In April of 2000 the first chiropractic program in Brazil will graduate its first class, establishing the germinal foundation of the profession in South America. This program was developed through a partnership with Palmer College of Chiropractic and Feevale University in Novo Hamburgo, Brazil. This initial program was a two year post graduate curriculum, open only to those already holding degrees in a health care discipline. The class includes medical doctors, physical therapists and dentists. By requiring a higher level of training prior to entering the program it was anticipated that an abbreviated curriculum would provide sufficient training for the first class. The graduates of this class would also be instrumental in supporting a more traditional five year program. A five year curriculum has been presented to and accepted by the government of Brazil and the first class will matriculate in February, 2000. Very few people in Brazil, or in all South America, currently have access to chiropractic care. The program will produce local chiropractors which will lead to more health care options for the people of Brazil. The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective overview of the program, illustrate some of the issues faced, both political and educational, and outline current ideas on the future development of chiropractic education in Brazil
Learning Objectives: To inform the audience of the current status of an innovative educational program. To describe the process for instituting a professional educational program in a country where no such program has existed. To evaluate the strengths and weakness of the chosen approach for establishing the program and assess its applicability in other countries
Keywords: Education, Chiropractic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.