Home chiropractic

Department of Clinical Education
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Room B-12
     
   
     
Clinical Education Intern of the Month

Matthew Mullaney, July 2009
Andrea Albertson, June 2009
Marco Bouchard, October 2008
Nicole Schreifels, September 2008
Andrea Hersh, August 2008
June 2008, Aron Stumvoll
April 2008, Melissa Shera
December 2007, Keyana Boston
July, 2007 Tom Warden and Danielle Trego

May, 2007 Marie Beau
February, 2007 Elisa Bott
January, 2007 Corey Schuler
August, 2006 Sarah Radabaugh
July, 2006 Christopher Grier
June, 2006 Jimbo Haley

March, 2006 Dixie Bachmeier and Carina Ryan
November, 2005 Emmett Blahnik
October, 2005 BriAnna Hawes
March 2005 Beth Hoffman
January 2005 Jennifer McClurkin and Tammy Walz
June 2004 Dustin Behn and Katie Murphy

May 2004 Renee Cowan
March 2004 Kayla Keiser

July 2009 Intern of the Month


Matt Mullaney , T9 chiropractic student


"Eating my words has never given me indigestion ." Winston Churchill

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Hamline Health and Wellness in Roseville. I liked that they let me give Health Talks.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I will help every patient that truly wants to improve their life and their family’s lives no matter what. I will also make sure that everything is very simple and the plan is straight forward. After a person’s first day, that plan will be all that is talked about and focused on.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I set up a national health talk competition at our school called “Talk the Tic” that is also a national competition. This year Northwestern’s Kristopher Stepney took home the national title.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? I have a large curiosity for learning. I spend time going to seminars and setting up learning events. We always need better ways to serve people who want to live better lives. By being involved in our profession, you can learn and teach methods that have a positive impact on people’s lives. You can help other chiropractors find their own “brand” of care so they feel confident, and truly believe they can help people get the health they want.

June 2009 Intern of the Month


Andrea Albertson, T8 chiropractic student


"What I enjoy most about my internship is that the doctor I work with allows me to be very involved with patient care. I'm improving my skills through treatment, diagnosis, and patient interaction."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?My internship for T8 has been at Lyn Lake Chiropractic in Minneapolis with Dr. Kevin Schreifels. I was drawn to Dr. Schreifels' practice because they specialize in treating runners, marathon runners in particular, and I was interested in gaining experience in sports chiropractic.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? Dr. Schreifels has allowed me to be very involved with patient care, and my diagnostic, treatment, and communication skills have improved as a result. I hope to build upon these improvements in the next few terms and carry them over into my practice career.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? Because many patients at Lyn Lake Chiropractic are runners, I have learned a lot about specific running injuries and treatments. In addition, I gained valuable knowledge about how to choose the appropriate running shoes for various patient presentations from while attending a National Running Day event at Marathon Sports in Minneapolis. .

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? If chiropractors do not promote and support chiropractic through community involvement and political activism, who will? Professional involvement testifies to our belief in our craft and promotes the kind of respect that chiropractic warrants.

October 2008 Intern of the Month


Marco Bouchard, T9 chiropractic student


"Find it, fix it, and leave it alone." by C.S. Gonstead

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? My internship is with
Dr. Horton in the Bloomington Natural Care Center. She sees a lot of kids and promotes prevention rather than waiting
for a problem to develop. In addition, she has a way of connecting with her patients and making them feel comfortable.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? It is absolutely imperative to
educate the parents regarding spinal health and maintenance care if one is to see many kids.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I listen to a minimum of one hour per day
of chiropractic material, read research studies and practice systems and procedures five hours per week at the Fast Track to
Success meetings where I am the president. In addition, I have participated in the majority of the clubs on campus. As a
member of the Create Your Destiny organizing committee, I brought in 10-12 powerful speakers, one of them Reggie Gold,
to provide students with essential clinical knowledge.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? We are the future voice of chiropractic and we are the
one's responsible for its future. In order to grow our profession, we must all participate in the promotion of chiropractic.
This will be essential especially in Canada where I intend to practice as there are only 5000 chiropractors as compared to
70,000 in the US.

