Serious Intent

100 years ago, a man in his 20's set out to prove an idea that would defy the greatest scientific thinking of the time.
Despite this challenge, this later became recognised as one of the most amazing feats of 20th century science.

Einstein's masters paper proved the existence of atoms and laid the way for the discovery of sub-atomic particles.
Einstein achieved this massive shift in scientific paradigm through faith and courage in his idea, and an unwavering belief in the scientific model. This process dictates that beyond all else, there must be experimental data.

Einstein did not always achieve paradigm shifts so easily in his life. In fact, in 1917 he actually changed his Special Theory of Relativity to make it incorrect, but yet aligned with the scientific thinking of the time. It took him 2 years to realise his mistake and revert his equations back to the original ones, making them correct, and again shifting the scientific paradigm.

Paradigm shifts aren't easy. But they are easier when experimental data exists.

Experimental data and research exists for the subluxations. And beyond that, we have an abundance of empirical data.

And yet, as a 5th year chiropractic student at Macquarie University, I have seen that our education has not even reached the subluxation paradigm, let alone ones beyond it. I have heard so much about pain, disease, condition-based chiropractic, mechanistic models and manipulations. I have heard very little about the subluxation, wellness, person-centred vitalistic chiropractic and adjustments. This is particularly evident now that I am at clinic. It seems to me that the majority of students are not even aware of the subluxation paradigm, let alone ones beyond it like wellness, person-based chiropractic care.

This is why, along with 2 other chiropractic students - Julie Uren and Steve Foster - we have created a CD series addressed at chiropractic students, in which we discuss with accomplished, well-versed chiropractors, topics of chiropractic principles and philosophy. We are trying to push the paradigm from the inside.

So, what is it that I as a 5th year student would like to see? I would like us to recognise this block, this subluxation in our education. And for you, the experienced, accomplished chiropractors, CA's and chiropractic community to help us adjust our education, so that the messages of subluxation, person-based, wellness chiropractic care can flow through.

So that every chiropractic graduate leaves with a serious chiropractic intent.

By Nimrod Mason-Weiner. A Student at the Centre for Chiropractic, Macquarie, Sydney, Australia