Chiropractic Scholarship 2018

Chiropractic is an amalgam of philosophy, science, and art. The discipline relies on a conviction in chiropractic’s therapeutic abilities, the implicit trust that the patient places in the doctor, and faith in the patient to participate in his or her own health. It encompasses confidence, kindness, perseverance, and optimism. I resonate with each of these values and am committed to embodying them in my personal and professional life. Even better, patients appreciate their doctor expressing genuine care for their welfare. A significant challenge to chiropractic in our current medically based health model is effectively communicating those benefits to a wider audience. In short, chiropractic needs successful advertising that appeals to potential patients as a drug-free method to combat—and prevent—many afflictions. Unfortunately, we live amidst the era of popular prescription drugs and other toxins. The abounding rate of obesity, heart disease, and cancer in America is simply alarming! Thankfully, the opioid crisis has been federally recognized as a national health concern, but we still have a long journey ahead of us. A large section of the population prefers to “pop a pill” or treat symptoms, rather than address and prevent the root cause of pain, disease, or discomfort through mindful holistic lifestyle patterns. Furthermore, the preponderance of advertising for—and availability of—sugar, tobacco, alcohol, junk food, and prescription medications remains louder, with greater reach and deeper pockets than the average chiropractor. However, the fabric of healthcare is shifting, and I find that more people are receptive to complementary and alternative medicine. In the Bay Area alone, more corporate and technology behemoths are assimilating chiropractors into their campus provider network, and more civilian hospitals are entertaining the prospect of chiropractic. This is an excellent opportunity, a foot in the door for chiropractors! I am elated to champion chiropractic as a foundational, conservative healthcare option, to shift the paradigm from “alternative” to primary.

Additionally, the upsurge of cash practices is encouraging! Current medical insurance reimburses chiropractors little (if at all), and costs are occasionally ambiguous. Insurance companies are clearly at the advantage, at the expense of patient and practitioner alike. Fortunately, many chiropractic offices like TruSpine have offered clear, concise cash-based payment options—hassle free and honest. However, chiropractors must remain avant-garde to be worth the fees they charge. Therein lies a challenge to be competitively educated and well informed of new evidence in the discipline. Furthermore, as health care and health insurance continue to morph, chiropractors must adapt accordingly. Accessibility and efficiency are vital components for ensuring chiropractic continues to be affordable and accessible. Financial flexibility not only accommodates diverse backgrounds and promotes patient retention, but also enhances chiropractic care in general, by making it available to everyone.

Chiropractic combines my research strengths, multidisciplinary talents, and philanthropic passions. However, the pivotal impetus for my career shift has been my experiences volunteering at Veterans of Foreign Wars. For the past decade, I have served meals, chaired fundraisers, and forged strong friendships with military veterans young and old. I learned much about their healthcare struggle, their fight for proper treatment, and am eager to shift the status quo. One of my closest veteran friends takes eight daily medications (including opioids) just to function; some are for his PTSD, some for pain, and some simply to counteract the effects of the others. His struggle to get through the day, and the strain these drugs have on his body, is disconcerting but fortifies my commitment to pursuing a career that will ultimately assist him and others to lead a healthier life. My primary driving force is to help patients like my friend: affected mentally and physically by their military service. This demographic is an ever-growing keystone to the American populace, and one in much need of ministration. Thankfully, we are witnessing a budding healthcare revolution thanks to the multitude of military veterans affirming the effectiveness of chiropractic, and the Veterans Administration has blossomed into a chiropractor friendly institution. Through veteran care and education of the general public, we can transform chiropractic into first choice health care. Throughout my degree program and the rest of my life, I will lead, serve, and positively influence others through holistic treatment and education. I am motivated to be at the forefront of enhancing true patient wellness through wholesome, interdisciplinary care.