September 2008 Intern of the Month


Nicole Schreifels, T9 chiropractic student


"Live your dreams! Nothing can stop you if you want it bad enough and work hard enough." "

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I interned with Dr.
Jo Becker Pucklich. I got to watch her start up a new clinic. I liked how thorough she is with her patients.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I like getting a thorough
exam when I'm a patient, so I enjoy taking care of patients so that they receive that same thorough level of care. I'm
planning to practice in California as an associate for a couple of years prior to opening my own clinic. I want a well rounded
clinic where patients get extremities adjusted and families bring their kids for adjustment.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I really like getting as many experiences
as I can, so if I can do a volunteer activity, take an extra class or rotation, it's like free education. I get more education than
I paid for and it makes me stronger in my skills.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? It makes me more passionate about chiropractic, if I
simply did the skills I was taught, it wouldn't make me as caring as I can be when I'm more involved and dedicated.

August 2008 Intern of the Month


Andrea Hersh, T9 chiropractic student


" I thrive with new knowldedge and look forward to a lifetime of education and involvement in professional organizations!"

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my T-9 internship
with Dr. Amy Horton in the BNCC. I was interested in the diversity of patients that she sees in the clinic; the young
kids and elderly patients interested me most. I also liked being able to see how a practice with numerous chiropractors
works. Being in a campus clinic allowed me to easily stay involved in school activities.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? Both the clinical experience
and the education that Dr. Horton did with patients will prove useful to my future practice. I'm planning to work with a diverse
patient base. This experience developed my skills to more effectively treat a broad range of people.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I've participated in over fifteen different
student organizations during the past three years. I've grown both personally and professionally by participating in student clubs
and service positions. Student Ambassador Club was a really positive experience that allowed me to get to know a lot of people
in the administration as well as connecting with new students coming to Northwestern and it allowed me to have a positive impact
on the whole institution. Roots and Shoots Club let me communicate with people in the local community. The access to healthy,
organic food seems like a natural accompaniment to our profession.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? I have a tremendous passion for chiropractic! I thrive with
new knowledge and look forward to a lifetime of education and involvement in professional organizations; to better serve my patients
and for the growth of our profession.

 

June 2008 Intern of the Month


Aron Stumvoll, T8 chiropractic student


" If you don't have a current chiropractor, keep searching, because everybody with a spine needs chiropractic care !"


Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I did my T-8 internship at
ProAdjuster Chiropractic in Maplewood with Dr. Bruce Peterson. I requested a practice with pediatrics because I think getting
checked early in life is the most important part of a kid's health. I want to focus on the spine and correcting it as early as possible
and changing the outlook of chiropractic to the public. I think people have a misconception of what chiropractic is all about.
Where most people think it's about back pain and neck pain it's actually about the spinal cord and how the brain communicates
with the rest of the body.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? One of the most successful experiences
was with a patient whose baby was breech. The baby was not turning with the Webster's technique so I did further research on the
technique. After we applied what I shared with my supervisor, the baby turned! Only two days after the baby was born we checked
the baby for subluxations and it's a good thing we did, because there was a minor dislocation at the top vertebra that could have led
to severe problems in the future.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? As a future doctor of chiropractic, I will need to keep
up on the latest research. This involves a lot of reading, so I'm taking a speed reading course. I've given a demonstration on speed reading
to the Speech and Philosophy Club, a student organization that I helped start. This club emphasizes the importance of effective public
speaking skills in order to do outreach and educate the public about the importance of chiropractic care.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? I'm interested in changing the public's perspective from a focus
on back pain to a focus on living a wellness lifestyle. I want my clinic to gather data that I can publish and present so that more people
know the benefits of chiropractic.

 

April 2008 Intern of the Month


Melissa Shera, T9 chiropractic student


"I want patients to see me not just as a doctor, but to see my passion for the profession as well!"

