It’s Time for Interprofessional Collegiality

Written by: James Demetrious, DC, DABCO

Board-Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist
Founder and CEO, PostGradDC

From the beginning of my career, I have been fortunate to enjoy strong professional relationships with medical physicians and other healthcare colleagues. We communicated openly, respected one another’s expertise, and worked collaboratively in the best interests of our patients. I cared for many physicians and their families, and they, in turn, provided excellent care for mine. Those relationships reinforced my belief that interprofessional respect ultimately benefits the people we serve.

For that reason, I find it disappointing when a small minority of physicians publicly characterize chiropractic in a dismissive or inaccurate manner. Equally concerning are those occasions when members of our own profession conduct themselves in ways that diminish public confidence and reinforce negative stereotypes. Professionalism, humility, and a commitment to evidence-informed patient care are responsibilities shared by all healthcare disciplines.

What makes this even more troubling is the ongoing exchange of accusations between the fringes of both professions. Chiropractors are labeled as quacks. Physicians are portrayed as peddlers of unnecessary surgery and harmful drugs. These broad generalizations may generate attention, but they do little to advance patient care. Instead, they confuse the public, erode trust, and undermine the collaborative relationships that are essential for achieving the best possible clinical outcomes. That kind of rhetoric is harmful, not only to our professions, but, more importantly, to the patients who depend on us.

It is time for honest discourse grounded in evidence rather than ideology. It is time to replace caricatures with conversation and criticism with mutual respect. While we will not always agree, we should always strive to understand one another and remain focused on our shared commitment to patient welfare.

That philosophy is one of the reasons I founded PostGradDC. My goal has never been to diminish another profession, but rather to help elevate chiropractic through advanced education, critical thinking, and a steadfast commitment to clinical excellence. By continually raising our own standards, we strengthen our profession, foster greater collaboration with our healthcare colleagues, and, most importantly, better serve our patients.