University of Western States (UWS) was recently given top recognition for the sports medicine program as well as commended for the human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) program by Intelligent.com, a website providing unbiased college rankings and research for prospective college students.
The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed hundreds of schools with comparable programs on a scale of 0 to 100.
The master’s in sports medicine degree was ranked No. 1 of 17, also earning the accolade of most “Intelligent Pick” for students. In addition, the program was named No. 4 of 24 of all sports medicine degree programs, being named “Best in the Northwest.”
Out of 44 schools, the UWS HNFM program was named No. 5 and “Best in the Northwest.”
“Our graduate programs are rigorous, flexible and provide students opportunities to apply their knowledge in multiple settings,” said Dr. Dana Sims, UWS vice president for academic affairs. “We are proud of the positive impact our students and alumni are having in health care communities worldwide.”
About the sports medicine program at UWS
The sports medicine program at UWS is a seven-quarter graduate professional master’s degree program designed to provide students with advanced training in the prevention, evaluation and management of injuries and disorders affecting athletes and others participating in sports activities. This professional master’s degree is targeted to students with prior training in the evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This audience includes chiropractic program students, chiropractic physicians, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other health care providers.
About the human nutrition and functional medicine program at UWS
The human nutrition and functional medicine (HNFM) program at University of Western States (UWS) is the only fully accredited master’s program in functional medicine. It is 100 percent online and is offered as a collaborative endeavor between UWS and the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the organization that founded and developed the key functional medicine concepts in use today. The master of science degree option (52 credits) can be completed in 5-9 quarters, while the graduate certificate option (28 credits) can be completed in 3-7 quarters.
In recognition of National Distance Learning Week, we reached out to some of our online faculty to get their thoughts on what it’s like to stay engaged with students all over the country and even worldwide. Hear from Dr. Matthew Condie, adjunct faculty in the sport and performance psychology and clinical mental health counseling programs.
I am honored to be part of a unique, diverse, and highly-skilled team in the clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) and sport and performance psychology (SPP) programs of both students and faculty. I hold a master’s in clinical psychology in Australia and a Doctorate of Education in Sport and Performance Psychology through UWS. I was fortunate enough to be invited back to be part of the teaching team and currently teach Communication in Leadership Positions, Positive Leadership in Sport, and Psychology of Performance Excellence courses at UWS.
I see my mission in education to explore and challenge the status quo regarding human performance, functioning, and coping through the lens of reflective practice, innovation, change, and lifelong learning. My passion is to promote the integration of inclusion, well-being and mental health to support athletes and leaders to achieve balance, resilience and performance excellence with authentic purpose, meaning and absorption.
As an alumnus of UWS, I can attest to the holistic, evidence-based and inclusive learning online environment. Having engaged in traditional face-to-face education historically, the online learning environment presents different learning challenges, yet an abundance of insights and opportunities. Online learning is becoming more common, with one in six students now choosing to engage in online learning. This flexibility and mobility allows me to travel anywhere in the world while connecting in to support, engage and hopefully inspire reflection and skill development to our onboarding sport and performance psychology consultants.
I was asked what my favorite part is about being an online instructor at UWS. For me, there are several. I am thankful to have the opportunity to offer my skills, knowledge and experience from the other side of the world in Australia, offering a cross-cultural context regarding the socio-cultural impacts of leadership in sport. I find this to be a unique characteristic of the online UWS program. Second, I am honored to encourage, empower, equip and enable students in an area fuel my passion, purpose and meaning. Sometimes I will facilitate classes when it is 3 a.m. Australian time. The fact that I can foster meaningful and robust conversations with the team I am supporting who are starting their day, who can then take that energy to motivate and influence others (who I will unlikely ever meet), makes the waking in the middle of the night totally worth it! Finally, I am thankful that while being half a world away, I feel a sense of community and belong with the student cohort and faculty as if we were all on campus.
If you are considering joining the UWS online journey to optimize the performance of individuals in the area of sport and performance, here are a few tips and tricks.
Consider the long game: Give yourself the opportunity to map out your study commitments in the context of your other roles and duties. You will be taking on an additional role and it is important that you balance it to ensure you last the journey with energy and giving your full effort. We want to support your growth and push you outside your comfort zone. We also don’t want you burning out before you get to the start line in the profession.
Connect with your peers outside of courses: You will come across an amazing bunch of humans with some great experiences. Take the opportunity to connect with these like-minded individuals outside of class. Have an e-coffee over a video call to build strength and support as if you were on campus in person.
Know your learning style: Online learning requires a different type of self-directed learning. Know your learning style, including how you best learn and/or barriers in absorbing the contents and achieving your best.
I look forward to sharing the experience and journey with you in the online classroom. Let’s train the mind to think and bring out the best in ourselves and in others.
“Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.” – Francis Bacon
David Peeace, DC, 1996 graduate of University of Western States (UWS), has been named the 2019 UWS Alumnus of the Year. Over the span of Dr. Peaace’s professional career, he has been a leader in best practices in chiropractic care both in direct care of patients and in service on numerous professional organizations, including as immediate past chair of the Canadian Chiropractic Association and current chair of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative.
In addition, Dr. Peeace is a mentor for indigenous youth, having spoken at numerous indigenous educational events and having paved the way for future generations as the first indigenous chiropractic physician to practice in Saskatchewan. Always a voice for compassion and quality of patient care, Dr. Peeace’s career exemplifies the UWS motto, “for the good of the patient.”
“I am profoundly honored to be the recipient of the UWS Alumnus of the Year award,” said Dr. Peeace. “It is a great privilege to be a graduate from such an esteemed educational institute and this has instilled in me to give back to our esteemed profession. To be acknowledged for my contribution is something I could never have dreamed of sitting in the gym/lecture hall so many years ago.”
Do you have someone in mind that would be an ideal candidate for our next alumni of the year? Submit a nomination!
From Left to Right: UWS SABCA members Jasmine Tucker, Christina Violante, Shenee’ Lawson
University of Western States doctor of chiropractic (DC) students Shenee’ Lawson, Christina (Tina) Violante and Jasmine Tucker were sponsored to represent the UWS Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) nationally at the 38th Annual American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) Conference at Palmer Chiropractic College in Daytona Beach, Fla. The chapter maintained their status as the first and only SABCA chapter in the Pacific Northwest region. The conference promoted networking, interaction and building upon leadership skills to motivate DC students and current chiropractic physicians with ways to stay ahead of the curve.
The ABCA organization was founded by Bobby Westbrooks more than 30 years ago with efforts to recruit, encourage and support people of color to study chiropractic, to advance the science, philosophy and art of chiropractic, and to improve the standards in the profession through technical and professional knowledge. The ABCA seeks to donate time and services to neighborhood health clinics and perform community education.
Read on about how the UWS SABCA representatives’ experiences at this event shaped their future in chiropractic.
Dr. Edwin Cordero, president of Sherman Chiropractic College, spoke about motivation, life and encouragement to SABCA members during the introductory session which set the uplifting tone that permeated the conference.
His message began with this advice, “When adversity comes, keep going! What we do is not easy. If you are persistent you are going to realize what you do is going to make a difference. They are going to know what you stand for versus what you do. If you are not doing the right things for yourself and your profession, it is going to effect the profession.”
Dr. Cordero also emphasized that when you are communicating, be clear with your communication. Doctor and patient communication is vital and essential throughout your encounters.
His first five years in practice he was afraid to charge the going rate or refer patients to other practitioners. He would talk himself down from $50 appointments to $10 because of being poverty conscious. His advice to us was, “Once you are graduated you have already beat the odds, why are you being mediocre?” He finally gained confidence and stopped being mediocre and his patient base increased significantly.
Dr. Quentin M. Brisco (ABCA President) and Dr. Rodney Williams (Former ABCA President) with UWS SABCA members. From Left to Right: Jasmine Tucker, Christina Violante, Shenee’ Lawson
He never thought he would be the president of a chiropractic college. The first time Sherman called him, he hung up because he assumed it was a joke. He then realized they were observing him and thought he was a good fit. That was a super proud moment for him and another life-defining moment.
Dr. Cordero told us, “The power is within you. Get through school the way you need to get through and get into the world and make a difference. You don’t do it alone. Find people that know how to help you get through this process with URGENCY!! Today, not tomorrow. You don’t wait for things to happens, you do things to make it happen.”
You need to support your organization.
Support a trade organization.
Support politics that protect our rights.
Support schools whose profession you believe in.
After this session the SABCA students felt empowered, recharged and ready to hear about more life-defining moments.
The next presentation was a panel discussion of fifteen successful African American chiropractic physicians that answered questions from SABCA attendees. Their responses and advice shifted the energy from feeling encouraged as minorities who are attending schools and conferences as the minority, to feeling extremely proud for already defeating the odds and standing where we are today. We realized we hold the ability to make a difference in our profession and community while becoming successful! The energy in the room was so vibrant the room literally shook for a few seconds from all the excitement that we all shared together.
The students enjoyed the networking and career-building opportunities that were offered at the conference, but what they enjoyed the most was the outreach program opportunity. Every year SABCA puts on a fundraiser and outreach opportunity for a local non-profit organization located where the National ABCA Conference is held. This year they reached out to CATALYST Global Youth Initiatives. In order to encourage and teach these young individuals about chiropractic, the students not only showed them their skills but also let them palpate mock patients during a mock routine visit.
The CATALYST group also got to explore a dry lab of gross anatomy with a digital cadaver and bones. They were so ecstatic after getting a deeper understanding of what chiropractic is and how chiropractors are able to help people. They left the community outreach with not only wanting to go see a chiropractor but also with the aspirations of being a chiropractor.
UWS SABCA students also competed against their peers at the Chiro Bowl. This was their second time competing and they were recognized as 3rd place Chiro Bowl winners recovering honorable mention and a cash prize. Congratulations Shenee’, Tina and Jasmine on your accomplishments.
The UWS SABCA students enjoyed meeting their SABCA peers in other regions, legendary Black chiropractors that have seen and made history, and looks forward to bringing home their innovative and leadership skills that were built meanwhile at this conference.
This conference meant so much to UWS SABCA by providing an opportunity to explore the chiropractic field with peers and mentors that identify as the minorities. We face different struggles and adversity in so many ways. It is so helpful to be able to, ask for advice from someone who has been in your shoes. The American Black Chiropractic Association gives you the opportunity to build confidence. It places mentors right at your fingertips. We thank all of our donors that made it possible to attend this conference and we look forward to spreading our light within the profession.
Left: Brett Jones, DC ABCA Western Representative) with UWS SABCA memebers. Middle: UWS DC students/SABCA representatives Jasmine Tucker, Christina Violante, Shenee’ Lawson. Right: UWS SABCA with Texas Chiropractic College SABCA members
Portland, Oregon, the Rose City, is a go-to destination for those who want to soak up and experience all that makes the beautiful Pacific Northwest special. Whether you are taking in the breathtaking views of Mt. Hood and the skyline, perusing the many coffee shops and restaurants or taking in some live music, always remember to “Keep Portland Weird.”
There is no shortage of exuberant and unique characters in the city, and the traditions, pride and genuine hospitality of Portlanders contribute to the city’s charm. Here are some suggestions from us at University of Western States for some must-see destinations, restaurants and activities while you are in town either visiting, attending a conference or considering moving to the area or new in town.
Getting Around Portland
Portland is a bike friendly and very walkable city. Check out Biketown PDX for more info on how and where to rent bikes.
With more than 84 lines, Portland TriMet buses serve much of the Portland metro area. Explore the bus lines and route here.
The MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) Light Rail connects Portland City Center with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, North/Northeast Portland and Portland International Airport. Check out the system map here.
The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall was built in 1928 and hosts a variety of performances from music, to theater and dance, film festivals and more.
Pioneer Place is a shopping mall located in downtown Portland connected by skywalks and features upscale dining and retail options. Mall hours are 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Pioneer Courthouse Square is affectionately called “Portland’s living room.” This public space often has live music, seating to enjoy the outdoor space and wondrous people watching opportunities. Learn more here.
City of Bridges
Did you know? Portland has 12 bridges than span across the Willamette. Can you cross them all while you’re in town?
John’s Bridge
Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge
Fremont Bridge
Broadway Bridge
Steel Bridge
Burnside Bridge
Morrison Bridge
Hawthorne Bridge
Marquam Bridge
Tilikum Crossing – walking and biking only – Pro tip: You can park on SE Caruthers behind Portland Classical Radio, walk across the Tilikum Crossing Bridge and take the aerial tram up the hill and back for great views of the city.
