I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I can’t get anywhere without GPS. Actually, that’s not entirely true. I can get to familiar places and get through the day the old-fashioned way: following everyone else at rush hour, retracing old steps, and depending on street signs. But when I need to go somewhere new, I look up my destination and follow a new route.
It’s similar to ACA’s new strategic plan for our association and our profession. We’re not going to the same old places and getting by on anyone else’s street signs. Our profession and the system that serves our patients is changing. It’s up to us to plan ahead and set ourselves up for success in serving our patients and each other. It’s up to us to set a destination and work toward getting there.
ACA began its current strategic planning journey in January 2023. Since then, we’ve facilitated many discussions, gathered survey data, examined where we’ve been and what we’ve accomplished. We conducted an organizational analysis, dug into issues that affect the healthcare system, and created a plan to build upon our progress and look ahead. As a result, we have four areas of strategic focus for the next three years: Advocacy, Professional Excellence, Leadership, and Sustainability.
Execute Impactful Advocacy
The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act remains our top priority. Medicare influences the entire healthcare system, which is why the next step in the evolution of the chiropractic profession is the ability to practice to the full extent of our licensure under Medicare. We’ve made incredible progress in a very short time, and we have room to grow. Success will come with increased participation in and awareness of advocacy efforts that advance clinically integrated care and professional parity.
Maximize Professional Excellence
ACA has a long history of providing thoughtful, influential leadership to the profession and to the healthcare community. Doctors of chiropractic have a voice in regulation, coding and coalitions that represent providers and patients at the national level, and ACA is committed to expanding those efforts.
Develop Sustainable Leadership
I am proud of ACA’s history of strong leadership, and our student community includes some of the most dedicated and active members of the organization. Looking ahead, we’re excited about opportunities to be more concentrated and intentional in our efforts to cultivate fresh member engagement at all levels.
Increase Operational Effectiveness and Sustainability
ACA is a member organization and as such we are here to serve the members. The fourth, but central, focus of our strategic plan includes our focus on member services. Our ability to effectively do that is dependent on our financial health, which means being responsible with our resources and working with our supporters to provide value. Today, ACA is sustainable and strong thanks to our commitment to diversify revenue and make organizational health a priority.
If you’re reading this and have an interest in the advancement of chiropractic for the benefit of patients but are not a member of ACA, it’s time to join. For those of you already on board, thank you for what you do and for being part of our profession’s success. I look forward to continuing our work together.
Dr. Bronston is president of the American Chiropractic Association.
