Chiropractic Briefs
Standard Process contributes to Organic Seed Alliance
Standard Process Inc. recently contributed $1,420 to Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). The contribution was a result of Standard Process' 2010 pledge to support organic farming and farmers. The company said it would donate proceeds from its recently released book, "Quality From Seed to Supplement,” to an organization also championing organic farming. The organization was selected from three choices based on an online poll of Standard Process' Facebook fans.
OSA advances the ethical development and stewardship of the genetic resources of agricultural seed. The group accomplishes its goals through collaborative education, research, and advocacy with organic farmers and other seed professionals. Standard Process' contribution helps OSA foster organic seed systems that meet the needs of organic farmers and the communities they serve.
"Organic Seed Alliance appreciates the support of industry members like Standard Process, a company that both supports important organizations like ours while also actively participating in organic seed system development,” said Micaela Colley, executive director of OSA.
Standard Process Farm Manager Christine Mason understands the challenges facing farmers who want to use organic seed. Since quality organic seeds are difficult to source, every year Standard Process saves as much of its own seed as possible from its crops. Mason believes having OSA receive the contributions was a natural fit.
"OSA is a very deserving organization because it does so much for the agricultural community through its efforts to help overcome the challenges facing the organic seed industry,” she says.
"Quality From Seed to Supplement” showcases the natural beauty of sustainable organic farming on the Standard Process Farm. From photos of its rich, organic soil to the sun setting over fields of whole food goodness, the book's images allow readers everywhere to experience the farm, located in Palmyra, Wisconsin.
To learn more about Standard Process and its organic farming practices, visit standardprocess.com.
Parker president shares what it takes to be a servant leader
Fabrizio Mancini, DC, president of Parker University presented "Servant Leadership: Empower, Encourage, and Inspire” during an all-school Parker assembly. Mancini told the audience that the core foundation of chiropractic and Parker is service, and shared the importance of chiropractors being servant leaders.
"We are asked to serve as leaders within our practices, with our patients, within our families and communities each and every day,” said Dr. Mancini.
For years, Mancini has studied what it truly takes to be a servant leader. He explained key characteristics that a servant leader must have, including the first characteristic of being an effective listener. Mancini advised the students to build on their listening and social skills while they're students at Parker.
"Learn to really listen close to what people are telling you,” he said. "If your patients aren't talking enough, ask them questions.”
In portraying the servant leader as someone who's empathetic and understanding, Mancini expressed the significance of having understanding for what patients are going through.
Being solution driven and motivated to solve problems, as well as being aware and observant were other traits Mancini believes all leaders possess. He also spoke about the importance of leaders living and owning their message.
"When you own what you're advising your patients,” he explained, "it's easy to persuade others and show others the benefits they will receive from living a healthier lifestyle. When you own it, it's easier to share the message with others.”
Mancini told the audience that good leaders are conceptual and see the big picture. He also believes that leaders must have long-term foresight.
"While you're a student at Parker think ahead and come up with ideas that will allow you to build your practice after you graduate,” he said. "Have the practice of your dreams in mind before you get out there and write down your ideas.”
D'Youville doubles participation in the 2012 NCLC
The National Chiropractic Legislative Conference (NCLC), held annually in Washington, DC, brings doctors and chiropractic students together for four days of educational and political forums. Eight D'Youville students attended the forums, participated in the workshops and met with lawmakers.
"For a small school and a new program, the other schools' representatives were impressed at the amount of fund raising and service we have performed as well as the high caliber of the speakers we have had address our student body” said Shaun Morgan, president of the D'Youville Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) chapter. The college SACA chapter received financial support for this trip through Palladian Health Care.
The DYC students represented Western New York as well as Virginia and Pennsylvania at the national gathering of the profession's leaders and future leaders. One of the main events was a citizen lobbying effort of the members of Congress for all patients to have access to chiropractic care, particularly Veterans.
Highlights of the conference included speakers: Current House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) along with former US House of Representatives Majority Leader, Dick Gephardt.
Dr. Rob Rosenbaum, neurosurgeon, just back from Afghanistan, reminded everyone that team work, including the integration of chiropractic physicians in the military health care team, is in patients' best interest. Howard Wasdin, DC, author of "Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper” closed the session.
After the general session, doctors and chiropractic students lobbied Capitol Hill. Many congressional representatives have decided to co-sponsor the Chiropractic Care to the All Veterans Act (H.R. 329), which would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to have a chiropractic physician on staff at all major VA medical facilities by 2014. This concerted effort to meet our military's physical needs is clearly in the sights of the congressional staffers and has been reported on by the national media.