When the news broke that the AECC University College and University College of Osteopathy were set to merge, the announcement was met with a flurry of commendations and enthusiasm from the institutions' top brass. Both entities, apparently gleaming in reputational success, spoke of “significant opportunities for growth” and ambitions to create an “internationally-leading MSK Centre of Excellence for Education and Research.” But how does this merger sit with the wider chiropractic community, particularly those who have staunch beliefs in the core principles of chiropractic care?

A Questionable Legacy of Leadership

AECC boasts of being at the “forefront of evidence-based chiropractic education,” a claim that, while perhaps accepted in the world of Subluxation Deniers, has been scrutinized by chiropractors practicing with the foundational focus on vertebral subluxation management. AECC's track record is no secret; the institution has, in recent years, been more akin to an osteopathic college already. While there's nothing inherently wrong with being medically oriented, this deviates considerably from the tenets of traditional chiropractic practice. To say that the AECC has worked to marginalize those who uphold the subluxation model would be an understatement.

Moreover, leadership claims from both schools raise eyebrows. While both AECC and UCO claim to be key players in their respective fields, their respective directions, especially that of AECC, challenge the very essence of chiropractic education.

Scotland College of Chiropractic - A Silver Lining

Perhaps the biggest silver lining in this merger news is the potential for other institutions, like the Scotland College of Chiropractic, to emerge as true standard-bearers of principled chiropractic education in Europe. With its first batch of students already underway, the college could very well fill the void left by institutions such as AECC, which have moved away from core chiropractic values.

What Does the Future Hold?

While AECC’s merger with UCO might seem like a perfect alliance, blending osteopathy and a more medical-oriented approach to chiropractic, it poses significant questions for the future of true chiropractic education. The emphasis on medical practice, will continue to dilute the very essence of chiropractic practice in Europe.

If there's a note of optimism to be found, it's in the possibility that institutions like the Scotland College of Chiropractic could keep the flame of principled chiropractic alive in Europe. And for many chiropractors worldwide, that’s not just a consolation—it’s a cause for celebration.