|  Being a native Oregonian, I have been called a Unicorn by a few of my classmates. With our small campus community, I often forget that UWS has a population of students from around the globe. I feel guilty when others marvel at the little things I have taken for granted, simply because I have lived here my entire life. So I thought, if you have a chance to explore outside of Portland, you may enjoy a few of my favorite Oregonian things.
The beach: an easy drive from Portland. I will tell you about my favorite place…but I like this place a lot, so don’t go trashing it and making me regret I told you about this. Pacific City is a tiny beach town, but the beach is GREAT. A large haystack rock with a sunset backdrop, a huge sand dune, dory boats that launch off the beach, tide pools and the ability to drive onto the beach for a day of fun.
Bend: my home town and outdoor enthusiast mecca. It is sunny about 360 days per year, too many seasonal sports to list, easy drive to Crater Lake or extinct volcanoes, hidden caves, mountain lakes, hiking, Sun River…let me just sum it up by saying you should visit Central Oregon.
Eastern Oregon: It will feel like you have stepped into a different time period when you walk down the wooden sidewalks and see a real mounted jackalope in the General Store. It is a bit of a drive, so wait until a break, explore the Fossil Beds, the Painted Hills and the John Day River. You may come home with a good story to tell about a random trip to the middle of nowhere.
The Gorge: A beautiful natural boarder between Oregon and Washington, the Columbia River makes its way thru a variety of landscapes. Of course you should go see Multnomah Falls and the surrounding area. But don’t stop there. Check out Bonneville Dam and say, “Hi” to Herman the Sturgeon. Find a good wine and local fruit for cheap in Hood River. Why not go all the way down to Maryhill Museum (Washington side), they have a few unexpected exhibits you might find interesting.
There are other Unicorn’s on campus, even a few Washington bred one’s as well. If you are not from the Northwest, local classmates and professors can be a valuable resource for getting to know the area.
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|  In first quarter of our chiropractic program we took our very first radiology class: radiographic anatomy 1. This class taught us the basics of identifying anatomic structures as seen on an X-ray and laid the foundation for our future radiology courses.
The skills I learned from this class are used every time I look at an X-ray and help me to be more consistent and accurate in interpreting those X-rays. More importantly for me, however, this class sparked a curiosity which has changed my whole career plan.
After that first radiology class I knew I was hooked, but kept quiet about it because, let's face it, most radiologists are a bit on the strange side and I wasn't sure I wanted to be in that group!
Throughout the whole series of radiology courses (including bone pathology and X-ray positioning), however, it became harder and harder to disguise my interest and passion for the subject matter. I began devouring radiology textbooks (sometimes to the detriment of my other classes) and learning about other imaging modalities (e.g. musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound; look it up, it's totally cool).
I recently applied to become the next resident in diagnostic imaging at UWS (cross your fingers for me) because it is clear to me that this passion for the field of radiology isn't going away. Residency lasts at least three years and concludes with very difficult board exams at the end.
Successful completion of those exams leads to diplomate status (DACBR) and many options for future practice. I view healthcare as a team effort, including all of a patient's various providers, and I look very much forward to joining that team as a chiropractic radiologist.
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|  The curriculum here is loosely organized into three themed strata.
The first stratum, which spans the first 15 months or quarters 1-5, is largely dominated by the basic sciences. Despite numerous course titles and descriptions, they can all be boiled down to variations of anatomy, chemistry, and physiology.
I entered the program with a B.S. in general biology but I don’t feel that this granted me any large advantage compared to those entering with other types of degrees or those coming into the program without a degree in any relevant field of study. It did afford me a foundation of background information that some teachers may have taken for granted when explaining certain topics but even though I took many of the same class titles I had taken in undergrad, the material was mostly new and unfamiliar to me.
Taken in isolation, the basic sciences taught here can be challenging but are not difficult. The difficulty comes with the amount of material thrown at you from various directions in such a high amount. I was accustomed to 12 credit hours per semester being full time and special permission from the dean was needed to go beyond 17. But here, you can expect an average upwards of 25 credits per quarter.
