If I recall correctly, I do not think that I ever sat through an entire episode of the Tonight Show going all the way back to the 60's. I have seen tidbits from time to time, but having ADDDDDD, and trying to be asleep by 11:00 there was not a chance that I was going to survive a full episode. But, like all the baby boomers who say they saw the Beatles live or were at Woodstock, I had to see at least a portion of Conan O'Brian's last episode. Conan made a point of indicating that he had no time for cynics -- they were not the type of person with whom he wished to associate with.
What is relevant to my posting is his comment about not wishing to entertain people who are cynics. I do not believe that cynicism and paranoia are synonymous. That is why, I have repeated over and over and over the phrase: "hope for the best, plan for the worse, and expect the unexpected".
That being the case, here is what I hope for the chiropractic profession:
I hope that the profession can continue to provide the care to the public that is so unique to the profession.
I hope that the profession can deal with its weakest links and ensure that the public is protected by those who are elected to the role of "self governance" for the profession.
I hope that the public's knowledge of chiropractic grows by leaps and bounds year after year.
I hope that every chiropractor comes to the awareness that continuing educations involves knowledge of all things ranging from clinical practice to practice management to research on a global and invidual basis.
I hope that every chiroprator comes to the awareness that the guardians of the profession are its educational institutions, its professional associations, and its publications.
I hope that every chiropractor comes to the awareness that there are living legends involved in the chiropractic profession who should be acknowledged and who supported in their advancement of the interests of the profession.
back to you soon.
Here I go again!
First I was young and innocent. I knew very little and was happy in my ignorance. In the 50's there was no internet; no VCRs; four or five channels on TV and I didn't bother reading the newspaper. Learning all the countries in Europe was about as much as I knew about the world.
Then I went through my teens and eventually by my 20's I knew everything. In fact my parents would ask me questions and when I asked why, they would retort: "Because you think you know everything. But that will end by the time you reach 30". Sometimes I would take a position and my mother would say: "You're right and the rest of the world is wrong". (said with a great deal of sarcasm).
My opinion now is that I know more and more about less and less until I am going to know everything about nothing! Anyway back to the topic of this note.
Keeping that in mind, on occassion I will read "Letters to the Editor" in any journal, magazine or newspaper. That is what has happened in the last few days when reading a chiropractic publication, and I am rather disappointed by what I read.
The first letter dealt with the concern of the writer with respect to the amount of articles that are written concerning the fraudulent practices in chiropractic as they relate to consulting companies. While I could not care less about the organizations and consultants that make money on advising practitioners as to how to practice properly, I am deeply disappointed that the tone of the letter was with respect to the sympathy that the author had for the miscreants. Having sympathy for the practitioner who commits fraud and brings disrespect to the profession is just beyond my understanding. The author uses the word "fair" in dealing with fraudsters is just unbelievable. Give me a break.
The second letter is even worse. It deals with the justification for treating a patient anytime anywhere. It would bring a smile to any party who prosecutes inappropriate behaviour. Being licensed in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New York, or Michigan does not let you set up shop or even treat anyone in any other jurisdiction. A professional is obligated to abide by licensing requirements. The end does not justify the means. And as far as treating 400 to 600 patients a day, whatever happened to an examination, diagnosis, and plan of management -- 400 treatments in even a 14 hour day (14 hours x 60 minutes divided by 400 treatments - well, you do the math) and simply put-- Give me a break.
These two letters can be summed up simply with the phrase -- Deja Moo -- as in -- I have heard this bullshit before and it gives me a subluxation.
be well.
Then I went through my teens and eventually by my 20's I knew everything. In fact my parents would ask me questions and when I asked why, they would retort: "Because you think you know everything. But that will end by the time you reach 30". Sometimes I would take a position and my mother would say: "You're right and the rest of the world is wrong". (said with a great deal of sarcasm).
My opinion now is that I know more and more about less and less until I am going to know everything about nothing! Anyway back to the topic of this note.
