Editorial Type: CONFERENCE REPORT
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Sept 2013

Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference 2013

DC, MSEd and
DC, MSEd
Article Category: Other
Page Range: 163 – 168
DOI: 10.7899/JCE-13-18
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INTRODUCTION

The theme for the 2013 Association of Chiropractic Colleges Educational Conference and Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC) was Chiropractic and Healthcare Reform: Improving Outcomes, Delivery, and Affordability of Healthcare. The conference was held March 14–16, 2013 at the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, DC. Presenters and attendees from around the world met with their peers, participated in informative workshops in the domains of healthcare reform, research, clinical practice, and education, and attended 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 results in valuable collaborative efforts and a sharing of ideas among chiropractic college faculty, administrators, and researchers, paying dividends for students, future graduates, and those in practice. The ACC groups that met for the 2013 conference were: Presidents, Admissions, Chief Academic Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Clinic Directors, Institutional Advancement/Development, Financial Aid, Institutional Assessment, Librarians, Post Graduate, and Research Directors.

A reception was held on Thursday evening, at which time attendees were welcomed by Dr Brian McAulay, Vice President of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges. The reception was held in the main foyer, which displayed the booths from the various sponsors and exhibitors as well as the scientific poster boards.

The opening session Friday morning began with a keynote speech by Clem Bezold, PhD, Chairman and Senior Futurist at the Institute for Alternative Futures. Dr Bezold presented four possible futures of the chiropractic profession that were based upon survey research conducted by his team. At the end of his report, the audience was asked to rate their preferences of the four alternative futures discussed in the report, and these data were reported during the lunch session.

A panel presentation, “Chiropractic and Healthcare Reform: Improving Outcomes, Delivery, and Affordability of Healthcare,” moderated by Dr Claire Johnson, focused on the three main factors of improving the healthcare system in the United States, and how these factors relate to chiropractic practice, research, and education. The panelists discussed how to measure and balance improving quality, delivery/accessibility, and affordability/cost of healthcare from their experiences in their industries and unique points of view. Panel discussants (Fig. 1) included Dr Robert Mootz (Associate Medical Director for Chiropractic; State of Washington, Department of Labor and Industries), Dr Partap Khalsa (Program Director, Division of Extramural Research, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM], National Institutes of Health [NIH]), Dr Christine Goertz (Member of the Board of Governors for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute [PCORI]), and Dr Daniel Hansen (Director, Care Coordination, Beacon Community of the Inland Northwest; Program Director Eastern Washington Center for Occupational Health & Education, Spokane, WA).

Figure 1. Opening panel speakers (left to right): Drs Claire Johnson, Partap Khalsa, Bob Mootz, Christine Goertz, and Dan Hansen.Figure 1. Opening panel speakers (left to right): Drs Claire Johnson, Partap Khalsa, Bob Mootz, Christine Goertz, and Dan Hansen.Figure 1. Opening panel speakers (left to right): Drs Claire Johnson, Partap Khalsa, Bob Mootz, Christine Goertz, and Dan Hansen.
Figure 1. Opening panel speakers (left to right): Drs Claire Johnson, Partap Khalsa, Bob Mootz, Christine Goertz, and Dan Hansen.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

The ACC-RAC now has five workshop tracks to satisfy the needs of a wide variety of attendees. One track focuses on clinical issues for private practitioners, another focuses on education for educators, another focuses on research for chiropractic researchers, and another track focuses on the theme of the conference. This year, the fifth workshop track was added to focus on special issues for the ACC administrative groups. This effort was initiated by Dr Brian McAulay and led by Dr David Odiorne. This initial offering of the administrative workshop was titled “Engaging with Institutional Effectiveness.”

Friday afternoon workshops were offered on chiropractic in healthcare reform, clinical skills, and academic leadership. Research aptitudes and funding opportunities workshops included the following NCCAM representatives: Alberto L. Rivera-Rentas, PhD, Program Director, Division of Extramural Research, NCCAM, NIH; Partap S. Khalsa, DC, PhD, Program Director, Division of Extramural Research, NCCAM, NIH; Laura Lee Johnson, PhD, Lead Biostatistician, Office of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs (OCRA), NCCAM, NIH.

