Welcome to The ICA Choice
Hello,
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Joyful Season..... and Happy New Year!
The one thing we can all agree on regardless of your faith or religious background, Chiropractic is an absolutely and beautiful profession.
like to tell our patients that chiropractic works 100% of the time without fail. Now the doctor or the patient might not but the philosophy that our profession is guided by, works all of the time.
I want to thank you, the reader, for all that you do to Give, Love, Serve and Do!!! Please enjoy this publication, The ICA Choice. Our staff works hard to keep it alive so we all can see the Joy our profession brings to our colleagues and the world.
God Bless and Thank you!
Yours in Health,
Dr. Selina Sigafoose-Jackson DC, FICA
ICA President
of
The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) was established in 1926 in Davenport, Iowa by Dr. BJ Palmer who is known as the “developer” of chiropractic. Originally named the Chiropractic Health Bureau, Dr. Palmer established the organization to advance the profession, initially through educating state legislators and regulators about what chiropractic is and why doctors of chiropractic are a separate and distinct profession predicated on its unique philosophy, art, and science. As a result, the ICA helped gain official recognition and licensure in U.S. states and territory. Recognizing that the need for chiropractic is global, Dr. Palmer initiated a name change.
MISSION
To protect and promote chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct healthcare profession predicated upon its unique philosophy, science, and art of subluxation detection and correction
VISION
Empower humanity to optimal life expression, health, and human potential through specific and scientific chiropractic care.
VALUES
1. Respect
We acknowledge and honor the diverse perspectives and approaches in the practice of chiropractic and in promoting health, healing, and well-being We pledge to conduct ourselves with kindness, compassion, direct and honest communication
2. Equitability
We advocate for a healthcare system that is just, fair, and free from discrimination. We believe that all people should have equal access to services that promote health and wellbeing, including chiropractic care. We support the inclusion of all licensed health providers that are practicing within the scope and standards of their profession and advocate for compensation that is commensurate and fair for services provided.
3. Empowerment
We advocate for a health care system that gives people control of their own health and health promoting practices. We foster the development of health promoting capacity in individuals, organizations and health professions through education, knowledge and information, advocacy, access, communication, and collaboration
4. Collaboration
We are dedicated to working in respectful dialogue and supportive partnership with others to address the needs of individuals and society for better health and healthcare systems.
5. Transparency
We act in a way that is easy for others to see what we are doing and why we are doing it. We make available full information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision making.
ICA Board of Directors
Selina Sigafoose-Jackson DC, FICA President
Joseph Betz DC, CICE, FCPB, FICA Vice President
Brian Moriarty DC, FICA Secretary
Lorenzo Marchese DC, FICA Executive Committee Member
Jon Stucky DC, FICA Treasurer
George Curry DC, FICA, DACS Director Past President
Charmaine Herman MA, DC, Blair Faculty Certification Director
Stephen Judson DC, FICA Director
Pete Gay DC, FICA Director
Amanda Apfelblat DC Director
H. Michael Gibson DC, FICA, AAS, BS Director
Palmer Peet DC, FICA Director
Eduardo Martinez DC, FICA Director
Todd McDougle DC, BS, FICA Director
Elizabeth Zogg DC, LCP, Thompson Technique Ex Officio with Vote Assembly Chair
Jeffrey Scholten DC, FCCJP, PcGPain Director
Jason Jaeger DC, FCBP Director
J. Robert Mulcahy DC, FICA Director
ephen Welsh DC, FICA CEO Immediate Past President
Beth Clay MDiv, FICA (hon), CNE Ex Officio Executive Director
Chiropractic is growingand you can help!
Donate now by scanning this QR code!
Our chiropractic program is growing, and we’re at a critical moment. As we expand our campus to meet increasing student demand, we need your help to continue moving forward.
Phase 2 of our campus expansion is nearly complete, adding new teaching, research, and social spaces. Now we have an opportunity to create a student clinic in a ground-floor, glass-fronted space, but we need support to make it happen.
We’re also working to enhance our curriculum, particularly in upper cervical techniques, to prepare students for successful careers. These advancements, along with equipping our new spaces, come with significant costs.
Your support—whether through donations, resources, or advocacy—will help us overcome these challenges and build a thriving program for future chiropractors. Every contribution makes a meaningful impact.
All Your Work IS Paying Off!
Beth Clay, MDiv, CNE, FICA (hon)
ICA
Executive Director
As a chiropractor, the work you do each day is nothing short of transformative. You don’t just relieve pain; you restore mobility, rekindle hope, and empower people to live their lives to the fullest. Similarly, those advancing policy dedicate their time, talents, and resources to drive meaningful change for the profession at local, state, and national levels. Yet, the path to progress whether helping a patient achieve a breakthrough, growing your practice, or advancing the chiropractic profession can sometimes feel overwhelming. The magnitude of your goals may leave you questioning if you are truly making a difference.
Thanks to your efforts advocating for health freedom, parents’ rights, and the fair treatment of chiropractic patients—we approach 2025 and the 119th Session of Congress with unprecedented opportunities. Just yesterday, I met with a Congressional office where a young legislative staffer was energized by the possibilities for transformative chiropractic legislation. Sharing the foundational principle of chiropractic—removing interference to allow the body to heal—was a powerful reminder that every conversation matters. That staffer is now an ally for our cause.
This year, your ICA leadership has worked tirelessly to unify our voice and amplify our message globally. As we enter 2025, our collective voice has the potential to resonate strongly with legislators and policymakers. Each of you has played a role in bringing us to this moment, and some may even take on roles within the new Administration. Together, we are poised to protect and promote chiropractic care
while collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Highlighting the holistic benefits of regular chiropractic care is a winning strategy. Advocating for fair treatment in federal programs, ending patient discrimination, and securing funding for chiropractic research are essential goals whose time has come.
Equally important to these policy advancements are your daily interactions with patients. Every adjustment you perform has the potential to be life-changing. Every conversation where you educate patients about chiropractic care plants seeds that may grow for years to come. Every moment spent refining your craft or learning new techniques is an investment in excellence. Even when progress feels slow, trust that your dedication is yielding results. Each person you help, each life you improve, contributes to a collective impact far greater than the sum of its parts. Like a sculptor shaping stone, your steady efforts are crafting the future of chiropractic.
Celebrate the victories along the way: the patient who can finally move pain-free, the colleague who looks to you for guidance, and the communities embracing chiropractic care because of your advocacy. These moments are milestones worth honoring. By staying committed, patient, and intentional, you are creating lasting change one adjustment, one conversation, and one life at a time.
As 2024 comes to a close, I want to express my gratitude. To our ICA Home Office staff and dedicated contractors, a small but mighty team. To the ICA Board of Directors, Representative Assembly, and Councils Leadership volunteers driven by a passion for advancing the profession. And most importantly, to our ICA members around the globe, delivering care from Albania to Alaska and everywhere in between: thank you.
Exciting changes are on the horizon to enhance your online experience with the ICA and extend our global reach with tools like the "Find a Doctor" feature. On behalf of the entire ICA team, I wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We look forward to seeing you in Florida April 2025!
ICA Members Aid in Hurricane Helene Relief
Hurricane Helene made landfall in lat September 2024, with 140 mph winds, causing catastrophic damage across much of the east coast. The hurricane resulted in over 230 fatalities and an estimated $200 billion in damages, making it one of the deadliest and costliest storms in U.S. history.
