Interprofessional Relations with Doctors of Chiropractic
Many people are unaware that chiropractic doctors are trained in much the same way as medical doctors. In the U.S., all chiropractic colleges are accredited by the U.S. Council on Chiropractic Education, an agency that has been recognized by the U.S. Office of Education since 1974. Chiropractic colleges, like medical schools, require four full-time years of academic schooling. During that time, chiropractic students receive training in the sciences and anatomy equivalent to that taught in medical schools. Medical doctors get further training in pharmacology, whereas chiropractic doctors get more training in biomechanics, spinal anatomy and how to adjust the spine.
Upon graduation, chiropractic doctors have to pass tough national licensing exams, again much like medical doctors. Chiropractic doctors, like medical doctors, may choose to continue with schooling to obtain a specialty degree. A medical doctor might specialize in surgery, while a chiropractic doctor might specialize in radiology. Minnesota (and most states) require continuing education credits to renew the chiropractic license. These additional courses are taken year after year to ensure the doctor is kept up to date with current research and new techniques. Here again, this is similar to the requirements imposed on medical doctors.
Our clinic receives many referrals from medical doctors and midwives who recognize patients in need of chiropractic care. We also do not hesitate to refer to other clinics when we encounter a patient that needs care beyond what we are able to offer. These referrals include neurologists, family practice doctors, orthopedists, midwives, and obstetricians. McCarron Lake Chiropractic has a strong reputation within the medical community and we collaborate to provide the best possible care for each of our patients.