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Eagle
Creek Wellness Center in Prior Lake with Dr. Deb Genrick. I really like that it went beyond just pain relief and truly helped
each patient reach 100% health.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned that its important to
volunteer in the community. The clinic did a great deal of service in the community such as Ladies Night Out and giving health
talks at schools. There's a great sense of community in the clinic as well.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I'm being certified in pediatric chiropractic. I volunteered in Costa Rica and dedicated the month of February to helping less fortunate people have a better life. I am active in Pediatrics club and Club Mariposa. I shadowed at eight different chiropractic clinics. It was really good for me to see all the different types of clinics people created.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? It's important to always be learning. We're never done. We need to stay involved and make our voices heard. I have a passion for chiropractic, which comes across in my work as an intern.

 

December 2007 Intern of the Month

 

Keyana Boston, T9 chiropractic student

"I believe we have one of the greatest professions in health care! "

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I completed my CBI internships with Dr. Lori Tenenbaum and Dr. Deb Genrick. In Dr. Genrick's practice, I gained a great deal of experience with physical therapy and rehabilitating patients. She uses a number of different techniques such as laser therapy and traction tables. She hires and works with physical therapists which you don't see in a lot of other chiropractic practices.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I learned how to communicate with patients and educate them about chiropractic when working with Dr. Tenenbaum. At Dr. Genrick's I learned about marketing, about how to run a practice, and about being an independent or solo practitioner. As a chiropractor you need to learn how to do these things and you need to do a lot of community service.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? As a future doctor, I try to gain as much skill and information as I can so that I am prepared to serve and treat my future patients. I attended various seminars across the country, including Maximized Living and Get the Big Idea (GTBI). In addition, I attend the following clubs: Pediatrics, Maximized Living, Student International Chiropractic Association, and GTBI. I also enjoy helping local doctors with screenings and other marketing events

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? It's important to be involved because as chiropractors we need to be leaders. I believe that we have one of the greatest professions in health care and we need to be involved in educating people about chiropractic and about the power of their bodies.

July 2007 Co-Intern of the Month

 

Tom Warden, T8 chiropractic student

"Being involved in the profession gives me the opportunity to inform people about the extent to which chiropractic can benefit them."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Wildenauer Chiropractic Clinic in West St. Paul under the supervision of Scott Mooring, DC. I intend to continue learning from the doctors at this clinic through the ninth trimester. What excites me about being at this clinic is the extensive soft tissue work that is incorporated into treatment plans. I have learned techniques such as ART, deep friction massage, PNF, and how to incorporate therapeutic stretches and exercise.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
Never stop learning. The doctors here are continually advancing their education by far exceeding continuing education requirements, reviewing texts, and discussing interesting case studies.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I have attended off campus seminars such as The Chiropractic Sports Sciences Symposium last April. I have also been part of the Master Circle Club and the Applied Kinesiology Club in the past as well as attended many of the guest lectures that have visited the campus. In August I will be part of a sports medicine team comprised of physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors, providing care for walkers during the Breast Cancer Three-Day.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? Only a small portion of the population takes advantage of what a chiropractor has to offer. Of that small population only a few understand that we can help with more than just their sore backs. Being involved in the profession gives me the opportunity to inform people about what they are missing .

July 2007 Co-Intern of the Month

 

Danielle Trego, T8 chiropractic student

"I have gone outside my comfort zone in treating patients from different cultures."

 

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I am currently interning at McCarron Lake Chiropractic in Maplewood, MN where I have the unique opportunity to treat patients who do not speak English.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I have learned to speak Spanish, Hmong, and Somali in a clinical setting.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I have gon e outside of my comfort zone in treating patients from different cultural backgrounds. I have also given health talks and spinal screenings in multiple settings to a variety of people, including a group of industrial laborers from a large, local company.

Why is it important to be involved in your profession? Being actively involved in the chiropractic profession is extremely important for several reasons. It is important to promote awareness in communities about the benefits of chiropractic, to be an advocate for patient rights, and to ensure the greatest access to chiropractic care, in order to further establish the integrity of the profession.

