Debate

The necessary future of chiropractic education: a North American perspective

Lawrence H Wyatt¹ , Stephen M Perle² , Donald R Murphy^3,4 and Thomas E Hyde⁵

¹  Division of Clinical Sciences, Texas Chiropractic College, 5912 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX, 77505 USA

²  Division of Clinical Sciences, University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, 126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT, 06604 USA

³  Rhode Island Spine Center, 329 Wickenden Street Providence, RI 02903 USA

⁴  Department of Community Health, Brown University School of Medicine, Box G-A, Providence, RI 02912 USA

⁵  2240 NE 202 St, Miami, FL 33180 USA

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Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2005, 13:10doi:10.1186/1746-1340-13-10

Published:	7 July 2005

Abstract

The chiropractic educational system in North America is currently in a state of flux. The attempted conversion of some chiropractic schools into "universities" and the want of university affiliation for chiropractic schools suggests that we are searching for a better alternative to the present system. In the early 20^th century, the Flexner Report helped transform modern medical education into a discipline that relies on scientific and clinical knowledge. Some have wondered if it is time for a Flexner-type report regarding the education of doctors of chiropractic. This article outlines the current challenges within the chiropractic educational system and proposes positive changes for that system.