by Diana Jaeger-Eighmy, D.C.

Long ago and far away, at Lyceum at Sherman College in 1994, a group of dedicated straight chiropractors gathered together to exchange information and encouragement in an unused classroom. It was this group which banded together to form the FSCO of South Carolina, now called the PSCA.

This organization was committed to aiding straight chiropractors to succeed with honor using a three-fold approach. First, by increasing public awareness as to what “real” chiropractic was by using both bumper stickers and an explanatory booklet titled “What is Chiropractic?” Second, by using mentoring programs to increase the odds of success with honor for straight chiropractors. Third, by increasing our representation on the South Carolina Board of Chiropractic Examiners. It was this three-pronged emphasis on promoting straight chiropractic within South Carolina that got the attention of Dr. Rick Hartman and spurred him to support the group with time, talent and treasure.

Rick’s knack for computers was utilized in compiling the booklet on chiropractic as well as other materials used by the organization. Remember, this was way before the days of technosavvy that rule now! Rebecca, Rick’s wife, still thinks RAM is a sheep with horns... Rick’s unswerving dedication to the promotion of straight chiropractic was evidenced in his untiring work within the early organization and continues today with the mentoring of local chiropractors, such as myself, and the externship program with Sherman College.

Rick and Rebecca’s office is a font of chiropractic testimonials and literature. Their wellness-based practice continues to thrive, in spite of Rick’s jokes. It is this ongoing support of straight chiropractic, coupled with the intense support of the organization in the founding stages, that caused Rick Hartman to be awarded with an honorary lifetime membership with Palmetto State Chiropractic Association on December 19, 2002.

Rick was both appreciative and surprised when presented with the honor by Dr. Bill Decken, president, and Dr. George Auger, chairman. His fervent wish is that the focus of the organization remain true to its beginning principle to help straight chiropractors succeed with honor.

In this age of increasing medicalization of chiropractic care within our state, Rick believes the only option available for our continued survival as straight chiropractors is to separate ourselves as straight chiropractors. A twofold approach, from within chiropractic and without, would allow us to raise money to fight the CCE and State Legislature and give us a venue to establish, once again, the teaching of straight chiropractic within chiropractic colleges.

Rick’s desire is for the PSCA to educate the public at all levels about what straight chiropractic is, support chiropractors through education and mentoring, and maintain the ability to practice chiropractic separately and distinctly from medicine at the state and higher levels. “Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good” (Joe Paterno). Help keep chiropractic the pure and distinct entity that it is!