I got involved in chiropractic politics about 20 years ago right out of school. Frustrated about something that was going on politically I contacted various organizations to see what they were doing and I wasn’t too impressed. This experience led to two decades of serving in one capacity or another in chiropractic political organizations on the state, national and international level.
While the importance of political involvement has always been crucial to our profession’s survival, at this point in time I think the stakes are higher than they have ever been. Our profession faces daunting challenges not only from the outside, but perhaps even more seriously, from within. The continued slide of chiropractic into the allopathic model and the ongoing dilution of chiropractic principles seem to have gained tremendous momentum.
If you look around at all the various chiropractic organizations you’ll find that they all seem to have become bleary eyed at the notion of unity within the profession and more specifically unity around getting or keeping third party reimbursement, being a physician and practicing primary care. This has become their combined mission.
While I have known some of its members and Directors for many years, it was with this in mind that I researched the IFCO and started talking in more detail with them about the problems facing our profession. I read and respect their position regarding the Chiropractic Summit group which is made up of the various members of the Chiropractic Cartel such as the ACA, WFC, CCE, FCLB, NBCE and others who support the move in chiropractic toward primary care and drugs. The IFCO is not and never was a Summit member. I don't believe they have all the answers but at the very least I know they are not supporting our own destruction by supporting groups which are. That’s why I joined and that’s why I urge you to do the same.
As always I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions.
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH