One of the largest annual events for the chiropractic profession, the Florida Chiropractic Association’s convention, included Dr. Carl S. Cleveland III, president of Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), among its featured speakers. The National by FCA, Convention & Expo, was held Aug. 25-28, at the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla.
Cleveland and two other distinguished presenters shared the dais for a session that explored the impact of the Wilk v. American Medical Association (AMA) antitrust case, in which Federal Judge Susan Getzendanner found the AMA guilty of violating anti-trust laws in an effort to “contain and eliminate” chiropractic. Now 35 years on from that verdict, Cleveland and his colleagues revisited the landmark decision in a plenary session titled, “Wilk V. AMA: How spies, Documentation, Secret Sources and Determination Saved Chiropractic.” Each presenter explored different aspects of the case and the impact that was felt at that time.
Cleveland, a fourth-generation chiropractor whose family history has been intertwined with the profession almost since its inception, was able to share elements of that history in his personal recollections. He spoke of the fact that CUKC was founded in Kansas City, Mo., by his grandparents in 1922, but the chiropractic profession was not licensed by Missouri until 1927. As a result, a knock at the door could mean arrest, which was a fear that loomed large for his family in those early years. He then addressed the actions of the AMA and how this case changed the profession forever.
Dr. Alex Bach, vice president of institutional growth and innovation at CUKC, attended The National, and was in the audience for Cleveland’s session.
“The impact of the Cleveland family on chiropractic helped to lay the groundwork for what the profession has become,” Bach said. “Dr. Cleveland is a walking legacy of what happens when people of conviction will not be subjugated. His intimate connection to the profession is a heritage that few can claim, and it’s always a pleasure to hear about chiropractic history from those who know it best.”
The National is a gathering of more than 1,800 practitioners, vendors, educators, and others associated with the chiropractic profession. Those attending are able to earn continuing education units while being enlightened and inspired by more than 65 renowned presenters. Attendees are also able to explore various products and services showcased by vendors at the event.
