New research committee membership underscores WFC’s #BeEPIC Commitment

The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has expanded its Research Committee as part of its mission to advance awareness, utilization and integration of chiropractic internationally.

The WFC Research Committee, under the leadership of its chair, Professor Christine Goertz, exists to advise the Board on matters of science and research and provide expertise in peer review and abstract selection at the WFC Biennial Congresses, the world’s largest chiropractic scientific meetings.

Following a call for applications to the Research Committee, issued in October 2020, the WFC Board convened a sub-committee to rigorously evaluate and recommend candidates, which were then ratified by the Board in January.

Speaking after the appointments were confirmed, Professor Goertz commented, “I am very excited to see the outstanding group of scientists appointed to the WFC Research Committee. I look forward to working with this diverse and talented team to aid the WFC in its efforts to stay current on the latest research and communicate the value of evidence-based chiropractic care to clinicians and patients across the globe.”

In 2018, the WFC launched its #BeEPIC campaign, which urges chiropractors and chiropractic organizations to promote and utilize evidence-based, people-centered, interprofessional and collaborative approaches to chiropractic practice.

The new Research Committee reflects the WFC’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The newly-populated committee is widely representative of geographic regions, culture and ethnicity, research background and specialty interests.

WFC President Carlos Ayres remarked, “A commitment to science and research is the hallmark of any respected health profession. As we work to advance the profession globally, input from our scientific community is critical in informing our strategy. We welcome the new members of the Research Committee and thank Professor Goertz for her leadership as Chair.”

WFC Research Committee membership

Professor Christine GOERTZ DC, PhD (Chair) (USA). Professor of Musculoskeletal Research, Duke Clinical Research Institute. Director of System Development and Coordination for Spine Health, Dept. Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University. Chairperson, Board of Governors, PCORI (Person Centered Outcomes Research Institute, U.S.). CEO Spine Institute for Quality. Former Vice Chancellor of Research and Health Policy, Palmer College of Chiropractic Primary research interest in patient-centered, non-pharmacological treatment for spine-related disorders. Dr Scott HALDEMAN DC, MD, PhD, FRCP (Chair Emeritus) (USA). Adjunct Professor, School of Epidemiology, University of California (Los Angeles). Clinical Professor, Dept. Neurology University of California (Irvine), Past President, North American Spine Society. International Ambassador for the Decade of the Bone and Joint (presided over Task Force on Neck Pain and its Associated Disorders). Founder, World Spine Care. On Editorial Board of 8 journals. Over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals. Author/Editor of 8 text books. Dr Marc-André BLANCHETTE DC, MSc, PhD (Canada). Assistant professor at University of Quebec à Trois Rivières (UQTR). Special interest in occupational back pain, musculoskeletal epidemiology, health services research. Doctorate in public health (2017, University of Montreal). Recipient of post-doc CIHR Health System Support Scholarship. Research Collaboration with McGill University, Chiropractic Knowledge Hub (Denmark) and University of Montreal. Dr Mitch HAAS DC, BS, MA (USA). Associate Vice President Research at University of Western States. and Adjunct Associate Professor in Neurology Dept., School of Medicine at University of Oregon. Has been principal investigator on several federally-funded rnadomized trials, evaluating chiropractic care for low back pain and headaches. Over 100 publications in peer review journals, 7 book chapters. Serves on editorial board of multiple health-related journals. 2010 ACA Researcher of the Year. Dr Anne JENSEN BSc, DC, DPhil, MSc, MS (Australia). Lecturer, Dept. of Chiropractic, Central Queensland University. Doctorate in Philosophy in evidence-based healthcare (University of Oxford, 2015), Masters in evidence-based social interventions (University of Oxford, 2007), Master in psychology (Capella University, 2007). Research interests in kinesiology. Dr Melissa KIOH BSc (Chiro), MSc(PH), PhD(c) (Malaysia). Lecturer, International Medical University, Malaysia. PhD candidate, Department of Medicine, University of Malaya. Masters in public health (University of Dublin, 2017). Research interests in falls, postural stability, geriatrics and nutrition. Dr Imran Khan NIAZI MS, PhD (New Zealand). Senior Research Fellow, New Zealand College of Chiropractic. PhD biomedical science and engineering (University of Aalborg, 2012), Masters in biomedical engineering (University of Lübeck). Research interests in patient-centered rehabilitation engineering using brain-computer interfaces. Currently investigating neurophysiological effects of chiropractic care on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Currently engaged in 12 international collaborations. Dr Keseri PADAYACHY PhD, MChiro (South Africa). Lecturer and chair of Research Dept., Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology. Member, Ethics Review Committee, Durban University of Technology. PhD in Anatomy (University KwaZulu Natal, 2017). Active in clinical chiropractic practice. Professor Steven PASSMORE DC, MS, PhD (Canada). Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba PhD in Kinesiology (McMaster University, 2013). CCRF Professorship in Spine Biomechanics and Human Neurophysiology. Assistant Professor, Ontario Tech University. Assistant Professor, New York Chiropractic College. Member, Canadian Pain Task Force, External Advisory Panel. Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative guideline development initiative member. 2020 Canadian Chiropractic Association Researcher of the Year. Dr Katie POHLMAN DC, MS, PhD (USA). Director of Research, Parker University. PhD in Pediatrics (University of Alberta, 2019). Masters in Clinical Research, 2010. Formerly Clinical Research Fellow and Project Manager, Palmer College of Chiropractic. Member, Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine Research Review Committee. Research interests: chiropractic pediatrics, patient safety. 2020 American Chiropractic Association Researcher of the Year . Assoc. Professor Sidney RUBINSTEIN DC PhD (Netherlands). Dept. Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. PhD in adverse events following chiropractic care (VU University, 2008). Member Cochrane Back and Neck Review Group. Former Chair, ECU Research Committee. Former Research Director, European Academy of Chiropractic. Research Committee member, Netherlands Chiropractic Association. Independent reviewer, multiple peer-reviewed journals. Netherlands-registered epidemiologist. Author, Cochrane Systematic Reviews (acute and chronic low back pain). Active in clinical chiropractic practice. Dr Stacie SALSBURY RN, MSN, PhD (USA). Assoc. Professor of Research, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic. Registered Nurse. PhD in Nursing (University of Iowa, 2007). Masters degree in nursing (1999). Research and Development, U.S. Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Board Member, Chiropractic Educators Research Forum.Research interests: geriatrics, chiropractic care, interprofessional care, chronic low back pain, patient safety, qualitative methodology. Independent reviewer, multiple peer-reviewed journals. Professor Michael SCHNEIDER DC, PhD (USA). Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh. PhD Rehabilitation Science (University of Pittsburgh, 2008). 2013 American Chiropractic Association, Researcher of the Year. Author, 8 book chapters and books. Member, Institutional Review Board, University of Pittsburgh. Research interests: profiling biomechanical. biological and behavioral phenotypes of chronic low back pain; spinal manipulation and patient self-management in the prevention of chronic low back pain; resolving the burden of low back pain in military service members.