As time passes and technology evolves, our understanding of certain concepts takes on new meaning. When this happens, sometimes the old way of describing something just no longer fits. Recently, the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists decided that that was the case for the name of its organization Here’s more on the reason for the change-and what it means for your local chiropractors.
What is the new name?
The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists is in the process of changing its name to the International Academy of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (IANM). The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists and Forensic Sciences will remain intact as sub-specialties of the IANM.
What will the name change affect?
As a result of the name change, doctors who have earned credentials through the Academy may now use different credential initials. Those who have been awarded Diplomate Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists (DACO) may now use the following: DIANM, for Diplomates of the IANM. Fellows of the IANM may now use FIANM followed by lowercased country initials in parentheses.
The DABCO, DACO and FACO credentials will not go away; however, one cannot use both DABCO and DIANM, at the same time, for example.
The IANM states that, “the name change is immediate, and it is our goal to have all of our website material and correspondence reflect this by 01/01/2020.”
What’s the reason for the name change?
The Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists sought the name change in order to clear up ongoing questions from those outside of the profession regarding the nature of a “chiropractic orthopedist.” Frequently asked questions have included what a chiropractic orthopedist’s surgical specialty is, and whether or not he or she can prescribe medicine.
In an attempt to make the role of these persons understood better internationally, the Academy has shifted its focus to the neuromusculoskeletal aspect of the profession. Neuromusculoskeletal specialists like DIANMs treat acute and chronic pain.
According to the Medical Dictionary, neuromusculoskeletal medicine is “any health care practice that relies on the manipulation or adjustment of bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons.” In other words, rather than performing surgery and prescribing medicine, these doctors apply manual medicine via chiropractic adjustment to treat patient ailments.
Summary
Our goal as doctors of chiropractic is to aid the body in helping to heal itself-and this recent name change of our credentialing body helps better explain that. No matter what initials are behind our names, at Advantage Chiropractic Clinic, you’ll still get the same personalized patient care that you’re accustomed to. Visit www.advantagechiropracticclinic.com to learn more!