Illinois Chiropractic Society President Report 2018
When riding over rough terrain, mountain bikers use clips to help keep their shoes connected to the pedals. When approaching a particularly steep or rugged incline, riders must choose whether they will stay clipped in and pedal up or unclip and walk their bike up the hill.
On a recent familiar ride, I approached the base of a hill that I generally don’t attempt. For whatever (injudicious) reason, I chose to stay clipped in. It seemed like a good idea until my forward progress slowed to a crawl about two-thirds of the way up. I began to question my earlier decision, but since trying to unclip as your bike starts to fall mid-hill is not generally desirable, I focused all of my thoughts and energy on one objective – reaching the top. In spite of the limited resources provided by my 50-year-old motor, I somehow crested the hill unscathed… and quite satisfied with my new conquest.
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As I rode on, I reflected on how this cycling lesson applies to our professional ride. This year, we have certainly faced some challenges. Acronyms like BC/BS, PT’s, MACRA, MIPS, and FQHC should be quite familiar to all of us.
Significant Legislative Impact
Fortunately, our riding partner, the ICS, has stayed “clipped in” and continues to help advance our professional progress. The ICS’ actions have had a significant legislative impact on several issues including PT scope expansion and workers compensation reimbursement. We were one of the first associations to stand up to UHC’s policy to deny payment for chiropractic management of headaches (a policy that has since been reversed). We have seized many opportunities big and small that have allowed all of us to continue working in the profession we love.
Although we have not yet crested every hill, our association is certainly still pedaling – and will continue to do so! The ICS’ actions mirror two important success lessons from the mountain bike trail:
- See your hills as opportunities and choose to stay “clipped in”
- When progress slows, don’t fret if you’ve made the best decision, instead focus your effort on making the best of whatever decision you made
I take great satisfaction knowing that my professional riding partner, the ICS, will always be clipped in and ready for whatever hills come our way. But the ICS is not an autonomous entity in Springfield; it equal parts of you and me. The ICS does not exist without our contributions of dollars and time. As my tenure as ICS president comes to a close, I ask you to ask the same question that I am asking myself; how do I stay clipped in and focused for the miles that follow?
Respectfully,
Tim Bertelsman