In Greer, South Carolina, about 40 miles from teh worst of the devastation, Drs. Beth and Christopher Ehlich have led a community effort to collect blankets for those displaced by the storm through their practice, Ehlich Family Chiropractic. They donated their collection to their local church to be distributed to families and individuals in need.
The ICA is proud of its members, like the Ehilchs, who have stepped up to support their communities in times of crisis. These efforts reflect the heart of the chiropractic profession dedication to improving lives not only through health care but also through meaningful contributions to the well-being of others.
If you would like to contribute to their effort, you can find their practice information at www.ehlichchiro.life.
Shaping the Future of Chiropractic
A Conversation with Dr. Joe Betz
Our Communications Manager, Taylor Carter, had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Joe Betz earlier this year. A seasoned chiropractor with over two decades of experience and the Vice President of the ICA, Dr. Betz also chairs the ICA’s Research Committee, where he leads efforts to advance evidence-based chiropractic care. In this conversation, Dr. Betz shares his journey into chiropractic, his commitment to promoting the profession’s unique philosophy and science, and his vision for the future of chiropractic, from fostering intra-professional respect to championing groundbreaking research. Read on to discover how Dr. Betz is shaping the future of chiropractic and inspiring the next generation of chiropractors.
Taylor Carter: Dr. Betz, can you share a quick intro: who you are, what your intro into chiropractic was, how you became a chiropractor, and how you ended up where you are now?
Dr. Joe Betz: I've been practicing in Boise, Idaho. I've had several clinics over the last 23 years. I don't have that story that so many chiropractors do, where they're either a legacy chiropractor, like a second, third, or fourthgeneration chiropractor I don't have that story
I also don't have a story where I had this amazing personal experience, where chiropractic helped me with some health problem or sports issue Ironically, I went to the University of Pittsburgh for undergraduate studies and got a degree in biology. I wasn't sure what I was going to do.
I started to think I was going into healthcare. I was actually doing research at the University of Pittsburgh medical school, sitting in a lab with no windows by myself, sometimes for 12 to 14 hours a day. I realized research in a lab setting was not going to be my future.
I started to talk to some of my friends who had gone through the same program at Pitt. One of them was in chiropractic school, and he invited me to come down to Atlanta, Georgia, to Life University and visit. My girlfriend at the time, now my wife, and I went down and visited him. He was just so excited about chiropractic.
I couldn't understand why, because I had never really learned much about chiropractic. Then we went to the campus, and it wasn't just him—it was everybody. Everybody was so excited about chiropractic and what they were doing, what they were learning, and that holistic approach to healthcare. In general, the way he described some of the philosophy made sense and clicked with me.
After that visit, I read more about chiropractic and researched all the different schools. I ended up at Life University the next year. That was the story of how I became a chiropractor. It's really progressed a lot since then my commitment to the profession and the work I do outside of just having a practice.
TC: That's amazing. I think it sounds like it was the chiropractors more than the chiropractic that drew you to the profession.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. JOE BETZ
JB: Yeah.
TC: Yeah, in my experience with all the docs that I've dealt with, there's definitely a lot of passion about the profession They're very excited about chiropractic and excited about sharing it with people That's so cool that it was the people, the profession, and then the actual philosophy, art, and science of chiropractic that drew you in
I mean, from those beginnings just checking it out, liking the people, and starting at Life you've come a long way. Last year, you were named ICA's 2023 Chiropractor of the Year. Congratulations again.
JB: Thank you.
TC: In this career that you've had in chiropractic,
what do you think your most significant contribution to the profession has been, and how does that relate to the ICA and its mission?
JB: I think I've received a lot of chiropractic awards. The one from the ICA was very big and important to me. I look at the list of people who have received that award. It only goes to one person a year, and you're voted on by your peers in the ICA leadership. That was very important to me.
Learning about their practices and how they're trying to help their patients helped me. I was able to respect the direction they chose to go in chiropractic I think that diversity and respect were really important in my evolution as a chiropractor and as a leader in chiropractic I can sit down in big groups and talk to doctors from very diverse backgrounds and have respectful conversations and dialogue, even though we may disagree on a lot of things
I hope that went into the decision to elect me as the Chiropractor of the Year and to serve in different capacities throughout the profession. I really enjoy doing that. But my heart lies with the mission and vision of the ICA, which is protecting and promoting chiropractic throughout the world as a distinct healthcare profession, predicated upon its unique science,
Diversity and respect were really important in my evolution as a chiropractor and as a leader in chiropractic.
Within chiropractic, I do a lot, even beyond the ICA. When I came out of school, I started in the state association as a member right away, going to district meetings in my town here, and just got involved in different ways from a kind of research point of view, helping them out in different areas.
Eventually, I became the president of the state association as well. Our state association in Idaho is kind of one association for everybody. We only have one association here, so it's broadly diverse. I got to really learn about the perspectives of chiropractors who practice very, very differently than me.
art, and philosophy of subluxation detection and correction.
That's the part that makes us unique. That needs to be kept integrated into everything we do as a profession as we move forward. I have a firm belief in that. Whether it's legislation, insurance, or any other type of policy that affects the profession, we need to maintain and keep what has made us unique for all these years. It's always an honor to work for the profession and try to help keep it steering in what I see as the right direction.
TC: I think the ability to work with people from all different backgrounds, especially in chiropractic, is so important. You know, we were talking about how a lot of these chiropractors are so passionate about what they do and about their profession. Where there's passion, there's always going to be some disagreement. I've seen some disagreement within the profession.
I’ve heard from different leaders and members that I've talked with that you have the ability to work with people from both sides, hold your values and your point of view, while still being open to working with others. Especially when
we're talking about subluxation I know that can be something divisive within chiropractic as a whole. I know in your work, you've been steadfast in your advocacy for subluxationbased chiropractic care
Could you talk a little about how you see the future of subluxation-based chiropractic within healthcare in general, and also the challenges you think we're going to continue to face as we push forward with that?
JB: Yeah, I think within our profession, the issue of subluxation is perhaps the biggest hurdle. I think anybody who's had their eyes open in the profession for any length of time recognizes that it’s a major point of division. For us to be able to advance, we need intra-professional respect.
Other chiropractors who are critical of subluxation need to be open to considering the concepts. As long as they can be tested, as long as they can be researched, those critics need to be open to that. They also need to be welcoming of the results of ongoing, continuous research in the world of studying the adjustment to correct subluxation. Yet, a lot of the critics still maintain that there is no research. They say in their findings, “There is none,” and it’s almost absurd that they are sticking to that argument. That goes back decades.
In the last three decades, the amount of research that’s been published on subluxation has been really substantial. It’s just not being considered—it’s being ignored. So, we need the critics within our profession to actually look at the work that’s been done instead of ignoring it, evaluating it, seeing where the gaps are, and considering doing objective research to address those gaps. If we can do that, I believe chiropractic will grow, and the acceptance of subluxation-based chiropractic will expand.
I think the profession will be proud to be standing on our hundred-plus-year-old philosophy with today’s science. That’s where we need to be as a profession.
As far as the outside professions go in the greater healthcare community, I believe chiropractic can be acceptable within a larger healthcare system We see the integration of chiropractic into larger healthcare models and clinics, and I think that’s something we need to keep building on Within the profession, we should accept the fact that we practice differently
We have different techniques and focuses For example, I don’t look at myself as a pediatric chiropractor or a sports chiropractor, but I’m glad we have them right down the street. When I have patients that would be better suited to them, I send them to those chiropractors. I think we can look at these differences we have as specialties that we should be welcoming. As long as we’re following an evidence-based path, looking at the research, and discussing how to make things better within those specialties, we need to accept and embrace that.
