Editorial Type: CONFERENCE REPORT
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Online Publication Date: 01 Oct 2012

Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference 2012

MSEd, DC and
MSEd, DC
Article Category: Research Article
Page Range: 188 – 191
DOI: 10.7899/JCE-12-020
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INTRODUCTION

Preparing the chiropractic workforce for the changing diversity of the population was the theme of the 2012 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC). The conference was held March 15 through 17, 2012 at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Presenters and attendees from around the world met with their peers, attended informative workshops in the domains of research, integration, clinical practice and education, and experienced research presentations by leaders in the field.

Association of Chiropractic Colleges working group meetings were held, allowing educators, administrators, and researchers the opportunity to meet and work on various issues necessary to advance the chiropractic profession. The commitment to these meetings resulted in valuable collaborative efforts and a sharing of ideas among chiropractic college faculty, administrators, and researchers, paying dividends for students, future graduates, and practicioners. The ACC groups that met during the 2012 conference were presidents, admissions, chief academic officers, chief financial officers, clinic directors, institutional advancement/development staff, financial aid staff, institutional assessment staff, librarians, post-graduate directors, research directors, and information technology staff.

A World Health Organization (WHO) meeting was hosted by the ACC and held in conjunction with the ACC-RAC. These efforts aimed to build bridges between experts in the profession while introducing the work of WHO and current initiatives to ACC-RAC participants and experts. Such bridges are beneficial in contributing to the work of WHO as well as local and national initiatives.

As host of the meeting, the ACC was officially recognized by WHO for its financial support and contribution. The objectives and outcomes of the WHO meeting were to review the current progress on the revised ICD-11 draft, evaluate the status of the classification content and structure, prepare for the launch of the draft at the WHO World Health Assembly in May 2012, finalize procedures for beta draft review, and discuss and agree upon working methods, timelines and other relevant issues for the next stage of the overall project. To bring relevance to the doctors of chiropractic in attendance at the conference, Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol, Technical Officer, Classifications, Terminologies and Standards (CTS), WHO, presented the workshop “Preparing for changes in healthcare records: how to participate in ICD-11 development.” This workshop provided an overview of the process by which ICD codes are developed and ways to provide input using the public forum.

During the Thursday evening reception, the ACC welcomed the presence of the WHO. Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün, who is responsible for the WHO's Family of International Classifications (ie, ICD, ICF, and other health classifications), for development of standardized health terminologies, and for compilation of health information standards, expressed gratitude for the ACC's support of the presence of WHO and wished everyone a productive meeting. Drs Robinson Nicol and Üstün presented tokens of appreciation to the ACC host representatives (Fig 1).

Figure 1. Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (left) and Dr Tevfik Üstün (right) present gift to the ACC President Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 1. Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (left) and Dr Tevfik Üstün (right) present gift to the ACC President Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 1. Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (left) and Dr Tevfik Üstün (right) present gift to the ACC President Dr Richard Brassard.
Figure 1. Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (left) and Dr Tevfik Üstün (right) present gift to the ACC President Dr Richard Brassard.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

The opening session on Friday morning focused on the increasing diversity of the population and its impact on the future of health care and the chiropractic profession. The attendees were reminded that workplace diversity is the appreciation of, not mere tolerance of, differences in ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, gender, gender identity, religion, age, and abilities of the members of the healthcare workforce and the patients it serves. Information was presented on the ways in which the changing demographics in the United States and North America will alter how the profession functions. As the patient population changes, the chiropractic profession will need to prepare its workforce to meet the needs of these patients. Chiropractic education programs will continue to evolve along with the population, thus the diversity of chiropractic college faculty members and administrators also will need to reflect these changes in race, ethnicity, gender, and gender identify, and curricular content will need to change accordingly to prepare students for a more diverse patient population.

