I am fully aware that many will read this headline and feel a degree of skepticism. Perhaps you think that this article is self-serving? Okay let me explain. For years now I have informed patients that Chiropractors are uniquely positioned to diagnose and treat problems involving the Musculoskeletal system (Muscles/Joints/Bones).
In my years of practice I have been able to provide relief for patients that either; wanted a natural, conservative approach to pain relief or were dissatisfied with what traditional medicine could do for them.
Here is a study that will definitely open your eyes and maybe make you think twice about going to your family doctor the next time you have pains in your back, neck or elsewhere!
This survey was published in; Academic Medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges. This Survey was conducted at Harvard Medical School, a world famous institution with a stellar reputation. The purpose of this survey was to assess the medical student's knowledge and clinical confidence in musculoskeletal medicine as well as their attitudes toward the education they receive in this specialty. The survey was given to more than 600 medical students and they were asked about 30 different questions and asked to rate their responses. The results should surprise you!
74% of the students responded and their answers are very sobering. (NOTE: the authors noted that although the survey was conducted at Harvard, they claim the results are consistent with other schools). Medical students rated Musculoskeletal education of major importance (3.8 out of 5) but when asked to rate the amount of time spent learning about the musculoskeletal system, they rated it as poor (2.1 out of 5).
In addition, 3rd year medical students rated their confidence at performing a complete musculoskeletal exam as low to adequate (2.7 out of 5) but when asked to actually perform a competency exam, scored shockingly low with only a 7% pass rate!! (That is not a typo, these 3rd year medical students had a pass rate only in the single digits!!)
When 4th year students were asked the same, they again rated their confidence similarly to their 3rd year classmates (2.7 out of 5). Although, their competency exam results improved (26% pass rate) that still means about 74% of 4th year medical students failed to prove competency in musculoskeletal medicine. Remember, these students are on the brink of earning their MD's and becoming family doctors!
These results surprised even me. Here is what the authors of this survey concluded;
"These findings, which are consistent with those from other schools, suggest that medical students do not feel adequately prepared in musculoskeletal medicine and lack both clinical confidence and cognitive mastery in the field. Implementing a four-year integrated musculoskeletal curriculum is one way that medical schools can address this concern".
I will write posts comparing Chiropractic vs Medical school education at a later date but for now, if you'd like more information about this survey, go here;
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17457065
So remember the next time you're having back/neck pain and wondering what to do for relief, consider what you've read here!
If your near the Commercial Drive area of East Vancouver, contact your YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN HERE!!!>
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