If we can do that, I think we’ll see intraprofessional respect grow, and externally, I think we’ll see broader acceptance as well.
TC: Yeah, I think that's a good point about the different parts and practices of chiropractic. At the ICA, we've got all our councils, and those all kind of focus on different sections. Like, we've got upper cervical, pediatrics, sports and fitness… and it's been interesting for me as I've gone to different events. I'm not a chiropractor —I don't have a ton of chiropractic knowledge— but just being at these events and seeing the presentations and the things that these folks get excited about and focus on, it is very different.
What the upper cervical folks talk about compared to what the pediatrics folks talk about, compared to what the sports and fitness practitioners talk about it’s all chiropractic, but it’s very different. I think having the ability to recognize that someone would still be served by chiropractic, but maybe by a chiropractor who focuses on a particular thing, is so beneficial. It's great for the patients, but it's also great for the profession in general because it gives everybody the chance to see somebody who specializes in their needs.
INTERVIEW WITH DR. JOE BETZ
JB: Yeah, there’s been division within the profession on those kinds of things. Sports chiropractors think every chiropractor should be a sports chiropractor or else they're not the best chiropractor they could be That’s been a fallacy we've had for decades
It’s the same way with all the techniques within chiropractic, too There’s always been a superiority complex within certain techniques We need to recognize the strengths of what each of us does, what we’ve learned, and what we do for our individual patients, while respecting that what other doctors do with their techniques is different but still benefits their patients in various ways. Sometimes there are different patient populations that may respond differently.
I think that’s an area where f research needs to look—at the different techniques and what patient populations might benefit the most from a Gonstead adjustment versus an upper cervical adjustment. Those are the kinds of things that have not been studied, but they need to be. The specificity of the various techniques, I thin will be shown over the yea continues. I believe we’ll find have a lot of merit for different
TC: Yeah, absolutely. And speak know that's another area you’re very active in and passionate about. I think you're the chair of the ICA's committee on research. I know you spend a lot of your time focusing on research. Could you share a little bit about what you've been looking into lately? How do you think these findings are going to affect the future of chiropractic?
always enjoyed that. That’s why I was originally doing research work after I graduated.
My work in chiropractic often comes from critics like I’ve done a lot of work on the X-ray portion of chiropractic Some people recognize that I know a lot in that area I think I know a lot in other areas too, but that’s where I’ve actually done some writing Most of that has been in response to critics of using X-rays in chiropractic practice to identify a subluxation and monitor its correction.
Again, I think some of the research published over the years that’s critical of the utilization of X-rays in chiropractic for those purposes is flawed, perhaps even biased. Reading those studies when they come out, sometimes we’re ll h cked by the way a particular is designed.
or example, they’ll review the literature on research that’s been done to measure spinal misalignment on X-rays and basically conclude that there is none. But when you start looking at their methodology, it’s so restrictive that they narrow it down to the point ere no studies qualify, or they ude studies for other reasons. set up a list of inclusion and a so tight that they get the
That s a problem and a flaw in design. Maybe it’s due to bias. Maybe it’s by accident. I don’t know. But we have to publish research that is more broad.
JB: Yeah, I’m a full-time chiropractor with a couple of offices and a family, so I’m as busy as every other practicing chiropractor in the world. But I’ve managed to continue on a research path, doing clinical research while staying involved in practice. I’m glad I have because I’ve
Some of the recent work I’ve been involved in includes systematic reviews of the literature, which are very time-consuming. The average systematic review takes about 1,200 personhours to complete, and the average cost is around $140,000 to carry out and get published.
Within Chiropractic Biophysics, we have a nonprofit organization that I’ve worked with doing research for years. That’s about half of
of our yearly budget. We knew we had to find ways to do them less expensively. So, all the researchers for chiropractic biophysics work for free We have a couple of paid researchers, but most of us volunteer our time and do this in our “spare time ”
TC: (Laughing) In your hours of spare time
JB: Yeah, but it’s so important to do because we’re doing a series of systematic reviews on the literature to show the true state of research on measuring spinal misalignment on X-rays. These studies are finding an extraordinarily high number of published studies more than we knew were out there. We have to put all those results together and organize them for presentation in papers.
For example, just on the lateral spine—cervical, thoracic, and lumbar—there are approximately 150 studies on the reliability of being able to mark these measurements reliably, both from an intra-examiner point of view (test-retest within one doctor) and between doctors.
The fact that some papers claim there’s no data ever written on this is absurd. We’re also repeating similar studies for X-rays from the front and will be focusing on validity, as well. Critics also say there’s no validity, meaning whether we’re measuring what we intend to
measure. We’ll need to do a series of systematic reviews on the clinical efficacy of the use of Xrays in chiropractic. These will be broader and will include the papers that are supposed to be in there on the topic
I think we’ll point out and show the world that this data already exists Of course, we’ll find gaps and will hopefully direct future efforts at filling those gaps That’s kind of where we’re going with most of the research we’re doing It’s probably going to take me the rest of my lifetime just to accomplish all those goals. I think I’ll be retired by the time it’s done it takes so long. So, we just chip away at them.
TC: You mentioned earlier that you currently have two practices that you’re running, and you’ve had others before. It can be difficult for some chiropractors to set up their own practices and find success or just remain viable, but you’ve managed to do it multiple times. One of the things we focus on at the ICA is the future of chiropractic and the upcoming generations of chiropractors—new grads trying to find their way into the world. What advice would you give to these newer grads, these young doctors who are starting their own practices or looking to join a practice? Specifically, how can they find success and fulfillment as chiropractors while also balancing clinical work, research, family, and relaxation?
INTERVIEW WITH DR. JOE BETZ
JB: I think for students coming out, you’ve got to find your passion whatever that might be. For some folks, it’s pediatric-based chiropractic; for others, it’s brain-based chiropractic or research It could be sports chiropractic or working with the elderly Whatever area it is that really piques your interest, you’ve got to let it consume you 100 percent Be so excited about it
You might have to find the right mentors and programs to give you that information and inspire you. To me, you can’t just come out of school and be halfheartedly interested in being a chiropractor, hang a shingle on the door, and expect that you’re going to be successful. It doesn’t work that way. You have to have this passion that drives you, that you’re able to share with the public. Nothing should stop you
from spreading the word about what you know and how you can help people.
If people can find that passion —whatever it is—for me, that was Chiropractic Biophysics. Within Chiropractic Biophysics, my niche is scoliosis and working with patients with scoliosis. I’ve built my practices around it, and we’ve had great success.
There are successful doctors
because they reignite that passion for doctors. Through councils like the pediatrics, sports, or philosophy councils, the ICA can ignite that inner fire to get excited about chiropractic
TC: Absolutely I think that’s important in any aspect of life Whatever it is you’re doing, you need to find the joy and passion to keep that fire going Speaking of the ICA, according to my records, you’ve been a member since 1997 Does that sound right?
JB: That was my first year of school.
TC: 1997 was a big year for me I think I learned to read that year (laughs). That’s 27 years now, basically, of membership in the ICA. I think a lot has changed in the world, the profession, and
doing all kinds of different techniques and methods. Nobody needs to stick to just one technique, but you need to be passionate about whatever you’re doing. That passion will come out in all your communication with your patients, and that’s the most important thing.
