President's Message — Dr. Pat Bickert, BCCA president
Doctors attending this year’s AGM in Victoria, BC voiced unanimous approval of the stellar speakers featured during the North American Whiplash Trauma Congress. Turnout for this AGM was at an all-time high, clearly indicating that membership attendance at this function depends on the selection of speakers and seminar content. Undoubtedly, we have set the standard for future AGMs. To consistently meet member expectations, the BCCA Board will need to find creative ways of funding these large projects. However, there is no doubt that it would be great for the profession.
Funding for this year’s event was derived from the annual BCCC member research fee contributions of $50. The BCCC contributed $30,000 from the fund to cover the cost of per diems, airfares and accommodations for speakers who attended from around the world. I would like to extend special thanks to our Trauma Congress moderator and “chiropractic whiz kid”, Dr. Michael Freeman, who continues to advance chiropractic into the mainstream of medical academia with regard to NMS issues. Conference proceedings will be published in the first issue of a new peer-reviewed, indexed journal on whiplash, of which Dr. Freeman will be the editor.
Following the Trauma Congress, CCA president Dr. David Leprech informed attendees that chiropractic utilization is up from 12.5% in 1996 to a current level of 15% Canada wide. BCCA Executive Director Dr. Don Nixdorf reviewed statistics from B.C. regarding the number of services provided by opted-in vs. opted-out practitioners. It appears that for DCs in practice for longer than 10 years, those that are opted-out are delivering more services. At present, 70 percent of the membership is opted-out. Additional trending information will be included in upcoming member correspondence.
The BCCC and BCCA held its Board member elections and appointments for year 2000. The BCCA Board is planning a one-day strategic planning session for early in the New Year. As members increasingly seek justification for membership dues, it is important that provincial associations provide services that members find valuable. I encourage you to write, call or fax me with your thoughts on how the BCCA can best serve your needs as a member.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BCCA Board for their continuing support and the Association staff for their hard work. Best wishes to the membership for a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year.
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