Keeping that in mind, on occassion I will read "Letters to the Editor" in any journal, magazine or newspaper. That is what has happened in the last few days when reading a chiropractic publication, and I am rather disappointed by what I read.
The first letter dealt with the concern of the writer with respect to the amount of articles that are written concerning the fraudulent practices in chiropractic as they relate to consulting companies. While I could not care less about the organizations and consultants that make money on advising practitioners as to how to practice properly, I am deeply disappointed that the tone of the letter was with respect to the sympathy that the author had for the miscreants. Having sympathy for the practitioner who commits fraud and brings disrespect to the profession is just beyond my understanding. The author uses the word "fair" in dealing with fraudsters is just unbelievable. Give me a break.
The second letter is even worse. It deals with the justification for treating a patient anytime anywhere. It would bring a smile to any party who prosecutes inappropriate behaviour. Being licensed in Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, New York, or Michigan does not let you set up shop or even treat anyone in any other jurisdiction. A professional is obligated to abide by licensing requirements. The end does not justify the means. And as far as treating 400 to 600 patients a day, whatever happened to an examination, diagnosis, and plan of management -- 400 treatments in even a 14 hour day (14 hours x 60 minutes divided by 400 treatments - well, you do the math) and simply put-- Give me a break.
These two letters can be summed up simply with the phrase -- Deja Moo -- as in -- I have heard this bullshit before and it gives me a subluxation.
be well.
January 2010
Ok -- so I don't post every two hours, every day, every week or for that matter every month. Sometimes the adage works: "It is better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you are stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".
Besides, I have been busy. Two more articles on line with Dynamic Chiropractic Canada. The one title" "Can you Pass the Smell Test" I really wanted to simply call "The Stink Test" but I bow to the greater wisdom of those who buy their ink by the barrel. The next article was entitled "Self-Defence" but again changed to "The Dangers of Self-Defense". The next is in the works.
I also had the pleasure of donning the Santa Clause outfit and doing another event at the Chinese Mall in Markham, Ontario. I did a Polka -- at the Dance Studio -- my title is: "Least dedicated Most entertaining".
As far as New Years' Resolutions -- well I went on a diet over the holidays and gained 4 or 5 pounds, so that is over and done with. My office is now neat, tidy and uncluttered. My staff will take care of finishing off that Resolution. So the only one left is to smile more; ride my motorcycle more; and live more. I also promise to put more information on the blog -- but don't count on it.
Finally, for those of you who travel to this site looking for info - you have to appreciate how blogs work -- you have to dig deep and go back, back, back into the postings.
Be good and be well.
allan
Besides, I have been busy. Two more articles on line with Dynamic Chiropractic Canada. The one title" "Can you Pass the Smell Test" I really wanted to simply call "The Stink Test" but I bow to the greater wisdom of those who buy their ink by the barrel. The next article was entitled "Self-Defence" but again changed to "The Dangers of Self-Defense". The next is in the works.
I also had the pleasure of donning the Santa Clause outfit and doing another event at the Chinese Mall in Markham, Ontario. I did a Polka -- at the Dance Studio -- my title is: "Least dedicated Most entertaining".
As far as New Years' Resolutions -- well I went on a diet over the holidays and gained 4 or 5 pounds, so that is over and done with. My office is now neat, tidy and uncluttered. My staff will take care of finishing off that Resolution. So the only one left is to smile more; ride my motorcycle more; and live more. I also promise to put more information on the blog -- but don't count on it.
Finally, for those of you who travel to this site looking for info - you have to appreciate how blogs work -- you have to dig deep and go back, back, back into the postings.
Be good and be well.
allan
November
When thinking of November the first thing that comes to my mind is Remembrance Day. On May 21st of this year I participated in "Soldier for aDay" at CFB Kingston. I have posted pictures and made a few jokes about my lack of abilities -- particularly when falling from the "confidence" course to flat on my back from about 8 feet in the air.
While the day was fun, embarassing, tiring and filled with adventure -- it had a very serious overtone. I am in awe of each member of the military - whether he or she is at the front lines of the combat or behind a desk in Kingston, Ontario. Each one of them has dedicated themselves to a mission on behalf of the citizens of Canada. Whether you support a war or are committed to Canada being only on peace keeping missions -- the members of the military commit themselves to following orders and putting themselves in harms way. It is not something to take lightly, but until you have attempted to walk one foot - never mind one mile - in the shoes of a member of the military, you are unable to fully appreciate the totality of their commitment.
So, to each member of the military, whether in combat; away from home; or at a desk in an office -- on behalf of myself and my family - God Bless You and your families.
allan
While the day was fun, embarassing, tiring and filled with adventure -- it had a very serious overtone. I am in awe of each member of the military - whether he or she is at the front lines of the combat or behind a desk in Kingston, Ontario. Each one of them has dedicated themselves to a mission on behalf of the citizens of Canada. Whether you support a war or are committed to Canada being only on peace keeping missions -- the members of the military commit themselves to following orders and putting themselves in harms way. It is not something to take lightly, but until you have attempted to walk one foot - never mind one mile - in the shoes of a member of the military, you are unable to fully appreciate the totality of their commitment.
So, to each member of the military, whether in combat; away from home; or at a desk in an office -- on behalf of myself and my family - God Bless You and your families.
allan
INDEX - NOT
For those of you who are either uninitiated (sp?); or just plain wonder -- the world of blogs does not particularly lend itself to indexing. In addition, for those of you who have taken an income tax or business course you will be familiar with the phrase "Last in -- First out" or something like that.
Anyway, the most recent post is what you will first see on the site -- to get to some of the articles dealing with associate arrangements; purchase and sale of practices; practice valuations -- you will have to scroll down and go to "previous posts" and continue and continue until you reach the proverbial heart of darkness. In the case of the article on purchase and sale of practices -- there are about 14 or so postings -- so start at the earliest postings and move forward. Or I suppose I could send you the consolidated version. ;-))))
Anyway, the most recent post is what you will first see on the site -- to get to some of the articles dealing with associate arrangements; purchase and sale of practices; practice valuations -- you will have to scroll down and go to "previous posts" and continue and continue until you reach the proverbial heart of darkness. In the case of the article on purchase and sale of practices -- there are about 14 or so postings -- so start at the earliest postings and move forward. Or I suppose I could send you the consolidated version. ;-))))
End of Summer
I am playing out my bucket list with major exuberance. For the summer I was able to: go to my first nascar race; play soldier for the day; travel to New York, Ottawa and Cleveland. Playing with my motorcycle via Dr. John and doing whatever comes naturally.
The fall schedule is already lining up with serious work, lectures, writing and some hearings and minimal dollar trials. Amazing to me how many people think I have retired because of my departure from teaching -- even more amazing that I don't miss the teaching because of what I perceive as a change in the attitude of students. Decades ago -- if a teacher missed a class the students would revolt and demand that the class be taught. Now it appears as if a class is an inconvenience to students. I had a new graduate in my office who was in my last class two years ago and after graduation went to a management course. She indicated that the material she paid for was not much different than what was taught at CMCC. I guess if you pay for it, it has more value. I suppose I could have made a few dollars selling information -- but alas, the road less taken.
Welcome to the beginning of September and a wonderful part of the year in Ontario, Canada.
The fall schedule is already lining up with serious work, lectures, writing and some hearings and minimal dollar trials. Amazing to me how many people think I have retired because of my departure from teaching -- even more amazing that I don't miss the teaching because of what I perceive as a change in the attitude of students. Decades ago -- if a teacher missed a class the students would revolt and demand that the class be taught. Now it appears as if a class is an inconvenience to students. I had a new graduate in my office who was in my last class two years ago and after graduation went to a management course. She indicated that the material she paid for was not much different than what was taught at CMCC. I guess if you pay for it, it has more value. I suppose I could have made a few dollars selling information -- but alas, the road less taken.
Welcome to the beginning of September and a wonderful part of the year in Ontario, Canada.
The Smell Test - an editorial
The Smell Test
The issue concerning when actions and conduct do not meet the “smell test” can be summed up much like in the trial in which the judge was asked to define pornography. His answer was: “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.”
From the moment that we each were able to communicate with the world, we had an innate appreciation of what was inherently right and what was wrong. Unfortunately it did not take too long for that understanding to be skewed by our interaction with other human beings. It starts at the television set, moves on to the computer and computer games and becomes entrenched once we are foisted upon the educational system starting at day care, kindergarten or grade one. It seems that simple things like the use of appropriate language, sharing and being polite fly out the window as soon we start interacting with others.
The relationship of individuals and communication between persons becomes even more of an ordeal when an individual enters into a profession. Unlike occupations which may allow for solitude and the ability to act without interaction and communication, most professions, as in the chiropractic profession, require the ability or, at a minimum, the necessity of being able to rationally, reasonably and politely communicate with patients.
We all appreciate our patients or clients. We appreciate their trust and their willingness to place their health, body and soul in our custody. But alas, not every interaction is going to be so pleasurable that the patient’s trust overcomes the “literal pain” that a practitioner has to experience in order to comply with their professional responsibilities. Having to “endure” a patient may well bring to mind that age old adage that “the key to success is sincerity and when you can fake sincerity you have it made”.
Patients are an interesting flock of individuals made up of all kinds of different characteristics, quirks and habits. Some may have chronic problems. Some have acute problems. Each one requires care. However, when in your office they are patients, not friends, not family, not customers, not anything other than patients. And that puts the doctor and the patient in an interesting venue.
The doctor will use of his or her education, experience and repertoire to illicit from the patient all of the information that is required to arrive at a conclusion as to what is required for the patient’s best interests. Of course, depending on what brought the patient into the doctor’s office, the patient may well desire a conclusion that is not supported by the objective testing of the doctor.
If a practitioner has not had a patient in his or her office that has no objective symptomotology; been treated for a complain that should have been resolved months ago; has changed doctors a multitude of times; or is on a disability claim for which the patient is in a state of non-compliance, then the practitioner has not been in practice long enough or is just plain lucky -- and none of us can be that lucky.
A chiropractor cannot become a party to a patient’s economic, social or litigious environment any more than he or she can become sexually involved with the patient. It is an inappropriate relationship that allows for an abuse of the doctor-patient relationship whether in the office or involving third parties such as insurance carriers. The fact that a patient seeks health care is not an excuse to provide care if none is warranted. While at the time of the “visit” it may seem reasonable to provide the care, and whether there is billing for such treatment or no billing, imagine having to review your patient’s file some 2 years hence and in hindsight indicate the necessity, and therefore the validity, of providing that treatment. If it was not justified when provided, it will seem even more inappropriate when looked at by third parties many years later.
A chiropractor is more than a technician. A chiropractor is required by law to assess, diagnosis, create a plan of management, obtain informed consent, refer when necessary, etc., etc., etc. I have no idea of the length, width, breadth or volume of tests that are associated with the profession of chiropractic and health care in general. They must obviously be extensive, and in some cases, are required as a minimum guide to the therapeutic necessity for treatment or non-treatment of a patient’s condition.
I have seen, heard and defended chiropractors who have dealt with patients who desire treatment, beg for treatment; pray for treatment and are grateful for the treatment. But in hindsight when revisited years later, the 160 treatments given without a reassessment; the 10 treatments of a patient over 6 weeks with a cost into the many thousands of dollars; the patient who sought out 6 doctors before finding one who would justify his complaint; or the doctor who had sex with the patient because the patient was lonely and wanted the comfort just don’t satisfy the definition of what a reasonable chiropractor would do in the circumstances. In other words the justification for the treatment does not satisfy the professional standards notwithstanding what the patient may want – whatever the reason for the treatment -- it just doesn’t pass the “smell test”.