Ross Island Bridge
Sellwood Bridge
Sporting Events
The Portland Winterhawks hockey team, part of the Western Hockey League. The Winterhawks split their games between the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Moda Center located in the Rose Quarter district. Check out arena and parking information here.
The Portland Trail Blazers professional basketball team plays at the Moda Center. Explore more info about the Blazers’ here.
The Rose City Rollers are Portland’s answer to tough women who skate fast and hit hard. The local league consists of an internationally-ranked travel team, two junior derby programs, four home teams and a recreational team.
The Portland Pickles are a collegiate woodbat baseball team in town. You can watch the team and their beloved mascot, Dillon the Pickle, in the summers at Walker Stadium in Portland’s Lents Park.
Neighborhood Hot Spots
Tom McCall Waterfront Park named after former Portland mayor, spans 36.59 acres along the Willamette River. Nothing beats a nice stroll along this scenic trail. Don’t forget to snap a picture of the famous ‘Portland’ sign too! Learn more about the park here.
The Pearl District is a popular downtown neighborhood that features world-class restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, unique housing and more. Explore more of the Pearl here.
The Oregon Zoo stretches across 64-acres nestled right next to downtown Portland and is home to more than 2,500 animals representing 215 species. Learn more and plan your visit here.
The Lan Su Chinese Garden features classical and contemporary Chinese artwork and botanicals. Learn more here.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is located right on the bank of the Willamette River Home to fascinating hands-on exhibits, a large screen theatre, planetarium (host to laser shows!) and more. Learn more about OMSI here.
The Portland International Rose Test Garden features more than 10,000 rose bushes of around 650 different varieties. Roses bloom from April through October. Learn more about the Portland staple here.
The Portland Japanese Garden blends nature, serenity and beautifully crafted land nestled right next to the Rose Garden. Learn more here.
Founded in 1893, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the West Coast and seventh oldest in the United States. Learn more about exhibits and purchase tickets here.
Portland Saturday Market is open every weekend from March through Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This open-air marketplace is a space for local artists, musicians and food vendors to come together. Learn more about the market here.
If You’re Extending Your Trip Throughout the Weekend
Oregon serves natural beauty all throughout the state. Within one weekend of travel, you could experience the majestic Oregon coast, luscious wine country, the rolling green forest and waterway of the Columbia River Gorge, the mountainous terrain of Mt. Hood and the high desert of Bend.
Multnomah Falls, located 20 minutes from the current UWS campus east of Troutdale in the Columbia River Gorge, is a must-see. This 611-foot-tall majestic waterfall is an Oregon staple and the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest.
The Fruit Loop, spend an afternoon tasting the fresh bounty of Oregon. The Fruit Loop is a series of farms, orchards and wineries located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood. Tour the loop and sample a variety of fruits, wines, vegetables, ciders, flowers and food.
The seven wonders of Oregon are aptly named. They include:
University of Western States (UWS) President Joseph Brimhall, DC, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Dr. Brimhall began his three-year term to the board on July 1, 2019.
Dr. Brimhall is the first chiropractic physician to be elected to the CHEA board. He previously served on the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the Council on Chiropractic Education United States, the Council on Chiropractic Education Canada and the Councils on Chiropractic Education International.
UWS President Joseph Brimhall, DC, has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
The CHEA Board of Directors works closely with CHEA’s president to establish organizational goals addressing a range of issues including government affairs, international activities, recognition and member services. CHEA is an association of 3,000 degree-granting colleges and universities and recognizes 60 institutional and programmatic accrediting organizations. The council is a national advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation; recognition by CHEA affirms that the standards, structures, and practices of accrediting organizations promote academic quality, improvement, accountability, and needed flexibility and innovation in the institutions or programs they accredit.
Dr. Brimhall’s appointment begins as he closes his time on the Board of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Dr. Brimhall served on the NWCCU board for 12 years including six years as chair of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners are responsible for reviewing recommendations from peer-evaluation teams and making decisions about the accreditation status of colleges and universities within a seven-state Northwest region.
“I am honored to be appointed to CHEA. The opportunity will build upon the knowledge gained serving on the NWCCU board,” said Dr. Brimhall. “I look forward to my tenure and working to ensure the highest level of integrity in higher education.”
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