically selected and developed. The initial seed statement was distributed to the PHC members and stakeholders for review and consideration. Feedback and input were collected by the chair, and the revised draft was resubmitted to the PHC members for further review and revision. Feedback and revision continued until the PHC committee reached 100% agreement on each position statement. The resulting position statements were submitted, then reviewed and approved by the WFC Board. These position statements support the chiropractic profession?s public health efforts, the WFC Mission, and align with World Health Organization principles.

Position statement proposals and their relevance to the WFC strategic plan objectives. These position statements are available in full on the WFC website.

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Chiropractic is a healthcare profession (WFC strategic plan objectives 1, 2, and 3) Chiropractors support and promote improved physical function (WFC strategic plan objectives 1 and 2) Chiropractic care inclusion in non-communicable disease strategies (WFC strategic plan objectives 1 and 2) Chiropractic principles and practices include patient-centered, person-centered, and people-centered care (WFC strategic plan objectives 1, 2, and 3) Chiropractic care includes quaternary prevention (WFC strategic plan objectives 1 and 2) Chiropractors support and promote the

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

health of marginalized and underserved people (WFC strategic plan objectives 1 and 2) 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 chiropractic 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 PHC is dedicated to advancing public health matters relevant to chiropractic practice. The PHC thanks Drs. John Maltby and Rebekah Wilks for their input and guidance on the position statements and processes.

31 WFC NEWS

Wor ld Spin e Day 2026: Toolk it Lau n ch an d Oppor t u n it ies t o Get In volved

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.

Preparations for World Spine Day 2026 are well underway, and we are excited to share significant progress in supporting this year 's global campaign Spine Health for Life. As one of the largest public awareness campaigns focused on spinal health, World Spine Day continues to bring together healthcare professionals, organizations, communities, and individuals around the shared goal of promoting evidence-based approaches to spine health and wellbeing.

We are excited to announce the release of this year 's Wor ld Spin e Day Toolk it , which is available on the World Spine Day Website. Designed to support participation across diverse settings and regions, the toolkit provides a comprehensive suite of resources to help organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community groups engage effectively with the campaign. Materials include promotional graphics, social media content, event planning guidance, key messaging, and communication resources that can be adapted to local contexts while maintaining a consistent global message.

This year, we have also created French and Spanish logos which are also available on the website under resources for our French-speaking and Spanish-speaking stakeholders to utilize.

As we move closer to World Spine Day, we encourage stakeholders across the global spine health community to begin planning their involvement. There are many ways to participate, including organizing local awareness events, collaborating with multidisciplinary partners, promoting healthy movement and physical activity, sharing patient education resources, and amplifying campaign messages through social media and professional networks.

We also invite organizations to help extend the reach of the campaign by becoming official supporters and sharing World Spine Day resources with their members and communities.

Collective engagement strengthens the visibility of spine health as a public health priority and helps foster greater awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy spine throughout life to allow people to live, access education, work and participate in their communities.

We are also seeking organizations wishing to collaborate as partners with WSD to strengthen the reach and impact of the campaign.

Collaborations may include educational materials or other resources that can help expand engagement and accessibility across regions.

These collaborations play a vital role in ensuring that World Spine Day resources are available to diverse audiences and can support activities in communities around the globe. Please email worldspineday@wfc.org with interest.

We look forward to seeing the innovative activities, partnerships, and community engagement efforts that will take place around the world. Together, we can continue to advance awareness, encourage healthy behaviours, and promote better spine health for all.

Stay tuned for further news and to like, follow and share our updates on Facebook, Instagram, X and Linked in to amplify the WSD message.

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34 WORLD NEWS CANADA

Can adian Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion Host s Nat ion al Con ven t ion & Tr adesh ow an d In au gu r al CCA Resear ch Day The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) recently welcomed over 400 chiropractors, researchers, students, industry partners, and healthcare leaders from across Canada to its Nat ion al Con ven t ion & Tr adesh ow , a flagship event that showcased the strength, innovation, and future direction of the chiropractic profession.

Held over several days of education, networking, and collaboration, the convention provided attendees with opportunities to engage with leading speakers, explore emerging trends in healthcare, and strengthen professional connections.

A major highlight of this year 's event was the launch of the in au gu r al CCA Resear ch Day, a significant milestone in the Association's ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-informed chiropractic care. The event brought together researchers, educators, clinicians, and students to share new findings, discuss research priorities, and explore opportunities for collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

Research Day featured presentations covering a range of topics relevant to musculoskeletal health, patient care, public health, rehabilitation, and healthcare integration. Participants had the opportunity to learn about innovative projects, emerging evidence, and practical applications that can help strengthen clinical practice and inform healthcare policy. The event also provided a valuable platform for students and early-career researchers to showcase their work and connect with experienced investigators and mentors.

Beyond the scientific program, the National Convention & Tradeshow offered a comprehensive educational experience, including keynote

presentations, clinical workshops, leadership discussions, and industry exhibits. Attendees explored current issues affecting the profession while gaining practical knowledge to support patient care and professional development.

The success of both the Convention and the inaugural Research Day reflects the CCA's ongoing leadership in promoting excellence in chiropractic practice, education, and research. By bringing together diverse voices from across the profession, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-informed care in advancing the health and well-being of Canadians. As the profession continues to evolve, initiatives such as Research Day will play an important role in strengthening chiropractic's contribution to healthcare and supporting the next generation of researchers and leaders.

Dr. Ryan Coster, WFC President, Dr. Ayla Azad, CEO of the CCA, Dr. Russ Baron, CCA President.

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36 WORLD NEWS CANADA

On t ar io Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion : Advan cin g Eviden ce-Based Ch ir opr act ic Car e in On t ar io Th e On t ar io Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (OCA) is helping to move evidence-based practice forward in a way that is both practical and relevant to modern chiropractic care. Through its Eviden ce-Based Ch ir opr act ic Car e (EBCC) in it iat ive, the OCA has supported the development of a seven-paper series published in a special issue of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Together, the papers offer a contemporary view of how research evidence, clinical expertise and patient preferences can be brought together to support high-quality care. The initiative was designed to strengthen a shared understanding of evidence-based practice while supporting its meaningful application within modern clinical practice and evolving healthcare environments.

A key message running through the series is that evidence-based practice is more than simply applying research findings. It also depends on sou n d clin ical ju dgem en t , per son -cen t r ed car e and the ability to tailor decisions to each patient?s needs and circumstances. The papers revisit familiar concepts such as the evidence hierarchy and show how these tools can be used flexibly rather than rigidly, with the goal of supporting better decision-making in everyday practice.

The series also addresses one of the profession?s ongoing challenges: t r an slat in g r esear ch into real-world care. By examining barriers such as limited time, access to resources and competing demands, the EBCC initiative highlights the need for support at both the individual and organizational level. Importantly, it also offers practical guidance for situations where high-quality evidence is limited, including a structured clinical decision tool to help clinicians make informed, patient-focused choices.

What makes this work especially valuable is its

collabor at ive f ou n dat ion . The initiative brought together clinicians, researchers, educators and patient perspectives to help advance a shared, practice-informed understanding of evidence-based chiropractic care. While developed in Ontario, the themes are relevant well beyond one jurisdiction.

For WFC readers, the series offers a useful example of how the profession can strengthen evidence-informed, patient-centred and collaborative care while continuing to evolve in response to changing healthcare expectations.

As healthcare systems increasingly emphasize quality, accountability and integration, initiatives such as EBCC show how chiropractic organizations can play a leadership role in supporting both practitioners and patients. The full EBCC paper series is available through the OCA website for those interested in exploring the work in more detail.

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38 WORLD NEWS CHINA

CAC Br in gs Ch ir opr act ic an d Applied Neu r oscien ce t o Ru r al Ch in a Th e Ch in ese Associat ion of Ch ir opr act ic (CAC) recently led a humanitarian outreach initiative in Chenguang Village, Fuping County, Shaanxi Province, bringing advanced chiropractic care and applied neuroscience to an underserved rural community.

Sponsored by Jin Ji Jian Healt h M an agem en t , CAC dispatched a team of chiropractic professionals to address the pressing needs of post-stroke patients in the village. Many elderly residents suffered from post-stroke complications including hemiplegia, aphasia, and limb weakness, with limited access to specialized rehabilitation services. Local village doctors had been providing basic home-based care, but lacked the tools to manage complex neurological deficits.

Led by CAC's Dr . Bobby Yiu , the team delivered an integrated intervention combining chiropractic principles with applied neuroscience techniques, including oculomotor guidance, sensory input rehabilitation, prefrontal assessment, cerebellar

activation, and cranial nerve stimulation. The goal was to re-engage the central nervous system and restore functional control.

A remarkable outcome was achieved for a villager with six-year post-stroke sequelae who had lost hand mobility. Following systematic assessment and intervention, the patient regained active hand movement for the first time in years? a result attributed to proper neurological activation rather than conventional manual therapy alone.

Beyond direct patient care, CAC's team provided hands-on training to local village doctors, equipping them with reproducible neurorehabilitation protocols to sustain impact long after the team's departure.

This initiative reflects CAC's commitment to extending chiropractic's global reach into communities where it is most needed, ensuring that advances in brain science serve not only urban clinics but also rural populations with limited healthcare access.

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40 WORLD NEWS CYPRUS

Ch ir opr act ic an d m idw if er y collabor at ion in an in t er disciplin ar y con f er en ce in Cypr u s Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion in supporting the neuromusculoskeletal health needs of families.

Attendees included midwives from private practice and Cyprus?national healthcare system, including the State Health Services Organization (OKYPY).

Dr Anna Papadopoulou MChiro, D.C., DACNB, MSc, FRCC

Th e ?Filot ok os?M idw ives Associat ion , in collaboration with the Cypr u s Un iver sit y of Tech n ology, organized an accredited Interdisciplinary Midwifery Conference in Limassol, Cyprus, on 28 May 2026. The event brought together healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines to exchange knowledge, clinical experience, and evidence-based developments in midwifery and women?s health.

A significant milestone was the in clu sion of ch ir opr act ic car e in the scientific program. For the first time, a chiropractor was invited to present, reflecting growing recognition of the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in maternal and infant health. Dr . An n a Papadopou lou , D.C., shared the work of the Cypr u s

Presentations throughout the conference emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary, patient-centred care. Dr . Papadopou lou discussed the role chiropractic care can play during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, focusing on the neurological, hormonal, and physical changes associated with pregnancy and how chiropractic care may help address neuromusculoskeletal concerns while supporting maternal wellbeing. She also introduced the Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic?s E.P.I.C. pr in ciples? Eviden ce-based, People-cen t r ed, In t er pr of ession al, an d Collabor at ive car e? which align closely with contemporary maternity care.

Clinical scenarios were also explored in which referral to chiropractors with expertise in pregnancy and paediatric care may be beneficial within a coordinated care plan. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen professional relationships, promote interdisciplinary dialogue, and enhance

41 WORLD NEWS ECU

ECU2026 Br in gs t h e In t er n at ion al Ch ir opr act ic Com m u n it y t o Zu r ich Fr om 14?16 M ay 2026, Zu r ich w elcom ed chiropractors, researchers, educators and healthcare professionals from across Europe and beyond for the Eu r opean Ch ir opr act or s?

Con ven t ion 2026 (ECU2026). Organised jointly by Ch ir oSu isse, t h e Sw iss Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion , an d t h e Eu r opean Ch ir opr act or s?Un ion (ECU), the congress brought together 547 participants from 23 countries for three days of scientific exchange, collaboration and professional dialogue.

Held under the theme ?M SK Car e in t h e 21st Cen t u r y: Eviden ce, Exper t ise, an d Em pat h y at t h e Cor e?, ECU2026 focused on the future of musculoskeletal healthcare and the evolving role of chiropractic within modern healthcare systems.

