ACA Board member Michael Massey, DC, attended an event earlier this year announcing a new chiropractic education program to be launched by Troy University in Alabama, a public institution. We noticed that many members were interested in the short mention of the event featured in ACA Connects, so we decided to ask Dr. Massey if he could share more about his experience and Troy University’s plans.
What were some highlights for you at the event announcing the chiropractic program at Troy University?
Dr. Massey: I think the first thing that impressed me was the energy that surrounded the announcement. Everyone from the administrative staff and leadership of the university to the support staff at the campus seemed excited about both the event and the eventuality of having a new chiropractic program on campus. Comments from Troy’s chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., showed how much thought they put into the decision to highlight chiropractic education instead of another health profession or discipline.
I was also honored that the chancellor invited all the podium guests to a closed-door meeting to begin the short-term planning of the program and to brainstorm ideas about all aspects of the potential student experience and possible impact to both the profession and the region. It was very insightful, and our input was received enthusiastically and respectfully.
What surprised you?
Dr. Massey: Even though the event was held at the ultimate site of the chiropractic program, Troy’s satellite campus in Dothan, Ala., it seemed to carry an equal importance to something that would have been announced for their main campus. I was also surprised that the chancellor was as knowledgeable about all aspects of the program, the planning, and the potential opportunities and impact of the program locally, as he was. He was clearly not just there to be the “face” or to drop a sound bite and pose for pictures.
What was it like to see the chiropractic profession so warmly welcomed and appreciated for what it could offer Alabama?
Dr. Massey: It was both gratifying and humbling. It was clear that both the leadership of the university and the local community feel this program is unique for the region and can have a broad impact on both the local economy and the health care of the Wiregrass Region. As such, the chiropractors in attendance were received with open arms and the utmost respect.
The news release Troy University posted mentioned healthcare shortages in Alabama. It’s exciting that they see chiropractors as part of the solution to this issue. What else can you tell us?
Dr. Massey: Troy envisions a variety of training and participation opportunities for chiropractors throughout the region, both in rural healthcare and in collaboration with the local and regional military institutions, among others.
Alabama once had the highest opioid prescribing rate in the country. Was the opioid crisis and the value of training more providers who can provide non-drug pain management mentioned?
Dr. Massey: Yes, they mentioned expecting to play a part in opioid addiction and rehabilitative centers in Alabama.
Was there any mention about how the program might be different?
Dr. Massey: Not a lot of specifics about program design are available just yet, only to say they expect to be “different.” The chancellor stated more than once that they didn’t want to pattern their program directly after any other existing programs, but they wanted to create something unique to be a national standard and a desired destination for both students and academicians.
We now have the University of Pittsburgh chiropractic program in the Northeast, Troy University in the Southeast. Do you see this as the beginning of more public programs for chiropractic education?
Dr. Massey: I certainly believe it will. I personally had hoped to see this trend begin in my lifetime. I firmly believe that having chiropractic education included in public educational institutions raises our visibility, our credibility, and our cultural authority. Private institutions have their place, just like in all post-secondary and graduate education, but public colleges and universities avail the profession and the students to so many unique opportunities and funding sources.
