The chiropractic profession stands at a pivotal moment of opportunity—one that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s workforce and the broader healthcare system. As the demand for prevention-focused occupational medicine services continues to rise, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to meet this need. Conservative, non-invasive approaches to treating work-related injuries are not only increasingly accepted but actively sought out by employers, insurers, and employees alike. According to Christopher A. Murray, DC, DABCI, ND, CME, this shift creates a strategic opening for chiropractors to not only expand the breadth of their current patient base but also their impact beyond traditional
musculoskeletal care.
Dr. Murray, who is the immediate past president of the Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, will present, “Expanding Whole Community Practice Opportunities Through Occupational Medicine Services,” in conjunction with Engage 2026 in January. It is one of six on-demand courses that will be available to registrants. To learn more about Dr. Murray and his presentation, read on. To register for Engage, click here.
How is the topic you are presenting at Engage 2026 relevant to today’s chiropractor?
Dr. Murray: There is a need in the profession to break out of the 10% utilization pattern. So many patients NEED everything that we are. Occupational medicine (OccMed) services are a simple and effective way of integrating into the greater healthcare community, allowing chiropractors to see a much larger percentage of the population. These cash-based services are easy to perform. And furthermore, they are all 100% about health, prevention, and safety, which is congruent with the philosophical approach of chiropractic care.
Our profession should own this area of health care. From Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examinations, drug testing, functional capacity/lift tests, and other basic exam procedures, chiropractic’s easy fit into supplying these services is obvious. Quite frankly, by providing these cash services, doctors will see a multitude of patients that would have never stepped foot in a chiropractic physician’s office. That said, chiropractic needs more of OccMed for the sake of our profession and for the sake of our patients and the community at large.
What makes you an expert in this area?
Dr. Murray: For starters, I am a diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. This is an ACA specialty council, the Council on Diagnosis and Internal Disorders. That is actually how I first got interested in OccMed services. The DABCI program is a nutrition-related program that focuses health on diagnostic procedures like blood labs, urinalysis, EKG, spirometry, and more. Since almost all of the OccMed services are essentially involving certification standards and objective diagnostic testing, OccMed services were a logical segue. I was the first FMCSA DOT-certified medical examiner in the state of Nebraska, prior to any other medical provider type. I have been teaching DOT medical examiner courses since 2013, so I am well-versed on the subject.
Can you provide one or two takeaways from your presentationy that Engage 2026 attendees will not want to miss…and why?
Dr. Murray: DCs have an opportunity to become the go-to portal provider in the area of occupational medicine. These services catapult our ability to be respected as true partners in the greater community healthcare system. If doctors want to see a larger percentage of the population for cash services, with no need to advertise, the services discussed in this presentation are for you. Our entire profession needs to hear this message. Through every service we provide, including occupational medicine services, we save lives and optimize health.
In addition, attendees will be able to:
- Define occupational medicine and its relevance to chiropractic practice.
- Identify the core competencies chiropractors bring to these settings.
- Evaluate potential integration pathways for occupational medicine into chiropractic services.
- Recognize current market demands and workforce gaps that chiropractic can fill.
- Formulate strategic plans to support chiropractic inclusion in occupational medicine roles at local, state, and national levels.
Don’t miss Engage 2026! Join with fellow ACA members Jan. 22–24 in Arlington, Va., at the Crystal Gateway Marriott to learn from top experts, sharpen your clinical and professional skills, and connect with your chiropractic community. ACA has applied for CE credits in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, in addition to offering CE in more than 30 PACE-accepted states. Get the details here: Engage 2026 Continuing Education. In addition, take advantage of early-bird rates by registering today for the conference.
