Bio – Darcy Ogloza attended University of Alberta, where he completed a BSc in kinesiology before coming to University of Western States (UWS). He has always enjoyed staying active and participating in recreational teams, which is why the completing the master’s in sports medicine degree concurrently with the doctor of chiropractic (DC) degree appealed to him. Through ninth quarter of the DC program, he was very involved with the Associated Student Body (ASB) and Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) groups on campus. Ogloza believes it is vital as a chiropractic student to advocate for the profession and scope of practice. He served as the public relations chair on the SACA eBoard for one-and-a-half years. Ogloza’s dream is to own a multidisciplinary practice working mostly with other chiropractic physicians, massage therapists, physiotherapists, acupuncturists and naturopathic physicians.
Why did you choose UWS?
UWS has one of the highest passing rates for the Canadian and American Board Exams and that was what initially drew me to the university. I was also drawn to the fact that UWS is an evidence-based university. It is really important to me that all the therapies and modalities we apply have been well researched before we begin applying those therapies to our patients. My professors at UWS have continually shown that they are up-to-date on the research in the field. Another draw was the option of completing concurrent master’s degrees. Being able to take both the DC and MS programs at the same time has really opened some doors for me and exposed me to the athletic population, which I am interested in treating in the future.
Why did you choose your program/concentration?
For the longest time, I was trying to decide whether I wanted to go into a physiotherapy program or an athletic therapy program. I got the opportunity to work with both health professionals when I did my practicum with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Although together both health professionals always provided quality care, I felt that it could have been done more efficiently and streamlined since they continually had to indirectly communicate between themselves and the sports doctor. They relied on the athlete to pass on any information pertinent to their case, and I felt that sometimes some information got lost in translation. Eventually, I realized that a chiropractic physician (given the proper certifications and training) could deliver very similar care that the athletic therapist, physiotherapist and sports doctor were all providing, and ideally be able to provide that all in the same visit.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
Picking one favorite instructor is tough – Dr. Partna, Dr. LeFebvre and Dr. Bhalerao have been among my top choices. They never failed to mention what the latest research had to offer while adding a couple jokes here and there. I could go on and on about how much I liked each professor because honestly all of them had their own unique teaching styles and you could always tell how much each of them cared about our education.
One of my favorite classes has to be the anatomy lab. Nothing compares to how eye opening and educational my time in the lab was. One can always learn from a book or iPad but there is something to seeing the human body firsthand – how everyone is unique and comes with their own anomalies.
What is your favorite part about attending UWS as a student?
I feel that the community at UWS is very friendly and inviting. People are always willing to lend a hand. You can tell that the professors really care about your education, and the faculty and staff are always willing to go above and beyond to help you. I realize how cliché that might sound, but it I do not think there is a better way to explain it.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to become an associate for a chiropractic physician while I learn the ins-and-outs of running a business. I am in the process of taking both American and Canadian Board Exams in order to keep my options open for where I can practice, but I’m currently looking for associate opportunities in the Portland/Seattle area. I have also recently taken part in migrant camp events, where I was able to help treat a lot of underserved Spanish speaking individuals. I would definitely like to help treat more people in this population in the future. On top of that, I would also like to remain active with the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) as much as I can so that I can advocate for chiropractic rights and educate people on what chiropractic physicians do and what our role is in medicine.
Favorite way to relieve stress from school?
Every now and then, I like to go downtown and try out the local breweries and pubs. Portland has a ton of good places to try new foods. During the beginning of the program, I really liked playing volleyball with the UWS volleyball club. Nowadays, as long as I am with good company it does not really matter what I am doing.
