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Norwalk, Iowa—The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) invites the chiropractic profession to join the celebration of FCER’s 60^th Anniversary in 2004. 

In 1944 a group of chiropractors founded FCER’s precursor, the Chiropractic Research Foundation.  Each doctor in this forward-thinking group donated $1,000 to form CRF, an amount equivalent to over $10,500 in 2003.  In a time of uncertainty, these doctors foresaw the need for research to legitimize their valued profession.  And their foresight—and the research spawned by it—“had a prominent support role in bringing recognition and accreditation to the chiropractic profession and its colleges,” said Arthur M. Schierholz, D.C., FICC, in his history of FCER. 

In its 60^th year, FCER hopes to raise $1 million for research and education programs that will benefit the chiropractic profession.  Research and well-trained chiropractic researchers are vital for the profession to advance.  FCER is launching its “Sixty Dollars for Sixty Years” anniversary campaign.  Consider the sacrifice the original doctors made in 1944—if only one-quarter of the profession contributed $60, FCER can reach the $1 million goal!  The web link for a $60 donation is http://www.fcer.org/Donate60.htm.  The FCER 60^th Anniversary logo may be downloaded from http://www.fcer.org/html/links/logo60ann.htm.

FCER has funded the research and researchers on which the chiropractic profession now relies.  This research has encompassed such areas as low back pain, headache, otitis media, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and many, MANY more.  In addition, a portion of this commitment has gone to strengthen the research capabilities and future of the profession with the funding of Research Fellowships and Research Residencies.

• The Fellowships Program is designed as the first line initiative in building a research infrastructure.  The Research Fellowships are awarded to chiropractors who are pursuing advanced degrees and who have earned distinction in their academic and professional careers.  Due to the stringent review process, FCER has been able to provide the profession with extremely diligent and committed researchers and educators, a vast majority of whom continue to serve the profession’s needs. 

• The Research Residency program is designed to increase the number of qualified researchers in fields pertaining to chiropractic at accredited institutions.  The quantity and quality of chiropractic research will depend on the number of trained chiropractic research scientists.

Because it has only been within the last decade that federal funding of chiropractic research has been available, it is largely due to the efforts of FCER that chiropractic has the basis in research that it currently enjoys.  FCER-funded research has provided documentation for national and state level legislative and insurance battles.  Greater acceptance by the general public can also be traced back to research which has educated the public and changed erroneous perceptions.

But the profession can not rest in this endeavor and must continue to provide quality research results to support its theories and practices.  Taking pride in its 60 year history and what the profession has accomplished, FCER’s board and staff now looks to the future and the needs of the profession.  All battles are not won and all critics are not silenced.  Until that day, FCER is secure in its mission:  To promote the health and well being of humanity by encouraging and supporting research and education relative to the field of chiropractic care, and to provide information needed to document and improve chiropractic healthcare capacity worldwide.

FCER gratefully acknowledges the NCMIC Insurance Company and the American Chiropractic Association, for both organization’s financial support and commitment to research.  Two-thirds of FCER’s operating budget comes from individual doctors who support FCER through membership, donations, and product sales.  Please consider donating just $60 today!

To learn more about the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, current research projects, fellows, and residents being funded, please go to www.fcer.org or call 800-637-6244.

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