As a featured guest at the 2021 Chiropractic Australia Summit Online, Dr Andrew Vitiello delivered a timely and insightful presentation about overcoming internal and external roadblocks that can arise throughout the CPD process. Dr Vitiello shared a number of key insights into how to avoid overwhelm and uncertainty on the learning journey, as well as how to apply a metacognitive approach to shifting our perspective to see CPD as an exciting and transformative opportunity to grow; rather than merely a necessary obligation to fulfill our requirements as registered healthcare professionals.

After graduating from RMIT University in 1994, Dale spent three months at the Royal Saskatoon Hospital, Saskatchewan, Canada before returning to Australia in 1995, Dale commenced work as an associate at the Heidelberg Chiropractic Clinic and took over as principal in 2000. Dale’s practice focuses on general chiropractic practice and incorporating evidence-based practice with low tech rehabilitation. Through his position on the Chiropractic Australia board, Dale has been integral in the development of compliance issues for chiropractors and their clinics across Victoria.

With registration renewal process opening shortly for chiropractors, Chiropractic Board of Australia Chair – Dr Wayne Minter AM – has provided a summary of key topics and guidance regarding the annual requirements; from covid-safe CPD opportunites, to first-aid training, financial hardship and compliance with advertising regulations. At renewal, you will be asked important questions about how you are meeting the Board’s registration standards including criminal history, professional indemnity insurance, recency of practice and continuing professional development.

As an evidence-based organisation, representing over 1400 members in the allied health sector nationally, the safety and well-being of all chiropractic professionals – and the patients they provide care for – is our preeminent priority. As such, Chiropractic Australia supports regional public health orders and data-informed suppression strategies in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, including the recent introduction of mandatory vaccinations for primary contact health workers – including chiropractic practitioners – across all of Tasmania and selected local government areas of concern in New South Wales.

As is the case for every long-standing organisation, it is necessary to periodically review, recalibrate and reinvigorate strategic direction; and Chiropractic Australia is no different. Outlined in our 2021/2024 Strategic Plan, we have embraced the need for change and myriad of opportunities before us to ensure the continued legacy of member service and support that has been synonymous with our association for the last 27 years. The exciting operational developments made throughout 2020 and 2021, as well as those forthcoming, ensure the bright future of Chiropractic Australia rests upon a robust organisational footing.

A report released this week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Australian Burden of Disease Study 2018: key findings, reveals that Australians overall health is improving. However, the report notes that 5 disease groups caused the most burden with musculoskeletal complaints accounting for 13% of the burden, second only to cancer at 18%. Injuries accounted for 8.4%. These findings support previous international reports that have shown that back pain is the leading cause of disability globally, and chiropractors are well placed to assist with both musculoskeletal problems and other modifiable risk factors.

As part of a broader funding initiative to support innovative research into back pain, hearing, vision, dementia and cancer immunotherapy, Minister for Health and Aged Care – The Hon Greg Hunt MP – awarded over $5.3 million dollars to support three new projects undertaken by the outstanding researchers moving the needle of enquiry in these respective fields. We would like to congratulate all of the researchers from Macquarie University who were successful in receiving these grants, including two members of our Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation Board; Professor Simon French & Dr Katie De Luca.

WorkSafe’s WorkWell Program supports workplace leaders to prevent mental injury and promote safe and mentally healthy workplaces, taking an evidence-based approach to positive system-level change. Championing workplace leaders and employers as change makers, Workwell provides access to opportunities for knowledge sharing, funding and resources – known as the ‘Learning Networks’, the ‘Mental Health Improvement Fund’ and the ‘Toolkit’ respectively. We are proud to support the WorkWell initiative and it’s evidence-based approach to creating safe and mentally healthy workplaces in Victoria.

Our 2020 PhD Scholarship participant Simon Vella is a chiropractor, PhD research candidate and casual tutor in the Department of Chiropractic at Macquarie University.
Simon completed his Master of Research Program through Macquarie University on lumbopelvic and lower limb biomechanics in 2020. He is currently a PhD candidate focusing on emergency and paramedic healthcare for low back pain through the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at The University of Sydney. “I became a chiropractor to help people and promote the active care paradigm which promotes progress…”

Over the years, exports have highlighted the many benefits that can be had from working from home including an improved work/life balance; greater productivity, more flexible work times, lower business costs, no time wasted commuting to and from work, and therefore reduced traffic congestion. The social distancing measures & restrictions we have been experiencing as a result of the COVD-19 pandemic have meant that some chiropractors have started providing some of their services remotely. If you are one of these chiropractors, there are a few things you may want to consider.