Establishing a residency program for a chiropractic specialty in a public hospital system: Experiences from Denmark

OBJECTIVE: We describe the experiences and lessons learned from establishing a 5-year postgraduate hospital-based residency program for chiropractors in Denmark. The program was established with the aim of qualifying those chiropractors to undertake common and several specialized functions in relation to musculoskeletal disorders, at the highest professional level, within the particular conditions of a hospital setting.

METHODS: We provide an overall description of this unique program, examples of specific educational goals, and the process used to develop the program.

RESULTS: Three pilot programs were conducted between 2009 and 2016. The internship program and educational goals were revised extensively during this period. Between revisions and semistructured interviews with key medical officers following the pilot program, the program was well received and considered appropriate for further qualifying chiropractors for specialized, hospital-based practice.

CONCLUSION: The structure and content of the program will likely require further improvements in years to come, but currently forms the basis of the first regular 5-year, postgraduate in-hospital residency program for chiropractors in Denmark and perhaps elsewhere.