Re: MD programs for DCs (longish post)

[Guest guest]

Yes, Sharon, I can understand your wishes: that combining the degrees would lend some legitamacy. But, let me tell you, it did not. In fact, what I found is that allopathic medicine has less to offer the DC side than the DC side has to offer the MD side. My experience came from 30 years as an acute-care RN. I was the one who could rotate to whichever department needed some one today, be it the ER, the OR or any level of ICU. When I added the knowledge that chiropractic college brought to my top-of-my-game level of allopathic knowledge, my understanding of the human body tripled! ...almost quadripled. That is how much the allopathic community is NOT using to read, test and (what a concept) treat the human body in our United States.

That is certainly not to say there are time when allopathic medicine is the best first choice. It is to say, just what all DCs know, that structural medicine can/will handle many more problems than is currently understood by 90% of our population. '

Thank you MIchael for having the patience to educate these allopathic people. You are a saint. Sunny Kierstyn RN DC ;'-)))

[Guest guest]

,

Profound revelations which make life better cannot be second guessed. I have no right to think or even rethink your plan but you know what ? I for one am sad that you will not complete your program. And why would I be sad ? Odd as it seems I am sad because I had a notion that someone with an MD and a DC degree demonstrated that MDs and DCs can get along. I had a notion that perhaps the rationale for both systems can be blended and that we have more things in common than not. I had a notion that both degrees in one person brings a legitimacy to Chiropractic and perhaps to Medicine. And even perhaps a kind of peace between the professions. A wrong thought I know.

There is also another reason that I wanted you to get that degree and it was that I had a humiliating experience in the courtroom where a judge started ranting about how awful Chiropractic was / is , that they were low level psuedo-doctors, needed no qualifications to get into the schools, anyone could get into Chiropractic school ... That judge didn't know me from spit but that judge spat in my face and in the professions face and I couldn't say a word. But for some reason though that judge liked you. That judge thought that because you were in medical school that you brought the legitimacy needed for your testimony... and that made the judge happy. So , for that one experience and the ten million other rotten experiences of other Chiropractors I wanted you to go on and on and on..... talking, speaking, legitimizing, and blending the information for the truth and rightfulness of it.

Enough said. I apologize for being selfish.

Congratulations . Doing your life your way is obligation and reward enough.

Sincerely,

sharron fuchs dc

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for the thoughts. I can't make every judge or whoever love chiropractic when I am court, but I can always be honest and do my best to explain myself. If this is not enough without the "MD" then I am willing to accept that. Some people won't like me because I am Jewish or not Jewish enough, also, and I have no intention of being anything other than I am. I still teach at a top 10 medical school, and my students still include MDs. That will have to suffice for the folks who value such titles and positions; they mean less to me than they use to.

D Freeman PhD DC MPHForensic Trauma EpidemiologistDepartment of Public Health and Preventive MedicineOregon Health Sciences University School of MedicineMailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

,

I totally agree , and these things that we bear for ourselves and others are heavy , heavy burdens. Hopefully the load will be lightened.

BTW, what will OHSU (top 10 for family practice) have to say about this ?

sharron

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

,

Great post. Thank you for your insight (as always) and your encouragement to continue doing the right/best thing.

Dave

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

: I was also saddened by your decision and share Sharron's sentiments. I am also touched by your willingness to share so openly with all of us. When someone is close to the finish line, it seems silly to stop short. I want to cheer you on to the goal. But I hear your point. If one is gone from the family too much, the family moves on. There may not be a family when you are ready to come back. It is an important consideration. I think you are the greatest.

Ann Goldeen

Astoria

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

Freeman " The Saint " now there's a concept.

Hey! Wait!

St. !

> From: Skrndc@...

> Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 16:14:24 EDT

> SharronF@...,

> Subject: Re: MD programs for DCs (longish post)

>

> Yes, Sharon, I can understand your wishes: that combining the degrees would

> lend some legitamacy. But, let me tell you, it did not. In fact, what I

> found is that allopathic medicine has less to offer the DC side than the DC

> side has to offer the MD side. My experience came from 30 years as an

> acute-care RN. I was the one who could rotate to whichever department needed

> some one today, be it the ER, the OR or any level of ICU. When I added the

> knowledge that chiropractic college brought to my top-of-my-game level of

> allopathic knowledge, my understanding of the human body tripled! ...almost

> quadripled. That is how much the allopathic community is NOT using to read,

> test and (what a concept) treat the human body in our United States.

>

> That is certainly not to say there are time when allopathic medicine is the

> best first choice. It is to say, just what all DCs know, that structural

> medicine can/will handle many more problems than is currently understood by

> 90% of our population. '

>

> Thank you MIchael for having the patience to educate these allopathic people.

> You are a saint. Sunny Kierstyn RN DC ;'-)))

>

[Guest guest]

St. I like it....................