However, the faculty does a great job at integrating and cross referencing the material between each-other’s lectures and these large amounts of credits only force you to submerge yourself in the material; surrounding yourself with it and learning it almost like a foreign language. Luckily, the instructors are here as often and just as immersed as you are and are always willing to hash out topics whether you catch them in their office, eating their lunch, or in line waiting for coffee.
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|  I know many of you sat for boards this past weekend and all of you woke up this Monday morning to an intense load of final exams. With that in mind, this week’s career tip is applicable to your future career AND to this very moment! When your schedule is so demanding it can be difficult to honor any boundaries around your downtime. Conversely, when your admits a demanding schedule honoring your downtime is as important as ever! Neglecting to take time to rest and recharge is like trying to drive across country without refueling. Even with a hybrid vehicle, made for fuel efficiency, you’ll eventually have to stop to refuel!
On February 9, 2013 Tony Schwartz published an article entitled “Relax! You’ll Be More Productive” in the New York Times. Within this article he states: “More and more of us find ourselves unable to juggle overwhelming demands and maintain a seemingly unsustainable pace. Paradoxically, the best way to get more done may be to spend more time doing less. A new and growing body of multidisciplinary research shows that strategic renewal — including daytime workouts, short afternoon naps, longer sleep hours, more time away from the office and longer, more frequent vacations — boosts productivity, job performance and, of course, health.”
It's finals week and from what I hear you are all juggling “overwhelming demands and (maintaining) a seemingly unsustainable pace” Don’t forget to pause, stretch, get some physical activity and laugh! Research shows, if you do...you’ll be much more productive when you return to studying.
Best of luck to everyone!
- Career Services Advisor, Kasey
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|  Before I entered UWS I didn’t know that each school can be so different from one another. I chose UWS simply because I liked the lecture by Dr. Partna during the open house and the view from campus. (The drive to and from school during the sunrise and sunset can be breathtakingly beautiful.)
I didn’t tour all the different schools or talk to alumni—I figured wherever I went I will make the best of it and come out a chiropractor. Now that I’m in my final year of school, I realize that UWS is pretty darn special.
UWS education and especially the basic science courses create a solid foundation for the students. Once we become doctors in the field we can keep ourselves relevant by keeping up with the most current literature. UWS doesn't teach me what to think but how to think for ourselves with the information presented to us.
Each school seems to be shrouded in mystery with rumors among students since the only avenues of interaction are through the yearly conferences for SACA (Student American Chiropractic Association) and extra-curricular conferences and seminars. I was lucky enough to meet some students and graduates of other schools through the odd conferences and seminars. Everyone that I met from the other schools were wonderful people and their respective colleges all seemed to do a great job, but just like I didn’t know much about their schools they knew little about UWS as well. There were plenty of rumors about UWS but many were far from the truth.
Rumors such as:
#1 UWS doesn’t teach how to adjust
We have hands on classes starting from first quarter with adjusting classes starting from third quarter. You get comfortable with the human body VERY quickly.
#2 UWS doesn’t teach any techniques, or if they do they teach it wrong.
From my experience it’s true that we don’t learn any specific technique system but we are exposed to them through lectures and a lab that invites different practitioners of various systems to demonstrate and lecture on their system. To my knowledge UWS doesn’t endorse any specific system but they also don’t discourage anyone from going out on their own to learn more. What they do teach us is how to critically assess all the information that is thrown at us for validity.
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| Networking! The Powerful Force Behind Professional Success.
Do you want to:
• Be the first to know when a professional opportunity in your field comes available?
• Hone your vision while broadening your horizons by exposing yourself to a variety of perspectives on your career field?
• Experience a smooth transition from student to professional?
• Spare yourself needless struggles and learn from gurus who have gone before you?
• Feed your enthusiasm for your field?