I think you also have to be ready for challenges in practice. You have to be ready for failures, accept them, learn from them, and keep marching forward. If you have that mindset, you’re going to do well. Those are the two biggest things being able to take your lumps and bruises, and being passionate about what you’re doing. If you don’t have passion for what you’re currently doing, you need to go out and find it, whatever that might be. I think a lot of the ICA programs benefit the profession
the organization in those years. What have you noticed in the evolution of the organization over the years? What do you think the future of the ICA looks like? What do you hope for the future of the ICA?
JB: When I first got involved in the ICA, I was a first-year student at Life University. I don’t even remember the process of signing up as a student member, but I signed
up as a student member, and I maintained that membership throughout school, and then after I graduated.
When I graduated, I went out and opened a practice. It was hard to maintain a membership then—every penny was going into my practice, and there was so much uncertainty. But I maintained my confidence because of that passion I had. I just knew people needed what I was doing, and I was going to be successful certainly successful enough to afford an ICA membership. So, I maintained that membership.
I started my own practice in 2001 and became more involved with the ICA in 2003. When I became a Representative Assembly (RA) member, I think there had only been two female
board members on the ICA it was like a “good old boys’ club.” That’s how things were viewed into the early 2000s. Honestly, not until the last 10 years have we even seen gender diversity on the ICA board and in ICA leadership That’s been such a positive thing
When you look at the makeup of chiropractic schools now, I think female students outnumber male students Our associations need to be a reflection of our future profession Finally, we’re starting to see some racial and ethnic diversity within the ICA as well, but we need more of that. That needs to grow and expand. We also need youth within the ICA leadership.
We’ve seen that in recent years, with some younger doctors getting on the board. When I got onto the board, I think it was 2003 or maybe 2008, I was the youngest board member ever elected at that time. I was seven years out of school. We should have board members with new perspectives. You don’t have to go through 15 to 20 years of experience to get elected. We need to pursue youth, racial diversity, and ethnic diversity on our board so we can get a broader perspective of what’s important to these young doctors coming out of school. That’s ultimately the future of the profession, and that’s who we need to appeal to.
TC: Yeah, I think that’s such a good take. If we only ever do things the way that we’ve always done them, we’ll be stuck in the way they were always done, and we won’t ever be able to move forward, grow, or progress. That’s something I’ve appreciated and noticed since being part of the organization—the active emphasis the ICA has been putting on trying to reach out to groups that are historically or traditionally less involved in chiropractic and finding more diversity in leadership representation.
You mentioned that you started fairly early in your career in leadership roles in the ICA, starting out as an RA. I think some doctors are intimidated by jumping into leadership roles or wanting to get involved before they feel ready to commit to any responsibilities. Would you mind giving a few words of encouragement to any doctors who might be hesitant about accepting
responsibility or leadership roles?
JB: I think a lot of doctors could be, and rightfully so, concerned about the time commitments involved in serving in different capacities, especially early in their careers. They might also lack confidence, thinking they don’t have enough experience or knowledge.
They see doctors like me who have been doing this for 20-plus years and think, “Oh my gosh, I don’t know anything. I don’t have that kind of experience. I can’t serve in the same way.” But that’s exactly what we need. We need these young perspectives. We need to know what young doctors need and want so we can help serve them.
For young doctors with a passion for stepping up beyond what they’re just doing in their clinics, they can look at taking on positions like a Representative Assembly (RA) member for their state. We need the same diversity in those positions as we do in the upper levels of leadership, like the Board of Directors. We need young doctors in those spots.
It’s not a massive time commitment when you re serving as an RA. You’re talking about a handful of hours a month. It’s not like doing 20 hours a week or something crazy. Even at the highest levels of leadership, most of us are still practicing. I think young doctors need to understand that the time commitment isn’t huge, but their perspectives are invaluable. We want to hear from them. They don’t need years of experience because that’s exactly what we’re looking for insight from people just like them.
person not just from a musculoskeletal pain point of view but from a whole-person health point of view.
We need research in that area. There’s research being done, but not enough. The major institutions aren’t doing it. It’s a few organizations. Chiropractic biophysics dedicates a significant portion of its effort toward that goal, and there are private groups that do that, too.
TC: We have an RA election coming up not too long from now, so I’ve been thinking about how to get more people excited about being involved and participating in the ICA’s leadership. Thank you for your thoughts.
I think our time’s almost up, but I have one last question for you. Looking forward to the future I’m always thinking about where we’re headed, especially at the ICA. We just celebrated our 98th birthday. Next April, I believe in Clearwater, we’re going to have our 99th convention. And we’re already planning for our 100th big anniversary convention, which will be in D.C. in April 2026. As you look forward to the future of chiropractic, what do you think are going to be the most important things whether that’s research, initiatives, or legislation for the future of the profession?
JB: I think you can talk about legislation and how it’s so important, especially on the national level with Medicare. But so much of it always comes back to research. I serve on other groups and committees of different organizations, and it always seems to come back to research. We need more evidence for chiropractic, specifically for the impact a subluxated spine has on a
If we can get answers to the questions chiropractors have seen since the early years the impact that a chiropractic adjustment can have on people and the unexpected improvements in different health conditions we will greatly benefit the profession. We need to research the broader impact chiropractic care has on health.
If we can do that, I think the profession will benefit tremendously because we’ll not only be showing this impact but advancing the knowledge base.
In the future, we have to see that research come out and get support. When we’re talking about these types of studies, it always comes down to dollars and cents. I mentioned earlier that a systematic review of the literature just a librarian and a group of doctors sitting down to pore through research studies costs about $140,000. These aren’t even large clinical trials, and clinical studies are much more expensive.
The dollars need to be there. Right now, there is a good amount of federal money going into chiropractic research, for example, looking at chiropractic care for back pain and neck pain.
But we’ve got to reinvigorate interest in chiropractic for things outside of musculoskeletal pain and symptoms. Even though there are gaps in musculoskeletal research, which I understand, we need to look at the bigger picture things we’ve observed for over a hundred years now We need to study and invest in those areas
That means individual doctors are going to need to step up and donate to groups dedicated to advancing this kind of research. The ICA has its nonprofit foundation, the Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Tenants and Science (FACTS). It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and I’m the president of FACTS. We’ve been working and planning, creating a large vision for FACTS to help fulfill this future need for research.
I believe groups like FACTS are going to be key players in pushing chiropractic research in the right direction. Once we start producing research and data that shows these effects, I’m hopeful that federal money will follow, and we’ll start to see more interest in this kind of work. That could lead to larger grants and greater involvement from some of the universities.
But we’ve got to get the ball rolling. It starts with doctors digging deep into their pockets, donating, and pitching in to help. They don’t have to do the research themselves, but they need to help in some way. Right now, the best way is supporting organizations that are pushing this direction. If they don’t do that, these organizations can’t function, and we end up getting nowhere.
www.chiropractic.org/shop
TC: Thank you, Dr. Betz, for taking the time and for being a role model and an example of how to be involved in chiropractic. The mission of the ICA is to protect and promote, and you’re doing both of those things.
JB: Well, thank you.
TC: I’ll let you get back to your very busy day.
JB: Thank you, Taylor.
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ICA Abroad Our Journey Around the World in 2024
This year, the ICA has been busy making connections and spreading the word about chiropractic care around the world. We’ve had the privilege of participating in events in places like China, Malaysia, and Brazil, while also hosting our own seminar in Barcelona, Spain, through our Council on Upper Cervical Care.