The programme highlighted the importance of evidence-informed, patient-centred and interdisciplinary approaches to musculoskeletal care.

The congress featured keynote lectures, workshops, panel discussions and a dedicated Research Day covering a broad range of topics including chronic pain, rehabilitation, artificial intelligence in healthcare, patient safety, education and healthcare integration. Internationally recognised speakers from leading institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University shared current scientific developments and clinical perspectives with participants.

One of the major highlights of ECU2026 was the inclusion of two Political Forums addressing important healthcare policy questions facing the profession and wider healthcare systems.

Discussions explored the integration of chiropractic into national healthcare structures, the growing societal burden of musculoskeletal disorders, rehabilitation challenges in ageing populations and the future of chiropractic

Dr Vivian Kil, ECU President

education and accreditation in Europe.

The forums brought together experts from research, public health, politics, healthcare policy and professional leadership, including representatives from the WHO Region al Of f ice f or Eu r ope, academia and Swiss politics. A key message throughout the discussions was that the future integration of musculoskeletal healthcare professions depends not only on scientific evidence, but also on collaboration, professional standards, patient safety and political engagement.

Beyond the scientific programme, ECU2026 also provided valuable opportunities for networking and international exchange. The congress strengthened existing collaborations and created new connections between professionals from different countries and disciplines.

Zurich proved to be an ideal host city, combining scientific excellence, international exchange and Swiss hospitality. Th e n ext Sw iss Ch ir opr act or s?

Con ven t ion w ill t ak e place f r om 9?11 Sept em ber 2027 in Davos, Sw it zer lan d.

42 WORLD NEWS HONG KONG

St r en gt h en in g Ch ir opr act ic in Hon g Kon g: HKCA?s St r at egic In it iat ives in Advocacy, Pr of ession al Developm en t , an d Com m u n it y Car e 1. St r at egic Advocacy: Su bm ission t o t h e HKSAR Five-Year Plan (Context for International Readers: For the first time in its history, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is formulating its own First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026?2030). This landmark blueprint aligns with the National 15th Five-Year Plan of the People?s Republic of China and serves as a comprehensive action agenda to drive Hong Kong?s long-term, high-quality development. It maps out strategic directions across various sectors? including the economy, infrastructure, green transition, and vital livelihood areas such as healthcare, education, and housing.

The Plan aims to leverage Hong Kong?s unique advantages as an international financial and innovation hub, and a core engine in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, while actualizing a "people-oriented" governance philosophy to enhance the well-being of its citizens.)

Recognizing the strategic importance of this historic blueprint, the HKCA submitted a comprehensive proposal on 14 May 2026 to Legislative Council Member Dr. Hon David Lam Tzit-yuen, outlining four priority areas aimed at strengthening public protection, enhancing primary healthcare integration, and upholding professional standards over the next five years: -

Regu lat ion of Un r egu lat ed Pain Cen t r es: Proposing comprehensive regulatory oversight to eliminate public health risks.

This includes extending the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance to cover chiropractic facilities, regulating medical devices, and enforcing advertising

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standards to stop misleading claims by non-regulated entities.

In t egr at ion in t o Pr im ar y Healt h car e: Advocating for the inclusion of chiropractors in the Government?s Primary Care Directory, the development of official clinical guidelines under the Primary Healthcare Commission, and coordinated public/professional education campaigns to facilitate inter-professional referrals.

M an dat or y Con t in u in g Pr of ession al Developm en t (CPD): Urging the amendment of the Chiropractors Registration Ordinance (Cap. 428) to mandate CPD for practicing certificate renewal. Currently, chiropractors and pharmacists are the only regulated healthcare professions in Hong Kong without mandatory CPD; this amendment would align the profession with all other regulated healthcare sectors.

Local Un der gr adu at e Pr ogr am m e: Proposing the establishment of a locally accredited chiropractic undergraduate programme. This initiative leverages Hong Kong?s "Super Connector " role to partner local universities with international institutions, cultivating homegrown talent and building professional sovereignty in the Greater Bay Area.

2. Pr of ession al St an dar ds: Con su lt at ion on Boar d Exam Im plem en t at ion In response to the Chiropractors Council?s consultation launched on 31 March 2026 regarding the potential implementation of a board

43 WORLD NEWS HONG KONG cont'd

examination (specif ically t h e WFC In t er n at ion al Test of Com pet en ce - ITC) as a prerequisite for registration, the HKCA actively engaged the local profession.

on 29 May 2026 with a highly successful first cohort comprising 10 mentees.

Following a Council briefing the HKCA hosted a Virtual Town Hall to gather robust feedback from registered chiropractors and subsequently submitted a formal response to the Council.

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HKCA?s Posit ion : Reaffirmed its support for the underlying principle of a locally benchmarked competency requirement to enhance regulatory ownership, gatekeeping, and public protection.

Key Con cer n s & Recom m en dat ion s: The submission highlighted practical concerns raised by the profession, including potential logistical bottlenecks (given the proposed 1-2 annual sittings and current 9-12 month registration delays), the adequacy of a purely computer-based format for a hands-on clinical profession, the maturity of the newly launched ITC, and the need for fair exemption criteria for those already registered in regulated jurisdictions. The HKCA recommended a longer transitional period, increased exam frequency, transparent exemption pathways, and a future roadmap for integrating practical clinical skills assessments.

HKCA M en t or sh ip Kick of f Fellow sh ip 29t h M ay 2026 4. Com m u n it y Ser vice: Ou t r each f or t h e Elder ly Healt h car e Fou n dat ion On 30 May 2026, the HKCA participated in a mobile clinic organized by the Elderly Healthcare Foundation (?? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ). HKCA members Dr . Win k ie Ch an , Dr . Der ek Won g, an d Dr .

Fabien Leon g provided chiropractic services to 30 underprivileged seniors, promoting spinal health and access to pain management care. The event also enabled HKCA Pr esiden t Dr . Leon ar d Won g to meet with former Secretary for Food and Health Dr . Ko Win g-m an to discuss challenges and future opportunities for the chiropractic profession in Hong Kong.

3. Pr of ession al Developm en t : In au gu r al HKCA M en t or sh ip Pr ogr am 2026 To support new graduates and bridge the gap in clinical and philosophical knowledge beyond university training, the HKCA launched its first-ever Mentorship Program in 2026. The initiative pairs experienced HKCA members (10+ years of clinical experience) with early-career chiropractors (?5 years of experience, open to all HK registered chiropractors).

The program structure includes a welcome reception, six months of flexible self-organized meet-ups (June?November), and a closing graduation event. The program officially kicked off

Left to right (Dr Leonard Wong ? President HKCA, Dr. Fabien Leong, Dr. Winkie Chan, Dr. Derek Wong)

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45 WORLD NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

Root ed in Ubu n t u : Sh ow casin g Af r ican Paediat r ic Ch ir opr act ic on t h e Global St age Th e 40t h Gat h er in g of t h e In t er n at ion al Ch ir opr act ic Pediat r ic Associat ion (ICPA) provided an opportunity to celebrate the growth, collaboration, and impact of paediatric chiropractic worldwide. Among the international speakers invited to share their experiences was CASA?s own Dr Jacqu i Bu n ge, who represented both South Africa and Paediat r ic Ch ir opr act ic Af r ica (PCA) on the global stage.

The Gathering also served as a reminder that chiropractic is a truly global profession. While practitioners may come from different countries, cultures, and healthcare systems, they remain united by a common purpose: supporting healthy development, promoting well-being, and helping families thrive.

Dr Bunge delivered a presentation entitled " Root ed in Ubu n t u " , sharing the story of paediatric chiropractic in South Africa and the journey that led to the establishment and growth of Paediatric Chiropractic Africa. Her presentation highlighted the power of collaboration, mentorship, education, and service in developing a strong community of practitioners dedicated to caring for infants, children, pregnant mothers, and families across the continent.

Looking ahead, the future for paediatric chiropractic in Africa continues to gain momentum.

Plans are already underway to welcome the ICPA to African soil in 2026 for Webster Certification and Birth in Balance programmes, creating valuable opportunities for local practitioners to access internationally recognised training and further expand their expertise.

The opportunity to present alongside respected international leaders in paediatric chiropractic was both a recognition of Dr Bunge's contribution to the profession and an acknowledgement of the progress being made within Africa. Her presentation reflected on how a shared vision among a small group of passionate chiropractors has evolved into a growing movement focused on advancing paediatric chiropractic education and clinical excellence throughout the region.

Over the past several years, Paediatric Chiropractic Africa has played an increasingly important role in supporting practitioners through continuing education, student engagement initiatives, and local collaboration. These efforts have helped strengthen the profession while creating opportunities for chiropractors to further develop their skills in caring for children and families.

CASA congratulates Dr Jacqu i Bu n ge on representing South Africa with distinction and acknowledges the ongoing work of Paediatric Chiropractic Africa in fostering education, collaboration, and excellence within the profession. Through leaders such as Dr Bunge, African chiropractic continues to demonstrate that it has an important voice and valuable contribution to make on the world stage.

46 WORLD NEWS SOUTH AFRICA

CASA Car es: Su ppor t in g Com m u n it ies, St r en gt h en in g Fu t u r es At CASA, we believe that caring for communities extends far beyond the walls of our practices.

Through CASA Car es, our profession's social responsibility initiative, we continue to invest in projects that support both the future of chiropractic and the well-being of the communities we serve.

One of our key focus areas this year has been supporting chiropractic students as they transition into practice.

Through a valued collaboration with HiTech Th er apy (a local su pplier ), CASA Cares facilitated the donation of scrub sets to senior chiropractic students at both the Du r ban Un iver sit y of Tech n ology (DUT) an d t h e Un iver sit y of Joh an n esbu r g (UJ). These students represent the future of our profession, and we are grateful to HiTech Therapy for partnering with us in helping them take the next steps in their professional journey. By supporting students early in their careers, we invest not only in their success but also in the continued growth, sustainability, and excellence of chiropractic care in South Africa.

CASA Car es has also been fortunate to partner with a local baby care brand that generously

donated a substantial range of baby care products to support our CASA Baby Box In it iat ive.

The Baby Box Initiative aims to provide practical support to families in need during the important early stages of a child's life. Each box contains essential care items while also promoting healthy growth and development.

A unique component of the programme promotes spinal health from an early age through educational resources on healthy positioning, carrying, feeding, and development. Recognizing South Africa?s linguistic diversity and varying literacy levels, the initiative also includes non-verbal educational cards that help caregivers access important information regardless of language or background. These efforts reflect the heart of CASA Car es: su ppor t in g f am ilies, st r en gt h en in g t h e ch ir opr act ic pr of ession , an d cr eat in g last in g com m u n it y im pact . We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners, donors, volunteers, and members whose support makes this work possible, demonstrating that chiropractic care is not only about treating patients, but also about building healthier communities and a better future for all.

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48 WORLD NEWS SWITZWERLAND

Ch ir opr act ic at t h e Sw iss Par liam en t ?s Healt h Day On 2 June 2026, Ch ir oSu isse par t icipat ed f or t h e f ir st t im e in t h e an n u al Healt h Day f or M em ber s of t h e Sw iss Par liam en t , offering musculoskeletal health screenings to parliamentarians.

The event forms part of Switzerland?s annual Health Days initiative, which aims to promote prevention and support the early detection of health problems. ChiroSuisse offered musculoskeletal health screenings, which were attended by 31 members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.

Alongside the chiropractic assessments, partner organisations provided cardiovascular checks, vision and hearing screenings, skin cancer examinations, cancer counselling, sleep consultations and kidney function tests.

National parliament member Barbara Gysi with chiropractor Taco Houweling

Two chiropractors represented ChiroSuisse at the event. Each participant received a brief musculoskeletal assessment, including a short medical history, a functional screening and personalised advice. The feedback was highly positive, with many parliamentarians expressing appreciation for the insights gained into their musculoskeletal health.

