VU Refuses to Answer VTDK Questions on Chiropractic Chair
- University faces scrutiny over clarity regarding professorship funded in part by a chiropractic association.
- who served on the committee that appointed a chiropractor,Sidney Rubinstein,as a professor to a chair partially financed by a chiropractic organization?
- However, Rector jeroen Geurts of VU University is refusing to reveal the members of the committee that appointed chiropractor Sidney Rubinstein as a professor.
VU Refuses to Answer Questions About Chiropractic Chair
University faces scrutiny over clarity regarding professorship funded in part by a chiropractic association.
who served on the committee that appointed a chiropractor,Sidney Rubinstein,as a professor to a chair partially financed by a chiropractic organization? The VU University (VU) is declining to disclose this information,raising concerns about transparency.
Transparency is generally expected at universities. However, Rector jeroen Geurts of VU University is refusing to reveal the members of the committee that appointed chiropractor Sidney Rubinstein as a professor. The chair is partially funded by the Dutch Association for Chiropractic, an organization of active chiropractors in the Netherlands; VU finances the other half.
Geurts, in a letter to the association against quackery (VTDK), stated that the names of the appointment committee would not be released due to privacy considerations.
This does not fit with a high-quality science practice in an open society.
Hans Vemer, chairman of the VTDK, in response to the VU rector.
The association questions the appointment of a chiropractor as a professor, expressing concern about the university’s scientific standards. The VTDK’s letter to Geurts asks, Where did the science go?
The association argues that chiropractic is an choice treatment method lacking scientific evidence of positive clinical results and is not included in treatment guidelines from general practitioners and specialists.
No Greater Effect
Rubinstein, a researcher at VU, has maintained a chiropractic practice as 1993. he has stated in articles that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has no greater effect than other treatments.The VTDK board expresses surprise that further investigation is still deemed necessary. They view the professorship as a political advertising stunt for a meaningless alternative treatment.
geurts has not responded to further questions from the VTDK, providing only a formal response that does not address the question about the appointment committee.
The VTDK has also contacted the Dutch Orthopedic Association (NOV) to inquire about their views on chiropractic and whether the treatment method is endorsed in their professional guidelines. The VTDK highlights that the Chiropractors association NCA is seeking recognition of chiropractic as first-line care. The letter to the NOV is co-signed by several orthopedic surgeons. The NOV has yet to respond.
VU University & Chiropractic: A Q&A
Addressing Concerns and Clarifying the Controversial Chiropractic Professorship
What is the Controversy Surrounding the VU University Chiropractic Professorship?
The controversy centers on the appointment of Sidney Rubinstein, a chiropractor, as a professor at VU University. The chair is partially funded by the Dutch Association for Chiropractic, raising questions about openness and scientific standards.
Why is the Appointment of a chiropractor as a Professor at VU university Controversial?
- Lack of transparency: VU University is refusing to disclose the members of the committee that appointed Rubinstein,raising concerns about the decision-making process.
- Funding Source: The professorship is partially funded by a chiropractic organization,which critics argue could influence research and academic integrity.
- Scientific Validity Concerns: The Association Against Quackery (VTDK) questions the scientific basis of chiropractic, citing a lack of evidence for positive clinical results.
Who is Sidney Rubinstein?
Sidney Rubinstein is a chiropractor and researcher at VU University. he has maintained a chiropractic practice as 1993.
What is Rubinstein’s Stance on Spinal Manipulative Therapy?
Rubinstein has stated in articles that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) has no greater effect than other treatments.
Why is the VTDK Concerned About the Chiropractic professorship?
The VTDK (Vereniging tegen de Kwakzalverij – Association Against Quackery) questions the appointment, expressing worries about scientific standards. They argue that chiropractic is an alternative treatment method lacking strong scientific evidence and is not included in treatment guidelines from general practitioners and specialists.
What are the VTDK’s main arguments against the appointment?
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: The VTDK believes chiropractic lacks sufficient scientific proof of it’s effectiveness.
- Questionable Scientific Standards: They consider the professorship a potential threat to the university’s scientific standards.
- Alternative Treatment: They see chiropractic as a choice treatment method that is not generally endorsed by medical professionals.
What is VU University’s Response to the Criticism?
VU University’s rector, Jeroen Geurts, has declined to release the names of the appointment committee members, citing privacy concerns. He has provided only a formal response that doesn’t address questions about the appointment committee, further fueling the controversy.
Is Chiropractic a Widely Accepted Medical Practice?
the acceptance of chiropractic varies. While some patients and practitioners find it beneficial, it faces criticism due to a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for many conditions. Mainstream medical guidelines often do not include chiropractic treatments, and organizations like VTDK actively question its scientific basis.
Key Concerns and Criticisms Summarized
| Issue | Concern | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| appointment Committee | Lack of transparency | university refused to disclose members. |
| Funding Source | Influence on research | Partial funding from a chiropractic association. |
| Chiropractic’s Scientific Basis | Lack of evidence | VTDK questions the scientific validity of chiropractic treatments. |