Bold Beginnings: Pediatric Chiropractors as Healthcare Leaders

Today’s pediatric chiropractors are uniquely positioned to lead in early intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and parent education—especially when managing complex cases such as tongue ties, torticollis, feeding difficulties, and delayed milestones. Yet, many DCs and students lack structured strategies to navigate these challenges confidently and collaboratively. 

This session will empower both students and practicing chiropractors with evidence-informed frameworks to enhance clinical decision-making, communicate effectively with families and providers (e.g., lactation consultants, pediatricians, SLPs), and advocate for chiropractic’s role in pediatric wellness. Participants will explore real-world case scenarios, discuss red flags, and learn how to position themselves as trusted pediatric leaders while working within a patient-centered, team-based care model.

Pediatric chiropractors play a vital role in early identification, musculoskeletal support, and collaborative care for infants and young children. However, to expand our impact in healthcare, we must go beyond the adjustment—leveraging clinical clarity, confident communication, and leadership within interdisciplinary teams.

This session equips both chiropractic students and practicing DCs with the tools to step into leadership roles in pediatric care. Using evidence-based approaches, patient-centered care, and shared decision making, attendees will learn how to manage common pediatric presentations—such as torticollis, tongue/lip ties, and feeding dysfunction—while building trust with families and healthcare providers.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies to elevate their clinical voice, enhance care outcomes, and lead the next generation of pediatric chiropractic innovation and collaboration.

Learning Objectives: 
• Objective 1: Identify key clinical indicators and red flags in infants that require interdisciplinary referral or collaborative management.
• Objective 2: Communicate confidently with pediatric providers and caregivers using evidence-based language that enhances trust and referral relationships.
• Objective 3: Apply a leadership framework to expand confidence in pediatric healthcare settings—whether in solo practice, multi-disciplinary settings, or teaching environments.
• Objective 4: Educate and empower parents to make informed decisions about their child’s care and provider options.

Hourly Breakdown: 
• Introduction- 1 minute 
• Objectives- 1 minute 
• Communication strategies and considerations: 7 minutes
• History and exam components: 10 minutes 
• Assessment considerations for pediatric patients: 10 minutes 
• Red flag and referrals review: 5 minutes 
• Evidence applied to pediatric MSK treatment/clinical relevance: 10 minutes 
• Treatment plans and considerations: 10 minutes 
• Resources: 5 minutes 
• Closing remarks: 1 minute

This course is presented as part of the ACA Engage 2026 educational programming. 

This course is worth 1 CE credit in ACA-approved and PACE-accepted states. CEUs have been applied for in California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas. 

View a list of accepted and approved states. 

PACE ID: ON121263