Dear Dr. Koren:
Germany is one of those countries in Europe which has yet to pass legislation to recognize and regulate the practice of chiropractic. Our colleagues in the GCA are fighting to achieve that goal, in the difficult environment where many lay practitioners and medical doctors are claiming to provide chiropractic services.
The GCA advises that your seminar has been organized in partnership with the Berlin School of Chiropractic (the Berlin School) and that your proposed students will therefore be lay practitioners or heilpraktikers, not doctors of chiropractic or graduates of accredited schools. The WFC is not sure whether or not you are aware that the Berlin School has been opened by lay practitioners who are engaged in the commercial exploitation of chiropractic education and have made no effort to cooperate with the GCA or apply for accreditation through the European Council on Chiropractic Education
The WFC asks that, now that you are aware of the situation, you cancel the proposed seminar and advise the Berlin School that you are not prepared to lecture on chiropractic technique to persons who are not duly qualified chiropractors.
Gerard Clum, DC
President, World Federation of Chiropractic
Tedd Koren responds:
#1. HPs are not lay practitioners but fully licensed and recognized health care professionals (see Schwarz letter below). .
#2. The Heilpraktikers association has tried to work with The GCA (German Chiropractic Association) but was rebuffed. KJ Schwarz of the Berlin school writes: “We had initiated contact with the GCA a number of years ago. Our president and I met with 5 GCA representatives at the Cologne Airport. We talked more then 3 hours. They had no interest in co-operation.”
#3. Apparently the GCA is doing nothing to promote chiropractic in Germany and is instead alienating potential allies. (See Styers letter below).
#4. Nothing in German Law prevents American trained Chiropractors who pass the HP exam from practicing, forming an association, advertising their services or in any other way limiting their ability to operate in the market place.
Dear Dr. Koren,
The chiropractic profession in Europe finds itself in a precarious situation due to the absence of chiropractic legislation in several countries which presents a genuine risk to qualified chiropractors…These colleagues must not see their professional status diminished by being confused with individuals who lack the necessary preparation to practice chiropractic and who mislead the public and local legislators by presenting certificates of attendance or technical competence that should be conferred only to accredited doctors of chiropractic….
It is essential that our chiropractic colleagues in the USA and elsewhere…refrain from complicating an already difficult situation by lending professional credit to illegitimate candidates who have an interest in blocking serious chiropractic legislation that would exclude them….
You are being asked politely, as a respected colleague, to not interfere with German or European politics by undermining the credentials that the GCA is presenting to the German government in order to persuade them of the unique preparation of a doctor of chiropractic and of the necessity to regulate the chiropractic profession in the interest of public health.
Sincerely yours,
John G. Williams D.C., 2nd Vice President
European chiropractors’ Union (ECU)
See response to Dr. Williams letter by KJ Schwarz of the Berlin Heilpraktiker School at bottom of this document.
Dear John,
We will never achieve recognition as an independent, well defined academic health care profession if this practice of dilution and confusion on what a chiropractor is does not come to an end. In its very own interests the profession must find a way to stop this. Michael Hafer, MSc, FEAC, GCA President
Dear Dr. Williams,
I am pleased that you are working hard to improve the political situation of the profession in Europe. Dr. Janssen an American DC in Germany (in the GCA) contacted the WFC, Don Petersen (Publisher of Dynamic Chiropractic), David-Chapman Smith of the WFC, Gerry Clum of the WFC and others who in turn contacted me, all expressing similar concerns as you and your associates in the ECU. My attached response, I believe, addresses your concerns. Please let me know if I am incorrect in any of my assumptions. I hope to hear from you. Sincerely,
Tedd Koren, DC
Comment from Tedd Koren: there was no response to my letter.
Letter from Mark Styers, DC
The World Federation of Chiropractic in their own bylaws, are supposed to respect each nations laws. They state that the GCA is fighting to make chiropractic a profession here! Does anyone inside of Germany really believe that? If they want to make changes, what are they? What is their strategy?
The truth is they like things the way they are. That way if anyone does anything to try and improve chiropractic in Germany, they can cry foul. Control is all that concerns the GCA. They have ZERO interest in doing one thing to further chiropractic. Let anyone come forward and state one thing the GCA has done in more than 30 years to do anything to further chiropractic in this country. The sad thing is, chiropractors in other countries will read Dynamic Chiropractic and think "Dr. Koren, what a traitor!" DC continues to spew forward the propaganda put out by an insignificant chiropractor; Gordon Jansen DC.
Why, do I say Jansen is insignificant? Because he is a failure in practice. He wants to blame his inability to be successful on everyone but himself. If anyone tries to do anything to further chiropractic here, he is writing letters to the world. Does he write these letters in the country that he practices? Absolutely not! Why? Because he is practicing (along with his wife and every other chiropractor in Germany), as a Heilpraktiker!
Doctors of Chiropractic are allowed to practice here under the Heilpraktiker Law (this includes everything that is not drugs and surgery). The ironic twist is, if you want to be a member of the WFC affiliate here in Germany (the GCA), you MUST be a Heilpraktiker in order to join!! How do you like that for the pot calling the kettle black?
