Proceedings of Sherman’s 2025 International Research & Philosophy Symposium Published
Originally published: 2025-07-30
ATLANTA, GA 2025
Sherman College of Chiropractic and the Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic are proud to announce the publication of the official Proceedings from the 20th International Research and Philosophy Symposium (IRAPS 2025), now available in the July 30 edition of the journal (Volume 2025, Pages 16–XX).
Held May 2–3, 2025, in conjunction with Sherman’s annual Lyceum event, IRAPS 2025 drew together chiropractic scholars, students, and practitioners from around the world. The symposium remains the only venue in chiropractic that exclusively presents research and philosophical scholarship focused on vertebral subluxation.
“The publication of these proceedings is a testament to the scholarly rigor and philosophical integrity that Sherman College proudly supports,” said Sherman President Dr. Jack Bourla. “IRAPS is about building a lasting academic legacy around the principles of chiropractic.”
The newly released proceedings feature a robust mix of original research, case studies, and philosophical scholarship—each contributing to a growing body of work dedicated to vertebral subluxation-centered chiropractic. Topics explored in this year’s volume include the impact of chiropractic care on sleep quality, stress, and perinatal well-being; analysis of radiographic and thermographic assessment methods; retrospective reviews of care provided to pediatric and maternal populations; and the development of best practice guidelines for managing vertebral subluxation in clinical settings.
Equally notable are the philosophical contributions that examine the historical foundations of chiropractic, explore the profession’s role in modern health care, and challenge attendees to engage with the discipline’s unique metaphysical underpinnings. These papers not only deepen the profession’s academic framework but also reaffirm the relevance of chiropractic philosophy in today’s increasingly mechanistic health care landscape.
Together, the 17 published papers reflect the dual mission of IRAPS: to generate rigorous scientific research and to cultivate a rich, principled discourse that supports chiropractic’s identity and future.
“I appreciate being a part of this process,” said Dr. Alan Brewster, Sherman’s Director of Scholarly Activity. “We are watching the emergence of a new generation of chiropractic researchers—and these proceedings are a snapshot of that future.”
IRAPS 2025 also marked the first time in Sherman’s history that a formal Research & Scholarship Awards Program was conducted, with $5,000 in funding provided by ChiroFutures Malpractice Insurance Program. Winners were selected by a panel of judges and recognized for excellence in research design, relevance, and alignment with chiropractic principles.
“Our mission at ChiroFutures is to secure the future of chiropractic by investing in those advancing its founding principles,” said Dr. Matthew McCoy, CEO of ChiroFutures. “Publishing and recognizing research like this is central to that mission.”
The proceedings are now publicly available through the Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic, which serves as a key platform for subluxation-focused scholarship and dialogue.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic
