Bringing NWHSU Chiropractic Students into an Innovative, Transdisciplinary Internship Experience

Molly Magnani, DC, a Trustee on the NWHSU Board, was the first chiropractor hired into the Allina Health System. “When I was first hired, I was told that 60% of providers in my clinic wanted nothing to do with me,” she shared.  

Now, Allina is a leader in integrative health. The Penny George Institute for Health and Healing employs 42 integrative health practitioners across 20 locations, and acupuncturists and chiropractors work across Allina clinics and hospitals. Still, there is work to be done, and Dr. Magnani uses data to illustrate the cost savings and benefits chiropractic doctors bring to the health system, while building trust with spinal surgeons and other physicians.  

“I’m very passionate about pushing the profession forward,” shared Dr. Magnani, who worked in pharmaceutical research before becoming a chiropractor. “I think there’s a collaborative effort needed, and that has really come to fruition within Allina.”  

Dr. Magnani helped to launch a student internship experience that exposes NWHSU chiropractic students to six areas within the Allina system: including spinal surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.  

“When you talk about collaboration, breaking down barriers is vitally important,” shared Dr. Magnani. “Also staying in your wheelhouse. We all do very important things for patients. It’s not about fixing everything. It’s about doing what you do and doing it well.”