The issue concerning when actions and conduct do not meet the “smell test” can be summed up much like in the trial in which the judge was asked to define pornography. His answer was: “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it.”
From the moment that we each were able to communicate with the world, we had an innate appreciation of what was inherently right and what was wrong. Unfortunately it did not take too long for that understanding to be skewed by our interaction with other human beings. It starts at the television set, moves on to the computer and computer games and becomes entrenched once we are foisted upon the educational system starting at day care, kindergarten or grade one. It seems that simple things like the use of appropriate language, sharing and being polite fly out the window as soon we start interacting with others.
The relationship of individuals and communication between persons becomes even more of an ordeal when an individual enters into a profession. Unlike occupations which may allow for solitude and the ability to act without interaction and communication, most professions, as in the chiropractic profession, require the ability or, at a minimum, the necessity of being able to rationally, reasonably and politely communicate with patients.
We all appreciate our patients or clients. We appreciate their trust and their willingness to place their health, body and soul in our custody. But alas, not every interaction is going to be so pleasurable that the patient’s trust overcomes the “literal pain” that a practitioner has to experience in order to comply with their professional responsibilities. Having to “endure” a patient may well bring to mind that age old adage that “the key to success is sincerity and when you can fake sincerity you have it made”.
Patients are an interesting flock of individuals made up of all kinds of different characteristics, quirks and habits. Some may have chronic problems. Some have acute problems. Each one requires care. However, when in your office they are patients, not friends, not family, not customers, not anything other than patients. And that puts the doctor and the patient in an interesting venue.
The doctor will use of his or her education, experience and repertoire to illicit from the patient all of the information that is required to arrive at a conclusion as to what is required for the patient’s best interests. Of course, depending on what brought the patient into the doctor’s office, the patient may well desire a conclusion that is not supported by the objective testing of the doctor.
If a practitioner has not had a patient in his or her office that has no objective symptomotology; been treated for a complain that should have been resolved months ago; has changed doctors a multitude of times; or is on a disability claim for which the patient is in a state of non-compliance, then the practitioner has not been in practice long enough or is just plain lucky -- and none of us can be that lucky.
A chiropractor cannot become a party to a patient’s economic, social or litigious environment any more than he or she can become sexually involved with the patient. It is an inappropriate relationship that allows for an abuse of the doctor-patient relationship whether in the office or involving third parties such as insurance carriers. The fact that a patient seeks health care is not an excuse to provide care if none is warranted. While at the time of the “visit” it may seem reasonable to provide the care, and whether there is billing for such treatment or no billing, imagine having to review your patient’s file some 2 years hence and in hindsight indicate the necessity, and therefore the validity, of providing that treatment. If it was not justified when provided, it will seem even more inappropriate when looked at by third parties many years later.
A chiropractor is more than a technician. A chiropractor is required by law to assess, diagnosis, create a plan of management, obtain informed consent, refer when necessary, etc., etc., etc. I have no idea of the length, width, breadth or volume of tests that are associated with the profession of chiropractic and health care in general. They must obviously be extensive, and in some cases, are required as a minimum guide to the therapeutic necessity for treatment or non-treatment of a patient’s condition.
I have seen, heard and defended chiropractors who have dealt with patients who desire treatment, beg for treatment; pray for treatment and are grateful for the treatment. But in hindsight when revisited years later, the 160 treatments given without a reassessment; the 10 treatments of a patient over 6 weeks with a cost into the many thousands of dollars; the patient who sought out 6 doctors before finding one who would justify his complaint; or the doctor who had sex with the patient because the patient was lonely and wanted the comfort just don’t satisfy the definition of what a reasonable chiropractor would do in the circumstances. In other words the justification for the treatment does not satisfy the professional standards notwithstanding what the patient may want – whatever the reason for the treatment -- it just doesn’t pass the “smell test”.
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