July - August 2012 (PDF Version) - New York Chiropractic College

tive therapy in patients at ‘high risk’ for poor prognosis.
Doors Swinging Open
Dougherty is just one of several chiropractors
throughout the U.S. who are helping to train a new
generation of chiropractic interns in a demanding
multidisciplinary setting. There are currently 17
VA facilities affiliated with 11 chiropractic colleges.
NYCC associates with the Bath, Buffalo, Canandaigua,
and Rochester VAs, as well as with Bethesda Naval
Hospital and the Miami, Fla., VA Medical Center.
Cross-disciplinary relationships were facilitated
when NYCC students began their rotations through
the physical medicine department thus allowing each
discipline to become more familiar with one other.
The medical staff was optimistic from the start. “I
was blessed with an open-minded medical staff. The
key factors were being in the right place at the right
time and having scientific evidence to substantiate
the role of a chiropractor in the VA healthcare system,”
explained Dougherty.
Dr. Dougherty feels chiropractic has shown itself
to be an important member of the healthcare team.
Currently chair of the Canandaigua VAMC Pain
Oversight Committee, Dougherty evaluates patients
and presents their cases to a multidisciplinary team - acupuncture, psychology,
primary care, pain medicine, pharmacy - for discussion regarding
what is best for the patient. It may or may not include chiropractic.
At times, the best intervention is sending the patient back to work or
giving him a worthy activity to do.
Prospects
Chiropractic’s growth in the VA system has not slowed, and prospects
look bright. Asked about the likelihood of further integration and
chiropractic residency programs, Dougherty responded, “I think that
both of these are important steps. We will be starting with our first resident
in the VA in the next couple of weeks.”
While growth within the VA system may be encouraging, progress
elsewhere is sometimes less so. Under Tricare (the Department of Defense’s
health care program), active-duty service members must still obtain
referrals from their primary care physician for chiropractic care, and
family members and retirees are denied chiropractic coverage.
The House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services reports
that “the Department of Defense has provided high-quality chiropractic
health care services to Active Duty military personnel at military
treatment facilities throughout the world.” The committee will look to
identify any disparities in pay and job classifications that may negatively
impact chiropractors.
Through continued involvement at all levels, chiropractic is becoming
increasingly available to the brave men and women who serve our
country.
Through continued involvement at all levels, chiropractic is
becoming increasingly available to the brave men and women
who serve our country.
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