Random Facts about David: He’s the league physician for a roller derby team. His wife is a commissioner for Parks and Recreation for the City of Wasilla. He learned to surf while living in Oregon and at one time, owned six surfboards!
Who influenced your decision to become a chiropractic physician? My dad had a great influence on me becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic. He never pushed me to become one, but I knew from the lifestyle that I wanted to have, the hours that I wanted to work, and the people that I wanted to help that being a DC was for me.
What was your favorite class/professor? I was part of the first Masters in Exercise and Sports Science graduating class. The program was singlehandedly the best choice that I made while at school. It truly gave me a jumpstart on my career. It gave me the confidence that I needed to treat.
During the tough times in school, what kept you motivated? My wife and my faith kept me going throughout school. Without either it would have been easy to throw in the towel and give up. There is nothing easy about becoming a DC. It takes hard work and dedication to your craft. Once you’re out in practice it is no different. If you suck at treating people, then you won’t have any clients. If you suck at diagnosing then patients will get frustrated with you. You have to not only be good at what you do; you have to be great at what you do. Be the best.
Where are you working now? I have been able to return to my hometown and practice with my dad in his clinic. I couldn’t imagine having a better opportunity or a better mentor.
What are some of the challenges and specialties of your practice? I became a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician in 2013 and I am currently the league physician for Boom Town Derby Dames, a roller derby team in the Mat-Su Valley. I have treated dog mushers, professional basketball players and NFL players. I see sports being a big role in my life as well as advancing the chiropractic profession.
Tell me one of the most rewarding moments of being a chiropractor: When you see the look of sheer joy on a patient’s face when you take their pain away, it will make your day…week…month. Something that seems so simple to you after you graduate can truly bless someone’s life in a great way.
Any advice for upcoming students? Never let up. Keep your intensity throughout the whole program. There are things that I do every day in practice that I was taught ONE time in an adjusting lab, a PT lab, or a clinic lab. If I would have missed that ONE class I wouldn’t know how to help 25 percent of the patients that I see today. There are patients who come through my door with life threatening conditions that unless I had gone to that ONE class I would have missed the boat and they wouldn’t be here today. Also, try and expose yourself to as many adjusting seminars, massage techniques, taping seminars, and anything else that makes its way onto campus. You have such an opportunity to learn. Don’t sit at home just waiting to complete the program. Go take control of your education.
