Minnesota Legislator Named Northwestern Alumnus of the Year

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Rep. Jim Abeler, DC, wanted to make a difference. Dr. Abeler had a good career already, working in his chiropractic practice in Anoka, Minn. But he wanted another avenue to touch others’ lives.

In 1998, Dr. Abeler was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives representing Anoka County. Dr. Abeler, a Republican, is now serving his fifth term.

“I thought I could make a difference,” Dr. Abeler said. “My father was active on chiropractic matters and gave me a good example. My own interests include education, the environment, economics, and of course, health care.”

Dr. Abeler was recently named the Chiropractic Alumnus of the Year by Northwestern Health Sciences University. The award is given by the College of Chiropractic Alumni Association based on nominations. The nominees must have displayed outstanding leadership and service to the profession, College and Alumni Association; have received his or her chiropractic degree from Northwestern; be a person of the highest integrity who has given positive direction to other people’s lives; and completed his or her chiropractic studies at least five years prior to nomination. Dr. Abeler graduated from Northwestern in 1979.

“I really appreciated it,” Dr. Abeler said of the award. “It was nice to be recognized.”

In order to fulfill his legislative responsibilities, Dr. Abeler must rely on his colleagues in his practice as he can only work part-time when the House is in session. “I can only fit in a part-time practice,” he said. “It gets a little busy. I miss work a lot and have to rely on my associates, who are very talented and helpful.”

Dr. Abeler serves on the education committee; two finance subcommittees; health and human services committee including the licensing subcommittee; and the ways and means committee.

Todd Crabtree, DC, JD, MBA, a personal friend of Dr. Abeler, said Dr. Abeler’s advocacy for the chiropractic profession has made a significant impact on the state’s chiropractors.

“Over the last two years, Jim has passed several laws in the state of Minnesota that have had a dramatic impact on chiropractic clinics and patient care,” Dr. Crabtree said. “Mostly in the area of giving the doctor and patient freedom to provide free care to patients. It’s really a consumer advocacy role he’s played while at the same time eliminating a bunch of rules that other health care professionals don’t have to put up with.”

His main legislation focus has been on health care but his interest has expanded. Recent issues on Dr. Abeler’s agenda have included fighting for equality in teacher pensions; giving acupuncture specialists equal access to group policies; and voting to override the governor’s veto of the transportation bill – a move that cost him the endorsement of his party but praise from others for his courage.

“He recently took a lot of flak for his position regarding tax issues in the state legislature,” Dr. Crabtree said. “Because of the pushback he got from the Republican caucus, most politicians would be running with their tail between their legs. One cool thing about him is he stood up as a leader and was willing to take a lot of criticism to do what he thought was right. As a result, he ended up gaining a lot of respect from people.”

Dr. Abeler plans to run again this November and continue his quest to make a difference. He encouraged Northwestern students and alumni to get involved in their communities using chiropractic sciences as their foundation.

“Shoot high, and embrace the opportunity chiropractors have to be portal of entry providers, with a broad conservative scope,” Dr. Abeler said. “Get active politically and in your towns. Good people need to be involved if good things are to happen.”

Northwestern Health Sciences University offers a wide array of choices in natural health care education including chiropractic, Oriental medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, human biology, and integrative health and wellness. The University has more than 900 full-time students on a 25-acre campus in Bloomington, Minn.