The State of Chiropractic Podcast with Bharon Hoag and guest Dr. Lou Sportelli

Episode Overview:

In this episode of The State of Chiropractic Podcast, host Bharon Hoag sits down with the legendary Dr. Lou Sportelli to discuss the past, present, and future of chiropractic care. This insightful conversation delves into the history of chiropractic advocacy, legislative battles, the importance of research, and the ongoing efforts to unite the profession for the betterment of practitioners and patients alike.

Guest:

• Dr. Lou Sportelli: A pioneer in chiropractic advocacy, Dr. Sportelli has been a staunch defender and promoter of the profession for over 60 years. He is known for his work with NCMIC and his significant contributions to chiropractic research and legislative battles.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to the Podcast (0:00 - 1:00)

• Explanation of the podcast’s mission: to explore the defense, expansion, and access to chiropractic care.
• A call to action for chiropractors and allies to stay informed and connected.

Guest Introduction: Dr. Lou Sportelli (1:00 - 2:00)

• Dr. Sportelli’s extensive background and pioneering efforts in chiropractic advocacy.
• His involvement with NCMIC and the historical context of his contributions.

The Need for Organization in Chiropractic (2:00 - 6:00)

• Discussion on the importance of chiropractic professionals organizing to sustain and conquer challenges.
• Historical challenges faced by the chiropractic profession, including legislative and economic boycotts by the AMA.

The Wilk vs. AMA Case (6:00 - 16:00)

• Detailed account of the landmark lawsuit against the American Medical Association (AMA).
• Challenges faced in securing legal representation and the significance of the case in shaping the future of chiropractic.

The Role of Education and Research (16:00 - 23:00)

• The evolution of chiropractic education and the importance of patient education.
• The shift towards research-based evidence and its impact on the profession.

The Future of Chiropractic (23:00 - 28:00)

• The potential for chiropractic to address current healthcare system failures.
• The need for continued advocacy and the role of research in proving the efficacy of chiropractic care.

NCMIC’s Contribution to the Profession (28:00 - 35:00)

• The significant role of NCMIC and its foundation in funding chiropractic research and supporting professionals.
• Personal stories of contribution and the importance of foundational support in advancing the profession.

Call for Unity and Advocacy (35:00 - 38:00)

• Encouragement for chiropractors to unite around common causes, such as Medicare reform in the U.S.
• The power of organized, committed groups in driving significant change.

Closing Remarks and Future Directions (38:00 - 41:00)

• Final thoughts from Dr. Sportelli on the importance of unity and strong leadership.
• Bharon Hoag’s reflections on the ongoing efforts to defend and advance chiropractic care globally.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Unite and Organize: Chiropractors need to unite around shared goals and causes to achieve significant legislative and professional advancements.
• Emphasize Research: Continuous support and funding for research are crucial for proving the ef