We also have updates from some of our chiropractors around the world--in Israel and Albania. We can’t be everywhere at once, so we count on our membership around the world to represent the ICA and chiropractic wherever they are.
Our goal as an organization is simple: to protect and promote chiropractic everywhere. These recent efforts are part of how we bring chiropractors together and strengthen our community. Meeting with practitioners and healthcare professionals from different corners of the globe gives us a chance to share ideas, learn from each other, and build stronger ties within the profession. We’re excited about what lies ahead and are committed to continuing this work. By staying connected and supporting each other, we can keep moving chiropractic care forward at home and abroad.
The ICA was proud to co-sponsor to the 2nd China International Chiropractic and Spinal Health Summit held November 2-3, 2024, in Shanghai, China. The event, co-sponsored with Life University brought together over 200 multi-disciplinary health care professionals including chiropractors currently serving in China, students including prospective Chiropractic students and a virtual online streaming audience of nearly 40,000. Past President of the International Chiropractors Association, Dr. Stephen Welsh, DC, welcomed attendees.
Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Peng Li, DC, Executive Director for Life Global Initiatives China-Asia and President of the Chiropractic Association of China (CAC). Serving as emcee and translator< Dr. Li presented on “The Impact of Chiropractic on Athletic Performance”, drawing from his experience working with the Chinese Olympians which has brought world recognition to Chiropractic and Life University. Other ICA members highlighted at The Summit included Dr. Yue Hou, DC (Life ‘21), Executive Director of the Department of Chiropractic at West China Hospital and faculty of Sichuan University who explored the Application of Chiropractic Science in Multidisciplinary Fields. Dr. Michael Longyear, DC, DACNB, former Director of NeuroLife Institute and Post Graduate Faculty who spoke on Posture and the Brain and followed up with Intro to F i l N l k h F h k i l d d D J h D DC Vi P id
for Institutional Initiatives who presented on Neuromechanics and Spinal Health and Dr. Lora Tanis, President of the ICA Pediatric Council who presented a case study on Occipital Anatomy and Subluxation in Infants, Improving Clinical Outcomes Dr Imran Khan Niazi, from New Zealand Chiropractic College, Haavik Research Center contributed with a session on the Advances in Neuroscience: Modern neuroplasticity perspective on pain and chiropractic care
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medical experts rounded out the program with case study presentations that highlighted the integration of spinal and neurologic care in their treatment of diseases, spinal conditions, spondylosis, and other health problems. The Summit is an example of the ICA’s commitment to advancing Chiropractic globally.
When asked to head to Brazil, and represent the ICA at the ABQ in Balneario Camboriu, November 13-16, 2024, my fast and first response was NO! That is a long way for a short time to go alone to a place where they do not speak much English and I do not know anyone. However, Ms. Beth Clay gave me a push and explained the importance of ICA supporting a country and an organization that is asking for us to be there.
I was welcomed instantly with open arms upon arrival. I was made to feel so comfortable in an uncomfortable situation. Th country is beautiful but our fellow chiropractors there are even more beautiful. They love chiropractic as we do here in the states and other parts of the world but their beloved opportunities are being threatened daily. The only way they feel they can survive is to push research/science. I came to share a part of the triune, philosophy. In my opinion, that is the most important part. I shared that is our why. It is what makes chiropractors separate and distinct. It is our sauce. It is what fuels our passion to research, to master our technique. Philosophy brings the science alive through the act of the adjustment. Without our philosophy, we are simply technicians.
In Brazil, chiropractic is not regulated. Physical therapists are stating that chiropractic is a sub-
set of physical therapy. Chiropractors in Brazil are challenged in a developing country by a powerful lobbying force through physical therapists I shared that the only way to win is to become a Master of the Triune One must be as powerful a philosopher in chiropractic as a scientist of chiropractic as a powerful technician in the delivery of the adjustment All 3 parts of the triune must be mastered for chiropractic to survive anywhere, in any part of the world
This is my opinion. This is my mode of operation. I believe this is the corner stone of mine and my husbands powerful, long term, sustainable practice. This is what I believe and what I shared in Brazil. Not just as the President of the ICA but as a 35 year, full time, practicing chiropractor who believes in this wonderful philosophy, science and art called chiropractic with all my heart and soul.
In October and November, Dr. Jason Jaeger and Dr. Karlos Boghosian attended the biannual World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Education Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Dr. Jaeger participated as a representative of the International Board of Chiropractic Examiners (IBCE) and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), where he serves as vice president; Dr. Boghosian serves as President of both the NBCE and IBCE. This global gathering brought together leaders from chiropractic schools, including presidents, faculty members, and department heads, from around the world. The conference provided a platform not only to share knowledge about chiropractic education methods in different countries but also to explore how students achieve the best learning outcomes.
The host city, Kuala Lumpur, is home to a medical school that recently added a chiropractic college. During the conference, Dr. Jaeger and Dr. Boghosian had the chance to meet with chiropractors and healthcare professionals teaching at this institution. They noted the unique perspective these educators brought to the global dialogue on chiropractic education.
Before the main WFC event, Dr. Jaeger and Dr. Bogohsian participated in a pre-conference meeting hosted by the newly-formed International Chiropractic Education Alliance (ICEA).
This session focused on the potential formation of a new council dedicated to advancing chiropractic education. The ICEA meeting highlighted efforts to align educational standards and teaching methods globally Participants discussed strategies for improving how chiropractic students are taught and how educational institutions can better prepare students for their roles in healthcare The goal was to find common ground that could benefit chiropractic education worldwide
A significant outcome of the WFC conference was an agreement between the IBCE and the WFC. This agreement introduced an international postgraduate testing program designed to assess a chiropractor’s clinical competency. By establishing global standards for testing, this program aims to provide reassurance to patients and consumers about the quality and safety of chiropractic care.
Reflecting on the global state of chiropractic, Dr. Jaeger observed a growing interest from countries and regulatory jurisdictions in establishing chiropractic care as part of their healthcare systems. Patients around the world are seeking chiropractic services, demonstrating a strong demand for this form of care. Specifically in Malaysia, there is a push among chiropractors to achieve the recognition and rights that their counterparts in the United States enjoy. Malaysian chiropractors expressed a desire to be recognized as doctors and to secure the same professional privileges, which would help them advance the profession in their country.
Dr. Jaeger’s experience at the WFC Education Conference underscores the importance of international collaboration in chiropractic education. As chiropractic continues to grow globally, events like this provide a valuable opportunity to share insights, address challenges, and shape the future.
Resilience
Amidst Adversity
Dr. Scott Lawrence
ICA Representative for Israel
As I sit to write this update to my ICA sisters and brothers, my homeland, Israel, is once again a focal point of global attention The ongoing war is a modern-day David and Goliath battle, where Israel, the small nation where my family and I live and practice, finds itself standing against powerful and unrelenting adversaries Yet, despite the challenges, we persevere, embodying resilience, hope, and a commitment to goodness in the face of evil.
This is not just a story of geopolitics or military conflict. It is a story of human spirit, faith, and purpose. It is about how my family, our chiropractic community, and the people of Israel are holding strong in these turbulent times.
Living under the shadow of war is no easy feat. Sirens disrupt daily routines, sending families to shelters. News of fallen soldiers and civilian casualties weighs heavily on the heart. Yet, as a nation, we refuse to bow to fear or hatred. Instead, we channel our energy into caring for one another, upholding the values of life and healing that define who we are.
