UWS Alumna Named First Full-Time Chiropractic Physician at Portland VA Medical Center

Posted on May 3, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

Dr. Samantha Stolzel (UWS class of ’13) has been hired as the first full-time chiropractic physician in the Portland Veteran’s Affairs (VA) Medical Center

University of Western States (UWS) alumna Samantha Stolzel, DC (class of ’13) has been hired as the first full-time chiropractic physician within the Portland VA Medical Center.

“Being hired on as the first full-time chiropractic physician within the Portland VA Medical Center is an extreme honor,” said Dr. Stolzel. “Offering expanded integrated health care services in the VA will not only help our veterans, it will increase the visibility and strengthen the profession for future chiropractic physicians. I feel privileged to be able to treat our honored veterans.”

“I believe University of Western States provided me the integrated education that will allow me to be successful in this position,” Dr. Stolzel added.

(Pictured L-R): Vern Saboe, DC, (OCA Director of Governmental Affairs), Joseph Pfeifer, DC (UWS Chief Clinical Excellence Officer), Congressman Kurt Schrader (U.S. House of Representatives, Oregon’s 5th District), Samantha Stolzel, DC (Portland VA Medical Center), John Kitzhaber (former Governor of Oregon), Joseph Brimhall, DC (UWS President)

“Dr. Stozel was selected from a large pool of applicants and we are thrilled to have her representing the chiropractic profession in the Portland VA Medical Center,” said UWS President Joseph Brimhall, DC. “She will advance integrated care to the benefit of veterans that need chiropractic services.”

With a chiropractic physician serving as part of the health care team at the Portland VA Medical Center, veterans will experience a higher degree of integrated services.

“It’s great to finally see chiropractic services available to veterans in the Portland VA medical center,” said UWS Chief Clinical Excellence Officer Joseph Pfeifer, DC. “We’re pleased and proud that Dr. Stolzel was selected to fill this position from what was, no doubt, a large field of qualified applicants. We’re sure she will bring valuable perspectives and services to the integrative care of veterans and we look forward to opportunities to collaborate with her and the hospital.”

Chiropractic care was first offered in a small number of VA medical centers in 2004. The initiation of this service was authorized by federal legislation in 2001 (section 204 of Public Law 107-135, Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001).

Due to the successful integration of chiropractic services, beneficial clinical outcomes, increased demand by veterans and ongoing support of the VA, the profession’s involvement in the VA has continued to expand. The VA now employs more than 100 chiropractic physicians in more than 70 facilities around the country. UWS maintains academic affiliation agreements with eight VA facilities. Those agreements support the university’s ability to have select chiropractic students engage in the delivery of clinical services to veterans under the supervision and guidance of VA staff chiropractic physicians.

Until recently, the closest VA chiropractic department to UWS was in the American Lake facility of the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Tacoma, Wash. For many years, representatives of UWS and the Oregon Chiropractic Association (OCA), along with local legislators, have actively engaged with leaders in the VA Portland Health Care System to foster the implementation of a chiropractic department in Portland. In November 2018, chiropractic services were added to the Portland VA facility as part of the VA’s Whole Health initiative.

“Dr. Stolzel’s hiring represents another step forward toward cultural authority for the profession as well as an opportunity to work in an integrative medical environment and by so doing allow Dr. Stolzel to showcase chiropractor’s excellent training and clinical skill sets,” said Oregon Chiropractic Association (OCA) Director of Governmental Affairs Vern Saboe, DC.

The CHP Group Announces David Audley Elected to UWS Board

Posted on April 12, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

Integrative Health Care Executive Joins Board of Trustees for Prestigious Health Sciences University

The CHP Group, the authority and partner of choice in integrative health care (IH), announced today that David Audley, the company’s director of business development, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for University of Western States (UWS).

Audley, who has an extensive background in nonprofit work – including as president of the Portland State University alumni association – joins the volunteer governing board to help advance the mission, vision, traditions and values of the university. He also brings more than 25 years of business experience to the board with the last 15 years focused on life sciences and health care, including his current position at The CHP Group overseeing sales, marketing and medical provider recruiting.

