Are chiropractors REAL doctors? That is a good question with an even better answer – YES! Apparently, the fact that chiropractors do not prescribe medications promotes the feeling among some that their expertise is limited to bad backs. There are many great doctors who practice chiropractic but their focus is on a more natural model of healthcare. However, just like any profession…there are good and bad, dedicated and less than dedicated, those with ethics and those without. The good news for all of us is that the laws and regulations do a very good job of weeding out those we would prefer avoiding being treated by. In order for a doctor of chiropractic to legally practice in the United States, not only does the doctor have to pass his/her courses of chiropractic instruction and get that coveted Doctor of Chiropractic diploma, he/she also must pass four very difficult and strenuous board exams. The board exams do a very good job of weeding out those who haven’t adequately learned all of the required chiropractic subject matter.  No one is allowed to practice until all four chiropractic board exams are passed. However, just as most of us have observed with medical doctors – the brightest candidates are not always the best doctors nor is their “bedside manner” always something to write home about. (In my opinion, no matter whether they are chiropractors or MD’s, the best doctors know their stuff, care about their patients and give their patients the time and attention they need.) In addition to the national chiropractic boards, each state has their own set of additional requirements. So, in order to become a licensed, practicing chiropractor, a doctor of chiropractic must earn their chiropractic diploma from an accredited institution, pass four chiropractic national board tests and complete all state requirements for the state they wish to practice in. Just for kicks and giggles, here is a comparison between the education that chiropractors receive and medical students receive:

Subject Matter	Class Hours – Chiropractic	Class Hours – Medical
Anatomy	540	510
Chemistry	165	325
Diagnosis	630	325
Microbiology	120	115
Neurology	320	110
Obstetrics	60	150
Orthopedics	210	155
Pathology	360	400
Physiology	240	325
Psychiatry	60	145
Radiology	360	150
HOURS	3065	2710
	ADDITIONALLY REQUIRED STUDIES – CHIROPRACTIC	ADDITIONALLY REQUIRED STUDIES – MEDICAL
	Spinal ManipulationNutritionPhysiotherapyAdvanced Radiology	PharmacologyImmunologyGeneral Surgery
TOTAL HOURS	4485	4250

As you can see from the chart above, chiropractors take a course load with a total number of subject hours that is greater than medical students. Becoming a chiropractor is not an easy or quick process. It generally takes an individual 7 to 9 years to complete their undergrad and graduate studies. So now that you know that chiropractors are real doctors…the choice is yours. Are you simply looking to medicate and mask your health issues? If you want sick and disease care – seek help from a medical doctor. However, if you truly want “healthcare”, that focuses on prevention of sickness and disease while focusing on health habits that promote a long, healthy life, I would recommend you see a chiropractor.