What is the definition of a DACBR (Chiropractic Radiologist)?
A chiropractic radiologist, also known as a DACBR (Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology), is a chiropractor who has received subspecialty training in Radiology. Following completion of their Chiropractic training and licensing, a Chiropractic Radiologist will undertake a full-time, post-graduate, 3-year residency to further strengthen their skills in interpreting radiographs (X-rays). They also learn how to interpret CT scans, MRI scans, diagnostic ultrasound scans, DEXA scans, and other modalities.
In comparison to the over 75 000 chiropractors in the United States alone, only approximately 300 Chiropractic Radiologists have finished the necessary training and obtained board certification.
How does one go about becoming a DACBR (Chiropractic Radiologist)?
After completing a Doctor of Chiropractic program, passing the five parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners tests, and obtaining state licensing, you will be eligible to apply for the limited and very competitive residency seats at various Chiropractic Schools. These chiropractic schools are accredited by regional/nationally accrediting bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission and Council on Chiropractic Education. The residency is a three-year full-time commitment in which residents work in both a clinical and an academic setting. These residents have the opportunity for additional training at ACR (American College of Radiology) accredited imaging centers/facilities. After completing the program, the individual is eligible to sit for a two-part exam with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology, and if successful, the individual is granted DACBR certification. The tests include a strong emphasis on musculoskeletal radiology, but neuroradiology, gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and radiology physics are also assessed.
Education doesn’t end with certification. In addition to maintaining continuing education (CE) credits as a chiropractor. Similar to medical and osteopathic radiologists, the chiropractic radiologist must maintain CEs with training in advanced imaging modalities.
Not only do chiropractic radiologists have to maintain continuing education (CE) credits as a chiropractor, but must maintain CEs as a radiologist with training in advanced imaging modalities.
What can a DACBR (Chiropractic Radiologist) perform or with whom can he or she work?
Given their expertise, a chiropractic radiologist (DACBR) can operate in a variety of settings. They may be able to work in academia by teaching chiropractic students, as part of an administrative team, or as a continuing education lecturer. Others will choose a clinical path, where they may work as a radiologist (in solo or group offices) or as a Chiropractor in clinical practice. Many chiropractic radiologists have established close working relationships with local imaging centers and can collaborate with their medical counterparts. Others may offer consultation services as an expert witness/testimony.
Many chiropractic radiologists have teleradiology practices where they collaborate closely with all medical specialists, with a focus on chiropractors. They offer diagnostic interpretations of images obtained by chiropractors, and they frequently consult the physician on the use of various imaging modalities and techniques, treatment strategies, and referrals.
In conclusion, chiropractic radiologists can work in a variety of fields, and many of them have multiple positions in both academic and clinical practice.