May 2007 Intern of the Month

 

Marie Beau, T9 chiropractic student

" I have learned skills to help me become a great chiropractor and business person."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I am doing my internship at Morningstar Chiropractic under Catherine Gray, DC, in Fridley , Minn. She runs a practice focused on achieving excellence through chiropractic care for people of all ages. She treats a lot of children, and it's great to see them jump up on the table and respond so well to care.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I have learned skills to help me become a great chiropractor and business person. I have learned about specific techniques, marketing strategies, and also about how important it is to be involved in the community and give back whenever possible.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I have done things outside my clinic hours to get the most I can out of my internship. I have done spinal screenings at Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake, Minn. for Nurse's Week, been a simulated patient for the DA, and done extra rotations each term to see a variety of different clinics and how each one is run.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? It is important for me to be involved in my profession because it has done so much for me. I value the things I have learned that will help me help patients, and the joy I get out of doing just that. I want others to be aware of the good things that chiropractic accomplishes on a daily basis.

February 2007 Intern of the Month

 

Elisa Bott, T8 chiropractic student

" I learned that if you truly believe something will be beneficial for the patient, don't hesitate to recommend it."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I am currently interning at Langford Chiropractic Clinic in the Highland neighborhood of St. Paul . I also plan to stay at Langford for my T9 internship as well. I love working with my two supervisors, Dr. Karls and Dr. Langford, because they really care about their patients' well-being and the patients become involved with their own treatment. I really like that we also treat more than just low back pain. I've been involved with some really unique cases like torn rotator cuffs and even a patient with a cervical syrinx!

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?The biggest lesson I've learned from my internship is that if you truly believe something will be beneficial for a patient, don't hesitate to recommend it. I never expected that as a 26-year-old chiropractic intern, my opinion would already carry such a weight and importance for patients.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I have attended Homecoming festivities every year that I have been in chiropractic school. It's through events like Homecoming that I have learned the most. The older chiropractors that are close to retirement are untapped resources of information on practice and about chiropractic. Other than that, I have searched out chiropractors that are involved with my interests in sports chiropractic. I have been in contact with almost all CCSP doctors within the Twin Cities metro and am working to complete my CCSP. After that, then I'll take the next step to becoming an authority on sports chiropractic whether that be becoming a certified strength coach or perhaps a diplomate in sports chiropractic.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? The chiropractic profession is something that needs to be promoted as more than just low back doctors. It's my aspiration that research can be conducted proving the effectiveness of chiropractic on everything from ankle sprains to dislocated shoulders. I look forward to the opportunity to help support chiropractic research so that more of the population will think of chiropractors as something other than just "back doctors." It is evident to me that no other health profession is out there speaking praises of chiropractic so if not us then we're missing the opportunity to help even more patients. I feel that it's part of my job as a chiropractor to share my experience and zest for chiropractic with anyone that will listen.

 

January 2007 Intern of the Month

 

Corey Schuler, T9 chiropractic student

" I learned how to handle patients. You see different combinations of people; you can't get that from a textbook. It was truly a real-world experience. "

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I did my internship with Brad Finer, DC, in the Bloomington Natural Care Center. I was interested in that practice because I thought Dr. Finer is a great diagnostician and it is a mainstream practice.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I learened how to handle patients. You see different combinations of people; you canâ€Tt get that from a textbook. It was truly a real-world experience.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I spend about 45 weeks a year attending seminars. Anything that comes on campus, I attend. As a student leader, I have been a senator, an officer of three organizationss: the Master's Circle, Applied Kinesiology, and Functional Medicine clubs.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
Who else is going to be? Citizenship is important for any profession, but especially for ours, which has had a rocky past. I attempt to elevate the profession of chiropractic though the practice of caring; I have chosen to be the absolute best professional I can be.

 

August 2006 Intern of the Month

 

Sarah Radabaugh, T9 chiropractic student

"I have improved my skills with kids and I am comfortable with anyone, from infant to elderly."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I'm doing my internship with Anne Packard-Spicer, DC, in the Bloomington Natural Center . She is a pediatric specialist and she does a lot of special cases and interesting things that a lot of doctors don't see. That really attracted me to her and I also really like working with kids. I am really learning a lot.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I have learned so much. This is my second trimester with her. I have come so far in my clinical skills, handling patients and knowing what I'm dealing with. I have improved my skills with kids and I am comfortable adjusting anyone from infant to elderly. Children are so fun to work with and respond so well to chiropractic care.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
The main thing I've devoted my time to is SACA. This past year I was the National Legislative Vice Chair for SACA. It's one of four national office positions for the entire country. I was also awarded SACA member of the year.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
I just feel a sense of personal responsibility because chiropractic is such a growing profession that we need to increase patient's access and public knowledge of the profession.