“UWS has over a century of history producing outstanding medical practitioners,” says Audley. “I am committed to the mission of the university to train, educate and mentor the next generation of integrative health care providers.”

UWS offers a world-class, integrated health care education and provides an evidence-informed approach to health and wellness. UWS graduates deliver high-quality health care based on science, the professional’s skill and knowledge, and the preferences and experiences of the patient or client.

“University of Western States is pleased to welcome David as a trustee on the UWS Board of Trustees. He brings an enthusiasm for integrated health care, as well as previous experience in higher education administration and governance,” says UWS Board Chair Ron Rogers. “David’s experience and talents in business and marketing will bring a unique perspective to our board. We thank him for his commitment to UWS.”

_____________________

About The CHP Group: Founded in 1989, The CHP Group is the authority and partner of choice for evidence-based integrative health care. CHP maintains a mature, high-quality and local network of chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopathic physicians and massage therapists across the West. CHP works with carriers and large employer groups to provide accessible IH solutions to deliver better care, smarter spending and healthier members. Find more here: www.TheCHPGroup.com

About University of Western States
University of Western States designs and delivers evidence-informed curricula that embrace the science and art of health care, establishing a solid foundation and competitive edge in preparing professionals for clinical practice. UWS is a regionally accredited, independent nonprofit institution dedicated to improving the health and well-being of society through its educational programs, research and clinical services. Founded in 1904, the institution is world-renowned for excellence in health professions education. University of Western States students pursue an array of academic degree programs: doctor of chiropractic; master of science in human nutrition and functional medicine; master of science in sports medicine; master of science in diagnostic imaging; master of science and doctor of education in sport and performance psychology; and master of science and doctor of education in clinical mental health counseling. The institution sponsors approved continuing-education programs for licensed health care professionals, and provides health care services through University of Western States Health Centers. To learn more about University of Western States and its academic programs, visit uws.edu.

Going for Gold: UWS Sports Med Alumnus Erich Steinmetz Helps Elite Athletes Achieve Greatness

Posted on March 28, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

Hands-on training and application are emphasized in the UWS sports medicine master’s program and many alumni including Erich Steinmetz, MS, ATC, LMT, highlight the importance of an integrative care team when working with elite athletes.

Steinmetz had the opportunity to be part of the care team for elite Chinese sprinter, Su Bingtian. They first started working together at the 2015 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon (affectionately known as, Tracktown, USA). It was at this meet that Bingtian became the first Chinese man to break the 10-second barrier for the 100-meter dash, running it in 9.99 seconds.

Steinmetz has continued to treat Bingtian at the Prefontaine Classic in recent years and at other world track events. Last summer, Steinmetz had the opportunity to travel to China and Jakarta, Indonesia with Bingtian for the 2018 Asian Games. There, Bingtian won gold in the 100m sprint, running a 9.92, breaking the Asian Games record. This past February, Steinmetz again travelled internationally with Bingtian – first to Birmingham, U.K., followed by Düsseldorf, Germany for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Indoor Tours. Bingtian won gold at each meet in the 60m sprint, running a 6.47 and 6.49, respectively.

“It’s really rewarding when you can see spectacular outcomes from athletes you are working with… to witness achievement at such a high level,” said Steinmetz. “It’s not only a testament to their abilities, but in some ways to your knowledge and application of appropriate treatments that supported those achievements too.”

When working with elite athletes, members of the care team collaborate for what is best for the athlete. A typical sprint-training schedule could include three to four days of track training and resistance training twice a week, but it can vary. This can be incredibly taxing on the body, especially for those competing at the highest levels.

“Once you’re at such an elite level, a one-size-fits-all training program won’t work – you have to tailor it to the athlete, specifically toward what goals you’re trying to achieve and what competition they’re gearing up for,” said Steinmetz. “There is a lot of periodization, open communication and coordination between providers and the coach to determine what treatments would be most appropriate… to do all we can to help the athlete reach those goals.”