The event not only contributed to preventive healthcare but also provided an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of chiropractic among national decision-makers. By engaging directly with members of Parliament, ChiroSuisse was able to highlight the important role of chiropractors in the prevention, diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions and to strengthen the visibility of the profession at the political level.

Chiropractor Thomas Vincentini with ChiroSuisse CEO Sabine Schläppi and chiropractor Taco Houweling

49 WORLD NEWS UNITED KINGDOM

Par liam en t ar y Rou n dt able: St r en gt h en in g Ch ir opr act ic?s Role in UK Healt h car e On 3 June, the Br it ish Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (BCA) hosted a parliamentary roundtable bringing together Members of Parliament, Peers, BCA members, and representatives from healthcare charities to explore the evolving role of chiropractic within the UK healthcare system. The discussion focused on how chiropractic can contribute more effectively to the wider healthcare workforce, particularly w it h in t h e f r am ew or k of Allied Healt h Pr of ession s (AHPs), and the growing need to address pressures on musculoskeletal (MSK) services across the UK. With NHS waiting times continuing to challenge timely access to care, participants highlighted the importance of making better use of regulated healthcare professionals already working in community settings. Ch ir opr act or s, w it h t h eir specialized exper t ise in M SK car e, w er e r ecogn ized as a valu able yet u n der u t ilized r esou r ce. Discussions highlighted the potential for improved patient pathways, earlier access to appropriate care, and reduced pressure on NHS services through greater integration of chiropractic within healthcare delivery.

A central theme of the roundtable was the need to est ablish a clear an d cr edible pat h w ay f or ch ir opr act ic to achieve recognition as part of the Allied Health Professions workforce. Participants discussed the importance of aligning chiropractic with established healthcare frameworks and agreed that constructive engagement with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and relevant stakeholders would be essential.

Achieving this goal will require a coordinated effort supported by evidence, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening chiropractic?s role within integrated care systems.

The roundtable also showcased examples of chiropractors already working alongside NHS colleagues to deliver care in local communities.

Ch air ed by BCA Pr esiden t Tim Bu t t on , the session featured contributions from practitioners including Faye Dean e, Rich ar d Br ow n , an d r epr esen t at ives f r om t h e Cor bet t Clin ic, demonstrating the positive impact of collaborative working and reinforcing the case for broader integration.

Participants expressed strong support for continuing the dialogue and translating discussion into action. As the BCA advances its public affairs agenda, ongoing engagement with the DHSC, MSK leaders, and other stakeholders will be vital. The BCA remains committed to building support for a clearer pathway for chiropractic within the UK healthcare system, and those interested in learning more about its work are encouraged to contact the Association at en qu ir ies@ch ir opr act ic-u k .co.u k .

The roundtable represents an important step towards strengthening the healthcare workforce, improving patient access to care, and ensuring collaboration and innovation remain at the forefront of future healthcare delivery.

50 WORLD NEWS UNITED STATES OF AM ERICA

Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion Advan ces M edicar e Access, Leader sh ip Developm en t , an d Pu blic Healt h Aw ar en ess Efforts to expand access to chiropractic for U.S. seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries are gaining momentum. Th e Am er ican Ch ir opr act ic Associat ion (ACA) and its members continue to advocate for passage of the Ch ir opr act ic M edicar e Cover age M oder n izat ion Act (H.R. 539), bipartisan legislation that would provide Medicare patients access to all Medicare-covered benefits allowable under a chiropractors?state license. The bill, to date, has attracted more than 160 cosponsors in Congress.

ACA?s advocacy efforts are not limited to federal legislation. The association has also expanded its participation and expertise in the area of coding and documentation, which has a significant impact on health policy and research. An article on this topic was recently published online. Read it here.

In other news, ACA?s an n u al St u den t Leader sh ip Con f er en ce will take place in September in Whittier, Calif., on the campus of Southern California University of Healt h Scien ces (SCU).

The 2026 conference will be hosted by ACA, the

American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) and SCU. The event will offer student leaders the opportunity to connect, develop leadership skills and strengthen pathways that support the future of chiropractic.

Coming this October: ACA and doctors of chiropractic nationwide will celebrate Nat ion al Ch ir opr act ic Healt h M on t h (NCHM ) 2026 with the theme ?Joint Efforts.?. The campaign will focus on the importance of joint health over a lifetime and steps people can take to support mobility, joint function and overall musculoskeletal health. A ?Joint Efforts? campaign toolkit with resources and ideas on how to participate will be available later this year at www.acatoday.org/NCHM. For more information about ACA news and initiatives, visit www.acatoday.org.

51 WORLD NEWS OREGON, USA

Ch ir opr act or s t o be cover ed by Or egon M edicaid t o t r eat cer vicogen ic h eadach e in 2027 Chiropractic cervical spine manipulation will be granted coverage under Or egon?s M edicaid pr ogr am t o t r eat cer vicogen ic h eadach e after a final vote on August 14, 2025, that will go into effect on January 1, 2027.

In January of 2025, Oregon State began evaluating the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache as a part of its Benefits Updat e Pr oject . Dr . Lisa Kou zes, a member of the Commission that establishes Medicaid coverage benefits in Oregon, supported state staff in identifying evidence on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for cervicogenic headache.

In preparation for the March 20, 2025, meeting, Dr. Kouzes sought support from the University of Western States and the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Un iver sit y of West er n St at es adm in ist r at or s, Dr s. M ar t h a Kaeser an d Pat r ick Bat t aglia, provided written testimony describing clinical diagnostic and management competencies and evidence-based care taught to chiropractic students to ensure safe and effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches, to include cervical spine manipulation. Dr . Cr aig Kaw aok a of t h e Or egon Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s then provided verbal testimony describing the education and licensure requirements as well as the scope of practice of chiropractic physicians in Oregon. As the effectiveness of cervical spine manipulation for cervicogenic headache had been established, discussion during the March meeting then centered on patient safety. Further information was requested to carry the discussion forward at the next meeting in June.

Given the focused interest in scientific evidence of the safety of spinal manipulation, Dr. Kouzes sought input from the chiropractic and spinal manipulation global research community. In preparation for the June meeting, written testimony was provided about the safety of on; however, additional interest in discussing the

specifics of coverage carried the topic forward to the next meeting.

Drs. Daniels Lisa Kouzes DC, MPH Clinton Daniels, DC, MS and Kouzes collaborated with state staff to ensure all dose-response studies were included for the Commission?s review, and ultimately the Commission approved chiropractors in Oregon to provide 12 spinal manipulation treatments within the existing 30 visits per year for neck and back pain that are shared between chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, physical and occupational therapy, and acupuncture.

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55 WORLD NEWS

Act ivat or M et h ods In t er n at ion al: A Com m it m en t t o Eviden ce In f or m ed Pr act ice Founded in 1967, Act ivat or M et h ods In t er n at ion al?s foundation was built on a commitment to clinical research. With more than five decades of peer-reviewed evidence, Activator Technique is noted to be one of the most studied low-force techniques. The peer reviewed literature spans topics such as patient outcomes, biomechanics, neurophysiology, and analysis reliability. More specifically, clinical research has demonstrated the mechanical characteristics of force delivery, neurophysiological responses of muscle spindles, spinal biomechanics, and clinical efficacy.

Studies comparing high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manual manipulation and instrument-assisted adjustinghave demonstrated comparable patients outcomes regardless of the delivery of care. Several studies have compared force characteristics. One notable study was conducted by Funabashi et al. in 2017 and published in Spine. Another is a systematic review, published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association by Higgins et al., which synthesized the outcomes of eight clinical trials which demonstrated comparable results.

Beyond clinical outcomes, the research has examined the physiological effects of instrument-assisted adjusting. This includes investigating heart rate variability modulation, muscle spindle responses, and skin temperature changes following an adjustment with an activator instrument. To further support this, a study identified a physiological autonomic response within minutes post-treatment when an appropriate load was delivered, as there was a secondary cooling followed by a rewarming effect.

Each of these effects impacts a patient's healing and response to treatment.

The low force of the instrument makes it an ideal choice for several populations that may not tolerate HVLA. In addition, the reproducible force of the instrument is important to note as it reduces treatment variability between practitioners and visits. This can be particularly relevant for paediatric patients, people with osteoporosis or degenerative disc disease, individuals with chronic widespread pain, and pregnant patients. Of note was a recent study that focused on male rabbits with osteoarthritis as subjects that received chiropractic manipulation with an Activator V. This was performed and published by Conesa-Buendia et al., (2021) in Scientific Reports and demonstrated that this method of care may mitigate osteoarthritis progression.

Studies focused on prone leg-length analysis correlated with position one check have demonstrated strong inter- and intra-examiner reliability. This reliability is a component that helps to support practitioner clinical confidence and competence in determining treatment steps.

As research continues to evolve, Activator Methods continues to be the gold standard and cornerstone of instrument adjusting. With a commitment to quality, Activator Methods International is the only company to hold an ISO 13485 certificate. To access the articles discussed above and the full Activator Research Library go to h t t ps:/ / act ivat or .com / r esear ch /

56 WORLD NEWS

Wh y do r egu lat or s ask dif f er en t qu est ion s on t h e applicat ion f or licen su r e / r egist r at ion ?

Chiropractors today are more mobile than ever, moving not just within a jurisdiction but often worldwide. Regulatory boards are responsible for ensuring that both new graduates and seasoned practitioners meet government-established standards. They must also continually gauge whether the information they gather to complete this assessment is both reasonable and useful.

For this purpose, the ICRS has undertaken a comparative review of applications for licensure / registration of chiropractic regulatory bodies throughout the world.

Our premise is that the application process must support the overall legislative goal of regulation: to protect the public.

Boards must decide which information to request, and also which details will be displayed on the public website. While complying with the legislature?s mandate, the determination should be based on the needs of two groups:

the public practitioner profile on the website. Boards consult with legal counsel to respect legislative privacy requirements.

A core question must be asked for each data field. ?Why do we need to know this??

Lesson s lear n ed so f ar -

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Th e Pu blic 1. Has the right to know that chiropractors who are treating them are currently licensed or registered 2. Name, License Number, Status 3. General Location (this varies by jurisdictional law)

Th e Regu lat or y Au t h or it y 1. Must be able to accurately identify practitioners 2. Determines whether they:1). initially qualify, and 2). maintain compliance with legal requirements 3. Must be able to locate and contact them In the process of granting and renewing the legal practice privilege, regulators request much more information than they choose to publish as part of

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The application process itself may range from online submission portals to traditional paper-based processes, most often driven by the number of applicants and agency resources.

Information collected varies according to legal authorization and practical need, as well as tradition. In centralized government settings, uniformity among professions may be a factor.

Terminology relating to sex and gender is used inconsistently across jurisdictions The terminology of the formal degree awarded to graduating chiropractors differs considerably, with at least 26 identified to date.

Whether externally administered examinations are required varies.

The number of fully accredited chiropractic programs is increasing rapidly, but accreditation is not universally available.

The wording of jurisdictional laws may affect recognition of accreditation.

There are over 35 status categories of chiropractic license or registration.

There are at least eight named types and levels of chiropractic license or registration.

The language used to request verification of license/registration for practitioners relocating from another jurisdiction may result in information gaps.

An identical violation in one jurisdiction

57 WORLD NEWS

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may be recorded differently in another.

Boards publish very different information on their public practitioner profiles.

Obtaining criminal background checks across nations is difficult.

Determining recency of practice after absence is complex and inconsistent.

Cultural and language competence should be considered.

A draft model of application elements is under review. While complete international consistency may be neither achievable nor desirable, identifying core application elements may assist regulatory authorities in balancing public protection, practitioner mobility, and administrative efficiency.

