Chiropractic and Politics: A Family Legacy
Hello everyone, Dr. Brant Hulsebus here. Welcome to Ask the Chiropractor, my podcast where I answer questions about chiropractic care. I’m based in Rockford, Illinois, and I’m proud to be the team chiropractor for the Rockford Icehogs. Today we discuss chiropractic and politics. Let’s dive into an interesting topic today—chiropractic and politics, especially since today is election day.
Imagine you’re living in 1949 when my grandfather graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Back then, it was illegal to practice chiropractic in Illinois. Politics were a bit crooked, and there were two schools with shorter programs that were considered legal. However, Palmer offered a longer program for the same number of hours.
Dr Bob Hulsebus
From 1949 to 1963, my grandfather worked without a license. He and my grandmother had a unique way of dealing with state inspectors to avoid getting caught. My grandfather and his friends eventually started the Prairie State Chiropractic Association to fight for chiropractor rights in Illinois.
Dr. Chester Wilk
In the 1990s, a chiropractor named Chester Wilk sued the American Medical Association (AMA) in an Antitrust Sherman Act lawsuit. The AMA was forced to admit they had lied about chiropractic, giving us the credibility we needed. I met Chester’s family and have even held important Supreme Court documents he won from the case.
My grandfather continued to fight for chiropractic rights at a national level. In the 1970s, he helped get federal student loans approved for chiropractic schools, proving our education is legitimate. Then he worked with Congressman Strom Thurmond to include chiropractic under Medicare, showing that our practices were recognized by the same agencies as other medical fields.
Dr Mike Hulsebus
My father also stood up against unfair treatment by Medicare and became the Medicare Director for the International Chiropractic Association. He and my grandfather have always fought for patient rights to choose chiropractic care and for chiropractors to provide it.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I had to step up when health regulations became strict. I worked with legislators to ensure chiropractors could continue to see patients safely. Now, I am the Medicare and Legislative Chairman of the International Chiropractic Association.
Our family has always been involved in chiropractic politics, fighting for patient rights. We proudly display signs for politicians who support our cause. My family has been leading this cause, from my grandfather’s time to today.
Thanks for reading about our family legacy at the intersection of chiropractic and politics. If you have questions about chiropractic care, leave a message or comment below. Stay involved and informed!
Until next time, thanks for tuning in to chiropractic and politics from our family’s point of view.
FINAL NOTE
Remember, if you have a question about chiropractic care, the best person to ask is a chiropractor. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll see you next week! Want more? First, check out the video link above. Secondly, go to our blog page. Lastly, listen to our podcast. And if you want to take the same supplements Dr Hulsebus takes click here to pick them up next time you’re in.