July 2006 Intern of the Month

 

Christopher Grier, T9 chiropractic student

"I learned a lot about how to work and communicate with children and their families."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I did my internship at the Bloomington Natural Care Center with Dr. Packard-Spicer. I'm very interested in treating children and families, and a large part of Dr. Packard-Spicer's practice is pediatrics. We don't learn to adjust kids until we are a T8, so I wanted practical experience with someone who has done this their whole career.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I learned a lot about how to work and communicate with children and their families. Communication is different with kids, because sometimes they aren't old enough to move their heads or bodies the way you want. I also learned about the power of chiropractic in children. I saw results very quickly because they are so adaptable.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I am participating in a one-year International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) course through the ICPA. I also enjoy talking to kids in schools and tutoring groups.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
Chiropractic is an undiscovered gem. It is a missing piece in the health care of a lot of people. We have to be active in our profession to encourage chiropractic and get people talking about it.

June 2006 Intern of the Month

 

Jimbo Haley , T9 chiropractic student

"I learned how to be a professional and at the same time to be a friend so that the patient can trust me with anything."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Davis Chiropractic in St. Louis park, MN. Howie Fidler, DC, and I meshed well. I liked that he has an integrated practice and does a little bit of everything, including sports, family, pediatrics, and geriatrics.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned how to deal with patients, how to sit and talk with them, how to teach them what's happening, and how to reverse the effects of their conditions. I also learned how to be a professional and a friend at the same time so the patient can trust me with anything. The things that I learned the most about are the things outside of giving adjustments, such as the business and professional aspects.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I organized a group of seven students from Northwestern to go down to the Sunshine State Games in the greater Miami-area in Florida. I helped set the other students up with chiropractors, doctors of osteopathy, and paramedics. We all got on-field experience with helping at Olympic-like events, including ultimate Frisbee.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? It's important for me to be involved in order to keep my sanity. It's also important for me to assist people using what I've learned and to be a teacher.

March 2006 Co-Intern of the Month

 

Dixie Bachmeier , T8 chiropractic student

"I learned that chatting with patients and building rapport helps to not only build relationships, but helps patients feel more confident in what I can do ."

 

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Bass Lake Chiropractic in Crystal , Minn. I liked the friendly and laid-back atmosphere. It's also so inviting when you walk in

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned that chatting with patients and building rapport helps to not only build relationships, but helps patients feel more confident in what I can do .

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I started the Tae Kwon Do Club on campus when I was a T2. I also will be traveling to Korea for martial arts training and testing.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? People are always looking for better health care, and we have to help them see that chiropractic is a better option. We have a lot to offer people.

March 2006 Co-Intern of the Month

 

Carina Ryan , T8 chiropractic student

"I learned how to work effectively with patients and how important high energy and a positive attitude are for the health of my patients."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Woodwinds Natural Care Center in Woodbury , Minn. , with Michelle Vincent, DC. I liked that this practice integrated many different aspects of chiropractic, including nutrition, physiotherapy, and exercise rehab for total body help.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned how to work effectively with patients and how important high energy and a positive attitude are for the health of my patients.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I'm currently getting certified in chiropractic pediatrics and acupuncture through Northwestern. I also take my personality into the room to my make my patient feel welcome, comfortable, and secure under chiropractic care.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? Chiropractic isn't just something that happens in an office or chiropractic setting. Chiropractic is a total body health choice that can improve one's mind and body.