When working with Bingtian, Steinmetz’s overall goal was to improve the tissue quality of the hamstrings and increase range of motion in hip flexion in order to improve stride length. Pre-practice treatments were designed to reinforce proper lumbopelvic alignment as well as work to release the diaphragm for breathing and engage deep core stabilizers. Post-practice sessions were aimed to maximize recovery and continue to remodel the myofascium in the hamstrings. Bingtian was able to achieve 10 extra degrees of flexion in his right hip and 15 in his left with 100-105 degrees of flexion.

“The overall objective for a sport physio is to keep your athlete healthy and well-recovered so they can continue to train at high intensities and benefit from the training,” said Steinmetz.

Steinmetz continues to use his degree in sports medicine to further his career. Most recently, Steinmetz has been hired as a practicum supervisor within the UWS sports medicine master’s program. He will apply the practical knowledge he gained from being a program alum himself and incorporate his real-world experience working with top athletes. In April, he will be traveling back to China to work with the Chinese 4×100 relay team as they prepare for the IAAF World Relays.

“Ultimately, I like to be the kind of person who has my foot in the door with teaching, alongside practical application of skills in the field,” said Steinmetz. “I’m thrilled for this new opportunity.”

UWS Sports Medicine Program

Sports medicine refers to all individuals responsible for keeping an athlete healthy. This team often includes an athletic trainer, chiropractic physician, physical therapist or medical doctor. Depending on the size of the athletic organization, the sports medicine team can range from one person to 20 or more. In many settings, other specialties like dentists, ophthalmologists, sport psychologists, nutrition specialists, massage therapists and acupuncturists are also included on the sports medicine team.

The sports medicine program 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.

Learn more about the sports medicine curriculum and career pathways.

OnlineMasters.com Names UWS a Top Master’s in Sports Medicine Programs for 2019

Posted on March 18, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

Release from PRWEB – March 8, 2019

OnlineMasters.com, a trusted source for unbiased college rankings and higher education planning, announced the release of their Best Online Master’s in Sports Medicine Programs for 2019. The research identifies the top programs in the nation based on curriculum quality, program flexibility, affordability, and graduate outcomes.

In addition to insights gained from industry professionals, OnlineMasters.com leveraged an exclusive data set comprised of interviews and surveys from current students and alumni. Each online degree program was analyzed with only 17 making it to the final list. The methodology incorporates the most recent data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and statistical data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Most importantly, only programs from accredited nonprofit institutions were eligible.

“Graduates with a master’s degree in sports medicine are entering a broad field with multiple career paths,” says Barbara Montgomery, Program Recognition Manager. “With median salaries ranging from $200K for physicians to $44K for athletic trainers, the opportunities are boundless.”

Students with a master’s in Sports Medicine have the option to pursue careers such as sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers. The steady job growth in this market is just one of the many reasons OnlineMasters.com researched, analyzed, and ranked the Top Master’s in Sports Medicine programs. Access the complete ranking here.

About OnlineMasters.com
OnlineMasters.com provides proprietary and unbiased research to help students discover their options for the best graduate programs. The organization aims to inspire students to think big and make an impact in society through the pursuit of higher education. With user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, OnlineMasters.com enables students to make informed decisions about earning a master’s degree online.

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.

Learn more about the sports medicine curriculum and career pathways.

Healing Hands for Those in Need

Posted on February 22, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

Doctor of chiropractic students brings pain relief and healing to Oregon’s migrant workers

It’s early on a warm and cloudy morning in July as half a dozen University of Western States students begin unpacking portable adjustment tables under a series of white tents. They practice their Spanish as the workers arrive to start their eight-hour day harvesting strawberries, summer squash and beans.

This is the home and place of work for migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Hillsboro, Oregon, and these doctor of chiropractic (DC) students – along with several UWS faculty and other health care professionals – are here to provide free chiropractic care and medical services. Organized by Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center’s Migrant Camp Outreach Program, this is one in a series of experiential learning opportunities that UWS students are passionate about participating in.

Just What the Doctor Ordered

Every summer, the Virginia Garcia Outreach Team provides medical treatment and health education to migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Washington County, Oregon. This year, UWS student and faculty volunteers were invited along with nurses, health educators and other providers to deliver care.

