Diplomate & Fellow Program

The GCSS Diplomate Program

The GCSS Diplomate Program is intended to continue the process of refining the doctors proficiency using the Gonstead System of analysis and correction. Gonstead chiropractors who achieve “Diplomate” status enjoy this distinction and its many benefits. The designation of GCSS Diplomate makes a clear statement of dedication and excellence.

GCSS Diplomates are doctors who have been in practice a minimum of three years, have attended at least 238 hours of post graduate study of the Gonstead technique and have taken both a written and practical examination that tests their advanced proficiency and understanding of the Gonstead work.

A GCSS Diplomate is considered an elite practitioner who uses this type of adjusting method.
The purpose of the GCSS Diplomate-statusing program is to provide a structure whereby any chiropractor can progressively develop and refine their competency in the analysis, adjusting, and management of the chiropractic patient, as developed by Dr. Clarence S. Gonstead. This process gives the doctor the training to face any type of presenting complaint or condition seen in practice. It is the foundation for any successful practice. To become a Diplomate, the class hours must be completed through your attendance of certified Gonstead teaching seminars or courses. You will be tested to verify that you have an accurate and broad-based knowledge of case management, x-ray listing system, analysis, etc. You will also be given 10 adjustment set-ups to perform. Having passed the requirements, you will be eligible to participate in a number of continuing growth-oriented programs.
The Diplomate Program has clinical Round Tables and technique session intensives, such as advanced instrumentation. It provides opportunities for you to participate as a qualified research contributor for projects such as that by AECC’s Elaine Peterson, or as an instructor for GCSS at its symposiums, seminars, workshops and Chiropractic College homecomings. You will be asked to help mentor other developing doctors by virtue of your experience as a successful Gonstead doctor. You will be a part of an effort to develop nationwide regions to accommodate the mentoring process.

Finally, the Program will collect and unite a common pool for contemporary clinical knowledge for the purpose of accelerating the development of specific vertebral analysis and adjustment in the profession at large.

As a Diplomate, your status will be listed in the GCSS Membership Directory for referral purposes. The status distinguishes those who have been actively developing their skills in the different regions of the world, from those less involved. It identifies you as someone to call if a doctor needs help on a challenging case, or if you want to form a regional group in order to practice your skills, refine your clinical thinking, or to just socialize with other experts.

Diplomate Application Packet

The Diplomate Application Packet contains the information you will need to begin and complete the Diplomate process. There is a section containing "what a Diplomate needs to know" as well as a "sample test." The questions can be used as a study guide. The packet is an Adobe file for easy downloading and reading. Download the Diplomate Application Packet.

The GCSS Fellow Program

The Fellow Program offers a structure for continued development beyond Diplomate. It is the highest level of expertise in the GCSS.

Both the Diplomate and Fellow Programs are fully controlled by GCSS. There are no outside institutions that will ever modify its content, direction or purpose. In addition to the numerous Diplomate and Fellow doctors who set the course of the programs, there are 3 full-time and several part-time chiropractic college faculty members involved in the testing and research programs.

In summary, the Diplomate and Fellow Programs provide an organization of certified, experienced, Gonstead Doctors, from all backgrounds that interact with each other on a platform of mutual respect. The Diplomate Committee encourages all interested doctors to continue to obtain the course work necessary to sit the examination, and certify as a GCSS Gonstead Diplomate.

If you are interested in applying for Diplomate certification or need mentoring or advice, please contact Dr. Lydia Dever, Diplomate Program Committee Chair, by phone in Georgia at 404-886-2300 or email ldever@life.edu.

Click on the link below to see the list of GCSS Fellows & Diplomates.