Chiropractic Week brought together faculty, students, alumni, and practitioners to learn from each other and grow the profession.
University of Western States opened its fall quarter with the inaugural Chiropractic Week. The brainchild of Martha Kaeser, DC, dean of the College of Chiropractic, the event highlighted current aspects of theory and practice in the profession. The result was a series of activities that brought together experienced professionals in the field, including alumni, to provide students with a window into their professional futures.
Scheduled during the student lunch hours, the weeklong event featured food, presentations, information tables for student clubs and organizations, hands-on demonstrations, guest speakers, all culminating with a white coat ceremony on Friday.
A Homecoming for Some
Opening the week was a panel discussion by long-time doctors of chiropractic Daniel Mutter, DC, and UWS alumnus Jason Young, DC. Dr. Young saw the panel format as an opportunity to inspire students and future chiropractors about the journey that they have embarked on.
“It immediately sparked memories of all the things I was excited and insecure about when I was sitting in their position,” Dr. Young says. In the weeks leading up to the event, he reflected on how far the profession has come in the 17 years he has been practicing. “UWS has had no small part in the recent evolution of chiropractic because of the people working in the institution as well as those who have been educated there.”
Faculty member Rebecca Bell, DC, who gave a hands-on presentation during the week, says her students enjoyed the event for the sense of community it fostered.
“They especially enjoyed the Community Day activities and the chance to hear about subjects they get less exposure to in the regular curriculum,” Dr. Bell says.
A Glimpse of Future Opportunities
For UWS student Colin Paradis, the week’s activities served two purposes.
“One, it exposed me to several doctors and their perspective on practice, which helped guide me in how I see myself practicing in the future,” Paradis says. “Two, I was able to learn many practical chiropractic skills regarding assessment, adjustments, and soft tissue treatments from highly skilled professionals.”
Paradis, one of several Canadian students at UWS, found the presentation by Board of Trustees member Jennifer Forbes, DC, who lives and practices in British Columbia, to be particularly informative.
“Her presentation, which was very candid and straightforward, shifted my original opinion of initially practicing in the U.S. after graduation and then moving back to Canada,” Paradis says.
Jake Salaz, DC, concluded the week with a presentation on how to create a comprehensive exam that establishes a framework for world-class treatment and management of the patient.
Says Dr. Salaz, “I was hoping to inspire the students to understand that the school gives them a great initial framework, and that by layering in other world-renowned techniques into that framework, they would be able to elevate their understanding of the functional deficits in the patients they are working with.”
The Privilege and Responsibility of the White Coat
Chiropractic Week coincided with a white coat ceremony at which students in their eighth quarter were formally recognized and inducted into the Connected Whole Health clinic to begin patient care.
Nikita Vizniak, DC, who addressed the students, says, “I was honored to be part of the white coat ceremony, which marks such a significant milestone in the lives of these students. My remarks focused on encouraging graduates to embrace their new roles with confidence and humility, highlighting the importance of evidence-informed, patient-centered care, as well as to emphasize the power of empathy in clinical practice.”
The consensus among the participants both at UWS and in the community was that Chiropractic Week exceeded expectations in attracting students, practitioners, and faculty.
“The event provided us with some great practical strategies for patient assessment and treatment, and it was inspiring to hear from individuals who are genuinely passionate about their work,” student Alexandra Nelson says.
Dr. Young recognizes the importance of alumni providing guidance to current students. “The future of the profession is only as bright as our commitment to mentorship, cooperation, and collaboration,” he says.
For more information on programs at University of Western States, please fill out the form below.