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59 WORLD NEWS

FICS St r en gt h en s Global Leader sh ip, St r at egic Par t n er sh ips an d In t er n at ion al Spor t in g Pr esen ce FICS enters the second half of 2026 with renewed momentum across international sport, education, strategic partnerships and organisational leadership, as the Federation expands its influence as the global voice for sports chiropractic.

A key milestone is the appoin t m en t of Cat h er in e Per r y (n ée Qu in n ) as Ch ief Oper at in g Of f icer .

Catherine brings extensive experience in executive leadership, clinical governance, elite sport, stakeholder engagement and organisational development. Her appointment strengthens FICS? operational capacity at a time of international growth and reflects the Federation?s commitment to professionalising its systems, supporting members and delivering greater impact across global sport. ?It is a privilege to step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at such an important time for FICS. Our organisation has a unique opportunity to strengthen the global position of sports chiropractic, support practitioners at every stage of their development and build meaningful partnerships that place athlete health at the centre of what we do. I am excited to help shape the next phase of FICS?growth and work alongside our international community to turn strategy into measurable impact.?

Catherine Perry, Chief Operating Officer, FICS FICS has also renewed its long-standing strategic partnership with the Eu r opean Ch ir opr act or s?

Un ion (ECU) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. This renewed partnership reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, evidence-informed practice and the integration of chiropractic care within elite sport and wider healthcare systems.

Sport remains one of the most powerful platforms through which chiropractic can demonstrate its value. By working closely with international sporting and professional bodies, FICS continues

to raise the visibility, credibility and contribution of sports chiropractors within multidisciplinary athlete healthcare teams.

Education remains central to this mission.

FICS continues to support chiropractic universities and colleges Catherine Perry, Chief Operating Officer worldwide through articulation agreements designed to increase access to the In t er n at ion al Cer t if icat e in Spor t s Ch ir opr act ic (ICSC), create clearer academic pathways and develop the future sports chiropractic workforce.

Recent service agreements with international sporting bodies, including the International Table Tennis Federation and the World Squash Championships, further demonstrate the trust placed in FICS practitioners to deliver high-quality care in high-performance environments.

Looking ahead, the FICS Executive Committee will meet in Lausanne this June to begin shaping the Federation?s next three-year strategic plan. It is fitting that this work will take place in the home of the Olympic movement, a city synonymous with international sport, collaboration and ambition.

FICS is delighted to be meeting in such prestigious surroundings as it looks to the future and prepares for its 40th Anniversary at the 2027 Members General Assembly in the United States.

Together, these developments mark an important period of growth for FICS, strengthening its role as the global leader in sports chiropractic and athlete healthcare.

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FLAQ 2026 An n u al Assem bly an d Sym posiu m : Br in gin g Lat in Am er ica t oget h er Th e Feder ación Lat in oam er ican a de Qu ir opr áct ica (FLAQ) is pleased to invite chiropractors and chiropractic students from across Latin America to its An n u al Assem bly on Au gu st 21 an d t h e 2026 Sym posiu m with continuing education on August 22 were we welcome all chiropractors and students to participate, learn and network in Bogotá, Colombia.

This two-day event will combine professional leadership, regional collaboration, and continuing education, providing a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues committed to advancing chiropractic throughout Latin America.

Par t icipan t s m ay ear n 8 h ou r s of con t in u in g edu cat ion , f eat u r in g: Pediatric Chiropractic (4 CE Credits) Dr. Elsie Hewitt, DC, DABCO, FICC (USA) Founder of the Master in Chiropractic Pediatrics Program at Logan University Topic: Cr an iosacr al Th er apy: Assessm en t , Clin ical Applicat ion , an d Han ds-On Tr ain in g (Pr esen t ed in En glish w it h Span ish t r an slat ion ) Sports Chiropractic (4 CE Credits) Dr. Aleisha E. Serrano, DC, ICSC, CCEP (Puerto Rico) Recognized sports chiropractor in Puerto Rico and Latin America, who served as chiropractor for the Colombian Olympic Archery Team during the 2008 Olympic Games.

Topic: Com pr eh en sive Fu n ct ion al At h let e Assessm en t an d M an agem en t Pr ot ocols The FLAQ Assembly will provide an important forum for member associations and regional leaders to

share achievements, strengthen partnerships, discuss professional priorities, and collaborate on initiatives that continue to elevate chiropractic education, research, regulation, and patient care throughout Latin America.

The event will be held at the Hot el Cosm os 100 an d Con ven t ion Cen t er in Bogot á, offering attendees the opportunity to combine professional development with cultural and travel experiences in one of South America's most vibrant destinations.

FLAQ looks forward to welcoming colleagues from across the region for a memorable weekend of learning, networking, leadership, and professional collaboration. Enhance your continuing education experience by exploring Bogotá and consider extending your visit to Medellín before or after the Symposium. For registration, hotel reservations, and additional information, please visit here.

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62 WORLD NEWS

Dr . Kar los Bogh osian Receives NBCE?s High est Hon or Follow in g Fou r Con secu t ive Year s as Pr esiden t Dr . Kar los Bogh osian , D.C., FICA, FACC, concluded four consecutive years of service as President of the Nat ion al Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s (NBCE) during the organization's 2026 Annual Meeting and was honored with the Pau l M .

Tu llio Aw ar d f or Dist in gu ish ed Ser vice, the highest recognition bestowed by the NBCE. Named in honor of Dr. Paul M. Tullio, a visionary leader whose commitment to examination excellence, innovation, and fiscal stewardship helped shape the NBCE, the award recognizes extraordinary contributions to chiropractic assessment, public protection, and service to the profession.

Dr. Boghosian?s leadership journey spans more than a decade of service to chiropractic regulation and professional assessment at the state, national, and international levels, including service as President of the Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic Licen sin g Boar ds (FCLB), im m ediat e Past Pr esiden t of t h e In t er n at ion al Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s (IBCE), Ch air of t h e Con n ect icu t Boar d of Ch ir opr act ic Exam in er s, h avin g been appoin t ed by t w o con secu t ive gover n or s, an d f ou r con secu t ive year s as Pr esiden t of t h e NBCE f r om 2022 t h r ou gh 2026.

His tenure coincided with one of the most transformative periods in the organization?s history. Under his leadership, the NBCE undertook a comprehensive modernization of governance structures, expanded computer-based testing opportunities from three testing administrations annually to eleven months of testing availability, launched significant enhancements to examination content and administration, and advanced a redesigned Part IV examination experience focused on contemporary clinical competency assessment.

Among the most significant achievements during his presidency was the development of the NBCE Assessm en t Cen t er ? a purpose-built facility representing a $14 million investment in the future of chiropractic assessment. The project was fully self-funded through responsible financial stewardship and allows the organization to provide testing availability forty-eight weeks per year while strengthening examination consistency and operational sustainability.

Dr. Boghosian also championed one of the most extensive stakeholder engagement efforts in NBCE history, bringing together educators, regulators, students, accreditors, and professional leaders to help shape the future of chiropractic assessment.

That collaborative process directly informed many of the initiatives implemented during his presidency and reflected his longstanding belief that progress is achieved through listening, partnership, and service.

His commitment to advancing chiropractic assessment extended beyond North America. As President of the International Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Dr. Boghosian helped lead a historic partnership between the IBCE and the

63 WORLD NEWS

Dr . Kar los Bogh osian Receives NBCE?s High est Hon or Follow in g Fou r Con secu t ive Year s as Pr esiden t cont'd Wor ld Feder at ion of Ch ir opr act ic to develop the In t er n at ion al Test of Com pet en ce (ITC).

Designed for chiropractors practicing in unregulated jurisdictions, the ITC establishes an international benchmark for professional knowledge, clinical decision-making, and situational judgment. The initiative provides national chiropractic associations and governments with an important tool to support professional standards and strengthen public trust in chiropractic care worldwide.

In 2026, his service culminated in another historic milestone: the successful combination of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. The initiative preserved the mission and legacy of the FCLB while positioning both organizations for long-term sustainability and continued service to state regulatory boards and the public.

During his teenage years, Dr. Boghosian and his family were forced to leave their homeland amid revolution, war, and religious persecution, ultimately building a new life in North America.

Those experiences helped shape a leadership philosophy grounded in resilience, humility, faith, and service. Throughout his career, he has frequently emphasized the importance of stewardship, collaboration, and leaving institutions stronger than they were found.

Reflecting on his service, Dr. Boghosian noted, ?The accomplishments of the past several years were never the result of one individual. They were made possible through the dedication of countless volunteers, educators, regulators, board members, staff, and stakeholders who share a commitment to public protection and the advancement of the chiropractic profession. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside them.?

Beyond his professional service, Dr. Boghosian is the founder and CEO of SoVita Chiropractic Centers, a multi-location chiropractic organization

serving communities throughout the Northeast.

He has also served on numerous nonprofit and educational boards and remains actively involved in initiatives that support health, education, leadership development, and community service.

While his presidency has concluded, Dr. Boghosian continues his commitment to chiropractic leadership, public protection, and service to the profession.

Abou t Dr . Kar los Bogh osian Dr. Karlos Boghosian, D.C., FICA, FACC, is the immediate Past President of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, immediate Past President of the International Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Past President of the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, Chair of the Connecticut Board of Chiropractic Examiner, and Founder and CEO of SoVita Chiropractic Centers.

64 EDUCATION NEWS BRAZIL

Un iver sidade Gam a e Sou za Sign s M OU w it h CLAEQ, M ar k in g Fir st St ep Tow ar d For m al Accr edit at ion The chiropractic program at Un iver sidade Gam a e Sou za (UNIGAM A) in Rio de Jan eir o has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Con sejo Lat in oam er ican o de Edu cación Qu ir opr áct ica (CLAEQ), formally establishing a relationship between the two organizations and laying the groundwork for an accreditation review.

The development marks a significant step for chiropractic education in Brazil and across Latin America.

Upon signing and returning the Memorandum of Understanding to CLAEQ, Dr . Pau lo Gom es de Oliveir a Net o, Dir ect or of UNIGAM A's Ch ir opr act ic Pr ogr am , described the occasion as a "historic step" for the institution and a contribution to advancing chiropractic education throughout Brazil and the broader region.

CLAEQ has formally welcomed UNIGAMA into the relationship. Dr . Joseph P. Bu sch , Pr esiden t of CLAEQ and Editorial Director of The American Chiropractor Magazine, emphasized the broader effort behind this progress. "This milestone represents the culmination of collaborative work by dedicated professionals from across the world who share a commitment to rigorous benchmarks in chiropractic education," he said. "It marks a significant first step toward establishing a dedicated accrediting body for chiropractic education in Latin America, a region that, until now, has lacked formal accreditation infrastructure of this kind."

M ayda Ser r an o, Execu t ive Dir ect or of t h e Feder ación Lat in oam er ican a de Qu ir opr áct ica (FLAQ), commented on the significance of the university's decision. "UNIGAMA's decision to enter this rigorous accreditation process reflects strong academic leadership and a vision that will strengthen chiropractic across Latin America," she said. "This initiative will inspire other institutions to

embrace quality and continuous improvement."

With the MOU now signed, the next step will be UNIGAMA's formal application, which would initiate a structured review of the program's curriculum, faculty, clinical training, and institutional Prof. Dr. Paulo Gomes resources. Successful de Oliveira Neto completion of that process would align the program with CLAEQ's standards and provide a model for other institutions in the region seeking formal recognition.

Both CLAEQ and FLAQ view the signed MOU as a positive signal of the growing momentum toward raising educational standards and Dr. Joe Busch strengthening the profession throughout the Americas.

Abou t CLAEQ CLAEQ is the accrediting body for chiropractic education programs in Latin America, dedicated to establishing and upholding rigorous academic and clinical standards across the region. ccela-claeq.org.

Abou t FLAQ

Dr. Mayda Serrano

FLAQ represents chiropractic associations and professionals across Latin America, advancing the profession through education, advocacy, and regional collaboration. flaq.org.

