ACA’s annual meeting, the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference, brings you cutting-edge, evidence-based education sessions featuring some of the chiropractic profession’s most respected thought leaders and content experts. Many sessions also offer continuing education credits. Here we pose questions to one of the presenters: Steven Huybrecht, DC, former participant in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) chiropractic residency program. His presentation is, “Building Interprofessional Relationships: Enhancing Patient Care through Integration.”
Q: How is the topic that you are presenting relevant to modern chiropractic practice? How will it help chiropractors be successful now, and into the future?
Now, more than ever, it’s imperative for chiropractors to participate in the larger healthcare system. Collaboration with other providers has numerous potential benefits, including improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, increased referrals from allopathic providers and non-traditional sources, and enhanced cultural authority within your community. Ensuring the continued health and success of the chiropractic profession depends on building relationships with our medical colleagues.
Q: Are there any new developments in your specialty/topic area that make your presentation at NCLC 2019 especially relevant or timely?
The North American Spine Society this year in Los Angeles dedicated almost two days full of interdisciplinary spine care modules, reflecting an ever growing desire from allopathic pain providers to find a solution to the global burden that is spine (and back) pain. Providers wishing to take advantage of this opportunity to co-manage patients as part of a broader team are likely to benefit personally, professionally and economically.
Q: Who should attend your presentation and why?
Anyone who wants to improve their ability to collaborate and communicate with other healthcare providers.
Q: What practical knowledge or skills can attendees expect to take away from your presentation?
You will learn how to identify opportunities to work with allopathic providers, gain a stronger understanding of how to communicate effectively using common language, and use research to enhance your cultural authority amongst medical peers.
Q: What was the best career advice you ever received?
My father used to regularly say while I was growing up that for every action there is a reaction, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not it’s going to be a positive or a negative one. This can be taken multiple ways, such as how you would personally respond to another person; but it can also be interpreted as how you might prepare yourself before communicating with others to give yourself the best possible chance for them to respond positively to what you’re saying (or offering).
