Fundraiser for Christine Gregoire

Last Thursday, May 22nd, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the fundraiser event hosted by PTWA for Christine Gregoire. The governor has been a strong supported of our profession throughout her time in office. In 2005 she signed our consumer protection act, something she took a lot of heat for. She is incredibly passionate about the healthcare system, especially when it comes to children.  During her speech to the 30 attending this intimate event, she really hit home when she began talking about evidence based research.  At this point, Jeremy Angaran and Bob Boyles, co-chairs of the manipulation task force,  interjected and gave a very solid statement about manipulation. Jeremy touched on issues of LBP and how it is a billion dollar medical problem and that the services PTs can provide, are cost effective and research shows favorable outcomes. He then stated that WA state is one of 2 states where manipulation is not allowed to be practiced. Therefore we as PTs cannot offer best practice. Jeremy then informed her of our student poll that showed that 31% of students graduating are thinking about leaving the state because of this issue. I was shocked to learn that the governor was incredibly knowledgeable about this issue, although she was shocked that WA is one of two states that cannot manipulate. In her statements following, she discussed how surgery is not the answer to LBP and costs healthcare billions with unfavorable results. Several other issues where brought up as well including how MRIs have become  the new 1st line of defense because they are "sexy" as Bob always says and cost healthcare millions, when a simple X-ray would suffice. Needless to say, Christine Gregoire is on our side! She has already provided us with several contacts so that we can begin getting legislation written up. She is incredibly passionate about the healthcare system and is an amazing Governor, arguably one of the best in the nation. As this is an election year, I urge everyone to seriously consider supporting and backing Christine Gregoire. ~ spread the word.

Brett Neilson

PTWA Student Liaison