It has been a couple of wild weeks which have involved dealing with Human Rights Complaints; privacy issues; judicial review applications and the usual amount of aggravation.
But back to history.
By the middle of start if the 80's I was teaching 2 hours a week for the entire school year. It was actually quite enjoyable because the students were deeply interested in knowing and being prepared for what was going on in the real world. The third year course prepared the students for clinic and the fourth year course was to provide information on the establishment and operation of a health care clinic.
The issues in chiropractic in my first ten years of being involved in the profession were interesting, entertaining and adventurous. I took great pleasure in fighting some of the battles which continued with respect to the attitude of hospitals, governments and other health care workers. I didn't appreciate chiropractors being referred to as "mr" and I appreciated even less the attitude of a hospital or medical doctor who thought that patient information was not going to be provided to a chiropractor, even with the consent of a patient. Pro Bono work dealing with such nonsense was rewarding.
I recall one incident in the late 70's; early 80's where a west end Toronto newspaper writer decided he would do an expose on chiropractic. It was worse than junk science with no factual information -- just basic nonsense about the educational background and training of chiropractors at CMCC. It was a two part series. I recalled the writer's name and so I did a little research. It turned out the writer had been a pharmacist who had run afoul of his licensing body and had his license revoked for fraud. My letter to the publisher gave a polite request for the writer to refrain from any further such reports or he could deal with the fallout of the lack of integrity of the writer. My language was a little bit more colourful, but in any event he must have gotten the message. We never heard from the writer on the issue again. As I said, those were interesting times.
Sometime in the last century, probably near the end of the 70's I was asked by Dr. Terry Watkins to participate on the Publication Committee of the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. At the time Dr. Michael Wiles and Dr. Janice Wiles were the editors of the Journal.
My first article in the Journal was entitled "Privilege". Interestingly, the principles set out in the article in 1977 are pretty much still applicable today. I have had the pleasure of writing further articles for the Journal over the decades dealing with matters involving risk management and business law. Dr. Watkin's leadership as the head of the Publications Committee was more than commendable and his dedication was paramount for the development of the publication to a worldwide respected journal under the subsequent leadership of Dr. Allan Gotlib.
It is my not so humble opinion that the profession of chiropractic in Canada owes its reputation to a few very well established and credentialed entities: the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic; the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association; the Chiropractic Research Foundation and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board. There may be disagreement among readers but I find that the four groups have something in common -- actually something they lack -- an overwhelming desire to not pigeon hole chiropractic care and a philosophy based upon public protection.
Anyway, in addition to being published in the JCCA, my diatribes have also appeared in the Canadian Chiropractic Magazine and Dynamic Chiropractic. The articles speak for themselves. I hope that they have had some impact on profession.
So now back to the late 70's. I did a short two year sojurn of teaching at Senecca College in a Business Course. Again, fun and a distraction at the time, but alas you can only juggle so many tasks at one time. Actually not true, but when the task is not fun -- my favourite thing in life is being able to say hausta la vista!
My first article in the Journal was entitled "Privilege". Interestingly, the principles set out in the article in 1977 are pretty much still applicable today. I have had the pleasure of writing further articles for the Journal over the decades dealing with matters involving risk management and business law. Dr. Watkin's leadership as the head of the Publications Committee was more than commendable and his dedication was paramount for the development of the publication to a worldwide respected journal under the subsequent leadership of Dr. Allan Gotlib.
It is my not so humble opinion that the profession of chiropractic in Canada owes its reputation to a few very well established and credentialed entities: the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic; the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association; the Chiropractic Research Foundation and the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board. There may be disagreement among readers but I find that the four groups have something in common -- actually something they lack -- an overwhelming desire to not pigeon hole chiropractic care and a philosophy based upon public protection.
Anyway, in addition to being published in the JCCA, my diatribes have also appeared in the Canadian Chiropractic Magazine and Dynamic Chiropractic. The articles speak for themselves. I hope that they have had some impact on profession.
