Commentary

How can chiropractic become a respected mainstream profession? The example of podiatry

Donald R Murphy^1,2,3 , Michael J Schneider^4,5 , David R Seaman⁶ , Stephen M Perle⁷ and Craig F Nelson⁸

¹  Rhode Island Spine Center Pawtucket, RI, USA

²  Department of Community Health, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

³  Department of Research, New York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, NY, USA

⁴  Private practice of chiropractic, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

⁵  School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

⁶  Palmer College of Chiropractic, Florida Port Orange, FL, USA

⁷  University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic, Bridgeport, CT, USA

⁸  American Specialty Health, San Diego, CA, USA

author email corresponding author email

Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2008, 16:10doi:10.1186/1746-1340-16-10

Published:	29 August 2008

Abstract

Background

The chiropractic profession has succeeded to remain in existence for over 110 years despite the fact that many other professions which had their start at around the same time as chiropractic have disappeared. Despite chiropractic's longevity, the profession has not succeeded in establishing cultural authority and respect within mainstream society, and its market share is dwindling. In the meantime, the podiatric medical profession, during approximately the same time period, has been far more successful in developing itself into a respected profession that is well integrated into mainstream health care and society.

Objective

To present a perspective on the current state of the chiropractic profession and to make recommendations as to how the profession can look to the podiatric medical profession as a model for how a non-allopathic healthcare profession can establish mainstream integration and cultural authority.

Discussion

There are several key areas in which the podiatric medical profession has succeeded and in which the chiropractic profession has not. The authors contend that it is in these key areas that changes must be made in order for our profession to overcome its shrinking market share and its present low status amongst healthcare professions. These areas include public health, education, identity and professionalism.

Conclusion

The chiropractic profession has great promise in terms of its potential contribution to society and the potential for its members to realize the benefits that come from being involved in a mainstream, respected and highly utilized professional group. However, there are several changes that must be made within the profession if it is going to fulfill this promise. Several lessons can be learned from the podiatric medical profession in this effort.