We would all like to see chiropractic become a profession here in Germany. When Jansen states that one only need to have passed the ninth grade, not have a criminal record, and pass an examination that they are not a threat, this is a complete understatement. In practice it is much more than that….
It’s easy to say someone only has to pass a test...a test with a greater than 85% failure rate. In many states in the USA, anyone can sit for Bar exam and a CPA exam, without going to college. That does not mean that they will pass the test, only that they are allowed to take the test. Same logic applies here, no one is passing this test without some kind of health care education. I know of Doctors of Chiropractic, Medicine and Dentistry who have failed this test after studying for it.
My point is, don’t be so quick to judge Dr. Koren. The forces of propaganda are hard at work trying to discredit anyone who is doing anything to further chiropractic here…There are over 35,000 practitioners using some type of manipulation on patients every day. Some of us are motivated more by trying to improve that care that is happening, rather than standing back and pointing fingers.
Mark J. Styers DC,
Director, American Institute of Chiropractic
Hamburg, Germany
PS. Since all of the GCA members are actually Heilpraktikers, they are allowed to give injections.
Case in point, two months ago, my office referred a patient’s family member to someone within the GCA. We were shocked to here, that the family member was ordered by the chiropractor to have an injection first...before the adjustment. I regularly send people to other offices, many of them folks from the GCA…and i get feedback on all the weird therapies that are performed from these people. Many are wearing white lab coats (real doctors), and most perform some kind of modality in the office. This is the dirty little secret that everyone in Germany knows about, but outside of Germany, they pretend that they are the group "fighting" for chiropractic.
Hello Ted,
I just wish to reinforce the concept that this series of communications is not about you or your technique but about the survival and right to thrive of the chiropractic profession in Europe. I do not doubt that you feel you are doing the right thing and certainly not for money (the same cannot be said of others.) I would ask you to do what you may feel to be the wrong thing (desist from teaching to non-chiropractors in Europe) assuring you that such action would be for the right reason. If it is any comfort to you, Terry Rondberg blocked emails from me ages ago. I survived off course, but the stature of the person behind that action is demeaned. Kind regards, Baiju
From John Maltby, DC Pres of the ICA
Tedd,
I have recv'd a number of complaints from DC's in Europe and the UK that you are allowing non-DC's to attend and receive certificates of completion from your seminars over there. This has created a serious problem in that some of these non-DC's are declaring themselves as "certified chiropractors". Could you please share with me what the story is and what efforts you are making to make sure that this is not the case? If in fact certificates are being issued to non-certified individuals, this creates a serious problem for those who are trying to defend educational standards for Chiropractors in their country. John K Maltby, DC, FICA(H), ICA President
Dear John,
In your editorial in the ICA Review -16 you voiced concerns about "week-end classes taught by DCs in the US who give certificates of completion in chiropractic on the basis of the meager and grossly inadequate education they offer..." Please assure the ICA that I am not doing such a thing. My certificates of attendance do not say anything other than they had completed my course and I do not mention that they are chiropractors or even have completed a chiropractic seminar. KST is a protocol that can be applied to medicine, osteopathy, acupuncture, dentistry, psychology, optometry, naturopathy as well as chiropractic. Individuals who take my seminar are advised to practice KST within the law, ethics and legal constraints of their land and I refuse to condone anyone who misrepresents their background and qualifications. I hope that addresses that. Tedd Koren, DC
Tedd,
Just read the dynamic ? I just want you to know you are one of my heroes. Just looking at all you have accomplished and complied for humanity and chiropractors keeps me in awe.
I don't really know what to say about the Germany seminar, I see nothing wrong with it, especially when there's nothing like it available from any other source.
All this false pride found in seeking legitimacy and prestige isn't worth responding to. I would simply tell them to just go to HELL!
Luv what you do!
Mike Lassley, DC
Dear doctors of Chiropractic,
I am working in Germany as Heilpraktiker.
Since 2 Years I am working with KST.
I am seeing everyday good changes on the patients.
Without Tedd’s courage I wouldn’t see this.
KST changes peoples lives.
They must have no surgery and no drugs.
This is the reason for practicing chiropractic.
I don’t understand the problem of some DCs.
The only focus is to help other people with Subluxations.
And please think of the beginning of Chiropractic.
D.D. Palmer educated everybody in Chiropractic...............
Thank you Tedd
Sascha Schafer, HP
From Mr. K.J. Schwarz head of the HP school in Berlin
Drs. Williams, Clum, Chapman-Smith and others know nothing about German health-practice law and/or the German legistation. They are repeating only what Jansen and the GCA tells them and that information is incorrect. Repeating lies doesn’t make them true.
The occupation “Health Practitioner“ (HP) is unique in Europe. Just like DCs in the US, HPs must take a thorough examination showing they are competent to manipulate people.
It cannot be stated more clearly that Health Practitioners (HPs) are neither laymen nor lay practitioners. The HP profession is over 100 years old (as old as Chiropractic in the USA).