65 EDUCATION NEWS M ALAYSIA

IM U Ch ir opr act ic St u dy Tou r 2026 Welcom es St u den t s f r om Teesside Un iver sit y an d Cam ar a In st it u t e f or Ch ir opr act ic Scien ces IM U Un iver sit y welcomed international delegates from Teesside Un iver sit y, Un it ed Kin gdom , and Cam ar a In st it u t e f or Ch ir opr act ic Scien ces, Ph ilippin es, as part of the IM U Ch ir opr act ic St u dy Tou r 2026.

The study tour brought together 10 students from Teesside University and 9 students from Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences (CICS), together with one accompanying staff member from CICS. The Teesside University delegation participated in the programme from 7 Ju n e t o 4 Ju ly 2026, while the CICS delegation joined from 14 Ju n e t o 27 Ju n e 2026.

The programme was designed to provide participants with an immersive educational and cultural experience in Malaysia. Through a combination of academic sessions, clinical observation, peer learning, institutional visits, and cultural activities, the study tour aimed to broaden students?understanding of chiropractic education, clinical practice, and healthcare delivery within an international context.

Throughout the programme, the visiting students engaged with IMU faculty members and chiropractic students in a range of learning activities, including chiropractic skills sessions, clinical practicum observation, and student reflection sessions. Participants also had the opportunity to visit healthcare and rehabilitation-related facilities, including ALTY Or t h opaedic Hospit al, TAGS Ch ir opr act ic & Reh abilit at ion , an d Ch er as Reh abilit at ion Hospit al.

In addition to academic and clinical exposure, the study tour incorporated cultural immersion activities and local experiences, allowing participants to gain a deeper appreciation of Malaysia?s diverse cultural landscape. These included campus orientation, networking sessions, visits to local landmarks, and a M elak a cu lt u r al visit , which provided students with the opportunity to experience Malaysia?s heritage and history.

Commenting on the programme, Won g Yi Kai, IM U M obilit y Coor din at or , said: ?The IMU Chiropractic Study Tour reflects our commitment to creating meaningful international learning experiences for students. By bringing together students from Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines, the programme encourages cross-cultural exchange, peer learning, and a broader understanding of healthcare education beyond the classroom. We are pleased to support initiatives that strengthen global engagement and student mobility at IMU.?

Dr Faye Dean e, Cou r se Lead f r om Teesside Un iver sit y, shared: ?This study tour provided our students with a

66 EDUCATION NEWS M ALAYSIA cont'd valuable opportunity to experience chiropractic education and clinical learning in an international setting. The exposure to IMU?s academic environment, clinical practicum, and Malaysia?s healthcare landscape has helped broaden their perspectives as future chiropractic professionals. We are grateful to IMU University for hosting our students and for creating such a well-rounded and enriching The study tour reflected IMU?s commitment to internationalization, interprofessional learning, and global engagement in healthcare education. It also provided a meaningful platform for students from M alaysia, t h e Un it ed Kin gdom , an d t h e Ph ilippin es to exchange perspectives, build professional networks, and develop a broader understanding of chiropractic practice across

programme.?

Dr M ar t in Cam ar a, Fou n der of Cam ar a In st it u t e f or Ch ir opr act ic Scien ces, added: ?We are delighted that our students had the opportunity to participate in the IMU Chiropractic Study Tour. The programme offered meaningful exposure to chiropractic education, clinical observation, interprofessional learning, and Malaysian culture. This collaboration with IMU University supports our shared goal of developing globally minded chiropractic graduates who are prepared to serve diverse communities.?

different healthcare and cultural settings.

Overall, the IM U Ch ir opr act ic St u dy Tou r 2026 successfully strengthened international collaboration and created valuable learning experiences for all participating students, faculty members, and partner institutions.

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M cTim on ey Celebr at es New Gr adu at es at Hist or ic Oxf or d Un ion M cTim on ey Un iver sit y College celebrated the achievements of its graduating class in April at a ceremony held in the historic Oxford Union, one of the United Kingdom?s most renowned centres of academic debate and intellectual exchange.

The occasion brought together gr adu at es f r om Spain , Hon g Kon g, Net h er lan ds, Nor w ay, Fr an ce, Ger m an y, as w ell as t h e UK, together encouraged to carry forward the values of evidence-informed practice, lifelong learning and patient-centred care as they embark on the next stage of their professional journeys.

with their families, friends, faculty and staff to recognise the dedication and perseverance of students completing their studies. Awards were conferred on graduates from the M ast er of Ch ir opr act ic (M Ch ir o), M Sc An im al M an ipu lat ion , an d M Sc Ch ir opr act ic (Paediat r ics) pr ogr am m es.

Addressing the graduands, university leaders reflected on the commitment required to balance rigorous academic study with professional and personal responsibilities. Graduates were

The ceremony marked a significant milestone for each graduate and celebrated the growing contribution of M cTim on ey College alumni to healthcare, animal health and wellbeing, and specialist clinical practice both within the United Kingdom and internationally.

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The Royal College of Chiropractors is pleased to announce, on behalf of the UK Forum of Chiropractic Deans, the publication of Outcomes for Chiropractic Graduates 2026.

This document defines the knowledge, skills and competencies expected of newly qualified chiropractors in the UK. It replaces and updates the 2022 edition of Outcomes for Chiropractic Graduates. It does not replace the Regulator ?s Education Standards, but sits alongside them as an outward-facing document intended for multiple audiences and reflecting the views and expectations of the profession.

Outcomes for Chiropractic Graduates 2026 enables patients, the public, health professionals, health & care organisations and commissioners to understand and recognise what chiropractors know and are able to do at the point of graduation. Through doing this, it: -

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Provides a clear framework for new and established programme providers in terms of core curriculum design, helping them produce graduates whose knowledge, skills and competencies meet the needs of the profession.

Enables chiropractic students to understand what they will need to know and be able to do at the point of graduation, thus enabling them to play an active role in directing their own learning.

Facilitates the identification of knowledge, skills and competencies that are postgraduate/relate to special interests.

Enables patients, the public, health professionals, health & care organisations and commissioners to

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understand and recognise what chiropractors know and are able to do.

Ensures postgraduate trainers and employers have a clear understanding and clear expectations of graduates?attributes and can support and facilitate a smooth transition to autonomous professional practice.

Helps enable those returning to practice to identify and address professional learning needs.

Helps enable overseas graduates to recognise the knowledge, skills and competencies required for professional practice in the UK.

The purpose of this new edition is to ensure that the document reflects contemporaneous practice and remains consistent with changes that have occurred in the profession over the past 4 years, particularly with reference to the new GCC Education Standards and Code of Professional Practice.

The Forum of Chiropractic Deans is made up of senior representatives of all the UK chiropractic programmes and the Royal College of Chiropractors. They have produced this edition in consultation with the profession.

The Chiropractic Patient Incident Reporting and Learning System (CPiRLS) is a secure website, which allows chiropractors to view, submit and comment on patient safety incidents.

Organisations (UK and overseas) wishing to use CPiRLS or receive trial access to the full site for evaluation purposes, should contact The Royal College of Chiropractors.

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70 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AM ERICA

CUKC In t r odu ces Acceler at ed Bach elor ?s Degr ee Pr ogr am s Clevelan d Un iver sit y-Kan sas Cit y (CUKC) has received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer streamlined versions of its Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Biology and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Exercise Science programs, significantly reducing the number of credit hours required for graduation. The change positions both degrees among the most efficient pathways to earning a bachelor ?s degree in the United States, with students able to complete either program in as little as two years.

The fully online B.S. in Human Biology now requires 94 credit hours, while the mostly online B.S. in Exercise Science requires 96 credit hours, down from the traditional 120 credits. According to CUKC, curriculum updates were designed to create a more focused and purposeful educational experience while maintaining academic rigor and quality. ?Innovation means measuring quality by learning and opportunity, not by credit hours,?said Dr .

Kar la Br u n t zel, Dean of t h e College of Healt h Scien ces. She noted that the redesigned programs provide students with accelerated

pathways to their career goals without compromising educational standards.

CUKC?s trimester schedule and year-round course offerings allow students to progress through the programs at an accelerated pace. The Human Biology degree is delivered entirely online, while the Exercise Science program combines online coursework with on-campus laboratory sessions in Overland Park, Kansas.

Dr . Gr eg William s, Dir ect or of Exer cise Scien ce Pr ogr am s, said the Exercise Science curriculum focuses on personal training and health coaching, performance enhancement, and corrective exercise, preparing graduates for professional certifications and careers in the field.

Students seeking advanced education can continue into CUKC?s online master ?s programs in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance or Healthcare Administration, making it possible to earn both bachelor ?s and master ?s degrees in approximately three years. Founded in 1922, CUKC continues to provide innovative educational pathways for future healthcare professionals.

CUKC An n ou n ces An n u al Con f er en ce an d Expo (ACE) Will Con t in u e as Clevelan d Con f er en ces at New Ven u e Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) has announced that its long-running Annual Conference and Expo (ACE) will continue under a new name, Cleveland Conferences, beginning in 2026. The event will take place Oct ober 8?10, 2026, at the Marriott Kansas City Overland Park Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas, less than a mile from the university?s campus.

The rebranding reflects CUKC?s ongoing

commitment to advancing the chiropractic profession and supporting the broader healthcare community. Building on the legacy of ACE, Cleveland Conferences will continue to offer high-quality continuing education, professional networking opportunities, and innovative programming for healthcare practitioners.

The three-day event will bring together leading chiropractic educators, researchers, and

71 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AM ERICA practitioners from across the United States.

Educational sessions will cover a range of topics, including pain management, compliance, sports chiropractic, pregnancy, pediatric care, and women?s health. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn up to 20 continuing education units.

Featured keynote speakers include Dr . Kr ist a Bu r n s, founder of the American Posture Institute; Dr . Ch r ist in e Goer t z of the Duke University School of Medicine; and Dr . Sh er r y M cAllist er , president of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. They will be joined by an impressive lineup of healthcare leaders and educators presenting the latest trends, best practices, and

innovations in chiropractic care.

In addition to educational programming, attendees can connect with colleagues, industry leaders, and exhibitors showcasing new technologies, products, and services for chiropractic professionals. Book signings by Dr. Goertz and Dr. McAllister will also be featured during the conference.

Registration for Cleveland Conferences 2026 is now open. More information on the program, speakers, continuing education opportunities, and accommodations is available through Cleveland University-Kansas City.

CUKC Ear n s Hist or ic St r en gt h an d Con dit ion in g Accr edit at ion Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) has achieved a significant milestone in strength and conditioning education, becoming the first institution to receive Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE) accreditation for a post-baccalaureate/graduate Certificate in Strength and Conditioning.

The accreditation recognizes CUKC?s commitment to delivering high-quality education that prepares students with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to succeed in the growing field of strength and conditioning. CASCE is widely recognized as the leading accrediting body for strength and conditioning education programs. ?This accreditation validates the rigor and relevance of our program and reinforces our commitment to student success,?said Dr. Greg Williams, Director of Exercise Science Programs at CUKC. He noted that the graduate certificate was specifically designed for working professionals seeking advanced credentials and preparation for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination.

The program combines 100% online coursework with one weekend of immersive on-campus laboratories and 300 hours of field experience. It is designed for professionals in fitness, sports performance, rehabilitation, chiropractic, and related healthcare fields who want a flexible pathway to advanced

training without pursuing a full degree.

As eligibility requirements for the CSCS examination evolve, accredited education will become increasingly important. By 2030, candidates for the CSCS exam will be required to complete an accredited program, placing CUKC at the forefront of this transition.

The curriculum focuses on human movement science, exercise physiology, nutrition, and strength training principles, while supporting careers as strength and conditioning coaches, sports performance specialists, rehabilitation professionals, personal trainers, and chiropractors integrating athletic performance services into practice.

