The Investigating Committee recently reviewed a case concerning the tone and professionalism of a chiropractor’s comments made during an online interaction.
02.07.25 Fitness to Practice
By law all complaints received by the GCC must be considered by an Investigating Committee (consisting of both lay and registered members). Their role is not to decide on the details of the case, but decide whether there is a case to answer:
Would the conduct (if proven) be unacceptable professional conduct?
Where they find a case to answer, it is put forward to a full hearing of the Professional Conduct Committee (around 12 cases a year).
Read more about the investigation process
Concerns were submitted about the chiropractor’s conduct in a public forum, including comments that were perceived as offering medical advice and presenting themselves as a doctor without making clear that they were a chiropractor rather than a medical doctor.
In their response, the chiropractor denied giving medical advice or misrepresenting their professional status. They stated that the interaction took place on their personal social media account and was unrelated to their clinical role or professional work. They explained that their use of the title “doctor” was in reference to their academic qualification, and not an attempt to suggest they were a medical doctor.
The chiropractor said the exchange began when they corrected the complainant on what they described as inaccurate biological claims. The other party had identified themselves as a biomedical researcher, which the Registrant interpreted as an attempt to gain credibility. In turn, the chiropractor referred to their own academic background to assert their qualifications, using the title “doctor” in that context.
They acknowledged that the conversation became heated, describing the complainant’s remarks as simplistic and accusing them of lacking understanding of the medical profession. They further explained that their final comment, which included calling the complainant “uneducated”, was made out of frustration, after the interaction escalated and the complainant publicly shared personal information about them, including a screenshot from their former employer’s website.
While the chiropractor considered the complaint malicious and unfounded, the Investigating Committee offered advice regarding the importance of maintaining professional standards in tone and conduct, even on personal or informal platforms.
The Code states that as a chiropractor:
The GCC Social Media Guidance (Oct 2021) also states:
6. Social media use falls under Principle B of the Code: “Act with honesty and integrity and maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.”
The Committee’s determination included:
Having carefully considered all of the evidence presented to it, the Committee concluded that there is insufficient evidence which is capable of supporting findings of fact by a panel of the PCC, properly directed, in respect of the alleged unacceptable professional conduct in relation to the chiropractor allegedly giving medical advice. The Committee determined that there was no case to answer in respect of this aspect of the case.
However, notwithstanding this decision, having reviewed all of the documentation and evidence presented to it, the Committee was concerned with two other matters. Firstly, that the Registrant had appeared to refer to herself as a ‘Dr’, without clarifying that this was an honorary title and utilised in her capacity as a Chiropractor. Secondly, the Committee was concerned by the aggressive and sarcastic tone, seemingly adopted by the chiropractor, whilst engaging with another publicly on Facebook.
The Committee considered that it would be appropriate and proportionate, in this case, to offer the chiropractor advice. It considered that the chiropractor would be well advised and reminded to reflect upon and fully comply with B5 of The Code.
When using social media, you should consider how your behaviour, even on personal accounts, may reflect on your professional role and the wider reputation of the chiropractic profession. Conduct that may seem informal or private can still have professional consequences, particularly if you are identifiable as a chiropractor.
The GCC Social Media Guidance (Oct 2021) and toolkit offer practical advice on maintaining appropriate standards online. In particular, you should be mindful that all online activity, including posts, comments, and interactions, can be perceived as part of your professional identity and may be viewed by patients, colleagues, or the public.