Complementary Programs at UWS | University of Western States

In close-up, a doctor fits a patient's wrist for a splint.

Complementary programs at University of Western States are molded to address the medical needs of communities through a patient-centered approach.

University of Western States plays a crucial role in addressing the health care challenges faced by the Portland community. Through its commitment to whole person health practices focusing on complementary medicine and preventative care, UWS prepares health care leaders who go on to set the global standard for health.

Patrick Battaglia, DC, DACBR, assistant vice president for Community-Based Clinical Education, highlights how UWS prepares students to meet the evolving needs of Portland’s underserved individuals and communities. Explore how UWS shapes graduates to be skilled practitioners and compassionate leaders.

Centering Patients in Health Care Decision-Making

At UWS, our motto is “For the good of the patient.” Our curriculum provides students with an evidence-based, patient-centered model informed by best practices. This patient-centered approach is the foundation for our complementary medicine programs. Students participate in a cultural competency course in their first quarter, which emphasizes how factors such as race and religion play into health care outcomes.

“Our students learn early on how to incorporate patient preferences, values, and beliefs into decision-making,” Dr. Battaglia says. “Patient-centered care is the current standard, and UWS is leading the way.”

Classifying the Standard of Preventative Care

Preventative care is at the heart of UWS’ mission. Preventative care is key to promoting long-term, affordable health for communities. Preventive care often starts with a conservative approach, which emphasizes avoiding invasive procedures or medication as the first step in treatment. For example, studies show that patients receiving preventative care, such as chiropractic care, are 60% less likely to require hospital treatment for spinal conditions.

This method prioritizes less aggressive interventions to manage and prevent conditions, focusing on simpler and less disruptive strategies before considering more intensive options. It avoids invasive treatments and the costs surrounding them. In fact, studies conclude that integrated care can decrease costs and increase patient outcomes. By educating students on the importance of preventative and conservative care, UWS equips the next generation of practitioners to focus on proactivity when it comes to treatment.

To illustrate the importance of conservative preventative care, Dr. Battaglia uses the example of back pain. A patient experiencing back pain might visit a medical doctor and receive an image X-ray or MRI and be prescribed medication. However, if they work with a chiropractic provider first, they might be less likely to develop a chronic condition—and they’ll often save money in the long term, too.

Preventative care plays a crucial role in improving the overall health and well-being of the Portland community, and UWS’ complementary medicine programs are at the forefront of this effort. By integrating our core principles of patient-centered care into every aspect of our curriculum, UWS prepares students to meet the diverse whole person needs of individuals and communities. This approach is the cornerstone of our mission, driving us to serve “For the good of the patient.”

On-Campus Clinical Experience

Here, at UWS, community service is not just an add-on; it is a core component of the educational experience.

For example, the Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) students’ curriculum includes working in the UWS clinic on campus, serving Portland patients under the supervision of licensed clinicians. The on-campus clinic allows students to gain hands-on experience serving Portland patients under the supervision of licensed clinicians.

The UWS clinic is committed to providing high-quality care at little or no cost for underserved Portland communities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in community service events, one of which is led by our on-campus clinical team.

“These events provide a powerful contrast to the typical campus clinical environment, as students not only witness the challenges faced by these folks but also engage with their stories firsthand,” says Ryan Ondick, DC, associate professor, Clinical Internship. “Addressing their injuries and ailments offers an eye-opening experience, deepening the interns’ understanding of health care disparities and the impact they can have on improving the lives of Portland’s less fortunate.”

This approach ensures that students graduate with the skills and confidence to make an immediate impact in the Portland community—and it’s just the beginning of the UWS impact.

Community Clinical Experience

UWS students participate in an on-campus clinical rotation followed by a nine-month Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE) program. During their community clinical experience, students have the opportunity to work under the supervision of licensed clinicians in more than 160 regions across the United States and Canada.

This program allows students to gain experience in diverse clinical settings. According to Dr. Battaglia, this model prepares health care providers to deliver high-quality care to underserved communities. “We need to serve big systems such as hospitals and the VA, but we also need to work with small clinics in remote areas,” he says. In fall 2024, 95% of all clinically eligible UWS students are doing clinical rotations in the community across the U.S. and Canada. Student involvement in community-based care increases the readiness of students once they graduate while also serving the needs of these communities.

“We want students to leave with cultural humility and a deep understanding of how to serve patients from diverse backgrounds,” Dr. Battaglia says.

UWS employs a matching process during the CBCE program. Students weigh in on what regions and health care roles they would like to serve.

The support from UWS doesn’t stop at coursework either. “We provide support for students prior to their clinical experience, as well as during and after,” Dr. Battaglia says. This includes help with the relocation process, arranging access to emergency contacts, and onboarding. “We check in with them frequently, both formally and informally, via surveys, emails, and other forms of outreach.” Students also have access to WellConnect, a student wellness program that offers additional support.

Gaining diverse clinical experiences helps students understand the diverse conditions that can affect the entire health care system, such as health care costs, access, and practitioner shortages.

Martha Kaeser, DC, dean of the College of Chiropractic, says, “Our foundational course in the DC curriculum is focused on identifying and teaching the concepts of cultural competency and cultural humility with the goal of equipping students with the skills to advance their professional journey toward becoming a culturally responsive clinician.”

UWS complementary clinical programs prepare students to make an impact, providing a well-rounded education on cultural competency, preventative care, and tangible experience. The UWS commitment to “For the good of the patient” ensures that residents in Portland and beyond benefit from personalized, preventative care that enhances their quality of life and promotes long-term wellness.

How University of Western States Programs Are Designed for Whole Person Health

UWS offers a range of complementary medicine programs that serve the dynamic needs of both regional and international communities. Our evidence-based programs equip students with the skills and knowledge to promote whole person health in Portland communities and around the globe.

Programs include:

Become a Change-Maker at UWS

UWS is dedicated to empowering its students to become leaders and change-makers in the community. Through a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, ethical practice, and community service, UWS instills values that go beyond technical expertise.

Students graduate with a commitment to lifelong learning, patient advocacy, and social responsibility, ready to make a meaningful impact wherever their careers take them.