The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics had a busy year in 2016, and we are looking forward to more exciting changes and events in 2017. In March 2016, the Council’s annual symposium was held in conjunction with the ACA Council on Physiological Therapeutics and Rehabilitation in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a combination of plenary and pediatric-specific sessions, speakers covered a variety of topics, including these presentations: An Introduction to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Techniques, Rehabilitation Exercises for Scoliosis Management, Diagnosis and Management of Tongue Tie, and Introduction to Craniosacral Therapy. The collaboration was well received by members of both councils, and we look forward to future collaborative events. Also in March, the Council conducted executive president, and Dr. Jennifer Murphy was elected secretary. Dr. Julie Hartman was appointed to fill the vacant vice president position, and Dr. Elise Hewitt became the immediate past president.
Throughout 2016, the executive council spent time rewriting and updating the Council bylaws. One main reason for this undertaking was the creation of the American Board of Chiropractic Pediatrics, the certifying arm of the Council. The Council bylaws were amended to include the formation of this board, and after a passing vote by the membership, the bylaws were submitted to the governing bodies of the ACA for approval. It is our hope that in the future, the governing bodies of the ACA will approve the amended bylaws, and the American Board of Chiropractic Pediatrics will be established. The formation of the Board allows for the Council to begin taking the steps necessary to put in place postgraduate education and certification in the field of chiropractic pediatrics.
The Council held a 2-day seminar in Montreal, Canada, in October 2016 in conjunction with the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). Expert speakers presented on topics that included History, Physical Exam, and Adjusting Techniques for the Pediatric Patient; Management of Common Infant Conditions; and Resolving Retained Primitive Reflexes. The speakers enjoyed presenting to an attentive audience, and the feedback on the event was very positive from all involved.
Our 9th Annual Pediatric Symposium will be held March 14 and 15, 2017, as a pre-congress symposium for the 2017 WFC Biennial Congress. This historic event is a collaboration of the WFC, ACA National Chiropractic Leadership Conference, and Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference in Washington DC. Topics for the pre-congress symposium will include: Concussion Management in the Young Patient, Pediatric Adjustment Techniques, Management for Common Sports Injuries, and pertinent topics in research presented by experts in their respective fields. Please visit our website (www.acapedscouncil.org) for more information.