Cal Jam: More than Just Another Seminar
INTERVIEW
Interview with Billy DeMoss, DC
The American Chiropractor
Billy DeMoss, DC, is a chiropractor based in Newport Beach, California. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a degree in chemistry in 1981. He then attended Los Angeles Chiropractic College and graduated in 1985. Along with heading an innovative practice that educates and strengthens his community, Dr. DeMoss is the founder of the Dead Chiropractic Society (DCS), which is a coalition of Southern California chiropractors who meet monthly to discuss chiropractic philosophy and advancements. In 2008, he decided to expand DCS by founding California Jam. He is currently preparing for his 11th event, which takes place January 26th-28th, 2018. The American Chiropractor (TAC) recently spoke with Dr. Billy DeMoss (BD) to get a closer look at the passion beneath his signature firebrand style and hear his perspective regarding current topics within the chiropractic profession.
"At the height of DCS, we had about 80 to 100 doctors meeting in our clubhouse."
TAC: What is it that made you want to create the Cal Jam?
BD: California Jam evolved from DCS meetings, which we’ve held in our office on a monthly basis for over twenty years. At the height of DCS, we had about 80 to 100 doctors meeting in our clubhouse. I knew this was a movement and wanted it to be available to chiropractors all over the world. It has been fun crafting a lineup of speakers, not readily accessible to many people otherwise, while creating a way for doctors to earn continuing education (CE) credit. I was also inspired by events that I’d attended throughout my career, such as Dynamic Essentials and Parker. I emulated what they did while adding rock-and-roll music to make it a little more electric and fun.
TAC: Who are some of the early influencers and mentors in the development of your practice philosophy? Why?
BD: My biggest influence has always been Fred Barge because
he taught me the importance of chiropractic philosophy. Fred Scofield has been another influential doctor in my life. He taught me that I can be myself and be unafraid to get out of my shell. Lots of doctors from Dynamic Essentials were extremely influential as well. Jimmy Greg, Ian Grossam, John Hoffman, Bob Sotille were all instrumental. Mark Kimes and Scott Sawyer were great teachers of practice management.
TAC: What do you think about the issue of scope challenges around the country?
BD: I don’t really have a firm opinion on Scope challenges— just as long as we, as a profession, keep drugs and surgery out of practices, I’m okay. I try to stay out of the political things if I can, but I always draw the line at drugs and surgery.
TAC: What is it that has propelled Cal Jam to become such a large event?
BD: I think my authenticity and passion to change consciousness had a lot to do with it. I feel that our event is really a “purple cow”—it’s completely different from what is offered out there in the chiropractic world. It takes place at a prestigious center for the arts in Orange County and really exudes that opulence. We have an eclectic menu of speakers who cover subjects spanning from chiropractic to global sustainability. Having the benefit of rock and roll really adds electricity. The event is high class and runs on a tight schedule in order to respect everyone’s time. The love and brotherhood/ sisterhood is palpable.
TAC: What are some of the goals you have professionally for the next decade?
BD: I’d love to see Cal Jam grow from 3,000 attendees to 50,000, whether that’s live attendance or live stream. Finding a venue with the same level of class and intimacy would be tough, but it would be a challenge I’d be happy to take on.
I’d love to spend more time doing speaking engagements and working on Cal Jam, but my practice is always a priority at the end of the day—only working three days a week is probably the most I can go away from my patients. I’d also love to write a book and some music.
TAC: What is the most encouraging thing that you have seen with chiropractic since you became a chiropractor?
BD: The first thing is acceptance of chiropractic within the healthcare paradigm. After graduating in 1985,1 was called a quack at least once a week. I don’t see or feel that level of negativity as much. There are still challenges in that area, though.
TAC: What is the most disappointing thing that you have seen with chiropractic since you became a chiropractor?
BD: The most disappointing thing I’ve seen is colleges trying to be more medically centric and allopathic, with the exception of just a few.
^After graduating in 1985, I was called a quack at least once a week. I don’t see or feel that level of negativity as much [today]. 5 5
TAC: How does your practice differ today from when you graduated LACC?
BD: There’s a lot less insurance today but more acceptance now than there used to be. I definitely have more certainty in myself and my skills.
TAC: Many chiropractors are upset about the stance that you have taken with being openly against vaccines and encouraging people to not be vaccinated. Can you relate a story on this topic to help explain your position and justification for it?
BD: First, I want to explain my position. I believe children
are being poisoned, so I have to share it. I want to allow parents the opportunity to learn about the reality of vaccines and give them the resources to make an informed choice. I make sure to state that I’m taking my chiropractic hat off when I talk about vaccines, but just because I’m a chiropractor, it doesn’t disqualify me from participating in the discussion. I don’t outright tell people not to get vaccinated; I inform them of the risks and want for them the ability to make their own decisions about their children and families.
Any words for your haters?
BD: I love my haters, but if you’re gonna mention me, spell my name right: B-I-L-L-Y D-E-M-O-S-S. Please follow me on all my platforms so the algorithms bring more people to my pages. Thanks!
TAC: And likers?
BD: I’d like to reaffirm the fact we are leading the charge of changing health care from sick care to prevention and natural immunity. We’re successfully taking an imperative message to the world.
You can get an exclusive The American Chiropractor discount on California Jam tickets with the code AC2018 - visit californiajam.org for more information about the event and to purchase tickets.
TAC: Our sincere thanks to Dr. Billy Demoss. If you would like to send an e-mail to Dr. Billy Demoss, you may e-mail him at [email protected]