The certificate is available as a standalone credential or as part of CUKC?s Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and Sports Performance program, providing students with a flexible and accredited pathway to career advancement.

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Dr . Tobi Jeu r in k Appoin t ed t o Kan sas St at e Boar d of Healin g Ar t s Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Tobi Jeurink to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, one of the state?s most influential healthcare regulatory bodies.

Appointed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Dr. Jeurink will serve as one of only three Doctors of Chiropractic on the 15-member board.

A member of the CUKC faculty and a 2001 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College?Kansas City, Dr. Jeurink brings extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience to the role. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is responsible for licensing and regulating healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines, helping to ensure high standards of patient care and public protection throughout the state.

In accepting the appointment, Dr. Jeurink emphasized the importance of service, trust, and compassionate healthcare leadership. She noted that the opportunity carries significant responsibility and offers a chance to contribute to decisions that impact

both healthcare providers and patients across Kansas.

Her appointment is also a significant milestone for the chiropractic profession, ensuring that chiropractic perspectives are represented in discussions and decisions related to healthcare regulation and public policy. As a board member, Dr. Jeurink will help shape regulations, standards, and oversight affecting a broad range of healthcare practitioners.

CUKC leaders praised the appointment as a reflection of the university?s longstanding mission to educate and develop leaders in health promotion and healthcare. Dr. Jeurink?s selection highlights the impact that chiropractic professionals can have not only in clinical practice but also in public service and healthcare governance.

She is expected to attend her first official meeting of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts later this summer, beginning her service on behalf of both the profession and the people of Kansas.

Fam ily of Dr . Jam es Br yden Hon or s St u den t Vet er an s at Clevelan d Un iver sit y-Kan sas Cit y Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Tobi Jeurink to the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts, one of the state?s most influential healthcare regulatory bodies.

Appointed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Dr. Jeurink will serve as one of only three Doctors of Chiropractic on the 15-member board.

A member of the CUKC faculty and a 2001 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College?Kansas City, Dr. Jeurink brings extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience to the role. The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts is responsible for licensing and regulating healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines, helping to ensure high standards of patient care and public protection throughout the state.

In accepting the appointment, Dr. Jeurink emphasized the importance of service, trust, and compassionate healthcare leadership. She noted that the opportunity carries significant responsibility and offers a chance to contribute to decisions that impact

both healthcare providers and patients across Kansas.

Her appointment is also a significant milestone for the chiropractic profession, ensuring that chiropractic perspectives are represented in discussions and decisions related to healthcare regulation and public policy. As a board member, Dr. Jeurink will help shape regulations, standards, and oversight affecting a broad range of healthcare practitioners.

CUKC leaders praised the appointment as a reflection of the university?s longstanding mission to educate and develop leaders in health promotion and healthcare. Dr. Jeurink?s selection highlights the impact that chiropractic professionals can have not only in clinical practice but also in public service and healthcare governance.

She is expected to attend her first official meeting of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts later this summer, beginning her service on behalf of both the profession and the people of Kansas.

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74 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AM ERICA

A Pu r pose-Dr iven Pat h : Dr . An gela Pier ce Leads Logan?s College of Ch ir opr act ic In t o a Con n ect ed Fu t u r e When Dr. Angela Pierce reflects on her journey into chiropractic education, she describes it as a path that ?snowballed? from a personal search for answers into a career devoted to healthcare, education, and leadership. Today, she serves as Dean of Logan University?s College of Chiropractic, guiding future chiropractors while helping the profession adapt to an increasingly connected healthcare landscape. ?I didn?t know at the time where I was going,?she said, ?but looking back, there were signs all along the way.?

Dr. Pierce?s journey began with her own health challenges. As a child and young adult, she lived with a rare disease that led her to consult numerous healthcare providers and rely on a variety of medications. Despite extensive medical care, she continued searching for relief until she discovered chiropractic. ?I saw every medical doctor and specialist. I was taking all sorts of medications,?she recalled. ?And within a few weeks of being treated by a chiropractor, I experienced a rapid transformation in my health.?

She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, noting that chiropractors increasingly work alongside a variety of healthcare professionals. ?The modern learner is different. Technology is different. The healthcare system is different,?she said. ?We?re becoming more connected within the profession and with other areas of specialty.?

For Dr. Pierce, that connectedness is essential to the profession?s future. ?To grow the profession, we have to stay connected with each other, with other schools, with our communities, and with other healthcare providers,?she said.

As she leads Logan University?s College of Chiropractic into its next chapter, Dr. Pierce advocates for innovation, transparency, and collaboration across the profession. Her vision is clear: a chiropractic profession that is connected, person-centered, and purpose-driven. ?My goal is to leave something behind that?s better than I found it,?she said. ?If I can help prepare students to go out and change lives, then I?ve done something that matters.?

The experience inspired a question that would shape her future: Why did this work? Determined to better understand the science behind healing, she pursued studies in biochemistry, chiropractic, and neurosciences. The desire to help others facing similar challenges became the driving force behind her career. ?I held onto the hope that someday I could help people the way chiropractic helped me,?she said.

Now, as dean, Dr. Pierce is focused on preparing students for modern healthcare. While the core principles of chiropractic remain unchanged, she believes the profession must evolve alongside advances in technology, education, and interdisciplinary care. ?My vision is to prepare students to practice chiropractic in the modern world,?she said. ?That means understanding modern healthcare, meeting the needs of our community and addressing the whole person.?

Dr Angela Pierce, Dean of Logan University's College of Chiropractic

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76 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Nor t h w est er n Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y Lau n ch es M ast er ?s Degr ee in Hu m an Per f or m an ce Nor t h w est er n Healt h Scien ces Un iver sit y (NWHSU) has announced the launch of a new M ast er of Healt h Scien ce (M HS) in Hu m an Per f or m an ce, a graduate program designed to provide chiropractors and other healthcare and performance professionals with advanced training in athlete performance, recovery, and data-informed clinical decision-making.

The flexible program is delivered primarily online, with optional in-person experiences available through NWHSU?s Human Performance Center.

For chiropractors looking to expand their expertise in sports and performance care, the degree offers a practical pathway to advanced credentials while maintaining the flexibility needed by working professionals.

One of the program?s distinguishing features is its certificate-driven design. Chiropractic graduates will be prepared for, or nearly prepared for, several recognized postgraduate credentials, including the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP), International Certificate in Sports Chiropractic (ICSC), and Certified Performance & Sport Scientist (CPSS).

Practitioners who already hold eligible

certifications may receive transfer or prior-learning credits, potentially reducing both the time and cost required to complete the degree. ?We?re excited to offer a program focused on the needs and performance of the individual athlete,? said Dr . Deb Bu sh w ay, Pr esiden t an d CEO of NWHSU. ?Not only does this align with our person-centered approach to healthcare, but it expands who our graduates can support. This is about real people meeting their goals: from professional and Olympic competitors to recreational athletes and aging adults seeking to maintain mobility and function.?

77 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Students may choose from two specializations: Data Analytics, which emphasizes performance technology and evidence-based decision-making, and Functional and Integrative Nutrition, which focuses on nutrition and supplementation strategies to optimize performance and recovery.

A third Sports Practitioner track, focused on clinical sports care and injury management, is planned for the future.

The program was developed with input from sports chiropractic and performance experts, including NWHSU alumni and specialists from the Human Performance Center. Students may complete the degree in as little as eight to twelve

months, depending on prior education and experience.

As demand for human performance professionals continues to grow, NWHSU?s new degree aims to position chiropractors at the forefront of athlete care, performance optimization, and interdisciplinary sports healthcare.

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79 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Par ker Sem in ar s Dallas Ret u r n s in 2026 Par k er Sem in ar s Dallas, one of the chiropractic profession?s premier educational and networking events, will return to the Par k er Un iver sit y cam pu s in Dallas, Texas, Oct ober 2?4, 2026.

The annual Homecoming event is expected to bring together thousands of chiropractors, healthcare professionals, educators, business leaders, and industry innovators for a weekend focused on professional growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Rooted in chiropractic principles yet embracing an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare, Parker Seminars Dallas aims to equip attendees with practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied in clinical practice, business operations, and leadership roles. The event will also provide continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise and stay current with industry developments.

For decades, Parker Seminars has served as a leading platform for advancing chiropractic and healthcare education, offering attendees access to world-class speakers, evidence-informed clinical education, business development strategies, leadership training, and opportunities to connect with colleagues from around the globe.

Beyond the educational program, attendees can explore a dynamic Expo Hall showcasing the latest technologies, products, services, and solutions supporting healthcare practices. The weekend will also include networking receptions, alumni gatherings, book signings, and special Homecoming activities designed to strengthen connections among Parker University graduates, students, faculty, and healthcare professionals.

The 2026 event will feature a diverse program designed to address the evolving needs of modern healthcare practitioners. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from thought leaders across chiropractic, healthcare, technology, business, and personal development while exploring emerging trends and innovations that are shaping the future of patient care and practice success.

Whether seeking clinical insights, business strategies, leadership development, or professional connections, attendees will find a broad range of opportunities to learn and engage throughout the three-day event.

Registration, hotel information, and additional event details are available at parkerseminars.com.

INVICTA Gala Raises M or e Th an $500,000 f or Vet er an s an d Fir st Respon der s The 2026 INVICTA Gala raised more than $500,000 to support The INVICTA Project?s mission of providing no-cost treatment for veterans and first responders experiencing traumatic brain injuries (TBI), post-concussion symptoms, and related neurological conditions. Hosted in Texas, the event brought together community leaders, supporters, and

eight Medal of Honor recipients to celebrate service and raise funds for life-changing care.

The gala featured keynote presentations, live and silent auctions, and tributes honoring military personnel and first responders. Attendees also participated in related events, including the Salute &

80 EDUCATION NEWS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Shoot Range Day, a reception, and opportunities to meet Medal of Honor recipients.

Funds raised will directly support The INVICTA Project?s work in helping individuals affected by conditions such as post-concussion syndrome, chronic headaches, memory impairment, sleep disturbances, brain fog, and chronic pain. Treatment is provided through a comprehensive two-week program at the Parker Performance Institute in Frisco, Texas, where participants receive diagnostic assessments, individualized treatment plans, and follow-up support at no cost.

The fundraising total marks a significant milestone for the organization, more than doubling the amount raised at the inaugural 2024 gala. According to The INVICTA Project, the growing support reflects increasing awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and first responders and the need for accessible, innovative treatment options.

Organizers have already begun planning for the 2027 INVICTA Gala as The INVICTA Project continues its efforts to restore health, function, and quality of life for those who have served their communities and country.

Par ker Un iver sit y Wom en?s Volleyball Win s 2026 NCVF Nat ion al Ch am pion sh ip Par k er Un iver sit y ?s Wom en?s Volleyball team has captured the 2026 National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) National Championship in the Women?s D2AA Collegiate Club Volleyball division, marking a historic achievement for the young program. The championship was won at the NCVF Nat ion al Tou r n am en t , h eld Apr il 2?4 in Kan sas Cit y, M issou r i, one of the largest collegiate club volleyball events in the United States, featuring more than 600 teams.

The national title was especially notable as it came during the team?s first-ever appearance at the tournament. Parker completed the competition with a perfect 8-0 record, overcoming several nationally recognized universities and securing multiple hard-fought victories that went to decisive third sets.

The championship capped an impressive season in which the team finished with an overall record of 15-4. In only its fourth year of existence, the program has quickly established itself as a rising force in collegiate club volleyball. ?The way that our girls competed was incredible,? said Aaron Gilbreath, Parker University?s Director of Athletics. ?The passion and heart that they put into

each match, the adversity that they overcame, the joy they had competing as a family, and the clutch performances from so many individuals, is why our girls are National Champions.?

