All chiropractic physicians have one thing in common: years of study at any one of 16 chiropractic schools accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. After several years of practicing what they learned in chiropractic college, many realize that their patients need and expect to receive medical advice from specialty-trained clinicians with advanced schooling and experience. Just as in conventional allopathic medicine, doctors that are interested in providing these specialties return to school to earn a diplomate certification, master’s degree or other specialty designation.

The path to specialization for chiropractic physicians is the diplomate, a specialty certification offered through chiropractic associations such as the American Board of Chiropractic Internists. This credential requires 300 to 400 hours of advanced study, as well as rigorous written, oral and/or practical examinations.

Many of today’s chiropractors that are embracing functional medicine—a model that focuses on healing the root causes of health challenges through lifestyle choices and good nutrition—enroll in curricula offered by the Institute for Functional Medicine or the Functional Medicine University. A blending of Chinese and Western medicine and scientific research, functional medicine combines the philosophy of balance and how to restore function with the biochemistry and physiology of Western medicine, as well as the latest research about how our genetics, environment and lifestyle interact with each other.

The American Chiropractic Association has nine councils, which offer 10 different diplomate programs: chiropractic pediatrics, chiropractic physiological therapeutics and rehabilitation, chiropractic acupuncture, diagnosis and internal disorders, diagnostic imaging (radiology), neurology, nutrition, occupational health, sports physician and orthopedics.

For more information, visit ACAToday.org.

Local Resources

Dr. Michele Pelletiere, 9138 Bonita Beach Rd. (Sunshine Plaza), Bonita Springs; 239-949-1222.

Goldman Chiropractic, 1001 Crosspointe Dr., Ste. 1, Naples; 239-254-0003.

Southwest Florida Natural Health Center, LLC, 27499 Riverview Ctr. Blvd., Ste. 255, Bonita Springs; 239-444-3106. SWFThyroid.com.

Trinity Chiropractic, A Maximized Living Health Center, 2515 Northbrooke Plaza Dr., Ste. 102, Naples; 239-597-6099. MaximizedLivingNaples.com.