If you answered yes to any one of these questions, it is time to increase your networking! LinkedIn and other social media venues are great ways to manage your network contact, but the best way to build your relationships and gain new connections is face-to-face.
Appetizer & Dessert Networking Reception
Friday May 17, 2013 from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
You do not have to attend a workshop to attend the networking reception.
However, space is limited so register now!
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|  Making the choice to return to school, especially a graduate program, was not something that I considered lightly.
I always knew that I was destined for more than what I had achieved, but after having my son and scrambling to try to get my own life together after that – I just wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to manage all of life’s responsibilities of being a mom and a full time student.
I started another program with an online school that had closed its cyber doors abruptly one day and with a bitter taste in my mouth, I began searching the Internet. I had been working on pre-requisites for another school, but felt that the clock was ticking and life was passing me by.
That is when I stumbled upon UWS’s Master's of Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program. I was once again excited to begin school and get back on track. Apprehensive at first, and honestly a little daunting to be surrounded by the caliber of medical professionals, I forged ahead and have learned so much already. I have more confidence in my ability to help people and my belief and fortitude in what I have overcome to be who I am and where I am going has increased in spades.
I have enjoyed every moment of it, but to be honest it is not an easy undertaking while serving as a solitary caregiver for a young child. I have really learned to balance my schedule and his in a delicate dance that allows both of us to get what we need out of life. To this point I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while caring for him, shuttling him around, being “Mom” and having a clientele.
So when someone asks me, “Do you think I can do it?” My answer is always “Yes, you can do anything you really want to do, but the question is … do you want to?”
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|  Fellow classmates
I was quite surprised with the effectiveness that cohorts can have on student learning. It helps build a more personal relationship with your classmates. You are always surrounded by people who are experiencing the same challenges as you.
Coming from a large university, I am used to lecture classes of over 300 students and only actually knowing a handful of them. I would recommend creating study groups with classmates to discuss topics and to challenge each other with questions.
Also studying with different people in your class can help gain a new technique or approach to learning something. If you show that you are willing to help people, they will be more than willing to help you when you need it.
Professors
The professors at UWS are an extremely useful resource as they are the ones writing and grading the tests. All of the professors set aside a lot of time to hold office hours and are always willing to help a student who is having troubles. They are also keen on hosting final exam review sessions for the benefit of the students.
Don't hesitate to ask your professors for clarification on anything, they are all happy to help and want to see you succeed.
Upper level students
What better resource is there than students who've already taken the courses and know the tricks and shortcuts to learning the information? Being friends with people from upper quarters is particularly useful for understanding how certain professors make their tests and for learning different approaches to studying the material.
If you're lucky, you might even find someone who is willing to lend you their notes.
These may seem a little obvious but they are very effective for getting good grades.
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| Have you considered the specific advantages and challenges to opening and running a successful chiropractic practice in a rural area? For example:
• How you make the most of your marketing dollars in a rural environment?
• How do you identify your competition in a rural area?
• How do you grow a practice when there are only a limited amount of people within driving distance?
• Is having multiple small locations a better idea than one lager location when practicing in a rural environment?
Come find out from Dr. Hawkins who runs a successful chiropractic practice in rural Alaska!
Upcoming Workshop: Family Practice in a Rural Area
Presenter: Joe Hawkins, D.C. of BIONIC Chiropractic
Date: Friday May 17, 2013
Space is limited for this workshop so register now!
Click here.
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| Since being invited to an interview is a clear indication of the employer’s interest to bring you on as a member of their team, landing an interview is a huge stepping stone in the journey to securing employment! When you’re offered an interview it means your resume & cover letter did their job; now it is time for you to close the deal. So how do you turn a prospective employer’s interest in you as a competitive candidate into a solid offer of employment? Come find out from an expert!
Upcoming Workshop: Interview Etiquette
Presenter: Brenda Reynolds, VP of Human Resources for Airrosti Rehab Centers.
Date: Friday May 17, 2013
Space is limited for this workshop so register now! Click here.
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