“Our chiropractic students want as much hands-on experience as they can get,” says Christin Bankhead, executive manager of clinical internship. “By offering them a variety of placements, they’re able to expand their skillsets by attending to the health care needs of an increasingly diverse patient community. When the Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center invited us to provide care to migrant and seasonal farmworkers this summer, we were eager to involve our students.”

Providing on-site care for the farmworkers allowed senior chiropractic (DC) students the opportunity to address physical issues that they may not have addressed in the classroom or in campus clinics.

“In the beginning of an internship, students mostly gain experience by working on fellow students, either in class or on a rotation at the campus health center,” explains Dr. Craig Kawaoka, clinical educator at UWS and one of the attending physicians at the migrant and seasonal worker health care events over the summer. “Here, they have the opportunity to treat workers who use their bodies in strenuous ways for long shifts. Their musculoskeletal systems encounter different types of stress that must be addressed for long-term health.”

Many of the patients treated by volunteers said they were unfamiliar with chiropractic care.

“One of the biggest things for me was helping people understand how we could make them feel better,” says Gretchen ‘Chenny’ Gonzalez Ramos, UWS DC student. “The health care events were well attended, with lines of people who all wanted to be seen. We really got to work with our hearts. It took some of the mystery out of chiropractic for them.”

Gonzalez Ramos also enjoyed meeting all of the different medical professionals and attending physicians during the program.

“In addition to the UWS team, there were doctors, dentists, nurses, optometrists and more—I liked that it was about all of the systems and areas of the body and how they’re interconnected. When we saw something that wasn’t part of our practice or specialty, we could refer them to another professional the next table down and vice versa.”

Darcy Ogloza, UWS DC student, was eager to provide the farmworkers some immediate relief from pain, and to offer them advice on proper body biomechanics to help prevent injuries in the future.

“I jumped at the chance to participate,” says Ogloza, who is fluent in Spanish. “These people’s bodies take a beating, working in compromised positions for long stretches of time. It was fascinating to see that even the simplest adjustments or showing them proper lifting technique could make a huge difference in how they felt.”

Ogloza is also in the Master of Science in Sports Medicine program. He originally wanted to work with a sports team when he started working in chiropractic, but now he has his eye on opening a multidisciplinary practice for families that also incorporates massage therapy, acupuncture and naturopathy.

“Every person is different and I want to be able to help people improve their whole body system,” says Ogloza. “This event gave me the opportunity to help effect change by alleviating severe back pain and by giving patients exercises and stretches to help manage their pain in the future. The whole process was extremely gratifying.”

Care Beyond Measure

This collaboration with Virginia Garcia is natural for UWS. The Virginia Garcia mission places a special emphasis on serving those who experience barriers to receiving health care, which aligns with the university motto, “For the good of the patient.”

“Many of the problems I encountered during these events stemmed from years of hard labor and a profound lack of medical care,” says Luke Cobb, UWS DC student, who had a unique interest in the program because his parents also worked harvesting vegetables in the Pacific Northwest when he was young. “By the time we got to work on someone, their problems were more pronounced than they would be in someone who receives regular care, such as an athlete. Without treatment, these issues can—and do—turn into chronic pain for a lot of people.”

Cobb also appreciated the community outreach aspect of the program—serving underrepresented populations is an enhancement to his education at UWS and he was pleased to be able to make a difference for the workers and their families.

“After I volunteered at the first event and saw that Virginia Garcia was accepting donations to distribute. I brought clothes, kids toys and supplies to the second event I attended,” says Cobb. “I was happy to be able to make an additional positive impact in their lives, however small.”

Dr. Kawaoka, or Dr. K as he’s affectionately known, echoes Cobb’s sentiment.

“At UWS, we encourage students to expose themselves to as many patients and treatment options as they can. If you can learn one new thing or refer one patient to get the help they need, then you’ve won,” he says. “There are people in the world who are really hurting, and we can help them. We’re creating doctors who can teach patients how to take care of themselves and get them out of the chronic pain paradigm – and that’s the biggest win of all.”