Team captain and libero Peyton Kriegel reflected on the accomplishment, noting that a national championship was not initially on the team?s radar at the start of the season. ?There wasn?t an ounce of grit and determination that wasn?t left on that championship floor,?she said.

Individual honors also highlighted the team?s success. Rylee Steward was named Tournament MVP, while Jenna Szilagyi and Karlee Easterling earned First Team All-Tournament recognition.

The championship represents a milestone for Parker University athletics and underscores the program?s rapid growth, competitive spirit, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court.

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82 EDUCATION NEWS

Th e Royal College of Ch ir opr act or s Welcom es a New Pr esiden t At the Royal College of Chiropractors?annual Winter Conference, held on 4 February at the Royal College of Physicians in London,St u ar t Sm ellie formally began his term as Pr esiden t of t h e RCC, following a year serving as President?Elect.

Mr Smellie brings m or e t h an t h r ee decades of clinical experience, alongside a longstanding commitment to postgraduate education, professional standards, and leadership within the profession. He has contributed to the academic and professional development of the Royal College for many years, having served as a trustee since 2010 and spent 15 years as Dir ect or of Academ ic Af f air s. During this time, he was the lead author of the RCC?s Qu alit y St an dar ds pr ogr am m e, supporting chiropractors in delivering high?quality, evidence?informed care across a wide range of practice areas.

The conference was a great success, attracting more than 300 ch ir opr act or s an d gu est s. With a strong programme of speakers, it offered opportunities for learning, professional dialogue, and reconnection in the impressive setting on the edge of London?s Regent?s Park.

Speaking about taking on the new role, Mr Smellie said: ?It is a great honour to serve as President of the Royal College, and I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the profession to continue to support chiropractors in delivering the highest standards of care for our patients.?

He also paid tribute to the ou t goin g Pr esiden t , M ar k Gu r den , thanking him for six years of committed leadership, including guiding the College through the unprecedented challenges of

the COVID?19 pandemic.

The RCC supports the profession through a broad range of activities, including the development of clinical standards, delivery of post?registration education and training, support for specialist faculties, promotion of research, leadership in patient safety initiatives, and collaboration with universities, professional associations, and the General Chiropractic Council. Mr Smellie took the opportunity to recognise and thank the many chiropractors who contribute their time, expertise, and commitment to these activities..

As part of this ongoing work, Mr Smellie launched a pu blic con su lt at ion on a n ew RCC Qu alit y St an dar d f or Axial Spon dyloar t h r it is (AxSpA).

The proposed standard aims to support improved recognition and earlier diagnosis of this condition, which is known to be associated with significant delays in diagnosis and management. The consultation reflects the RCC?s commitment to continuous improvement in clinical care and invites input from the profession to help shape guidance that supports timely, patient?centred, and effective management.

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84 RESEARCH NEWS

Ch ir opr act ic Academ y of Resear ch an d Leader sh ip (CARL): an u pdat e Since its establishment in 2016, the Ch ir opr act ic Academ y f or Resear ch Leader sh ip (CARL) has played a central role in developing the next generation of chiropractic research leaders.

Through a highly competitive process, early career researchers from around the world linked to the profession are selected to complete a three-year fellowship.

CARL was founded by Pr of essor s Jon Adam s, Jan Har t vigsen an d Gr eg Kaw ch u k , whose vision was to foster credible, collaborative and courageous academic leadership within the chiropractic profession. Following the sad passing of Greg last year, the mentor team has expanded to include Associat e Pr of essor Dian a De Car valh o, herself a graduate of the first CARL cohort.

The current CARL III cohort began in 2025, bringing together 16 international fellows who had their inaugural residential in Odense, Denmark. The cohort has already demonstrated strong academic productivity, with peer-reviewed publications, strong academic and leadership collaborations across countries, and strong support in navigating challenges in academic careers in chiropractic and related professions. Eleven fellows have completed their PhDs, while the remainder are nearing completion of this important milestone.

The wider CARL group in Australia, including mentors, the CARL 3 cohort and the Australian CARL I and II senior fellows.

The fellows recently attended their second residential, held over five days in the Blue

Early morning hike in the Blue Mountains.

Mountains near Sydney, Australia. Fellows and mentors lived and worked together in a heritage guest house that provided a focused and collaborative environment. Although Professor Adams joined remotely, the programme continued to benefit from extensive expertise, with Professor Simon French joining the mentor team for the residential.

Senior CARL fellows based in Australia also joined for part of the residential, further strengthening cross-cohort collaboration. The group discussed plans for ?Lear n w it h CARL?, a skills development series focused on research methodology and professional development. This initiative is expected to expand in the coming year.

CARL continues to make a significant contribution to research capacity and leadership within chiropractic. The achievements of earlier cohorts illustrate this impact clearly, please see this recent publication from the CARL II cohort. Th e CARL II coh or t : w h at w e did an d w h at cam e ou t of it | Ch ir opr act ic & M an u al Th er apies | Spr in ger Nat u r e Lin k Further information about CARL?s work, including newsletters and updates, is available via the CARL website https://www.carlresearchfellows.org/ and LinkedIn channel Ch ir opr act ic Academ y f or Resear ch Leader sh ip (CARL) | Lin k edIn . The team also extends sincere thanks to its funders, whose support makes the programme possible.

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86 RESEARCH NEWS

Self -M an agem en t of Low Back Pain w it h Radiat in g Leg Pain : Bar r ier s, Facilit at or s, an d Clin ical Im plicat ion s This qualitative analysis examines the key role chiropractors play in supporting behaviour change related to self-management of low back pain with radiating leg pain. This condition is often linked to higher pain levels, greater disability, and worse outcomes than uncomplicated low back pain.

Although clinical guidelines emphasize exercise, patient education, and self-management, many patients find it difficult to follow these recommendations.

The study is based on secondary qualitative analysis of interviews from a randomized clinical trial. Participants with subacute and chronic low back pain with leg pain received spinal manipulative therapy along with home exercises and advice. The analysis focuses on patients? experiences with self-management and uses the Behavior Change Wheel, including the COM-B and TDF frameworks, to understand behaviour in terms of capability, motivation, and opportunity.

Barriers to self-management were found to be complex and overlapping. Common challenges included lack of time, pain or fear of worsening symptoms during exercise, uncertainty about proper technique and relevance, and low confidence in the effectiveness of exercises. Some patients also lacked clear goals. These barriers differed between individuals and changed over time, highlighting the need for flexible and personalized approaches.

The analysis also identified key facilitators of successful self-management. A strong therapeutic relationship between patient and clinician was especially important. Other supportive factors included simple and tailored exercises, repeated instruction with feedback, clear and realistic goal setting, and experiencing symptom relief or

improved function. The therapeutic alliance consistently enhanced motivation, confidence, and adherence.

Clinically, the findings suggest that chiropractors can improve self-management by actively incorporating behaviour change strategies into care. Practical approaches include demonstrating and supervising exercises, adjusting and progressing them over time, addressing expectations early, setting clear goals, and regularly reviewing both effort and outcomes.

Overall, the study highlights that effective self-management depends not only on what advice is given but how it is communicated, individualized, and supported over time. This reinforces the importance of a patient-centred, relationship-based approach in evidence-based chiropractic practice.

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

Link here.

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Use of pain m edicat ion r ises pr ior t o con t act w it h a ch ir opr act or an d declin es af t er w ar ds A nationwide Danish registry study of more than 7,000 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis shows that the use of prescribed pain medication increases leading up to chiropractic care and declines afterward. Despite clinical guidelines advising against routine use of pain medication, nearly half of patients used such medication in the year prior to starting treatment. Usage gradually rose, peaked around treatment initiation, and then decreased during the following year.

The study highlights a highly uneven distribution of medication use. The top 10% of users accounted for 43?68% of total consumption across drug types, including paracetamol, NSAIDs, opioids, and gabapentinoids. This finding underscores the complexity of the patient population and suggests that one-size-fits-all approaches are insufficient.

Certain groups were more likely to continue using pain medication after treatment. Women, patients with comorbidities, and those already using paracetamol, opioids, or gabapentinoids had a 5?16% higher risk of persistent use. In contrast, patients with higher education levels were less likely to continue medication, pointing to possible social differences in managing chronic pain.

Medication use declined overall after patients entered a structured chiropractic care programme, but the continued use of paracetamol and gabapentinoids remained relatively high one year later. This indicates that while chiropractic care may contribute to reducing reliance on medication, challenges remain? particularly among long-term high users. The researchers emphasize the need for more targeted strategies to support planned tapering of medication.

The study is based on comprehensive Danish national registries, including the Danish Register of

Medicinal Product Statistics and the National Patient Register, offering robust insight into real-world medication use in a structured care setting.

From a clinical perspective, the findings suggest that chiropractors play an important role in supporting safe and evidence-based pain management. In collaboration with general practitioners, they can help identify patients at risk of prolonged or inappropriate medication use and contribute to more tailored tapering strategies.

Overall, the results highlight the importance of individualized, patient-centred care approaches.

While chiropractic treatment appears to coincide with reduced medication use, ongoing attention to high-risk groups and long-term users is essential to further improve outcomes and align practice with clinical guidelines.

Rikke K. Jensen, Mathias Bech, Christian V. Skovsgaard, Jesper Ryg, Jan Hartvigsen, Melker S. Johansson. Use of prescribed analgesics before and after a standardised chiropractic care programme among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a nationwide cohort study. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies 2026. Link here.

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Wh y t h e Journal of Chiropractic Education M at t er s The Journal of Chiropractic Education (JCE) is one of the chiropractic profession?s most important scholarly resources. It is an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated exclusively to advancing chiropractic education through research, innovation, and scholarly discourse.

For 40 years, the journal has served as the chiropractic profession?s primary forum for sharing evidence on teaching methods, curriculum development, assessment, clinical training, educational technology, accreditation, and lifelong learning. It is also the only peer-reviewed journal devoted entirely to educating future chiropractors and preserving the scholarship of chiropractic education.

The importance of JCE extends beyond academia.

The journal helps ensure that chiropractic education remains evidence-informed, internationally relevant, and responsive to the changing needs of patients, healthcare systems, and society. By disseminating educational research and promoting scholarly excellence, the JCE strengthens the quality of chiropractic programs, supports faculty and educational leaders, and ultimately contributes to the preparation of competent, ethical, and patient-centered chiropractors worldwide. The formula is simple: better faculty = better graduates = better patient care.

As a practicing chiropractor, the patient is always the most important stakeholder. The Journal of Chiropractic Education advances educational scholarship today, helping shape the chiropractors, educators, and leaders of tomorrow, who will continue to strive for best quality patient care. For more information, visit http://journalchiroed.com

Bart Green, DC, MSEd, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Chiropractic Education

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Th e Back Pain Ch r on icles: A Resear ch er ?s Bid t o Close t h e Gap Bet w een Scien ce an d t h e Clin ic Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The science on how to treat it has advanced considerably over the past two decades. Yet patients continue to receive care and advice that lags years behind the evidence.

Ch r ist in e Goer t z, DC, Ph D, has spent more than 35 years trying to close that gap through research. Now she?s trying a different approach: a free newsletter.

Th e Back Pain Ch r on icles, available at christinegoertz.substack.com, launched as a direct response to what Goertz calls a persistent failure of translation: the disconnect between what clinical trials demonstrate and what patients are actually told when they walk into a clinic, search online, or talk to friends. ?We already have enough evidence to change how we treat low back pain,?Goertz has said. ?The problem is getting that knowledge where it needs to go.?

The newsletter addresses that problem in plain language: no jargon, no hedging, no academic throat-clearing. Recent topics include the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of low back pain, such as exploring how sleep disruption, chronic stress, job dissatisfaction, and social isolation can drive pain just as powerfully as structural factors. It?s the kind of whole-health framing that chiropractic practitioners have long championed, made accessible for a general audience.

