Integration's “Whys” and “Wherefores” Dr. Rosner on Integration ...

Anthony L. <strong>Rosner</strong>, Ph.D.: Integration As Viewed By
Chiropractic’s Research Expert
Anthony L. <strong>Rosner</strong> is the Director of
Education <strong>and</strong> Research of the Foundation
for Chiropractic Education <strong>and</strong> Research
(FCER). He earned his PhD in
Biological Chemistry/Medical Sciences
from Harvard University in 1972 <strong>and</strong>
maintains an extensive list of memberships
in numerous professional societies
<strong>and</strong> committees. A frequent speaker at
NYCC, <strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> recently shared his
thoughts about the important role integration
plays in both current healthcare
<strong>and</strong> healthcare of the future.
<strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> believes in the potential
opportunities for integrative healthcare
settings <strong>and</strong> reports that the number of
integrative care clinics is increasing. He
encourages systematic integration, however,
over haphazard integration that
arises through mere convenience.
Integration at NYCC
<strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> feels that NYCC’s successful effort at integration
through its new on-campus, integrative healthcare facility
demonstrates the College’s deep-rooted commitment to integrative
care. Students work alongside practicing professionals
in chiropractic, acupuncture <strong>and</strong> Oriental medicine, family
medicine, <strong>and</strong> massage in a setting that reflects the emerging
trend in integrative care. <strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> advocated increasing the
visibility of the NYCC clinic throughout the state <strong>and</strong> the country.
He also recommended that NYCC encourage visitations
by medical teams who have expressed a sincere interest in chiropractic
care. Moreover, he urges the continued establishment
of relationships with local hospitals in Rochester, Syracuse
<strong>and</strong> the Finger Lakes Region as well as with medical colleges.
Doing so would provide opportunities for valuable educational
seminars in addition to enhanced collaborations with
MDs, DOs, <strong>and</strong> DCs, <strong>and</strong> research opportunities with DC <strong>and</strong>
MD students.
<strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> also suggests that chiropractic colleges repositioning
their curricula do so on the basis of factors other than
named techniques, perhaps, for example, by introducing <strong>and</strong>/
or strengthening instructional programs that pertain to pharmacology
<strong>and</strong> encouraging proactive approaches in laboratory
interpretations, such as that of blood serum.
<strong>Dr</strong>. Anthony L. <strong>Rosner</strong>
Research
Research is also an essential ingredient
in the integration effort. <strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong>
encourages the use of evidence-based
medicine (EBM) as a common language
within healthcare research. “EBM transcends
professional fiefdoms <strong>and</strong> sends
the message out that for the advancement
of any practice based on meaningful
information, collaborations are virtually
a necessity,” he says. He paralleled
this transition with that of molecular biology
in the early 1950s - an effort led
by a collaboration of chemists, biologists,
physicists <strong>and</strong> mathematicians. “Research
always provides a simple vehicle
around which multidisciplinary conferences
can be <strong>and</strong> have been convened,”
he explains.
It is essential that research be able to
withst<strong>and</strong> peer review. The best research can be understood
<strong>and</strong> appreciated by the greater scientific community. At the
same time, careful <strong>and</strong> effective presentations of case studies -
with an underst<strong>and</strong>ing of their limitations <strong>and</strong> potential - should
be sought. <strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> characterizes basic research as the type
that has always brought about the most constructive attention
from the medical community.
FCER’s Role <strong>and</strong> a “Single Message”
The role of FCER has been essential in supporting research.
FCER is the oldest <strong>and</strong> most respected chiropractic researchfunding
institution in the world, <strong>and</strong> since its inception 57 years
ago, it has provided more than $10 million for research <strong>and</strong>
postgraduate study. Chiropractors play a role by supporting
the FCER, keeping up-to-date on current research <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing
the significance of thorough record keeping. He
feels that these steps will serve to support more formal research
efforts in the future.
<strong>Dr</strong>. <strong>Rosner</strong> believes that the profession needs to communicate
a single message: the integrity of the nervous system <strong>and</strong>
the dire consequences that attend its deterioration. Adopting
such a message would help in the development of a common
language with orthodox medicine, <strong>and</strong> yet would not compro-
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