Israel has often been described as the "canary in the coal mine," an early warning signal for the free world. The threats we face today—from terrorism to the denial of our right to exist—are not just ours to bear. They reflect broader global struggles between forces of good and evil, light and darkness. Our perseverance serves as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit when rooted in faith and moral clarity.
In the midst of this conflict, chiropractic care has taken on a profound role. My family and I, along with many of my colleagues in Israel, continue to serve our patients, helping them manage the physical and emotional toll of these challenging times. But beyond our clinics, we have extended our care to the soldiers in active service.
Chiropractors across the country have mobilized to provide spinal adjustments, alleviate stress, and enhance the resilience of those serving in the field. It is our way of contributing to the collective effort, ensuring that those on the frontlines can perform at their best while facing immense pressures.
I am particularly proud of how my family has risen to the occasion. With generations of chiropractors in our household, we view this not just as a profession but as a calling. My wife, sons, and I continue to stand united, offering healing and hope wherever we can.
The story of Israel is one of unwavering faith and determination. Despite the barrage of rockets, the media narratives, and the isolation we often feel on the global stage, we remain steadfast. This is a battle of values, where life, freedom, and the pursuit of peace stand against forces that seek destruction and chaos.
It would be easy to despair, but despair has no place in our hearts. Instead, we focus on the good the camaraderie among neighbors, the generosity of strangers, and the collective spirit of a nation that refuses to give up. These are the
moments that remind us of the power of light to dispel darkness.
As representatives of the chiropractic profession, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for holistic healing—not just of the body but of society as a whole. What we face in Israel today is not just our fight; it is a universal challenge to uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of humanity.
We are deeply grateful for the support and prayers of our global chiropractic family. It is through such solidarity that we find strength to keep going. And while the challenges are great, so too is our resolve.
In closing, I invite you to see Israel’s story as one of hope, courage, and perseverance. Like David facing Goliath, we may be small, but with faith, unity, and unwavering commitment to what is right, we stand strong. May this serve as a reminder that in the face of adversity, goodness will always prevail. This, too, is the chiropractic story. Thank you, and may we all continue to be instruments of healing in a world that so deeply needs it.
Pioneering Chiropractic Care in Albania
Dr. Kristi Barnewolt ICA Representative for Albania
Seeking an adventure, my husband, Jonathan Barnewolt, DC, and I, moved to Tirana, Albania, in December 2020 After just having spent the past 8 months exploring 33 states across the US in our RV, we were ready to have a stationary place to call home Prior to this, we operated a multi-disciplinary office in NE Florida and served our community there for 8 years.
Because the local expat community and the Albanian friends we made there all encouraged us to share chiropractic with them, we opened a practice in Tirana shortly after arriving. We saw patients in both Tirana and in Korça, as we had a friend who wanted to set up a mobile clinic in Korça for patients in need. We greatly enjoyed providing our patients in Albania with care to help them to reach their full potential and best expression of innate health.
Albania is a quickly-developing nation, and was under a communist dictator for 4 decades, until the mid 1990s. Many professions are still experiencing growth and change there as a result of the country having been closed off from outside influence for so long. Albanians are adopting trends and ideas from around the world and they are particularly influenced by the US. They love freedom and identify with many of the same values that Americans treasure. As a nation, they have also not forgotten that US President Woodrow Wilson advocated for Albania to be its own independent state at the Paris Peace Conference in January 1919, following WWI. In fact, we lived right next to Sheshi Wilson, “Wilson Circle/Square” (a prominent roundabout and landmark).
The current situation regarding chiropractic in Albania is that it is not recognized by the Albanian healthcare system as an entity distinct from physical therapy. The physical therapy profession controls the term “chiropractic” in Albania. We are the first chiropractors with Doctor of Chiropractic degrees and NBCE board certification to practice in Albania. Because
chiropractic is not a licensed profession in its own right, we practiced quietly, seeing the friends and family of people we knew and growing from there as word spread about us This happened organically and quickly, as Albanians are especially curious and welcoming to American options, and we were treated with great respect for offering care that was of American professional standards
We feel that the time for advocating for chiropractic to be recognized as its own profession with its own standards is now, before Albania completes its entry into the EU. We appreciate the support that the ICA gives to help bring chiropractic to countries around the world so more populations may benefit from the gift of healing from within.
The ICA Councils
The International Chiropractors Association’s (ICA’s) council system provides additional professional networking and state-of-the-art practice and patient-focused continuing education for clinical advancement in chiropractic. The council system also provides valuable opportunities and resources to develop and strengthen community leadership roles for its members. The ICA is a leader in providing ethical, academically sound, clinically relevant postgraduate programs, as well as continuing education for license renewal. All of the ICA programs are oriented toward expanding knowledge and expertise in the philosophy, science, and art of chiropractic in relation to the vertebral subluxation complex and its impact on health.
The Council’s programs, resources, and initiatives are dedicated to support the growth of the profession and advance its capacity to make profound changes in the health of the individual patient and the health of their communities. The foundations of the philosophical dynamics between intelligence, force & matter, and Chiropractic as a unique profession and professional paradigm hold powerful implications for today’s global health care climate. www.icaphilosophy.org
The ICA Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics is one of the largest post-graduate councils in the United States recognized worldwide as a leader in chiropractic pediatric education. It is committed to excellence in education and high standards of practice for the doctor of chiropractic caring for infants, children and pregnant women. www.icapediatrics.com
The Council on Upper Cervical Care is one of the post-graduate councils of the International Chiropractors Association. It is a professional forum designed to advance expertise in the analysis and care of the upper cervical spine and to be a voice for upper cervical chiropractic in research, education, clinical and policy-making environments. www.icauppercervical.com
Wrapping up a fruitful 2024 feels like no small feat. This summer the ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care hosted a successful Forum learning about upper cervical care’s effect on brain health. We held our first Special Topics, deep diving into the richness of CBCT imaging and sharing insights on our discoveries with this diverse technology. Our fourth-round diplomate cohort energetically crossed the first-year finish line while crushing their required exam. And we are finishing the year off spending time with our European colleagues, students, faculty, and diplomates in our second ever diplomate presentation.
The ICA Council on Upper Cervical Care’s purpose is large and robust. Per our constitution, we are to help enhance skills and techniques, facilitate growth and understanding, and promote knowledge and competency for safe and effective care. Our position statement maintains that we create a professional space to advance expertise in research, analysis, and care of the upper cervical spine. We are also to create worldwide unity to increase our impact on public health and to create a strong network of information and advocacy. And next month we are focused on that specific word…worldwide.
It is our privilege to share our knowledge and upper cervical community with our European cohort. We take pride in producing a rich educational program to expand understanding and share our discoveries. It is refreshing to
spend time with our Barcelona brethren who are excited and supportive of upper cervical care. This group has been in the craniocervical work for years and their commitment to quality care is inspiring.
During our Getting to Know the Neck presentation, we covered several topics. We will sharing the purpose of our council and the outline of our diplomate program. We broke down the intricate anatomy of the cervical spine, while showcasing the unique physiology that creates such dynamic responses to subluxation and even greater responses to its removal. We shared the latest in imaging, whether that is CBCT, MRI, or thermal. We presented complex cases, their origin stories, and how upper cervical played a key role in these patients’ paths back to health. We will discuss ideas for future research and collaborations. And best of all, we spent time fellowshipping with some of the best people on the planet.