In all the German health-related government organizations HPs function as members or advisors. HPs are recognized in the highest German federal court as having appropriate advanced training doctor in health care. (Bundesgerichtshof 1991 ( VI ZR 206 / 90 Bremen ). In nearly all German law, having to do with health service, the Health Practitioner is recognized as a health care profession. (Recently mentioned in “Infection protection law.”)
The minimum requirements for the HP profession are:
A condition for the permission is a minimum age of 25 years, the physical, mental and mental suitability for the occupation (medical certificate and police certification) as well as at least one college degree and permission * by responsible public health authorities.
“Required for the admission is a minimum age of 25 years, the physical, intellectual and emotional suitability for the profession (medical certificate and certificate of good conduct), as well as the graduation from at least the primary school (9 years) and the approval *) from the Department of Health in charge.”
This *) approval depends on an examination carried out by official medical doctors serving the States Government.
This examination consists of the following areas:
Human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, knowledge of the theory of common diseases, to recognize and to distinguish common diseases (specially metabolic and heart/circulation diseases, degenerative and infectious diseases), human pathology and psychopathology, recognition and primary care of acute emergencies and life threatening conditions, techniques of clinical listings (diagnose, differential diagnose, clinical examination like inspection, palpation, percultation, percussion and check of the function of the organs and systems) interpretation of the basic lab data, technique of injections, punctation and taking blood, clinical hygiene, disinfection, sterilisation, knowledge in occupational and legal regulations (including the legal duties and restrictions), abilities in the fields of curative applications, restrictions, dangers and contraindications concerning diagnostic or curative steps in naturopathy.
Since 85 – 90% of the applicants fail this examination, it is logical and obvious to conclude, that only graduates from high school or colleges have the chance to become Heilpraktiker.
So far it is possible to make a clear point, that the facts determining the approval (minimum graduation from primary school) are with or without knowing put in a false light. Not a single graduate from primary school has the chance nowadays to “survive” this exam. This gives also the background to the fact, that only very few DCs master this exam (their knowledge in common medical science is not sufficient!).
The age of 25 is put so high by the legislative, that every applicant can learn and practice a complete different profession before approval. Common are professions like nurses, physiotherapists etc. In the USA you can start your studies in Chiropractic with the age of 18. In Germany you have to be “grown-up” to practice as a Heilpraktiker.
The average time of education at well known HP-schools counts for about 3000 hours of training lessons and lectures (3 years). Contents of the studies: see catalogue above plus the methods of naturopathic cures.
The Chiropractors training is not a part of the Heilpraktiker basic training. It is taught by expert societies like the “Bund deutscher Chiropraktiker e.V.”.
But it is correct, that the examination for Heilpraktiker doesn’t represent a proof for the practical qualification. Moreover it represents a proof, that Heilpraktiker are 100% safe candidates to practice naturopathy with human clients! German law allows Chiropractic for treatment, as long there is appropriate training (800 to 1500 hours of training are considered sufficient.)
Now please read the title of the WHO guideline, that has been made up lately for the chiropractic topic: “WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic”
Williams does not find the regulations satisfying and finds them too open for interpretation – that is only his opinion.
The “Bund deutscher Chiropraktiker e.V.” and the “Chiropraktik Schule Berlin“ are presently incorporating WHO regulations and expect full implementation in 2008-2009.
Only 3 out of 27 member states of the EU acknowledge chiropractic as an independent profession. The title DC (doctor) is not awarded everywhere. The last trial in Europe to change this satiation was dismissed in the European Parliament in the so-called “LANNOYE REPORT” on the 29th of May 1997
I feel the logical consequence should be to establish Chiropractic in every single state of Europe in this way. The legal situation makes it possible, and guarantee for the highest possible amount of safety and technique for the patient.
Cooperation instead of confrontation.
For the past 10 years the BDC has been the leader in promoting chiropractic methods within Germany. We intend to continue this path.
Critics of the German situation are completely irrelevant. They should better fight the MD “Chirotherapists,” a legally protected profession in Germany within the medical field that can practice after 200 hours of training. Why did Michael Hafer, MSc, FEAC GCA President “forget” to mention this truly regrettable fact when speaking to the WFC/ECU and US officials?
K.J.Schwarz (Geschäftsführer)
Bund dt. Chiropraktiker e.V.
PS. The other matters in Williams’ letter are pure polemic politics. Williams practices in Italy but there is no chiropractic law there nor did his organization succeed in making any changes at all. All his talk about changing things in Germany or in Europe is all hot air – nothing substantial.
PS. The other matters in Williams’ letter are pure polemic politics. Williams practices in Italy but there is no chiropractic law nor has his organization succeeded in making any changes. All his talk about changing things in Germany or in Europe is all hot air – nothing substantial. Let's see him make a difference in his own country before he attacks the politics here. And remember, nothing is preventing chiropractors from practicing chiropractic in Germany as long as they pass the HP examinations. A far better situation than in Italy.