The panel of speakers (Fig. 2) was moderated by Dr Claire Johnson. Panel discussants included Drs Mark Christensen and John Hyland (A changing workforce—a look at the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners job analysis), Dr Fred Zuker (Education—chiropractic and diversity in the student body), Mr David Chapman-Smith (Profession—a world view of chiropractic and cultural competency), and Dr Valerie Johnson (Chiropractic—diversity in the chiropractic workplace).

Figure 2. Opening plenary speakers (left to right) Drs Fred Zuker, John Hyland, Mark Christensen, Claire Johnson, and Valerie Johnson, and Mr David Chapman-Smith.Figure 2. Opening plenary speakers (left to right) Drs Fred Zuker, John Hyland, Mark Christensen, Claire Johnson, and Valerie Johnson, and Mr David Chapman-Smith.Figure 2. Opening plenary speakers (left to right) Drs Fred Zuker, John Hyland, Mark Christensen, Claire Johnson, and Valerie Johnson, and Mr David Chapman-Smith.
Figure 2. Opening plenary speakers (left to right) Drs Fred Zuker, John Hyland, Mark Christensen, Claire Johnson, and Valerie Johnson, and Mr David Chapman-Smith.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

Following the plenary session, workshops were offered to develop skills in the areas of diversity, education, research, clinical research, and clinical practice. The Fri-day luncheon was hosted by NCMIC. Dr Louis Sportelli and Mr Pat McNerney gave an address on the current state of chiropractic and future considerations for educators and researchers. Dr Sportelli introduced a movie trailer for an upcoming film on the topic of healthcare in North America. After lunch, peer-reviewed scientific paper sessions were given by leaders in chiropractic clinical, basic science, and educational research. Later, poster presentations were held during an evening reception followed by additional workshops.

Saturday morning began with continued peer-reviewed scientific paper sessions. Saturday's lunch was hosted by Foot Levelers. Mr Kent Greenawalt introduced Mr Jeff Hayes (Fig. 3) who shared two preliminary trailers for an upcoming video documentary on the healthcare industry in the United States. Dr Richard Brassard and Mr David O'Bryon presented Mr Greenawalt with an award for his continued contribution to the ACC and the chiropractic profession (Fig. 4). Saturday afternoon workshops followed. For each of the workshop sessions, parallel tracks were developed for educators, researchers, and practitioners. Thus, there was relevant content for all attendees at all times in the program.

Figure 3. Mr Jeff Hays discussing the motivation for his upcoming documentary film about the healthcare industry. Mr Hays is a filmmaker most known for Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004) and On Native Soil (2006), a documentary that focuses on the surviving family members of 9/11 victims, requesting an official investigation of the 9/11 attacks.Figure 3. Mr Jeff Hays discussing the motivation for his upcoming documentary film about the healthcare industry. Mr Hays is a filmmaker most known for Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004) and On Native Soil (2006), a documentary that focuses on the surviving family members of 9/11 victims, requesting an official investigation of the 9/11 attacks.Figure 3. Mr Jeff Hays discussing the motivation for his upcoming documentary film about the healthcare industry. Mr Hays is a filmmaker most known for Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004) and On Native Soil (2006), a documentary that focuses on the surviving family members of 9/11 victims, requesting an official investigation of the 9/11 attacks.
Figure 3. Mr Jeff Hays discussing the motivation for his upcoming documentary film about the healthcare industry. Mr Hays is a filmmaker most known for Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004) and On Native Soil (2006), a documentary that focuses on the surviving family members of 9/11 victims, requesting an official investigation of the 9/11 attacks.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

Figure 4. Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Kent Greenawalt, and Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 4. Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Kent Greenawalt, and Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 4. Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Kent Greenawalt, and Dr Richard Brassard.
Figure 4. Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Kent Greenawalt, and Dr Richard Brassard.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

As is customary for the conference, all abstracts for the scientific peer-reviewed platform and poster sessions were published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education. For more details about the platform and poster presentations, please refer to the Journal of Chiropractic Education, volume 26, number 1, Spring 2012 (www.JournalChiroEd.com).