Yes, 2024 has been full and busy. And I am thankful. As we close out this year, I want to thank all of our membership, our diplomates, our affiliates, our exhibitors, our students, and our diplomate candidates. You are what makes this ship sail. Without your support and contributions, we do not proceed. I am grateful for the ability to steer us forwarded to bigger and better, growing for the purposes of bettering humanity through upper cervical subluxation care. Looking to 2025, I will continue to focus on Dr. Bob Brooks’ infinite guidance when I joined the ICA UCC years ago, “take your connections, education, and skills and find what is calling you.” 2025, I am listening.
We are chiropractors focused on bettering health, building wellness, and performance. The International Chiropractors Association Council on Fitness & Sports Health Science is dedicated to the promotion of chiropractic principles in the fields of fitness, strength and conditioning as well as the application of chiropractic techniques to enhance sports performance.
www.icasportsscience.org
What are we attempting to achieve? Our goals include but are not limited to offering opportunities for sports-minded chiropractors to have fellowship with their colleagues. The perpetuation of chiropractic itself must aid in the development of skills that focus on specific and proper adjusting methods tailored to be sports-specific while reducing injury to the chiropractor during the execution of care. We aim to create a unique learning environment to ensure that doctors of chiropractic can successfully engage both athletes and care team members as they share the amazing experiences of positive outcomes that become evident in the achievement of the athlete’s dreams. Combined, these three areas will aid in the formation of a deep foundation of principles matched with confidence and competency.
The Council is also thrilled to continue to bring to you our podcast series, released every other week, and designed exclusively for professionals
and enthusiasts in chiropractic, sports, and fitness fields. Each episode brings you thoughtprovoking discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and experts who share their latest research, insights, and actionable strategies to elevate your practice and understanding.
This podcast is a unique opportunity for ICA performance enhancement, injury prevention, and cutting-edge fitness science. You’ll hear from top practitioners and thought leaders who delve into a range of topics, from biomechanics and chiropractic techniques to nutrition optimization and mental conditioning for athletes.
Whether you’re a chiropractor specializing in a sports-focused practice, a fitness trainer, or a health professional passionate about performance science, these conversations will give you the tools to enhance your knowledge and better support your clients. Each episode is crafted to keep you informed on the latest trends and research and is tailored to address real-world challenges practitioners face every day.
Tune in every other week for fresh insights that support our mission to advance sports and fitness science and raise the standard of chiropractic care. You can listen to the podcast on all major streaming platforms or through the ICA website. Don’t miss out on this exciting new resource subscribe today and join us as we explore the forefront of sports and fitness science!
The Council on Applied Chiropractic Sciences seeks to enhance the growth of knowledge, the refinement of skills and the deepening of understanding within the science of chiropractic for the individual chiropractic practitioner and the profession as a whole so that more knowledgeable, competently and safely administered chiropractic care may be provided to the public. www.icaappliedsciences.org
As we approach the end of 2024, the Council on Applied Science has made great strides in enhancing its and the ICA's voice as champions of clinical science education. The Council's main program currently, The Advances in the Management of Traumatic Injuries (AMTI), has re-established this valuable program out of the ashes after COVID halted our in-person certification classes. We improved the course material and expanded the content to a true 150-hour Certification program in partnership with the American Academy of Motor Vehicle Injuries and Dr. Bill Gallagher. There is a required 12-hour in-person class with a balance of 138 online courses. The last of the 2024 inperson classes that were very well received just concluded in Orlando. Next year, at least in the late summer, each of our in-person classes will be held at ICA headquarters. We are about to apply for CE approvals 2025 and look forward to seeing you in Falls Church, Virginia.
subluxation complexes. In addition, we will be working with the Upper Cervical Council on a similar project but will include all imaging protocols to evaluate craniocervical instability/subluxation complexes.
In addition to the new and improved AMTI program, the Council plans to add two new officers, Drs. Shane Cobb and Bill Gallagher. Drs. Don Hirsh, Jason Jaeger, and Jon Stucky are pleased to welcome them, as their presence will help us expand our ability to promote and educate advances in chiropractic clinical science.
There are two critical projects that we will be undertaking in 2025 that will include the production of policy statements/White Papers on the importance of Digital Motion X-ray in diagnosing and treating craniocervical subluxation instability as well as cervical
The ICA Council on Evidence-Based Chiropractic and Lifestyle offers guidance, resources and support for doctors of chiropractic to build a leadership role in the wellness movement building momentum in communities everywhere. Membership in the Council on Evidence-Based Chiropractic and Lifestyle supports exciting elements of the chiropractic profession’s growing role in this vitally important dimension of health and healing. www.icalifestyle.org
We are in the midst of one of the most significant paradigm shifts in the history of healthcare – and this shift is towards the Chiropractic healthcare paradigm and away from the Medical/Allopathic sickness care paradigm.
The Make America Healthy Again campaign initiated by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr is comprised of a message virtually synonymous with the content I have been teaching in the certification modules for the ICA Evidence-Based Chiropractic and Lifestyle Program for the past 20 years.
The available evidence, once one becomes aware of it, inevitably leads to the self-evident conclusion that the chronic illness pandemic is a pandemic of unhealthy lifestyle, of unhealthy eating, of unhealthy moving, of unhealthy thinking, and of unhealthy social interaction patterns.
The level of trust in the cultural authority of allopathic medicine and allopathic practitioners, scientists, and public health “experts” used to be so high as to be almost beyond reproach. Though this monopoly of cultural authority and reimbursement was bought with Big Pharma money and certainly not earned with patient health outcomes it was, nonetheless, virtually impenetrable over the last century.
The blatantly obvious lies told during the COVID response broke the spell the public had been
under and the lack of patient outcomes from not just the COVID vaccine but all of allopathic medicine are now, finally, considered fair game to question.
Allopathy has gained and maintained its monopoly of authority and reimbursement not based on evidence of effectiveness, evidence of safety, or evidence of cost-effectiveness, but by having its paradigm and results considered beyond questioning. They maintained their monopoly with copious amounts of advertising and propaganda, huge lobbying power, huge cultural authority, and, if they were questioned, with hyper aggressive bullying, canceling, and personal attacks. What they didn’t do was earn their monopoly or maintain it with valid clinical evidence.
We have the sickest pregnant mothers, the sickest babies, the sickest children, the sickest teenagers, the sickest adults, and the sickest seniors in the history of the human species – in fact in the history of any species that has ever lived on earth. Chronic illness has become so common that allopathy has been able to successfully convince people that it based on genetic defect or inability to self-regulate and thus that the only viable solution is to regulate human physiology with drugs in an effort to palliate people with inevitable chronic illness.
The problem with the allopathic paradigm is that it does not stand up to scientific scrutiny. Chronic illness rates have been exponentially increasing over the past 75 years during which time there has been no documented change in the human genome. In other words, genes have stayed constant, the innate ability to selfregulate has stayed constant, but chronic illness has exponentially increased. Further, we have spent more money giving more drugs to more people every year for 75 years and chronic illness rates have continued to exponentially increase.
Clearly there is another causal variable responsible for the chronic illness pandemic and clearly we need a different solution to solve it. Unhealthy lifestyle, the exponential change to how humans eat, move, think, and socially
interact and the health of the physical environment we live in are the obvious causes of the chronic illness pandemic. The obvious solution, in fact the only possible solution, is to address this cause by implementing healthy lifestyle and social and physical habitat/environment change. The scientific and clinical data on this is unequivocal and irrefutable – if you are aware of it.