So now back to the late 70's. I did a short two year sojurn of teaching at Senecca College in a Business Course. Again, fun and a distraction at the time, but alas you can only juggle so many tasks at one time. Actually not true, but when the task is not fun -- my favourite thing in life is being able to say hausta la vista!
1982 was a pretty good year. Ian Coulter had become President of CMCC, Doug Brown nominated me as the first Honorary Member of CMCC which was given to me by Richard Luck at the CMCC Homecoming Gala and some time around that time I was invited to speak at the Alberta Chiropractic Convention. It was a wild event which must remain between myself, Dr. Luck and all those that spent the Saturday evening telling stories until 2:00 am (Dr. Carter, Dr. Gushaty, Dr. Ball, Dr. Ladell, spouses, Dr. Luck and maybe more). It was during this time that I learned that Dr. Luck has tried to walk on water. I also met Dr. Tom Amalo (but that is another story.)
It was also the year that I became the only Canadian (foreign) member of the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys. I was given a warm welcome in Denver at their annual meeting. I quickly learned that anything that happens in the USA will reach the Canadian border within 5 years.
During the early '80s I travelled with respect to the chiropractic profession to Kansas City, Denver, Detroit, Lake Geneva (Wisconsin), Banff, and Vancouver. Interesting times.
It was also the year that I became the only Canadian (foreign) member of the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys. I was given a warm welcome in Denver at their annual meeting. I quickly learned that anything that happens in the USA will reach the Canadian border within 5 years.
During the early '80s I travelled with respect to the chiropractic profession to Kansas City, Denver, Detroit, Lake Geneva (Wisconsin), Banff, and Vancouver. Interesting times.
The Grand Ballroom of the Inn on the Park holds about 1200 people. There were about 1100 people in attendance. A few more people than were originally estimated. I was supposed to be introduced but since there were still tables being set up -- I merely went to the podium and started the proceedings.
I was not educated to be a comedian even though some of my students thought I might be a joke. But what the heck the most they could do is "boo" and it was not like they were paying me for the work. I started by telling a story which was supposed to be a joke -- it was a little religious in nature but it got some laughs. What I forgot was that right after telling a religious joke I had to introduce a Minister to say the invocation. He took it in good stride.
Before and after introducing any speaker, ie students, faculty etc I would tell a joke and do some one liners. It became a little disconcerting since I would (without bragging) get a great laugh and then about 30 seconds later there would be further commotion and more laughter. It took a while for me to realize that what I was saying was being translated into French at some tables which resulted in a delayed reaction.
I recall introducing Dr. Stu O'Brien who was a clinician at the time. Dr. O'Brien had a reputation of being a little too self-assured. In addition he never wore socks if he could get away with it.
When it came time to introduce Dr. O'Brien as he was walking to the podium I told him I had two questions for him. The first was whether the pair of socks that I produced were his. The second was -- "if he had to do it all over again -- would he still fall in love with himself". That got a big laugh and even a bigger laugh when he no longer could do his speech from memory and had to go back to his table to get his written copy.
The rest of the night went well and at the end, I produced my hankie -- waved at everyone -- said goodnight and turned the hankie into a cane. The trick went over very well.
It was an amazing evening and has made me remember with fondness the class of '82.
p.s. the Inn on the Park ceased to exist a number of years ago.
I was not educated to be a comedian even though some of my students thought I might be a joke. But what the heck the most they could do is "boo" and it was not like they were paying me for the work. I started by telling a story which was supposed to be a joke -- it was a little religious in nature but it got some laughs. What I forgot was that right after telling a religious joke I had to introduce a Minister to say the invocation. He took it in good stride.
Before and after introducing any speaker, ie students, faculty etc I would tell a joke and do some one liners. It became a little disconcerting since I would (without bragging) get a great laugh and then about 30 seconds later there would be further commotion and more laughter. It took a while for me to realize that what I was saying was being translated into French at some tables which resulted in a delayed reaction.
I recall introducing Dr. Stu O'Brien who was a clinician at the time. Dr. O'Brien had a reputation of being a little too self-assured. In addition he never wore socks if he could get away with it.
