| It seems to me that the VA and DOD programs, along with sports chiropractic, are the three key pivot points in the present evolution of the profession. The corporate world (chiropractic in the workplace) may be the next frontier, but these three are the front lines right now.
Regarding the military-related chiropractic programs, a primary difference between the VA and the DOD is that the VA has structure to it, whereas the DOD chiropractors are independent contractors. They’re not government employees so there’s less structure in the DOD program. It’s basically chiropractors that work at a base or at a medical facility within the Department of Defense, but less organizational structure with DOD.
But in military medicine, particularly in the battlefield but also stateside, there are salaried employees, aren’t there?
Absolutely.
But you’re saying that for chiropractors working with the DOD, their role is not structured that way.
That’s correct. While they’re integrated in the DOD system as far as patient care is concerned, they’re not integrated into the system as far as employment and administrative organization is concerned, certainly not as much as with the VA. Because of that, I think the VA program will have more of an impact on the future of the profession.
Daniel Redwood, DC, the interviewer, is Editor-in-Chief of Health Insights Today. |
