About 200 students from Northwestern Health Sciences University lobbied on Feb. 21 at the state capitol in St. Paul for chiropractic health care issues. They joined Northwestern faculty members and chiropractors from the area. Organized by the Minnesota Chiropractic Association, the day was planned in order to encourage legislators to revise Minnesota statutory language relating to the chiropractic scope of practice so it is more concise. In addition, lobbyists asked that their representatives and senators to support legislation to ban runners in Minnesota, which would make it illegal for chiropractors to hire or pay anyone who directly contacted a consumer after experiencing an automobile accident. Scott Mooring, DC, joined students in an effort to get the message across. “It’s important for our profession to stand up and fight,” Dr. Mooring said, who has participated in previous years. “The legislation is spread out into a number of different statutes which makes it difficult to interpret or apply. It’s a major impediment.” Northwestern students were equally passionate about seeing change in legislation. “I think it’s really important to have the people who represent us know how effective chiropractic care is,” said Ashley Cornetet, a T2 chiropractic student. “People are often misinformed, and it will help the community and help patients to learn more. This is more to make a statement about what we’re doing than to debate.” Tracking lawmakers down wasn’t as easy as expected, said Jami Rassmussen, a T2 chiropractic student, who added he was surprised how uninformed some were about chiropractic care. “We didn’t have a scheduled appointment, but as we were filling out the paperwork to make one, our representative overheard us and came out of his office,” Rassmussen said. “The other two students and I went into his office without a chiropractor with us and got to tell him about the bill. He didn’t know much about chiropractic care, but listened to us.” Rasmussen said it was a bit daunting to go in without lobbying experience, but exciting. “It was overwhelming at first, but exhilarating,” Rasmussen said. “It was sort of trial by fire, but I liked being thrown in like that.” 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.

New York Chiropractic College was recognized by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) for its leadership role in New York’s independent academic sector. CICU’s winter 2008 publication highlighting private education’s favorable impact on New York residents’ health care, referenced NYCC’s Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine program and acupuncture’s reputation as a safe, cost effective, and efficacious alternative to western medicine. NYCC’s chiropractic program, long recognized for its academic excellence, was lauded for its study involving vertebral anatomy, rehabilitation and relief of neuromusculoskeletal disorders. CICU concluded with: “New York’s independent campuses draw talent, research dollars, and patients looking for promising new treatments while also reaching deep into the state’s most intractable health problems, probing for solutions – and delivering”.

Davenport, IA – After an illustrious 20-year legacy as chairman of the Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees, Ms. Vickie Palmer announced to Board members on Jan. 15, 2008, that she would officially conclude her tenure as chairman at the Feb. 1-2, 2008, Board meeting in San Jose, Calif. Ms. Palmer continues serving on the Board as a Board officer and member of the executive committee. “I began considering this nearly seven years ago and consulted with many advisors, including my two sisters, during that time,” explained Ms. Palmer. “For many reasons, I’m confident that this is the right time to make a smooth transition. We’ve successfully completed our capital campaign and opened the Academic Health Center. I’m also very comfortable with the strength of the Board and the College administration. More importantly, the time is right for a practicing chiropractor to lead this College as it has become a true participant in the mainstream healthcare delivery system.” As part of her announcement, Ms. Palmer submitted the nomination of Vice Chairman Trevor Ireland, D.C., as her successor. At the Board meeting, Dr. Ireland received unanimous support and approval from all members and officially assumed chairman responsibilities on Feb. 2. “I appreciate that the Board of Trustees agreed with my nomination of Dr. Ireland as chairman,” Ms. Palmer added. “He is an incredible individual and I’m certain he will do an excellent job. Dr. Ireland possesses all of the characteristics necessary to lead us on this journey.” “I’ve trained my entire life to assume this position,” Dr. Ireland said of his election to Board chairman. “It has been a privilege to have served with Vickie for all these years. As we enter this new era of chiropractic, I shall do my utmost to benefit Palmer College, pursue its mission, and protect and perpetuate its philosophy, science and art, and continue to honor the historic connection between Vickie Palmer and the College.” Dr. Ireland, a 1970 magna cum laude graduate of Palmer’s Davenport Campus and a Board member since 1988, is founder of the Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic in Anchorage, Alaska, one of the largest chiropractic healthcare facilities in that state. During his distinguished 38-year career in chiropractic, he has been honored as a fellow of the International Chiropractors Association, the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic, the Palmer West Campus Academy of Chiropractic, and the International College of Chiropractors. Dr. Ireland was the youngest doctor ever to receive all four Chiropractic fellowship honors. In addition, he co-founded the Alaska Chiropractic Society and is a past president of that organization. With Dr. Ireland assuming the Board chairman position, Mr. Kent Forney was elected vice chairman. Mr. Forney, a prominent attorney in Des Moines, Iowa, has served on the Board since 1982, most recently as the Board secretary. “Having been a Board member for more than 25 years, I have had the pleasure of serving the College with Vickie Palmer,” said Mr. Forney. “I have always been impressed with her unselfish devotion to the College and the profession. Her tireless efforts as chairman will be sorely missed. Fortunately, she will remain a member of the Board, so as we move forward, her talents will not be lost to the College.” Ms. Palmer was named to the Palmer Board in 1978 and served as vice chairman from 1985 until her election to chairman in 1987. During that tenure, she has been instrumental in many significant accomplishments for the College. Those include opening of the Palmer Academic Health Center on the Davenport Campus; the growth, development and stabilization of Palmer’s West Campus; the establishment of the Florida Campus in 2002; the creation of the Palmer Center for Business Development and the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, and the unification of the three Palmer campuses as one College. “Having literally grown up on the Davenport Campus, my entire life has been centered around Palmer College,” said Ms. Palmer. “It has been my pleasure to serve this wonderful College in so many ways, including my time working in various areas such as Student Affairs, Academics and, for the past 20 years, as chairman of the Board. “I have reached a time in my life – and in the life of Palmer College – when I wish to serve the Board in a new role; one that allows me to be more interactive with our students and alumni. I am excited about contributing in different ways to help Palmer College of Chiropractic move forward.” “Over the years, Vickie has quietly contributed her time, resources and talents to the College as she has honorably carried on the Palmer family legacy,” said Larry Patten, chancellor of Palmer College. “She’s been an exceptional leader and I personally want to thank her for all she has done.”

