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College Faculty Needed

by Joseph T. Bowles, DC

            Dr. Joseph T. Bowles, a 1977 graduate of CCCKC, has been an associate professor at his alma mater since 1996. Prior to joining the faculty at CCC-KC, he practiced in the states of Missouri and Louisiana. The first five years of practice consisted of solo practice in Union, Missouri. The last twelve years of practice he resided in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and, with long-time friend and business partner, Dr. Edward M. Gavin, developed fifteen satellite clinics in two different states.

            I’ve have been a faculty member at CCC-KC since 1996. After having spent twenty years in private practice, I was curious as to what my new colleagues’ motivations were for being long time faculty members. Shortly after I started, a fellow faculty member told me why he liked teaching at CCC-KC. He stated, “in addition to enjoying the academic realm, these kids help keep me young.” As time passed, the mutual affinity that this professor and the students have for one another became evident.

            I must say the same thing as the aforementioned professor. I do enjoy pouring my life, wisdom, past experience and especially as much of the collective works of the Harrison family et al into as many young people as I can. When I see the lights come on in a student, when I speak about CBP® concepts, I can’t put into words my sense of satisfaction. Having the ability to alter the course of a life is, in my opinion, equal to or maybe even transcends, having the ability to get good corrections on post x-ray.

            Is being full-time faculty necessary in playing a role in the refinement of the practice habits in a young student DC? No. By participating in a preceptorship program you can become an extension faculty member and still stay at your own comfortable clinic. Since I have poured myself into CBP® Technique lately, I will write this article as a CBP® practitioner, although one may substitute the technique of their choice. Either way, the colleges need more field doctor participation. If you are certified in CBP®, there are hundreds of young students across America who would love to watch you, help you, pick your brain, and have you as their mentor and peer.

            To a student, your knowledge is invaluable and indispensable. Not to mention that it would be inextricably and inarguably linked to that students and CBP®’s continued success. Since there is only one college that currently uses CBP® in their student or outpatient clinic, most CBP® students still need the hands on practicum to develop their skills. Precepting can help a student fulfill this need.

            The preceptorship program is a triad of cooperation among the doctor, intern and college. As with any professional relationship, there are qualifications and responsibilities that must be met. The guidelines of a preceptor program are set down by the CCE and the participating college. The following lists are preceptorship program guidelines used by CCC-KC.

            The qualifications for the preceptor doctor are to:

            1) Hold a current, valid license to practice chiropractic.

            2) Have current, valid malpractice insurance.

            3) Have been in practice a minimum of three years or satisfy individual state requirements.

            4) Conduct office procedures in a professional and ethical nature.

            5) Have offices that are professional in appearance.

            The responsibilities of the preceptor doctor are to:

            1) Complete, sign, and submit the appropriate application materials to the director of the preceptor program.

            2) Personally direct, supervise and approve all chiropractic functions performed by the intern during the preceptorship.

            3) Be in attendance at all times the intern is performing any chiropractic function.

            4) Ensure that the intern performs only those duties that are lawful and ethical in the practice of chiropractic in the state.

            5) Verify attendance records kept by the intern and provide performance evaluations to the college.

            Additionally, the preceptor doctor is NOT liable for the payment of any wage, salary, or compensation for services performed by an intern, instructor or supervisor associated with a college. Also, you cannot serve as a preceptor doctor to more than one intern at a time.

            Colleges generally offer two forms of preceptorship programs to interns. The ‘Regular’ program will last a minimum of four weeks to a maximum of eight weeks. The ‘Extended’ program is one that lasts a minimum of twelve weeks and a maximum of fifteen weeks. To be eligible for either program, the intern must be enrolled in their final trimester, pay applicable preceptorship program tuition and meet the qualifications and requirements set by the college.

            The qualifications of the Intern are to:

            1) Have completed all didactic course work and be in good academic standing.

            2) Have completed all CCE and College requirements for graduation.

            3) Have received approval by the College.

            The responsibilities of the Intern are to:

            1) Complete, sign and submit appropriate application materials to the Chairman of Clinical Sciences.

            2) Provide the college with a current address and telephone number during the preceptorship.

            3) Assume responsibility for personal transportation and living arrangements.

            4) Spend a minimum of 28 hours per week in the preceptors’ office.

            5) Follow all policies and procedures of the preceptor doctors’ office.

            6) Present to the Chairman of Clinical Sciences, at the completion of the preceptorship, a written evaluation of the preceptorship experience.

            The third part of the ‘preceptor triad’ is the college. The college responsibilities are as follows:

            1) Provide all pertinent information and forms to the intern and the preceptor doctor.

            2) Administer and regulate the preceptorship program under the supervision of the Chairman of Clinical Sciences.

            3) Enforce all regulations that are mutually agreed upon by the College and the preceptor doctor.

            4) Confer the appointment of the preceptor doctor as an extension faculty member for a period of one year. This is a title without compensation. Subsequent renewal is subject to mutual agreement between the college and the preceptor doctor.

            5) Agree to remove an intern upon the recommendation of the preceptor doctor for just cause.

            6) Assumes the risk of any accident or injury to any person resulting from malpractice by the intern.

            Currently, all colleges do not have preceptor programs. Call your alma mater to determine availability and individual guidelines. To get a preceptor doctor application materials for one of our many students here at CCC-KC; contact Dr. Lawrence D. Beem by calling the CCC-KC campus at (1-800-467-CCKC). If you contact me by email at drjtbowles@hotmail.com I’ll help you get in touch with a CCC-KC CBP® student. Thank you in advance for helping shape the lives of young doctors.

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