Episode 61 – Scott Haldeman, Part 2: Evidence-Based, Multidisciplinary and Tempered with Humility

SCOTT HALDEMAN DC, MD, PHD, FRCP(C), FCCS(C), FAAN

Dr. Scott Haldeman holds various designations of professor at the University of California – Irvine, UCLA, Southern California University and Shanghai U of TCM.  He’s held offices in the North American Spine Society, American Back Society, the North American Academy of Manipulative Medicine and Orange County Neurological Society and has also served on the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. He’s been on the editorial board of 8 professional and scientific journals, published over 200 articles and book chapters, and been involved in writing or contributing to a number of textbooks. He presided over The Bone and Joint Decade 2000 to 2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders, an initiative for the World Health Organization. Dr. Haldeman, among other credentials is a board certified neurologist, a chiropractor, and a diplomat of the American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine.  He’s received highest honors and awards within spine societies, as distinguished lecturer and as honorary doctor. 

 

Show Notes

Memorable Patient Story

Dr. Haldeman recalls a patient experience in Tanzania.  She was an 80 years old woman who walked a half mile and had a below-knee amputation and was without a prosthesis.  Her complaint was a sore neck.  The apparent need for this patient was not what he believes many would expect.  Other patients he mentions include those with other concurrent health issues and each needed the clinician to look at the whole picture and not just to provide their most popular treatment or the treatment with which they are most experienced.

Patient Analogy

Scott doesn’t use analogies as much as he simply makes certain that patients re-look at their back pain as something they’ll manage and not look for a cure.  It is a more difficult but important message is to help patients have a proper understanding of their problem.

Best Advice

From his father he was told, “The world usually rewards people who spend their time helping others.” He also said that “doing good is a selfish act.”  Meaning that the more you help people the better off you’re going to be.

Doing Differently Now

The difference is substantial.  He emphasizes now more than before the importance to adhere to evidence, approach it from a multidisciplinary attitude and it should be tempered with humility as to what can be achieved.

Resource/Studies Not to Be Without

The Bone and Joint Decade Taskforce on Neck Pain is mandatory reading for clinicians who treat chronic neck pain.  That can be found in a few different journals including the Spine, European Spine Journal, and Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics. 

Evidence-Based Management of Low Back Pain Dojenay and Holderman through Elsevier Press is also a reading Dr. Haldeman suggests.

Personal Habit Contributing to his Success

Commitment to the field and enjoying working in management of spine care.  Reading is also mandatory to stay up to date and providing the best care.

Dr. Haldeman encourages us to learn more about World Spine Care and he challenges us to donate and volunteer to the cause as a way to give back to the field.

Go to http://worldspinecare.org

To contribute:

Thanks for your support!