Of the more than 200 papers submitted for this year's conference, 92 were selected for platform presentation and 62 for poster presentation. Authors were invited to submit their materials for award consideration. Of those who made such submissions, 10 were selected for special recognition. The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners graciously provided awards of $1000 to each of the authors of the award papers. Clinical and basic science papers will be published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, and educational research studies will be published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education. The 2012 award winners are listed in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Award winning 2012 ACC-RAC presentations.Figure 5. Award winning 2012 ACC-RAC presentations.Figure 5. Award winning 2012 ACC-RAC presentations.
Figure 5. Award winning 2012 ACC-RAC presentations.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

A number of recognition awards were presented at the conference. ACC Distinguished Service Awards were presented to US Army Brigadier General (retired) Rebecca “Becky” Halstead, a national spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), for her commitment to improving communications about the importance of chiropractic care (Fig. 6). Dr Bart Green was recognized for his contributions to chiropractic education through the stewardship and development of the Journal of Chiropractic Education. Dr Claire Johnson was recognized for her service to the ACC as Peer Review Chair and for developing the ACC-RAC. Deb Kopanksy-Giles presented both Drs Bart Green and Claire Johnson (Fig. 7) as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic (FICC) stating, “The Fellow designation is bestowed upon those whose contributions have made or will make significant impact upon the science of chiropractic and to those who render valuable and meritorious service to the profession.”

Figure 6. Dr Richard Brassard, Brigadier General (ret) Becky Halstead, and Mr David O'Bryon.Figure 6. Dr Richard Brassard, Brigadier General (ret) Becky Halstead, and Mr David O'Bryon.Figure 6. Dr Richard Brassard, Brigadier General (ret) Becky Halstead, and Mr David O'Bryon.
Figure 6. Dr Richard Brassard, Brigadier General (ret) Becky Halstead, and Mr David O'Bryon.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

Figure 7. Dr Deborah Kopanksy-Giles (center) presenting Drs Claire Johnson and Bart Green as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic.Figure 7. Dr Deborah Kopanksy-Giles (center) presenting Drs Claire Johnson and Bart Green as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic.Figure 7. Dr Deborah Kopanksy-Giles (center) presenting Drs Claire Johnson and Bart Green as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic.
Figure 7. Dr Deborah Kopanksy-Giles (center) presenting Drs Claire Johnson and Bart Green as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

The closing plenary panel discussion focused on overcoming barriers to diversity in training, practice, and research in the chiropractic profession. The moderator was Dr Lisa Killinger and each panelist (Fig. 8) provided a unique viewpoint addressing specific areas of concern. The panelists included Dr John Mrozek (education), Dr Cyndy Long (research), Dr Tolu Oyelowo (clinical—health care provider), Dr Anupama Kizhakkeveettil (clinical—patient perspective), and Dr Stephen Perle (clinical, education, and research vignettes).

Figure 8. Closing plenary panel speakers (left to right) Drs Lisa Killinger, Stephen Perle, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, John Mrozek, Tolu Oyelowo, and Cyndy Long.Figure 8. Closing plenary panel speakers (left to right) Drs Lisa Killinger, Stephen Perle, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, John Mrozek, Tolu Oyelowo, and Cyndy Long.Figure 8. Closing plenary panel speakers (left to right) Drs Lisa Killinger, Stephen Perle, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, John Mrozek, Tolu Oyelowo, and Cyndy Long.
Figure 8. Closing plenary panel speakers (left to right) Drs Lisa Killinger, Stephen Perle, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, John Mrozek, Tolu Oyelowo, and Cyndy Long.

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

The panel presentations were followed by the keynote speaker for the closing address, Dr Christopher G. Chute, Chair of the ISO Health Informatics Technical Committee (ISO TC215) and Chair of the WHO ICD-11 Revision Steering Group. Dr Chute spoke about preparing for the future of health care and how health information technology will transform clinical practice. The closing of the 2012 ACC-RAC confirmed a commitment from the chiropractic profession to future collaborative efforts with WHO (Fig. 9).