When it came time to introduce Dr. O'Brien as he was walking to the podium I told him I had two questions for him. The first was whether the pair of socks that I produced were his. The second was -- "if he had to do it all over again -- would he still fall in love with himself". That got a big laugh and even a bigger laugh when he no longer could do his speech from memory and had to go back to his table to get his written copy.
The rest of the night went well and at the end, I produced my hankie -- waved at everyone -- said goodnight and turned the hankie into a cane. The trick went over very well.
It was an amazing evening and has made me remember with fondness the class of '82.
p.s. the Inn on the Park ceased to exist a number of years ago.
7.
In 1981 I had been asked to introduce Dr. David Drum as a speaker at the graduation banquet. To show how ridiculous my memory is -- it was held at the Holiday Inn City Hall. Alan Thicke was the main speaker and there was an additional chiropractor who was speaking. I recall his name but will not mention it since his talk was far from successful. Actually, if you want to receive an ovation from an audience, I learned from him that just keep talking 20 minutes past your allotted time and the audience will clap until you shut up and sit down.
The difficulty was that I had to stand up and introduce David right after the long winded speaker. The audience was not happy and I had to try and get them back in the right mood. I suppose it went ok because, as I have indicated the next year they wanted me to be the Master of Ceremonies. and here is that story.....
As I recall, to the best of my recollection, I was asked in about February if I would take on the task which was to happen in May. This is the class which, in first year, I was to read the riot act to. It was made up of some fantastic individuals who would become leaders of the profession including Brian Seaman and Peter McGee.
I inquired as to the number of participants and was told about 350 people. Since I had not done a banquet before I was a little hesitant but being that I have never been smart enough to turn down a challenge I accepted.
My late father-in-law was a tailor. When he heard what was involved he decided I needed a new custom made tuxedo. Things were looking good. I then started on my list of stories, introductions, jokes, etc. That started taking at least an hour a day. I still have the same jokes in my repertoire.
By March the organizers indicated to me that the attendance had increased to about 600 people (and not because of my participation). Again, I was too stupid to worry.
I decided that I would step up the event and visited a magic shop. I bought two items. One to throw a flame and the other to turn a hankie into a cane. The latter was easy. When I showed the first trick to my secretaries I proceeded to burn the hair off my hand and arm -- so that idea was put to rest.
By the end of April I was told that attendance was now at about 800. It seems that all 150 or so students would be attending with their significant others and a litany of family members. Still no problem.
The date eventually arrived and I travelled with my wife to the Inn on the Park. As I was entering the building I was accosted by Mark Robson and a couple of other individuals who indicated that they had underestimated the participation. Apparently the crowd now numbered 1100 and tables were being set up as the event was to begin. I really must have been in a fog because I wasn't ready for the payback the students were giving me for the attitude that I must have had when teaching them. But what the heck they promised to triple my fee -- I negotiated for 4 times (4 times zero is ...... well you work out the math.)
I entered the banquet room -- there was pandemonium in people getting to their tables. I had to introduce myself. More to come.
In 1981 I had been asked to introduce Dr. David Drum as a speaker at the graduation banquet. To show how ridiculous my memory is -- it was held at the Holiday Inn City Hall. Alan Thicke was the main speaker and there was an additional chiropractor who was speaking. I recall his name but will not mention it since his talk was far from successful. Actually, if you want to receive an ovation from an audience, I learned from him that just keep talking 20 minutes past your allotted time and the audience will clap until you shut up and sit down.
The difficulty was that I had to stand up and introduce David right after the long winded speaker. The audience was not happy and I had to try and get them back in the right mood. I suppose it went ok because, as I have indicated the next year they wanted me to be the Master of Ceremonies. and here is that story.....
As I recall, to the best of my recollection, I was asked in about February if I would take on the task which was to happen in May. This is the class which, in first year, I was to read the riot act to. It was made up of some fantastic individuals who would become leaders of the profession including Brian Seaman and Peter McGee.
I inquired as to the number of participants and was told about 350 people. Since I had not done a banquet before I was a little hesitant but being that I have never been smart enough to turn down a challenge I accepted.
