Dr. Jessica Longhi Answers Four OCA Townhall Questions
1. What do you think is currently the most important opportunity (or highest priority) for the chiropractic profession in Ontario and why?
I believe the chiropractic profession is at a pivotal point in demonstrating how impactful chiropractic care can be in helping the Ontario healthcare system provide both human and animals with the best care possible. It is imperative that we continue to advocate for chiropractors and their place in the healthcare system.
Our current healthcare system is going through an essential shift to help alleviate the stress that is continually placed on the medical infrastructure. As MSK specialists, I feel it is important to advocate for chiropractors to have a role in alleviating this burden and help improve Ontario’s access to high quality healthcare.
2. What do you think is the most important role OCA Board can play during the next three years?
As an animal chiropractor, I have greatly appreciated the role the OCA has taken to advocate for our ability to continue as a direct portal of entry for animal owners. This privilege was not achieved easily, and it was with the OCA’s professional persistence that we are able to continue to provide animal owners with easy access to our services. Unfortunately, we will likely have to continue to prove that we deserve to maintain our direct portal of entry for animal owners, and with that it will be important for the OCA board to maintain its interest in this matter.
In general, it will always be of high importance to continue to promote the expansion of the chiropractic scope so that we can enhance patient experience and help alleviate the stress on the medical system. For example, the OCA is playing an integral role in gaining authority for chiropractors to order advanced imaging services. Not only will this take pressure off medical professionals, it would enhance the patient care experience by helping patients receive appropriate treatment faster.
3. What key difference do you want the Board to make during your tenure on the OCA Board of Directors (for 2026-2029)?
I would really like to help bridge the gap between animal chiropractors and veterinarians. The OCA has created a successful platform for advocacy for animal chiropractors, and I would like to help continue with their current efforts. Animal chiropractors are MSK specialists, and we can take on the cases that don’t always require medical attention. It would be my goal to help foster the current relationship the OCA has established with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario and help promote a transparent and trustworthy relationship between the two professions.
4. In what way can data, such as Aspire data, and the incorporation of tools like Artificial Intelligence be used to advance the profession, support research and enhance advocacy?
Technology and data have become an integral part of our lives, and it is in our best interest to use these tools to enhance our practice and patient care.
For example, using data collected through enhanced healthcare systems can help create an objective approach to healthcare, thus, standardizing patient care and enhancing patient outcomes. Data is also an essential component in detecting patterns in medical histories, which can aid in better diagnoses that are more accurate. Data can also be a useful tool on the research side to help determine whether current treatment protocols are objectively effective, which can guide us in creating effective standardized care protocols.
I believe research plays a significant role in helping advocate for our profession. Research can objectively demonstrate the efficacy of the techniques we use as chiropractors, and with our current advancements in technology we can do our due diligence to help demonstrate why and how our treatment protocols aid in treating MSK conditions.