 

November 2005 Intern of the Month

 

Emmett Blahnik , T8 chiropractic student

 

"I learned that people need the help of chiropractors"

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I did my internship at Chiropractic USA in Long Lake, MN, with Dr. Amy Michele Willcockson, DC. What I liked about that practice is that it is a high-energy, upbeat, and high volume atmosphere.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned that people need the help of chiropractors.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I've coordinated and conducted a number of community lectures, workshops, events, and speakers. I've done a lot of fund raising and tons of spinal screening events. I also participated in a seven-week extreme makeover event for an area church.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? I'm interested in moving our profession forward. We are ranked high on the list of jobs to have, but low on the list of reputable jobs. We are ranked below dental hygienists, and that bothers me. We do a lot outside of cracking people's backs. People just don't know that yet.

October 2005 Intern of the Month

BriAnna Hawes, T9 chiropractic student

"I learned that if something doesn't work, not to be afraid to try a different approach."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most? I am currently at Aagesen clinic in St. Louis Park , Minn. I am interested in this practice because they focus on the soft-tissue component of people's bodies. A lot of chiropractors perform adjustments without addressing issues with people's muscles.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice? I learned that every patient is different. What works for one person may not work for another. I also learned that if something doesn't work, not to be afraid to try a different approach.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I really embrace all the profession has to offer. I learned that there is a big scope as far as treating goes, such as the structure of the human body and the digestive system. Because of this, I want to inform as many as people about chiropractic care as I can, including family, friends, and strangers on the street.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession? I think to truly help people it's important to be involved and show unity. Too many times chiropractors get lost within the larger health care scene and if we have a larger voice, we can help more people.

March 2005 Intern of the Month

Beth Hoffman, T9 chiropractic student

"Chiropractic truly does change and affect people's lives for the better."

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
My internship was in the Bloomington Clinic with Stacy Thornhill, DC, and Rachel Franklin, DC. The thing that interested me the most about Dr. Thornhill's practice was the variety of conditions that she treated. From subluxation patients to irritable bowel syndrome to multiple sclerosis, nothing is beyond chiropractic care. Dr. Franklin's practiced interested me because she saw a wide variety of people from babies to the elderly. Once again, the power of chiropractic care is for everyone of every age.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
That chiropractic truly does change and affect people's lives for the better. Correcting someone's subluxation sometimes seems small to us until we think about the impact it has on that person.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I was a member of the Student Ambassador club since my third trimester. As a member of the club, I had the opportunity to educate a lot of people on what chiropractic is and how being a chiropractor can have a great and positive impact on their lives and the lives of others. I have also been a teaching assistant.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
It is important to get the word out to the public that there are other options in health care beyond drugs and surgery.

January 2005 Co-Intern of the Month

Jennifer McClurkin, T9 chiropractic student

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
My internship was in the Bloomington Natural Care Center with Bradley Finer, DC.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I learned that you can't fit a patient in one mold or system. You need to listen to the patient and gain their trust. I learned that patient-centered care is necessary to build your practice.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I was co-president of the Student Ambassador Club and am involved in the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA). I am planning to go to Washington, D.C., for a legislative event to promote chiropractic. I was a Simulated Patient for the T7 DA (Developmental Assessment) and a TA for Methods 3. I promote chiropractic through community activities and NCLC.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
It's important because chiropractic opens up options above and beyond surgery for patients. It's important to provide alternative forms of care.

January 2005 Co-Intern of the Month

Tammy Walz, T9 chiropractic student

 

Where did you intern at, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I am currently interning in the Bloomington Clinic with Dr. Anne Spicer. I was most interested in working with pediatrics and also women's health, and there is no better match than Dr. Spicer.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
The most important thing that I have learned is that people need adjusting, from age zero to 100, and that adjusting children is so simple and can be so life changing. I have seen mothers come in with tears of frustration one day because their baby is having such a hard time coping and with tears of joy the next week, claiming that they have a new baby.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training? I have really tried to stay active in events outside of the classroom. During my term as student senate president, I was able to meet so many people and also understand more of what NWHSU has to offer its' students. Knowing this, it has been hard to not want to join all the clubs. I also volunteer weekly at Christ Presbetyrian Church with the high school youth and attend other informational meetings.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
With only 10 percent of the population utilizing chiropractic, EVERYONE needs to be involved with the profession. Here at Northwestern we have seen the amazing impact chiropractic can have on so many lives. We need to be actively learning all of the time to best serve our patients and better educate them so that they can tell their friends.

