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.

Cyber-attacks and cybercrime have been a hot topic for the last few years. Every week there’ s a new update on cyber risks to business, the likelihood of an attack and big news stories such as WannaCry, Red Cross and Ashley Maddison. At Aon, we know that claims are on the rise, and we all know that Data Breach Notification Laws are here to stay. But what is the actual risk to you? And if you are a small business do you really need insurance? We tackle a few common cyber insurance myths and present some local cases and statistics that may help you decide if the risk is worth the cost.

The uncertainty of COVID-19 has taken its toll on both the mental health, wellbeing, and physical health of many practitioners in the allied health industry, including chiropractors. Ensuring health is at the forefront of practitioner’s minds is essential to successfully navigate an unprecedented global pandemic that has played havoc on the lives and businesses of chiropractors and allied health practitioners globally. There are many tools that can assist practitioners to navigate COVID, with the view to exit at the other side of the pandemic with greater resilience.

In response to our recent advocacy effort and submission to the Victorian Government, Minister Foley’s office confirmed last week that the list of industries eligible to receive the second-round support package had been broadened to include Chiropractic and Osteopathic Services (Class 8534), which had previously been excluded; despite no longer having access to financial support. This was positive and timely outcome for those effected by current lockdown restrictions, and reassuring to all our members throughout Australia that your concerns are being heard and the needs of our profession are being recognised.

Our vision for the new website was to create an interactive platform for members to be able to easily access important information, facilitate greater communication with the Chiropractic Australia support team and utilise a range of powerful features to simplify and streamline CPD for Chiropractors. Having reflected on the recent launch, and the positive feedback from our valued members, I am confident is saying that our goals for the new website have been well and truly achieved; and we look forward to rolling out a number of additional features over the coming months.