My late father-in-law was a tailor. When he heard what was involved he decided I needed a new custom made tuxedo. Things were looking good. I then started on my list of stories, introductions, jokes, etc. That started taking at least an hour a day. I still have the same jokes in my repertoire.
By March the organizers indicated to me that the attendance had increased to about 600 people (and not because of my participation). Again, I was too stupid to worry.
I decided that I would step up the event and visited a magic shop. I bought two items. One to throw a flame and the other to turn a hankie into a cane. The latter was easy. When I showed the first trick to my secretaries I proceeded to burn the hair off my hand and arm -- so that idea was put to rest.
By the end of April I was told that attendance was now at about 800. It seems that all 150 or so students would be attending with their significant others and a litany of family members. Still no problem.
The date eventually arrived and I travelled with my wife to the Inn on the Park. As I was entering the building I was accosted by Mark Robson and a couple of other individuals who indicated that they had underestimated the participation. Apparently the crowd now numbered 1100 and tables were being set up as the event was to begin. I really must have been in a fog because I wasn't ready for the payback the students were giving me for the attitude that I must have had when teaching them. But what the heck they promised to triple my fee -- I negotiated for 4 times (4 times zero is ...... well you work out the math.)
I entered the banquet room -- there was pandemonium in people getting to their tables. I had to introduce myself. More to come.
6.
Life was pretty consistent during the first, second and third years of my sojourn at CMMC. By the end of the 3rd year, I was spending some time with the Dean discussing the issues surrounding the practice management course taught to the students. After assisting Dr. Padachuk with the course for a year, it was determined that my course requirements should increase to include more issues of risk management and practice management.
The course eventually evolved into a two year course -- third year involved the risk management issues necessary to be dealt with prior to entering into the clinic; and the fourth year course involved matters of importance to a new practitioner including issues involving the establishment of a practice. My still active speeding reading allowed me to grade the 150 or so chiropractic legal reports and two full sets of exams - all in my spare time.
By 1982, I had met up with Alan Adams and Ian Coulter. Both individuals were superb academics and logicians who could approach a problem with the efficiency of a military officer. There were ups and downs, renovations to the premises and legal matters which shall continue to remain subject to the 75 secrecy code (as if there is one).
Dr. Coulter became the first non-chiropractic president of CMCC and was required to deal with some of the more important issues within the profession and CMCC's history including accreditation. His vice-president was Kitch Hayman and then Jean Moss and the dean was Alan Adams and then David Dainty.
In 1982, Dr. Rich Luck was chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Doug Brown and in about February 1982 I was asked by Mark Robson of the graduating class of 1982 to be the graduation banquet master of ceremonies........
Life was pretty consistent during the first, second and third years of my sojourn at CMMC. By the end of the 3rd year, I was spending some time with the Dean discussing the issues surrounding the practice management course taught to the students. After assisting Dr. Padachuk with the course for a year, it was determined that my course requirements should increase to include more issues of risk management and practice management.
The course eventually evolved into a two year course -- third year involved the risk management issues necessary to be dealt with prior to entering into the clinic; and the fourth year course involved matters of importance to a new practitioner including issues involving the establishment of a practice. My still active speeding reading allowed me to grade the 150 or so chiropractic legal reports and two full sets of exams - all in my spare time.
By 1982, I had met up with Alan Adams and Ian Coulter. Both individuals were superb academics and logicians who could approach a problem with the efficiency of a military officer. There were ups and downs, renovations to the premises and legal matters which shall continue to remain subject to the 75 secrecy code (as if there is one).
Dr. Coulter became the first non-chiropractic president of CMCC and was required to deal with some of the more important issues within the profession and CMCC's history including accreditation. His vice-president was Kitch Hayman and then Jean Moss and the dean was Alan Adams and then David Dainty.
In 1982, Dr. Rich Luck was chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Doug Brown and in about February 1982 I was asked by Mark Robson of the graduating class of 1982 to be the graduation banquet master of ceremonies........
5.