The Friday luncheon was hosted by NCMIC. Dr. Louis Sportelli, president of NCMIC Group, addressed the crowd discussing the importance of research for the chiropractic profession and research that the NCMIC has supported. Dr James Whedon was recognized with the Jerome F. McAndrews, D.C., Memorial Research Fund Award (Fig. 2). This award was created by the NCMIC Foundation to honor Dr McAndrews' longtime support of the scientific and practical advancement of the study of chiropractic. This award recognizes an individual or a group who has demonstrated exceptional ability to advance research and the exchange of scientific information, promote high ethical standards in research and/or practice. contribute to practical applications to chiropractic practice, and interact professionally with other individuals and groups involved in relevant research and application. Dr Whedon was selected for this award for his research that advances public health in the United States. Dr Whedon is researching variations in chiropractic availability, utilization, and cost for adults over 65. As well, he is researching the safety of chiropractic care and risks of complications associated with chiropractic care of older adults

Figure 2. Dr James Whedon (center) receiving the McAndrews Award from Dr Louis Sportelli (right).Figure 2. Dr James Whedon (center) receiving the McAndrews Award from Dr Louis Sportelli (right).Figure 2. Dr James Whedon (center) receiving the McAndrews Award from Dr Louis Sportelli (right).
Figure 2. Dr James Whedon (center) receiving the McAndrews Award from Dr Louis Sportelli (right).

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

After lunch, peer-reviewed scientific paper sessions were delivered by scholars in the areas of healthcare reform, education, clinical studies, and basic science research. Later, poster presentations were held during an evening reception followed by additional clinical, educational, and healthcare reform workshops (Fig. 3). The poster sessions allowed attendees to mix and mingle with the poster presenters, and to discuss current and future research projects.

Figure 3. The poster presentation reception was well attended. Researchers, educators, and clinicians discussed the posters and exchanged ideas about future research.Figure 3. The poster presentation reception was well attended. Researchers, educators, and clinicians discussed the posters and exchanged ideas about future research.Figure 3. The poster presentation reception was well attended. Researchers, educators, and clinicians discussed the posters and exchanged ideas about future research.
Figure 3. The poster presentation reception was well attended. Researchers, educators, and clinicians discussed the posters and exchanged ideas about future research.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

Saturday morning began with the midyear meeting of the American Public Health Association, Chiropractic Health Care (APHA-CHC) section. Over 30 APHA-CHC members gathered to discuss the influence of chiropractic care on public health and issues related to encouraging others to join the APHA-CHC section. The plenary session opened with a series of presentations by the ACC executive officers: Dr Richard Brassard (ACC President), Dr Brian McAulay (ACC Vice President), and Dr Dennis Marchiori (ACC Secretary, Fig. 4). The officers presented several awards. Dr Richard Brassard was recognized for his work as the most recent president of the ACC. Dr Mark Zeigler was presented an award for his service to the ACC as vice-president. Drs George Goodman, Fabio Mancini, and Frank Zolli were presented an award for their service to the ACC as past presidents. Additional awards of recognition were given to Mr Don Peterson and Dr David Odiorne (Figs. 5, 6). The morning continued with peer-reviewed scientific paper sessions in the areas of healthcare reform, clinical practice, education, and research. Saturday's lunch was hosted by Footlevelers, Inc. Mr Kent Greenawalt, president of Foot Levelers, spoke to the attendees about the involvement of Foot Levelers in chiropractic education, research, and the dissemination of positive media messages pertaining to chiropractic through the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. Workshops followed lunch on Saturday afternoon. For each of the workshop sessions, parallel tracks were developed for educators, researchers, administrators, and private practitioners.

Figure 4. Present and past ACC Officers (left to right): Dr Dennis Marchiori, Mr David O'Bryon, and Drs Richard Brassard, Brian McAulay, and Frank Nicchi.Figure 4. Present and past ACC Officers (left to right): Dr Dennis Marchiori, Mr David O'Bryon, and Drs Richard Brassard, Brian McAulay, and Frank Nicchi.Figure 4. Present and past ACC Officers (left to right): Dr Dennis Marchiori, Mr David O'Bryon, and Drs Richard Brassard, Brian McAulay, and Frank Nicchi.
Figure 4. Present and past ACC Officers (left to right): Dr Dennis Marchiori, Mr David O'Bryon, and Drs Richard Brassard, Brian McAulay, and Frank Nicchi.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

Figure 5. Mr Don Peterson receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Don Peterson, Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 5. Mr Don Peterson receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Don Peterson, Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 5. Mr Don Peterson receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Don Peterson, Dr Richard Brassard.
Figure 5. Mr Don Peterson receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Don Peterson, Dr Richard Brassard.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

Figure 6. Dr David Odiorne receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Dr David Odiorne, Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 6. Dr David Odiorne receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Dr David Odiorne, Dr Richard Brassard.Figure 6. Dr David Odiorne receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Dr David Odiorne, Dr Richard Brassard.
Figure 6. Dr David Odiorne receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Dr David Odiorne, Dr Richard Brassard.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

Of the 194 paper submissions for this year's conference, 89 were selected for platform presentation and 67 for poster presentation. Authors were invited to submit their materials for award consideration. From those who participated in the competition, 9 submissions were selected for an award (Fig. 7). The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners graciously provided awards of $1000 each to the authors of the selected award papers (Fig. 8). 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.

