Benefits News: VA Chiropractic Residency Sites First in Nation to Receive Accreditation

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) chiropractic residency programs have reached a historic first by receiving accreditation from the Council of Chiropractic Education.  These are the first residency programs in the nation ever to be awarded this distinction, a significant advancement in the evolution of chiropractic education.

In 2014, VA launched its chiropractic residency program as a three-year pilot project at five VA facilities located in West Haven, Conn.; Buffalo NY; Canandaigua, NY; St. Louis, Mo. and Los Angeles, Calif.  The programs provide postgraduate clinical training in integrated chiropractic practice, focused on team-based care and inter-professional education.

“Along with serving our Nation’s Veterans, providing innovative training opportunities for health care professionals is a key component of VA’s Mission,” said Dr. Karen Sanders, Deputy Chief Officer, VA Office of Academic Affiliations. “The accreditation of our chiropractic residency programs demonstrates VA’s commitment to  preparing providers who will serve Veterans and the Nation.”

As part of the program, residents provide clinical care mentored by senior VA chiropractors, participate in clinical rotations in relevant specialties such as rehabilitation, primary care, and pain medicine, and participate in inter-professional scholarly activities.  This advanced training gives chiropractic residents vital experience and the competencies needed to serve patients in VA facilities, other integrated healthcare settings, and/or academia.

For more information about the VA chiropractic residency program, visit rehab.va.gov/chiro/Residency_Programs.asp

# # #