Bio: Emily Haugen is currently a student at University of Western States (UWS) in the doctor of chiropractic program. She grew up in a small farm town in northwest Minnesota. She spent three years studying exercise science at North Dakota State University before pursuing chiropractic at UWS. Throughout undergrad, she had the opportunity to work as a chiropractic assistant (CA) and massage therapist. These experiences solidified her desire to help people. The holistic approach of chiropractic was what drew her to the specialty. Outside of school, Emily enjoys anything that keeps her active and moving.
Why did you choose UWS?
I had always thought I would attend school closer to home but once I toured UWS, I knew it was the place for me. The supportive environment created by both the staff and students along with the emphasis on evidence-informed practice were just a few of the reasons I was drawn to UWS. The Pacific Northwest also has so many beautiful places to explore. It has been awesome to have so many places to discover outside when I’m trying to unwind from school. This has been extremely helpful to keep a healthy mind and to prevent burnout.
Why did you choose your program/concentration?
I have always had a desire to help others, but I didn’t always know what that would look like. I liked how chiropractic can treat a variety of conditions by looking beyond symptoms to find the root of the problem. The emphasis on treating the cause instead of symptoms is something I love about our profession. My previous experience as a CA was invaluable and confirmed that chiropractic was the right profession for me.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
It is hard to choose just one because they have all taught me valuable lessons for future practice. One of my favorite instructors has been Dr. Suzanne Lady. She has helped me fine tune my skills for patient communication and efficiency when performing a physical exam. The clinical phase series of classes was my favorite because they allowed us to provide simulated patient care while getting feedback to continually improve upon our clinical competency.
What is your favorite way to relieve stress outside of the office and classroom?
Anything that keeps me active like hiking, snowboarding, running and weightlifting helps me relieve stress from school. Discovering new restaurants and food trucks around Portland has also been really fun. I am still amazed at how many amazing food places there are here.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to be an associate for a few years to continually improve upon my clinical skills. Eventually, I would like to open my own practice that focuses on treating people of all ages and backgrounds.