I spent the summer of 1977 revising my lectures – actually I did it while babysitting a newborn son, the second of three. The material was taking on a flavour beyond merely being the diatribe of a lawyer talking to a jury.
I can’t recall much of the teachings of 70’s other than a couple of incidents which are embedded in my diary of interesting escapades. The first involved a fourth year class that wanted to “strike” in the name of student power. It was an interesting battle of wills. In any event, the students were in school, in clinic and not picketing on the streets. The second incident involved me being asked by the Dean, Terry Watkins, to go into the first year class and advise them of the attendance policy of the school. It was like Daniel walking into an arena filled with Lions. The students led by Peter McGee advised me in no uncertain terms that such demands were beyond the realm of maturity. During those days, students actually attended the classes that they were paying for. The first year class was the class of 1982 – a very, very memorable class.
During me early years at CMCC I met up with legends in the chiropractic profession, many of whom have been friends through the decades. In particular there is the legendary, Douglas M. Brown, a prolific writer, a wit beyond compare, a defender of the faith in all things CMCC and many more things that would fill a litany of chapters in the history of chiropractic. We first met at a CMCC fundraiser. I was handling the wheel of fortune. He was handling another money grab. Not that I am overly competitive, but there was no way that I was going to let a chiropractor beat me at separating attendees from the cash in their wallets. It’s a lawyer thing. Anyway, we introduced ourselves and have been friends ever since.
I also had the privilege of meeting such individuals as Dr. Herb Lee, Richard Luck, Len Cunningham, Ken Smith, Darrel Ladell, Ed Demchuk, Paul Carey and Leo Rosenberg. Not all paths were crossed with the greatest of ease. In some cases, there were downright battles that were fought. But those are other stories.
By now, you should realize that while I am travelling through my history of chiropractic, I am not at liberty to set out all of my experiences, trials and tribulations. I am bound by what is commonly referred to as “solicitor – client privilege” meaning that there are certain adventures that can’t be told by me under pain of disaster. But there are still adventures that are outside of my constraints, so there is more to talk about.
I spent the summer of 1977 revising my lectures – actually I did it while babysitting a newborn son, the second of three. The material was taking on a flavour beyond merely being the diatribe of a lawyer talking to a jury.
I can’t recall much of the teachings of 70’s other than a couple of incidents which are embedded in my diary of interesting escapades. The first involved a fourth year class that wanted to “strike” in the name of student power. It was an interesting battle of wills. In any event, the students were in school, in clinic and not picketing on the streets. The second incident involved me being asked by the Dean, Terry Watkins, to go into the first year class and advise them of the attendance policy of the school. It was like Daniel walking into an arena filled with Lions. The students led by Peter McGee advised me in no uncertain terms that such demands were beyond the realm of maturity. During those days, students actually attended the classes that they were paying for. The first year class was the class of 1982 – a very, very memorable class.
During me early years at CMCC I met up with legends in the chiropractic profession, many of whom have been friends through the decades. In particular there is the legendary, Douglas M. Brown, a prolific writer, a wit beyond compare, a defender of the faith in all things CMCC and many more things that would fill a litany of chapters in the history of chiropractic. We first met at a CMCC fundraiser. I was handling the wheel of fortune. He was handling another money grab. Not that I am overly competitive, but there was no way that I was going to let a chiropractor beat me at separating attendees from the cash in their wallets. It’s a lawyer thing. Anyway, we introduced ourselves and have been friends ever since.
I also had the privilege of meeting such individuals as Dr. Herb Lee, Richard Luck, Len Cunningham, Ken Smith, Darrel Ladell, Ed Demchuk, Paul Carey and Leo Rosenberg. Not all paths were crossed with the greatest of ease. In some cases, there were downright battles that were fought. But those are other stories.
By now, you should realize that while I am travelling through my history of chiropractic, I am not at liberty to set out all of my experiences, trials and tribulations. I am bound by what is commonly referred to as “solicitor – client privilege” meaning that there are certain adventures that can’t be told by me under pain of disaster. But there are still adventures that are outside of my constraints, so there is more to talk about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
