Logan University students used their voices to advocate for chiropractic’s role in the country’s health care delivery system last week during the 2023 ACA ENGAGE Conference in Washington, D.C.
Patrick Montgomery, DC, MS, FASA, FICC, Logan professor and faculty advisor for the Logan Chapter of the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA), was accompanied by 12 Logan students where they took part in meetings, Capitol Hill briefings and lobbying sessions for the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act. That act is designed to provide access to chiropractic services in Medicare which helps removes barriers to care, levels the playing field for physicians and supports beneficiaries.
DC student Alexis Goodman said she enjoyed meeting individuals who can make or change laws for the benefit of people in need of chiropractic services. “I am grateful to be a part of the opportunity to lobby for the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act,” she said.
DC student Christopher Dailey said the conference was an empowering experience. “We were able to speak to legislators about chiropractic and encourage them to support us on increasing patient care access to chiropractic services,” he said. “It was an experience that affirmed to me that we can make a change.”
They also met with Missouri ACA Delegate Dr. Quinn James (’99) and Missouri Alternate Delegate, Dr. Paul Dupuis, and NBCE Board member and Missouri Board of Examiners member, Dr. Marty Freihaut (’79) as well as Logan Board of Trustees member Dr. Xavier Tipler (’06).
“Our students are grateful for the opportunity to experience the real world of organized chiropractic and why it is so important to stand up for our profession and our patients,” said Dr. Montgomery. “Many of former Logan students who have participated in this event in the past are now in important positions throughout the profession. Some are State Association leaders, some are now elected as a State Representative or Senator in their home states, some are ACA Delegates and are serving internationally. Our students’ continued participation, with Logan’s support, in the ACA National conferences and State conferences is really where we have earned and continue to live up to our slogan, Logan – Leaders Made.”
DC students Emma Williams and Amanda Rose both enjoyed the networking and educational opportunities. “Being able to lobby on Capitol Hill was an honor,” Emma said, adding that that she took advantage of meeting other DC students around the country.
Amanda agreed. “The weekend is packed with educational opportunities, lobbying on capitol hill to further our profession, and meeting doctors and students from around the country to share ideas,” she said. “It is the perfect event for the school to support as they have in the past.”
During the Annual Awards on Saturday, Logan’s Master’s in Integrative Pediatrics Program Director Elise Hewitt, DC, DICCP, FICC was named Academician of the Year. Dr. Hewitt joins four other Logan faculty members who have been honored with this award (Dr. Norman Kettner, Dr. Patrick Montgomery, Dr. Daniel Haun and Dr. Kristina Petrocco-Napuli). Additionally, Logan alumni and former Board of Trustee member Richard Bruns, DC (’80), FICC was named Chiropractor of the Year.