UWS to Relocate to 82nd Ave and NE Tillamook St

Posted on January 23, 2019August 7, 2025 by Dana Schatz

UWS selects enhanced campus location and remains in Northeast Portland

University of Western States (UWS) is relocating its campus to 82nd Avenue and NE Tillamook Street. The five-acre property includes a 150,000-square-foot building constructed in 2006 that formerly housed the corporate headquarters of Banfield Pet Hospital. The impressive facility offers an innovative and versatile space that features active learning spaces, hands-on laboratories, expanded meeting rooms, dedicated study settings, and dynamic work areas for faculty and staff. The new campus showcases a modern health care facility designed to fulfill patient needs and provide exceptional opportunities for clinical training.

Founded in 1904, UWS offers health science and health care professions education in chiropractic medicine, human nutrition and functional medicine, sports medicine, diagnostic imaging, sport and performance psychology, and clinical mental health counseling. University students from across the nation and around the world complete their studies both on campus and online. UWS currently employs more than 150 on-campus employees, enrolls more than 1,200 students, and continues to grow and expand.

In April 2018, the UWS Board of Trustees announced its search for additional campus space to support the growth and diversification of the university, and placed the current 20-acre, 10-building campus on the real estate market. In November 2018, Linfield College School of Nursing revealed it had purchased the current UWS campus. UWS will lease the campus from Linfield College through April 2020. The university is relocating the entire institution and operations including all students and departments by early 2020.

“As we approach our 115th year, we are celebrating this relocation and advancement,” said Dr. Joseph Brimhall, president of UWS. “The new campus space offers active learning areas for students, increases the visibility of and accessibility to the UWS clinic, enhances opportunities for collaboration with other universities and community partners, and creates a healthy and sustainable campus for generations to come.”

UWS selected the 82nd Avenue facility for a variety of reasons, including closer proximity to inner Northeast Portland.

Mayor Ted Wheeler said, “I’m very pleased that the University of Western States will be able to expand its services for local residents, create job opportunities, and add to the vibrancy and activity of Northeast Portland. As one of Portland’s oldest institutions of higher learning and the world’s second chiropractic university, UWS has been and will continue to be a vital part of the Portland community. Congratulations to UWS students, Dr. Brimhall and the university team.”

U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer expressed his excitement for the university’s decision to remain in Portland and in his congressional district. He said, “University of Western States has brought great health sciences learning and services to the Pacific Northwest and to the world. Congratulations to Dr. Brimhall and the university on this new Portland location.”

The new campus is in a more prominent location, allowing the university to more easily serve its new neighborhood and the Portland community.

“We are thrilled to welcome the faculty, staff and students of University of Western States to the Madison South neighborhood,” said David Smith, president of the Madison South Neighborhood Association. “Our residents are excited to visit the university’s on-campus clinic, and we are looking forward to exploring partnerships between UWS and local businesses and schools to help strengthen our community.”

The campus relocation allows for sustainability and stability during an era of significant institutional growth and development.

“This move presents University of Western States with a unique opportunity to engage as a vital member of the neighborhood, and to further enhance our clinic settings as we serve the community,” said Dr. Brimhall. “We are excited to remain in Northeast Portland and look forward to our next 115 years.”

View a video about the move here. Additional details about the relocation can be found at www.uws.edu/facilities-planning.

About University of Western States

University of Western States designs and delivers evidence-informed curricula that embrace the science and art of health care, establishing a solid foundation and competitive edge in preparing professionals for clinical practice. UWS is a regionally accredited, independent nonprofit institution dedicated to improving the health and well-being of society through its educational programs, research and clinical services. Founded in 1904, the institution is world-renowned for excellence in health professions education. University of Western States students pursue an array of academic degree programs: doctor of chiropractic; master of science in human nutrition and functional medicine; master of science in sports medicine; master of science and doctor of education in sport and performance psychology; and master of science and doctor of education in clinical mental health counseling. The institution sponsors approved continuing-education programs for licensed health care professionals, and provides health care services through University of Western States Health Centers. UWS is a founding member of the Oregon Collaborative for Integrative Medicine, an organization that aims to advance integrative health care through education, research, patient care and advocacy. To learn more about University of Western States and its academic programs, visit uws.edu.