Figure 7. NBCE Award winning presentations for ACC-RAC 2013.Figure 7. NBCE Award winning presentations for ACC-RAC 2013.Figure 7. NBCE Award winning presentations for ACC-RAC 2013.
Figure 7. NBCE Award winning presentations for ACC-RAC 2013.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

Figure 8. Dr Norman Ouzts, Jr, NBCE President (left), presents one of the awards for best papers to Dr Diane Grondin.Figure 8. Dr Norman Ouzts, Jr, NBCE President (left), presents one of the awards for best papers to Dr Diane Grondin.Figure 8. Dr Norman Ouzts, Jr, NBCE President (left), presents one of the awards for best papers to Dr Diane Grondin.
Figure 8. Dr Norman Ouzts, Jr, NBCE President (left), presents one of the awards for best papers to Dr Diane Grondin.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

As is customary for the conference, all abstracts for the scientific peer-reviewed platform and poster sessions are published in the Journal of Chiropractic Education. For more details about presentations included in the platform and poster sessions, please refer to JCE volume 28, number 1 (www.JournalChiroEd.com).

The closing plenary panel speakers focused on the changing incentives and collaborative care likely to emerge in healthcare reform. Each panelist provided a unique viewpoint addressing specific areas of concern. The panelists included Mr John Weeks, who spoke about integrative care; Dr John Nixdorf, who addressed the economics pertinent to healthcare reform; and Dr James Whedon who discussed healthcare utilization, cost, and variability (Fig. 9). Dr John Nixdorf generously provided a copy of his book “Squandering Billions: Health Care in Canada” to each of the ACC-RAC attendees (www.squanderingbillions.net). This book, coauthored by Mr. Gary Bannerman, provides a critical review of healthcare spending in North America and points out the essential need for healthcare reform.

Figure 9. Dr McAulay (left) and the closing panelists: Mr John Weeks, Dr Don Nixdorf, and Dr James Whedon.Figure 9. Dr McAulay (left) and the closing panelists: Mr John Weeks, Dr Don Nixdorf, and Dr James Whedon.Figure 9. Dr McAulay (left) and the closing panelists: Mr John Weeks, Dr Don Nixdorf, and Dr James Whedon.
Figure 9. Dr McAulay (left) and the closing panelists: Mr John Weeks, Dr Don Nixdorf, and Dr James Whedon.

Citation: Journal of Chiropractic Education 27, 2; 10.7899/JCE-13-18

The ACC-RAC 2013 closing comments were provided by Dr Brian McAulay, who invited the audience to attend the 2014 ACC-RAC conference, which will be held in Orlando, Florida March 20–22. The theme will be a focus on Leadership: “Aiming for Effective Change: Leadership in Chiropractic Education, Research and Clinical Practice.” For more information about the 2014 ACC-RAC, please visit www.chirocolleges.org/accrac.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Bart Green receives a stipend from the Association of Chiropractic Colleges as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education. 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 board for NCMIC.

Copyright: 2013
Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Opening panel speakers (left to right): Drs Claire Johnson, Partap Khalsa, Bob Mootz, Christine Goertz, and Dan Hansen.

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Dr James Whedon (center) receiving the McAndrews Award from Dr Louis Sportelli (right).

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

The poster presentation reception was well attended. Researchers, educators, and clinicians discussed the posters and exchanged ideas about future research.

Figure 4.
Figure 4.

Present and past ACC Officers (left to right): Dr Dennis Marchiori, Mr David O'Bryon, and Drs Richard Brassard, Brian McAulay, and Frank Nicchi.

Figure 5.
Figure 5.

Mr Don Peterson receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Mr Don Peterson, Dr Richard Brassard.

Figure 6.
Figure 6.

Dr David Odiorne receives award (left to right): Mr David O'Bryon, Dr David Odiorne, Dr Richard Brassard.

Figure 7.
Figure 7.

NBCE Award winning presentations for ACC-RAC 2013.

Figure 8.
Figure 8.

Dr Norman Ouzts, Jr, NBCE President (left), presents one of the awards for best papers to Dr Diane Grondin.

Figure 9.
Figure 9.

Dr McAulay (left) and the closing panelists: Mr John Weeks, Dr Don Nixdorf, and Dr James Whedon.

Contributor Notes

Bart Green is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Chiropractic Education and an Associate Editor for the National University of Health Sciences. Claire Johnson is a Professor and Editor at the National University of Health Sciences. Address correspondence to Bart Green, Journal of Chiropractic Education, 1507 East Valley Parkway 3-486, Escondido, CA, 92027; e-mail: JChiroEd@aol.com.

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