Are Chiropractors Real Doctors

Are Chiropractors Real Doctors?

Your notion of a "real" doctor probably conforms to a prototype generated by the mass media. Many have come to think of a doctor as someone who prescribes advice and drugs or performs surgery. Sporting a white lab coat or surgical scrubs with a stethoscope at the neck, doctors are seen as all-knowing, omnipotent and able to save patients in 60 minutes, less commercials.

A medical doctor (MD) and a doctor of chiropractic (DC) are both doctors and have received a doctorial degree from a government accredited medical school or chiropractic college. But, that’s where the similarity ends because each discipline looks at health and healing in different ways.

Medical Doctors                                

• Sees the disease
• Kills germs
• Studies the blood
• Relies on drugs
• Treats symptoms

Doctors of Chiropractic

• Sees the person with the disease
• Increases your resistance to germs
• Studies nervous system integrity
• Relies on the body’s ability to heal
• Treats the CAUSE of symptoms

Clearly, these are two very different philosophies. Yet, each has its place. If you have broken bones or you’re bleeding by the side of the road, you want the lifesaving measures of emergency medical treatment. But if you have chronic aches and pains or whole body health issues, you want the health restoration possible that is the focus of chiropractic care.

Have you ever wondered just how much education your chiropractor has? The facts will surprise you.  Comparatively look at these basic educational requirements for medical school graduates, physical therapy school graduates and chiropractic school graduates.  Many people are misinformed or uniformed about chiropractic education and what is required to become a chiropractor. Please share this knowledge with family and friends, they too may benefit from Chiropractic Health Care.

Minimum Class Hours to Graduate: 
                    
    

◘ Other Subjects Required for a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Degree Relate to Their Specialty: Adjusting (manipulation) of Spine and Extremities, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Spine rehabilitation and stability, Ethics, Immunology and other specialty subjects.

◘ Other Subjects Required for a Medical Doctor (General Practitioner) Relate to Their Specialty: Pharmocology, Immunology, General Surgery, Ethics, and other specialty subjects.

GRAND TOTAL CLASS HOURS Including Other Subjects

                 Medical Doctor       Doctor of Chiropractic               Physical Therapist
Total (Approx.)  4,300                       4,485                                         1,719

Class hours compiled following a review of the curriculum catalogues at 22 Medical schools, 11 Chiropractic schools, and 6 Physical Therapy schools and update from the National Health Federation bulletin.

By the way, I was always taught that “doctor” means “teacher”.  In my opinion, a great doctor is one that can not only help you in time of need, but can also teach you how to reduce the NEED for a doctor in the future, i.e. find and maintain a strong, health promoting lifestyle. “Chiropractic is God’s healing profession” B.J. Palmer, Developer of Chiropractic

Speak up and educate others,

Dr. Craig