Social media, especially uncensored social media such as can be found on X, has allowed the dissemination of this data to the masses. Further, it has allowed the disinformation from the allopathic health experts to be easily exposed as logically absurd, scientifically invalid, and clinically impotent.
Parents are aware they have unhealthy children and that the solutions being offered are not creating healthy children. Adults and seniors have the same awareness. Our children are plagued with autism, ADHD, ear infections, diabetes, obesity, depression, anxiety, social isolation and hopelessness. This is NOT genetic, this is a direct result of the unhealthy eating recommended by so-called experts and the unhealthy, ineffective drugs prescribed by these chiropractic message wrapped in different socalled experts. Teens, adults, and seniors are plagued with the same lifestyle-caused problems.
Once people realize that the chronic illness pandemic is an unhealthy lifestyle pandemic taking drugs becomes self-evidently absurd and dangerous and those that prescribe become self-evidently ineffective, harmful, and absurd. What drug will ever solve a problem caused by poor nutrition? What drug will ever solve a problem caused by lack of exercise and segmental motion? What drug will ever solve a problem caused by lack of self-esteem, poor parenting, poor education, or hopelessness? What drug will ever solve a problem caused by polluted air or water?
Chiropractors operating within the chiropractic healthcare paradigm and educating about the healthy chiropractic lifestyle are the solution to the most significant problem ever faced by humanity. The MAHA movement is the packaging.
Our time is finally here. Let’s be ready. Let’s make sure we are adjusting spines and paradigms and lifestyle habits – or at least educating our patients regarding the importance of each. To educate others we must have knowledge ourselves. We are nearing completion of getting the CCWP modules on-line so you will be able to acquire the knowledge you need without ever having to travel. Stay tuned!
Serving as the 12th President of the ICA from 1999 to 2000, he holds the distinction of being the first and only Jewish president in ICA history. Under his leadership, the ICA made significant strides, including hosting the first-ever international symposium on chiropractic in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1999, bringing together global perspectives to strengthen and unify ICA mission and purpose.
Dr. Hoffman’s steadfast commitment to the ICA and chiropractic principles has been a source of inspiration for nearly half a century. He has empowered thousands of chiropractors and chiropractic students across the globe to reach new heights of personal and professional excellence while always remaining steadfast in chiropractic principles.
Bob Hoffman, DC, FICA is a best-selling author, international speaker, sought after coach and mentor and the profession’s lead advocate and trainer on how to successfully run a Brain Based Wellness practice.
Celebrating the Remarkable Career and Retirement of Dr. Bob Hoffman, 12th President of the ICA
It is with a mix of admiration and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the retirement of Dr. Bob Hoffman from The Masters Circle Global and the chiropractic profession. Dr. Hoffman’s journey as a leader, innovator, and advocate for chiropractic has shaped the chiropractic profession and the ICA in significant, positive and countless ways.
Dr. Hoffman’s legacy with the ICA began nearly 50 years ago first as a student member, then Representative Assemblyman for New York, then as a member of the Board of the ICA and culminating as the President of the International Chiropractors Association. His continuous membership, combined with his dedication and contributions, are unparalleled.
After his presidency, Dr. Hoffman transitioned into his role as President and CEO of The Masters Circle Global, where his impact grew exponentially. His list of accomplishments is as extensive as it is transformative:
Practice-Building Resources: Recorded over 650 hours of practice-building video content, creating an invaluable library of resources for chiropractors at every stage of their careers. This library is now being donated to Life University and Life Chiropractic College West to enhance the education of future chiropractic leaders.
Seminars and Guest Speakers: Hosted more than 300 live seminars, featuring over 150 distinguished guest speakers who shared cutting-edge ideas, new techniques, and best practices while steadfastly upholding chiropractic principles and philosophy.
Brain-Based Wellness Coaching: Pioneered this transformative approach, which has significantly enhanced patient outcomes and
revolutionized countless chiropractic practices worldwide.
“Thrive in 5” Videos: Co-produced more than 300 quick, impactful insights to help practitioners improve clinical results and grow their practices.
Practice-Building Tools: Created hundreds of innovative products, including The Masters Circle Guidebook, a 343-page “coaching bible” that continues to guide thousands of chiropractors.
Media and Alliances: Produced over 200 podcasts, 168 MasterTalk programs, and forged strategic alliances with more than 200 companies, advancing research and practitioner decision-making.
Beyond these remarkable contributions, The Masters Circle Global, under Dr. Hoffman’s leadership, has introduced new paradigms in thinking, mindset, and achievement. These innovations have transformed practices, improved patient outcomes, and inspired excellence among chiropractors worldwide.
As Dr. Hoffman enters retirement, we honor his trailblazing spirit, his unwavering commitment to advancing chiropractic, and his enduring contributions to the ICA. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of chiropractors and wellness professionals.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Bob Hoffman a leader, innovator, and proud ICA member. We extend our deepest gratitude for his nearly five decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
Call for Abstracts for the 2025 WFC Biennial Congress
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) and Danish Chiropractors Association cordially invite you to submit your research abstracts for consideration at the 18th WFC Biennial Congress, to be held May 7-10, 2025, at the Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.
The WFC is accepting both novel papers and previously published work in different categories. The deadline for submission is January 20, 2025.
Over US$35,000 in prizes will be awarded at the Congress for the best papers (scientific articles) and best posters.
Please visit www.wfc.org for more information, including a full explanation of requirements and the submission process.
The WFC looks forward to your submissions and to welcoming you to Copenhagen for an enriching and engaging Congress experience!
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DR.CORALEEVANEGMONDMEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The International Chiropractors Association (ICA) knows that its students are the future of the chiropractic profession and continues to assist students through our Coralee Van Egmond Scholarship Program.
The ICA will award three (3) $1,000 scholarships to three (3) deserving Student ICA members with the Dr. Coralee Van Egmond Memorial Scholarship.
ELIGIBILITY:
Be a Student ICA member*
Be a current student, in good standing at an accredited chiropractic college
APPLICATION & ESSAY
Submit your completed application and a 250-word or less essay on one (1) of the following topics:** My role model in the chiropractic profession is and why?
Why it is important to belong to the ICA?
I chose the profession of chiropractic because
ESSAY CRITERIA AND POINT SCORING
Discussion must be clear, developed and relevant to the topic (1–50 points)
Logical sentence structure, coherent paragraphs and easy flowing transitions (1–30 points) Grammatical errors, writing style & creativity (1-20 points)
Submissions are due by March 7, 2025 and should be emailed to: membership@chiropractic.org. Both application and essay must be submitted at the same time to be considered. Visit the ICA website at www.chiropractic.org to apply. Questions? Call 703-528-5000.
What is FACTS?
The Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Tenets and Science (FACTS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation focused on advancing the knowledge base of chiropractic, and of body function as it relates to the spine and neuromuscular system, particularly the role of spinal subluxations and chiropractic adjustments in body function. FACTS was originally named the International Chiropractors Research Foundation; the name was changed in 1977.
The mission of the Foundation for ts and Science, (FACTS) is to study, research, correlate, and dissemin system, and spinal subluxations; conduct, promote and finance for such purpose; and furnish scholarships, fellowships or gran searchers in pursuance of these programs
Chiropractic research to study for veterans and those currently serving in the military 1.
ICA Member Benefits