For clinicians, the practical value is straightforward. Patients who arrive at an appointment already understanding that low back pain is multidimensional and that movement, mindset, and lifestyle are central to recovery are easier to engage. The educational groundwork has been laid before the visit even begins.

Goertz, a Professor at Duke University School of Medicine and Director of the Duke Spine Health Program, has led federally funded pragmatic clinical trials through the NIH, HRSA, and the Department of Defense, with career research funding exceeding $44 million. Her forthcoming book, Tak e You r Back Back : Wh ole Healt h Healin g f or Low Back Pain (Sim on & Sch u st er , Oct ober 2026), extends the newsletter ?s mission into long form.

The newsletter is free to all readers. Doctors of chiropractic seeking an evidence-based resource to recommend to patients can direct them to: ch r ist in egoer t z.su bst ack .com .

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Bu ildin g Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat ion an d Resear ch Collabor at ion : CERF Repor t Spr in g 2026 Th e Ch ir opr act ic Edu cat or s Resear ch For u m (CERF) serves all world regions and holds virtual conferences each year, which contain keynote addresses, peer-reviewed research presentations, and tutorials. The CERF conferences address critical issues facing the chiropractic profession and chiropractic education.

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

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Stakeholder Engagement: Fostering Connections and Improving Communications in Chiropractic Education https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-26-9 Collaboration in Education and Research: Stronger Together https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-25-14 Technology in Education: Riding the Wave of the Future https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-24-18 Battling Burnout: Raising Resilience in Education https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-23-30 Keeping It Real: Practice Relevant Education https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-23-24 Rise of Faculty Scholars: Building Capacity for a Stronger Future https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-22-26 Academic Integrity for All: Building Better Professionals https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-22-15

CERF is proud to be an Associate Founding Member of the In t er n at ion al Ch ir opr act ic

Edu cat ion Allian ce. At present, CERF has over 600 members. CERF is a volunteer-run organization created for chiropractic program faculty, staff, and administrators to build education research capacity and to develop and advance academic scholarship. CERF provides opportunities for chiropractic and other health profession educators to develop their skills, present new knowledge, and engage in scholarly activities. The CERF mission is to build scholarship and research capacity for chiropractic educators throughout the world. Membership is free. CERF thanks and recognizes WFC for its sponsorship. https://cerfweb.org/ Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD and Bart Green, DC, MSEd, PhD

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A Def in in g M om en t f or Ch ir opr act ic?s Role in t h e Deliver y of Reh abilit at ion

With 2.4 billion people worldwide requiring rehabilitation, the scale of unmet need is unprecedented. Against this backdrop, a new commentary on behalf of the World Federation of Chiropractic?s, Disability and Rehabilitation Committee highlights challenges and opportunities of the chiropractic profession to recognise within modern health systems.

At its core, the message is both empowering and confronting: chiropractors are ?w ell-posit ion ed, yet u n der u t ilised an d poor ly in t egr at ed w it h in m ost h ealt h syst em s.? Despite decades of the growing burden of disease that is led by musculoskeletal conditions, utilisation of chiropractic services has remained stagnant, underscoring a profound gap between our professional capabilities and health system recognition.

The commentary titled, "Chiropractic?s role in strengthening rehabilitation in health systems? is readily available in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. It provides a backdrop of evidence supporting our contribution to deliver rehabilitation throughout the life course, and across the continuum of care. This includes for: -

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Post -su r gical car e: Chiropractic interventions are associated with reduced reoperation rates (7% vs 13%) following lumbar discectomy and improved functional outcomes; Spor t s in ju r y r ecover y: Up to two-thirds of elite athletes engage with chiropractic care, demonstrating its central role in performance and recovery; and

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Neu r or eh abilit at ion : Chiropractors contribute meaningfully to complex neurological recovery through multimodal, function-focused care.

Yet the most powerful and important reflection is that the delivery of r eh abilit at ion is n ot an in t er ven t ion ? it is a goal-dir ect ed, per son -cen t r ed pr ocess f ocu sed on opt im isin g f u n ct ion an d par t icipat ion . This commentary align inherently with WHO?s International Classification for Functioning and Disability (ICF).

A strength of our profession is that integration of chiropractic in multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams, publicly funded health systems and in hospitals is already occurring ? and often succeeding. In multidisciplinary teams, ch ir opr act or s im pr ove car e ef f icien cy, in f lu en ce m edical decision -m ak in g, an d elevat e pat ien t ou t com es. In publicly funded systems and hospitals, their inclusion is associated with h igh er pat ien t sat isf act ion an d pot en t ial syst em -w ide cost savin gs.

However, and important for this readership group, is that ch allen ges ar e st ar k an d u n f or t u n at ely n ot n ew. There are persistent misconceptions about scope of practice and evidence informed care, fragmented regulation across our global footprint of 90 countries, and the limited inclusion in global health policy frameworks ? even where musculoskeletal disability is dominant.

Responsibly, the blame is not placed on those outside the profession, but a call to action within the commentary asks the profession what we can do better.

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The profession must mobilise to support Chiropractic?s role in strengthening rehabilitation in health systems. Our authorship group seeks theory driven implementation strategies for chiropractors to be embed¬ded within health systems to deliver rehabilitation, data on chiropractic workforce gaps and rehabilitation train¬ing needs, advocacy for improved recognition through health systems and policy research and enhanced interprofessional education through advanced rehabilitation curricular. Im por t an t ly, adopt in g t axon om ies appr opr iat e t o t h e lan gu age of global r eh abilit at ion in it iat ives ? f u n ct ion , par t icipat ion , disabilit y ? ar e cr it ical.

enable equitable access and optimise function across the life course. This is not an incremental change ? what is needed is a paradigm shift. The opportunity before chiropractic is not simply to participate in the delivery of rehabilitation in health systems, but to help lead it for those with neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

As a profession, this commentary suggests we must align with global rehabilitation priorities to

Chair, WFC Disability and Rehabilitation Committee

This wonderful commentary highlights the global strengths and diverse opinions of the World Federation of Chiropractic?s, Disability and Rehabilitation Committee. A shortened link for access to the commentary is here: https://rdcu.be/foewz Associat e Pr of essor Kat ie de Lu ca

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Ph ysiot h er apy ver su s ch ir opr act ic, an d t h e r ole of t h e Disabilit y an d Reh abilit at ion Com m it t ee of WFC Dr Peter Tuchin BSc, GradDipChiro, PhD

Recently I was requested to write a report that chiropractic could be considered alongside physiotherapy for a person with cerebral palsy.

The person requested government support for chiropractic treatment to help her joint restriction, altered gait, muscle tension and reduced mobility. These issues were significantly affecting her quality of life, study, work and independence, and they needed more than one therapeutic approach.

Whilst physiotherapy may be considered a strong role in exercise prescription, rehabilitation and long-term functional training, my report suggested that chiropractic is also relevant because of its specific use of manual therapies, particularly SMT, to address mechanical dysfunction and pain.

I cited evidence SMT can improve pain and function in a range of spinal conditions, and noted emerging research showing possible effects on sensorimotor integration, proprioception, cortical drive and motor control. These neurophysiological findings are especially important in neurological populations, where small gains in movement efficiency, balance or muscle activation may have meaningful day-to-day benefits.

My report was careful to acknowledge the limits of the evidence. High-quality research specifically examining chiropractic in cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders is still limited, and many studies are small or preliminary. That means chiropractic should not be presented as universally superior to physiotherapy. But, I recommended a collaborative model rather than a competitive one.

My report proposed the argument- that chiropractic may offer a distinct contribution

within a multidisciplinary framework for individuals whose neurological disorders are accompanied by substantial musculoskeletal burden. In conditions such as cerebral palsy, primary neurological impairment is frequently associated with chronic pain, spasticity, contracture, gait abnormalities, reduced mobility, and progressive functional limitation.

However, the report contends that chiropractic is relevant insofar as it employs manual therapeutic approaches, including spinal manipulative therapy, directed toward mechanical dysfunction and pain modulation. The literature cited in the report indicates that spinal manipulative therapy is supported by clinical guidelines and systematic reviews for certain spinal pain conditions, with evidence of modest improvements in pain and physical function.

In addition, emerging neurophysiological research suggests that such interventions may influence proprioception, sensorimotor integration, cortical drive, and motor control. While these findings do not in themselves establish efficacy for cerebral palsy or other neurological disorders, they provide a plausible mechanistic rationale for further investigation in populations characterised by impaired neuromotor performance.

The DRC of the WFC is working to highlight that chiropractic is not ?superior ? to physiotherapy, but rather it is a relevant adjunctive intervention when individualised, clinically indicated, and integrated with rehabilitation, exercise, and broader supportive care. Chiropractic and physiotherapy should be regarded as potentially complementary rather than mutually exclusive modalities within contemporary multidisciplinary neurological management.

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Tr u st : A Tr eat m en t Ef f ect M odif ier Dr Michael Vianin, DC, MSc

Musculoskeletal pain is among the most frequent reasons for seeking care, yet long-term outcomes remain inconsistent. Accumulating evidence suggests that one powerful determinant of outcome is neither imaging nor intervention technique, but trust. In musculoskeletal care, trust is not a byproduct of treatment. It is a core component of treatment itself.

A recent scoping review, Health-seeking behaviour in adults with musculoskeletal conditions: A scoping review, underscores that help-seeking behavior is shaped not only by symptom severity, but by prior experiences with healthcare, cultural context, beliefs, and perceived credibility of clinicians. Patients engage with care when they trust that they will be taken seriously and guided competently. When trust is fragile, patients delay consultation, disengage prematurely, or seek parallel opinions. Before any intervention can work, trust determines whether care is even accessed or sustained.

The qualitative study It?s hard to trust an individual, it?s easier to trust an image makes this dynamic explicit. Patients with low back pain described imaging as something more trustworthy than a clinician?s verbal reassurance.

An image was perceived as objective, irrefutable, and safer to rely on than professional judgment alone. When relational trust is insufficient, technology becomes a substitute.

Trust also shapes expectations, which in turn shape outcomes. The longitudinal study Negative, but not positive, expectancies predict 10-year changes in pain outcomes demonstrated that negative expectancies predicted worsening pain, functional decline, and depressive symptoms over ten years. Positive expectancies alone did not significantly alter trajectories, but negative ones clearly harmed them. Expectations are not formed in isolation; they are, in part, co-constructed within clinical encounters.

Prognostic language, confidence in explanations,

and the clinician?s perceived conviction influence patients? outcomes.

However, professional education does not consistently prepare clinicians to cultivate trust deliberately. As argued in The pain education paradox and validation gap, pain education often emphasizes mechanisms and theoretical models while neglecting the relational processes that determine whether explanations are accepted. Information without trust rarely transforms beliefs. Education delivered within a strong alliance can recalibrate maladaptive expectations; the same education delivered without trust may reinforce skepticism.

Trust in musculoskeletal care rests on several pillars: perceived competence, consistency, transparency about uncertainty, and collaborative decision-making. It requires clinicians to acknowledge limits of knowledge while demonstrating commitment to partnership.

Importantly, trust does not mean acquiescing to all patient requests, such as unnecessary imaging, but it does require explaining choices in ways that preserve credibility and shared purpose.

In musculoskeletal disorders, where pathology is often ambiguous and trajectory uncertain, trust becomes the stabilizing force that sustains engagement, moderates negative expectations, and supports adherence to management strategies. Without trust, interventions lose effectiveness. With trust, interventions can gain therapeutic potency.

If clinicians aim to improve outcomes in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, they must move beyond viewing trust as a desirable interpersonal quality. Trust is a clinical variable. It influences help-seeking, expectation formation, adherence, and long-term prognosis. In this sense, cultivating trust is not an adjunct to treatment. It is part of the mechanism by which treatment works.

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