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At the end of July, I attended the McKenzie Conference of the Americas in Orlando, Florida. Though Orlando doesn't rate very highly on my short list of conference locales, the conference itself was well worth the time in the Land of Mickey. And though it may seem that a report of this is a little bit of "old news", I still think it's important to bring this to the attention of both clinicians and patients alike.
The McKenzie Institute conference has a rotating schedule. In alternate years, it is an International conference which moves throughout the global regions that have branches of the McKenzie Institute. On alternate years, the conference is a regional one - for example, our region being the Americas. I've been able to attend all of the North American/Americas McKenzie conferences since 1994 (8), and about half of the international conferences (3) . After my first McKenzie conference in La Jolla, I came to the realization that the McKenzie Institute are commited to excellence in conference programming. Through the amazing work of Ann Carlton and the U.S. office, we have continually been provided with exemplary conference speakers and workshops.
There are a couple of aspects of the McKenzie conferences that have always struck me as important. The first is that the speakers have been incredible. They are always individuals that are actively involved in either research or clinical involvement, and the information presented is current. Yes, current. That is a novelty in the world of conferences these days. I've been to far too many conferences and course that were out of touch with the issues that truly impact our profession. More often than not, the literature presented is current and relevant to clinical practice - if not truly cutting-edge.
But it's not only McKenzie research - and this is the second most
important aspect. The McKenzie Institute welcomes researchers that are
commited to clinically relevant material, even those that may have a
viewpoint counter to the McKenzie method. I've certainly seen my share
of healthy discussions and debates in sessions at past McKenzie
conferences. Instead of shying away from the issues, I've watched the
issues come front and center and be debated for the benefit of our
collective thinking and the benefit of the patients we treat. This is a
tremendous way to grow as a clinician - when exposed to a healthy
environment in which to debate issues of clinical relevance among
physicians, physical therapists, and chiropractors commited to the
concept of self care.
This year was no different than past years - and perhaps even
better. The speakers were outstanding. I would strongly urge clinicians
to examine the work of Drs. Karim Khan and Lorimer Moseley. The topics?
Khan's research is focused on understanding mechanotransduction - the
cellular process that allows tissues to adapt and respond to imposed
demands. Moseley's work is on the central nervous system and, most
recently, pain. Both were very humorous but at the same time, very
clinically relevant. Though neither would call themselves well-versed
in the McKenzie method, they both expressed an excitement that their
research fit nicely into the concepts espoused by McKenzie. Add to this
presentations from McKenzie faculty like Audrey Long and you have the
basis for a fantastic conference for virtually any clinician to attend.
Even if you aren't trained in the McKenzie method, you would be exposed
to a great deal of valuable information in an environment in which you
can discuss it openly.
I also need to make note of another significant event at this year's
conference. Ann Carlton, the long-time conference organizer and
conference "mom", has decided to retire. Ann has always been a person
to be open and welcoming to anyone, and her spirit and presence at the
Conference is something that I have always appreciated and come to look
forward to year in and year out. Many will miss her presence and
warmth. Ann, thanks so much for all you've done and in providing a warm
environment in which learning becomes so much easier and developing
great friendships becomes so much more natural. Your ability to put
everyone at ease and continue to assist in providing great programming
will be sadly missed.
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