Figure 9. (left to right) Mr David Chapman-Smith (World Federation of Chiropractic), Dr Mark Zeigler (ACC), Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (WHO), Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün (WHO), Dr Christopher Chute (WHO), Dr Richard Brassard (ACC), Mr David O'Bryon (ACC).Figure 9. (left to right) Mr David Chapman-Smith (World Federation of Chiropractic), Dr Mark Zeigler (ACC), Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (WHO), Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün (WHO), Dr Christopher Chute (WHO), Dr Richard Brassard (ACC), Mr David O'Bryon (ACC).Figure 9. (left to right) Mr David Chapman-Smith (World Federation of Chiropractic), Dr Mark Zeigler (ACC), Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (WHO), Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün (WHO), Dr Christopher Chute (WHO), Dr Richard Brassard (ACC), Mr David O'Bryon (ACC).
Figure 9. (left to right) Mr David Chapman-Smith (World Federation of Chiropractic), Dr Mark Zeigler (ACC), Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (WHO), Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün (WHO), Dr Christopher Chute (WHO), Dr Richard Brassard (ACC), Mr David O'Bryon (ACC).

Citation: The Journal of Chiropractic Education 26, 2; 10.7899/JCE-12-020

The 2013 ACC-RAC will be held in Washington, DC and the theme will be Chiropractic and Healthcare Reform: Improving Outcomes, Delivery, and Affordability of Healthcare. More information about the 2013 ACC-RAC is available at www.chirocolleges.org.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Claire Johnson receives a stipend from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges as Peer-Review Chair for coordinating peer review and scientific portions of the ACC-RAC meeting and serves on the ACC-RAC Planning Committee; she also is a member of the NCMIC board. Bart Green receives a stipend from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education.

Copyright: © 2012 Association of Chiropractic Colleges 2012
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (left) and Dr Tevfik Üstün (right) present gift to the ACC President Dr Richard Brassard.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Opening plenary speakers (left to right) Drs Fred Zuker, John Hyland, Mark Christensen, Claire Johnson, and Valerie Johnson, and Mr David Chapman-Smith.

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Mr Jeff Hays discussing the motivation for his upcoming documentary film about the healthcare industry. Mr Hays is a filmmaker most known for Fahrenhype 9/11 (2004) and On Native Soil (2006), a documentary that focuses on the surviving family members of 9/11 victims, requesting an official investigation of the 9/11 attacks.

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Kent Greenawalt, and Dr Richard Brassard.

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Award winning 2012 ACC-RAC presentations.

Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Dr Richard Brassard, Brigadier General (ret) Becky Halstead, and Mr David O'Bryon.

Figure 7.
Figure 7.

Dr Deborah Kopanksy-Giles (center) presenting Drs Claire Johnson and Bart Green as Fellows in the International College of Chiropractic.

Figure 8.
Figure 8.

Closing plenary panel speakers (left to right) Drs Lisa Killinger, Stephen Perle, Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, John Mrozek, Tolu Oyelowo, and Cyndy Long.

Figure 9.
Figure 9.

(left to right) Mr David Chapman-Smith (World Federation of Chiropractic), Dr Mark Zeigler (ACC), Dr Molly Meri Robinson Nicol (WHO), Dr Tevfik Bedirhan Üstün (WHO), Dr Christopher Chute (WHO), Dr Richard Brassard (ACC), Mr David O'Bryon (ACC).

Contributor Notes

About the Authors

Claire Johnson is a professor and editor at the National University of Health Sciences.

Bart Green is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education and an associate editor for the National University of Health Sciences.

Address correspondence to Claire Johnson, National University of Health Sciences, 200 E Roosevelt Rd, Lombard, IL, 60148 (e-mail: cjohnson@nuhs.edu).
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