Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation Attends CCE Stakeholder Meeting

Along with approximately 20 other individuals representing either themselves or specific organizations, Dr. Christopher Kent – President of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation - attended and presented testimony at the second Stakeholder’s meeting held by the Council on Chiropractic Education.

In what has been described by several attendees as a bizarre arrangement, the room reserved by the CCE for the Stakeholders meeting was very small and unaccommodating. This was in stark contrast to the room just downstairs where the DaVinci Group was holding a meeting at the same time in a room that could have accommodated several hundred people.
  
Participants at the Stakeholders meeting were divided into 2 sections of the room—one with tables for CCE Commissioners, Doctor of Chiropractic Programs, and Associations, and one with chairs only for Stakeholder presenters.  There was no microphone or LCD projector.  Speakers were often asked to repeat their remarks several times. The physical arrangements alone made it very clear to attendees just how interested the CCE was in hearing concerns from its constituents. 

The proceedings were chaired by Craig Little, DC, DABCO who opened the proceedings by stating that audio and video recording were prohibited. Dr. Little, a member of the affirmed anti-subluxation West Hartford Group, is the newly elected Chairman of the Council.

Speakers were allotted 3 minutes each which was loosely enforced, with one person being told he had gone over 5 minutes. Following each presentation, the CCE asked questions of the presenters.

Dr. Kent presented a very brief overview of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation and discussed three specific concerns:

1.   Site Visits.  Confidentiality vs. Secrecy.  The application of undisclosed guidelines or criteria which may conflict with institutional missions and clinical objectives
2.   Lack of student involvement in CCE governance.  Students are the most directly affected stakeholders due to CCE decisions affecting  National Board eligibility, licensing, etc.
3.   Sustainability.  Curricular Freedom.  Higher education is in the “Mercedes 80’s.”  Student loan debt is the next bubble.  Need to develop a new, affordable model of chiropractic education using flexible, decentralized, mixed-mode instruction.  Bring an end to “one size fits all” 4 year full time residential model.

In addition to the Foundation, several individuals spoke on behalf of organizations and expressed concerns regarding the CCE. These included:

• Bill Decken DC – Chairman of the Board - International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations
• Greg Stetzel DC - Garden State Chiropractic Society
• John Maltby DC – Past President - International Chiropractors Association
• Felicia Stewart DC - Sustainability Committee
• John LaMonica DC Vice President - Congress of Chiropractic State Associations
• Joe Merlo DC - Movement for Chiropractic Quality and Integrity
• George Augar - Palmetto State Chiropractic Association

Not everyone attending the Stakeholders meeting was there to share concerns about the CCE. Those speaking in support of CCE were:

• David O'Bryon from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges
• Dr. Mike Simone from the American Chiropractic Association
• Donna Liewer from the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
• Dr. John Ventura from the West Hartford Group

In what was discussed afterward as the most disturbing behavior on the part of the CCE during the meeting was how students who came to present their concerns were treated. Students variously presented concerns regarding their education, particularly training in locating and correcting vertebral subluxations. In a belittling tone, the students were grilled about the evidence used to support their allegations, and were admonished that unsubstantiated generalizations were a problem in the profession.

Not a single student, nor any student groups, were invited by the Council on Chiropractic Education to attend the Stakeholder’s meeting. There are approximately 12,000 students currently enrolled in chiropractic colleges.