“It’s the most wonderful time of the year….” As it is fast approaching, you might think of Christmas, or even Thanksgiving, when you hear this phrase, but I am referring to the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC)! There is simply no other event like it. NCLC 2018 will be my 5th NCLC and my second as a doctor, and it truly is my favorite time of the year! I consider it an honor to attend this event and I have met some of my closest friends while attending. I’d like to share my insights into the event and my take on its importance.
Show Up…and the World is Yours
The old saying goes, “The world is given to those who show up,” and this couldn’t be more evident than at NCLC, and this is primarily due to one of the major focuses of the event, our annual lobby day. This is the day where chiropractors from across the country descend on Capitol Hill to meet with legislators from both the House and the Senate. I find such value in this day, as I know firsthand that if we do not show up to promote and defend our profession, someone else will show up…and take our seat at the table. This is the reason why I have such a passion for serving with the ACA and especially attending NCLC!
I often see comments on social media, or even in the MyACA forum, where people are upset that bills aren’t getting passed fast enough, we don’t have enough rights, Medicare only reimburses us for the adjustment and so on. All of this is true. But again, the world is given to those who show up. When we show up in mass numbers, when the ACA has the funds to increase its visibility and reach, and the PAC has dollars to give to members of Congress so that we have a stronger influence, that is when things get done. Back when the Affordable Care Act was in its infancy, ACA worked tirelessly to include section 2706, sponsored by Sen. Harkin (D-Iowa), so that we as chiropractors would have a seat at the table. But it took the members donating, giving of their time and supporting ACA’s push. It’s at NCLC that we can see that hard work come to life.
Surround Yourself with People of Action
The other aspect of NCLC that I love is the camaraderie. Sure, there are other seminars or events in the chiropractic profession where you might be with somewhat likeminded chiropractors, but NCLC is the only event where you are surrounded with likeminded individuals who value our profession so much that they are giving of their time, energy and money to better the landscape for every chiropractor.
When you look around the room, or sit in one of the continuing education seminars (another plus), you know that these people are fighting for you. I have met some of my closest friends through ACA, and a part of the reason we have become so close is that we know that the work each of us does, is for each other.
Members of the Millennial Think Tank, an ACA group that I below to, were asked during the recent re-branding effort what we wanted from our association. With a unanimous voice, our answer was that we want being an ACA member to mean something. I believe our passion as a group came from attending NCLC together because, for us, at NCLC it truly does mean something to be a part of this amazing organization.
Dr. Parham, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West, practices in Reno, Nev., where he focuses on injury rehabilitation and injury prevention.
