The importance of research in the Chiropractic profession can not be over emphasized. Case in point---the AHCPR on low back pain and the recent Duke study on headaches have been overwhelmingly successful in justifying clinical chiropractic care.

The ACA has long been a supporter of the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research. Over the last 20 years the ACA has contributed over $6 million towards research programs. With less than 30% of doctors in active practice belonging to any association, decreased funding has resulted. Rather than watch funding continue to decrease, it has been my feeling that the recent goals of the National Chiropractic Leadership Forum to raise $2.5 million for research each year need to be met.

My office has held a number of Patient Appreciation Days over the years. The idea raised, which certainly was not new, could it be done in a large enough venues to actually help reach the goal of $2.5 million per year?

I held a Patient Appreciation Day in my office and we were able to raise $1,700 with 100 patient visits including established and new patients. I presented the idea to the Board of Governors and there was unanimous endorsement for Patient Appreciation Day with FCER being the recipient. I have since presented the idea to State Associations, such as those in attendance at the COCSA meeting, as well as the Association of Chiropractic Colleges.

If 1000 doctors of chiropractic would hold annual Patient Appreciation Days with a $15 - 20 minimum patient donation to FCER, we could raise somewhere between $1.5 million and $2 million a year. With new funding requests, how better to provide the dollars necessary? It is a win for the profession, for the doctor, for the patient and especially for FCER. With your help we will succeed!

Since 1944, the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER) has endeavored to fund and support scientifically sound research to evaluate chiropractic health care. In order to protect the integrity of the research that it funds, FCER maintains a 501(c)(3) status as an independent research foundation, dedicated to education and research.

Top