June 2004 Co-Intern of the Month

Dustin Behn, T9 chiropractic student

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I worked with Phil Zilka, DC, at Woodlake Chiropractic [Richfield, Minnesota] because I am really interested in a technique called Toggle Recoil. For my internship, I requested a clinic where they practice that technique and where I could learn more about it.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I was really impressed with the way the doctors at Woodlake dealt with the patients. They didn’t just treat the symptoms. They really worked with everyone who came into their practice with the goal of reaching an optimal level of wellness.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I have attended a number of seminars in the past such as Master’s Circle, Parker Seminars, and seminars with Steve Hoffman. All of the seminars have really helped me connect my educational experience with what I hope to do after I graduate, especially the Master’s Circle because it teaches a motto of “be-do-have” that can be applied to not only chiropractic, but also to my general life.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
I really want people to be able to be the healthiest they can be. I don’t want to be a doctor that just cures the problem, I want to be able to bring out the best in my patients, and I want my patients to understand they can heal themselves.

June 2004 Co-Intern of the Month

Katie Murphy, T8 chiropractic student


Where did you intern at, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I interned at Langford Chiropractic in St. Paul, Minnesota. I wanted to intern there because I had heard that Dr. Langford (Anne Langford, DC, a 1992 graduate of Northwestern) worked with a lot of pediatric patients.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
I had a great opportunity to interact with patients as well as the staff of the clinic. I mostly did adjusting, history, exams, and X-ray. I did, however, learn how to communicate more effectively with both pediatric patients and their parents.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I completed my pediatric certificate training in May. The program is 120 hours long and I had to pass a test to become certified. Now I am certified as long as I stay a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
I want to promote chiropractic to the general public and to stay informed on new thoughts and discoveries in health care.

 

May 2004 Intern of the Month

Renee Cowan, T8 chiropractic student

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I interned at Woodwinds Natural Care Center. I remember coming to Career Day at Northwestern and seeing marketing materials on Woodwinds and knew I wanted to intern there. It is a great place to learn. Everyone is so respectful, from the janitors to the doctors.

What did you learn from this experience that you will take into your future practice?
One thing I have always wanted in my practice is to not just preach holism, but to actually be holistic. I hope to model that. Another thing I have learned is that less is more when it comes to practicing. My supervisor is very gentle and really eases people into treatments, and makes everyone comfortable. That is the first thing I learned. I have also learned the power of being cheerful and how that will help extend the best to other people.

In what ways have you gone above and beyond your educational training?
I have always been a person to look past just what I am currently doing. I am interested in everyone around me, not just my colleagues. I enjoy meeting people and finding out about people. I do my best to reach out to people as human beings and attempt to make life better.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
Society as a whole is under a lot of stress right now. People are really beginning to look into addressing their problems through alternative places of care. Being a chiropractor is the profession of the times at the right time. I want to help people be the best that they can be so they can weather stresses and enjoy their lives.

March 2004 Intern of the Month

Kayla Keiser, T9 chiropractic student

Where did you do your internship, and what about that practice interested you the most?
I interned in a practice that sees a lot of children and families; that has always been an interest of mine. It was a cash practice focused on wellness corrective care.

What did you learn from this experience?
It was a very good experience. I learned a lot about different approaches to practice that we didn’t get at school. It was great to see a different aspect of chiropractic practice.

What is one of the most important lessons you learned that you will carry into your future practice?
I learned to be honest and up-front in dealing with patients. They will take what they want to hear, but at least I know that I was completely truthful.

How have you pushed yourself to be involved in Northwestern and in your internship training?
I have been very involved since my first trimester at Northwestern. I am president of the Student American Chiropractic Association and editor of the University Yearbook. I was still active in these organizations while being very attentive and involved in my internship. I have represented Northwestern at the National Chiropractic Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., and have also dedicated many hours to raising money to donate to several of the legislative funds at the conference.

Why is it important for you to be involved in your profession?
Chiropractic is such a broad field of health that is available for everyone. It is such a growing field and I think we have the whole future in front of us to really make a difference.

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