Are Chiropractors Doctors?

Are Chiropractors Doctors?

“Are chiropractors real doctors?” is a common question that comes up in conservation with most chiropractors. While some chiropractors may get offended by this, I see it as a great way to educate others about what separates chiropractors from medical doctors. To become a chiropractor you are required to complete a set of prerequisites in your undergraduate studies. We were required to take all the same undergraduate courses required for med/dental school and were expected to meet a certain GPA requirement. While in chiropractic school the bulk of our learning is in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biochemistry and other evidence-based courses. I was a student at New York Chiropractic College where we did not receive as much philosophical training but we were given opportunities to learn that through clubs and other activities. One of the main reasons I chose NYCC was that it is evidence-based and gave me a chance to dig deeper into sports medicine (this and there was also a golf course on campus). On the Dan Patrick show the other morning a Doctor of Physical Therapy came on and did a great job of explaining that chiropractors are doctors and so are DPT because our education qualifies us for that title. However, he then called both of our professions “second tier doctors”. I found this really disappointing and sad for our professions. We aren’t second tier doctors we are first tier doctors in our own realm. I don’t see someone calling a dentist a second tier doctor nor is someone with a PhD a second tier doctor. Chiropractors are doctors of physical medicine; we diagnose and treat musculoskeletal injuries with proven conservative therapies. As a chiropractor, I have grown to understand that I may have earned that title through education but we must strive to be worthy of that title by upholding practice standards of doing proper examinations and providing best possible care to patients.