Vern Saboe

Re: MD programs for DCs (longish post)

> >

> > Yes, Sharon, I can understand your wishes: that combining the degrees

would

> > lend some legitamacy. But, let me tell you, it did not. In fact, what

I

> > found is that allopathic medicine has less to offer the DC side than the

DC

> > side has to offer the MD side. My experience came from 30 years as an

> > acute-care RN. I was the one who could rotate to whichever department

needed

> > some one today, be it the ER, the OR or any level of ICU. When I added

the

> > knowledge that chiropractic college brought to my top-of-my-game level

of

> > allopathic knowledge, my understanding of the human body tripled!

....almost

> > quadripled. That is how much the allopathic community is NOT using to

read,

> > test and (what a concept) treat the human body in our United States.

> >

> > That is certainly not to say there are time when allopathic medicine is

the

> > best first choice. It is to say, just what all DCs know, that

structural

> > medicine can/will handle many more problems than is currently understood

by

> > 90% of our population. '

> >

> > Thank you MIchael for having the patience to educate these allopathic

people.

> > You are a saint. Sunny Kierstyn RN DC ;'-)))

> >

>

>

>

> OregonDCs rules:

> 1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to

foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve

members will be tolerated.

> 2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.

> 3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere.

However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward,

or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his

or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Ann. I understand that you are saddened but it had no such effect on me because the goal was no longer of interest. It was this revelation that motivated me to withdraw from the program and realize that my life is going elsewhere. Crichton went through Harvard medical school and never completed an internship or residency because his interests took him elsewhere. At the time this decision probably upset and maybe even saddened some of those who knew him.

We all write our own future and sometimes that future is not what others expect of us.

D Freeman PhD DC MPHForensic Trauma EpidemiologistDepartment of Public Health and Preventive MedicineOregon Health Sciences University School of MedicineMailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.

[Guest guest]

,

thanks for the post,

the key thing I get from your message is to keep following your passion and your heartfelt interests, and remember to smell the flowers.

Thanks

marc

Re: MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Thank you Ann. I understand that you are saddened but it had no such effect on me because the goal was no longer of interest. It was this revelation that motivated me to withdraw from the program and realize that my life is going elsewhere. Crichton went through Harvard medical school and never completed an internship or residency because his interests took him elsewhere. At the time this decision probably upset and maybe even saddened some of those who knew him.

We all write our own future and sometimes that future is not what others expect of us.

D Freeman PhD DC MPHForensic Trauma EpidemiologistDepartment of Public Health and Preventive MedicineOregon Health Sciences University School of MedicineMailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715

MD programs for DCs (longish post)

Hi all,

I want to share an interesting revelation with you. Some of you may know that I have been in an MD program for the past couple of years, with about a year to go in the program. When I started the program I was interested in pursuing a neurology or physiatry residency, but after about 6 months in the program and over a year and a half working with 3 MDs at the Willamette Spine Center I came to the conclusion that I had no desire to practice medicine, but was rather more interested in the learning associated with the MD degree, which I was doing through the University of Health Sciences at Antigua (this is a legitimate program that allows credit for the first two years of chiropractic school, with some disadvantages associated with it, but very doable).

Over the past 3 years I have become more and more involved with my work as a forensic scientist, with an appointment as a deputy medical examiner in my county and a consultant to the state ME in vehicular homicide cases. So I continued to justify the hours spent away from my family as my desire to learn more about forensic pathology, and a variety of other rationale.

Last week I finally came to the realization that I was just finishing the program (which I had already paid $40K for) simply because I wanted the diploma on the wall; in other words, as a tribute to my own vanity. Needless to say, after this revelation I withdrew unconditionally from the program the next day. It was my feeling that this was an indecent reason to keep me from my family and other more joyful activities. I didn't start out wanting a diploma and nothing else, and I realized that it was the height of foolishness to pursue a professional degree that had no practical use.

What have I learned? And was it worth $40K? Well, a lot and yes. I have learned a considerable amount about medicine and gained a greater appreciation for what it is our medical colleagues do. I have also learned that, if given a choice, DCs have the best patient population (mostly pain patients) and practice methodology (non-invasive, collaborative with the innate ability of the body to heal itself) and results (just about everyone get better) of all of the healing arts. Additionally, chiropractic is a rising star in the health care world, with increasing recognition and use by the public. Conventional medicine crested 20 years ago and has been in a decline ever since. Just look at income trends for the two groups.

There is no question that the grass is interesting on the other side of the fence, but it is definitely not greener.

This is not to discourage those in our ranks who have a burning desire to practice a specific branch of medicine, however, if you are interested in the what you may perceive as the elevated prestige of medicine then this is an illusion that is quickly dissipated upon closer inspection.

D Freeman Mailing address: 2480 Liberty Street NE, Suite 180Salem, Oregon 97303ph 503 763-3528fax 503 763-3530cell 503 871-0715OregonDCs rules:1. Keep correspondence professional; the purpose of the listserve is to foster communication and collegiality. No personal attacks on listserve members will be tolerated.2. Always sign your e-mails with your first and last name.3. The listserve is not secure; your e-mail could end up anywhere. However, it is against the rules of the listserve to copy, print, forward, or otherwise distribute correspondence written by another member without his or her consent, unless all personal identifiers have been removed.