Seneca Falls, NY: New York Chiropractic College conferred the Doctor of Chiropractic degree upon 89 graduates on Saturday, December 1, 2007, during a commencement ceremony held in the Athletic Center Gymnasium of the college’s Seneca Falls campus. Frank J. Nicchi, DC, MS, president of NYCC. The commencement address was delivered New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, a native of Seneca Falls and longstanding supporter of the College’s regional healthcare efforts. Christopher Lynch, valedictorian, had the honor of addressing his classmates. Amanda Louise Laytham was salutatorian. For information on New York Chiropractic College’s degree programs please visit the college’s Web site at:

Following his keynote address to members of the New York State Chiropractic Association District 17 at the installation dinner of their new officers held November 3, 2007, in Buffalo, NY, Frank, J. Nicchi, D.C., M.S., president of New York Chiropractic College was recognized for his lifetime contributions to the chiropractic profession. Dr. Nicchi was presented with the Chiropractic Leadership Award for decades of tireless service to the chiropractic profession and his “unrelenting quest to improve the profession especially through the education of current and future doctors of chiropractic.” Nicchi said he was “humbled and deeply appreciative of this recognition from NYSCA, District 17.”

D’Youville College has named Dr. Peter Diakow director of their chiropractic program. He will be responsible for establishing and accomplishing the goals of the program, coordinating research, budget, grants and other administrative duties. Diakow previously was director of graduate studies at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto where he also served as the coordinator of a community based clinical education program and an associate clinical professor. D’Youville, a four-year institution offering bachelor’s, master, doctoral programs and special five-year programs, established the doctor of chiropractic program in 2004 and received initial accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education in July of this year. The college is the first standard accredited multi-disciplinary college in New York State offering the program and was the second in the U.S. to do so. Students can complete the program in seven years or four years if they hold an undergraduate degree upon entrance. D’Youville currently enrolls approximately 900 Canadian students and is the only college in the U.S. named for a Canadian woman, St. Marguerite d’Youville, founder of the Grey Nuns, the order that established the college. It was chartered in 1908. Diakow is a graduate of Brock University, Ontario, he holds a doctor of chiropractic degree from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College of Toronto and a masters of health services administration from D’Youville. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Health Policy and Education at D’Youville.

Nearly 1,700 Palmer College of Chiropractic alumni and guests came to Palmer’s Davenport Campus for Homecoming 2007 Aug. 9-11. This year’s theme, “Look Inside,” referred to some exciting additions to Palmer’s Davenport Campus, as well as the healing, compassion and knowledge that chiropractors can find within themselves and at Palmer. Attendees could earn up to 16 continuing education credits and sample the wares of the 77 vendors at the event’s EXPO, plus attend social events on the campus and in the community. “Our goal is to ensure that Palmer’s Homecoming is an event with the best speakers and continuing education program in the profession, one of the largest vendor expos and the most entertaining social events,” said College Events Manager Stacey Wiley. “We are proud to welcome our alumni back to Davenport, chiropractic’s birthplace.” One of the main events at this year’s Palmer Homecoming on the Davenport Campus was the ribbon cutting and building dedication ceremony on Friday, Aug. 10, for the newly named Pisciottano (pronounced Pis-uh-tan-oh) Hall, which houses the Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Health Center (AHC). The building, which opened in July, is a $12.5 million, three-story, 50,000-square-foot facility that includes: -- Community outpatient clinic facilities -- A Clinical Learning Resource Center with resources for students, faculty, alumni and researchers -- Digital radiology (X-ray) services -- Expanded chiropractic rehabilitation and sports injury services -- Welcome Center The building’s namesakes, Maurice Pisciottano, D.C., and Laurel Gretz-Pisciottano, D.C., both 1989 Palmer alumni, gave a $3 million challenge pledge to Palmer’s $35 million capital campaign. This donation by the Pisciottanos was the largest single alumni contribution to the campaign, which surpassed its goals and raised more than $35.5 million for the AHC’s construction as well as to increase the College’s endowment by $10 million and fund other capital projects. Through the capital campaign, the building received federal support of $3.4 million, as well as a $750,000 challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation, the first ever awarded to a chiropractic college, and $1,750,000 in pledges from the Bechtel Trusts. Hundreds of people in the hot August sun were part of Palmer and chiropractic history as speeches were made, a ribbon was cut and a time capsule was placed in the new building. Palmer’s Vice Chancellor for Academics Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D., served as emcee for the event. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who was influential in garnering federal support for the AHC, was represented by Alison Hart from his Davenport office. Other participants included Anita Bigo, D.C., a 1956 Palmer alumna who gave the invocation, and the following speakers: Palmer’s Davenport Campus President Donald Kern, D.C.; Ron Boesch, D.C., AHC faculty clinician; Valarie Morrow, AHC staff member; Kurt Wood, D.C., executive dean for clinic affairs; James Leonette, Davenport Campus Student Council president; Chancellor Larry Patten; Palmer Board of Trustees Chairman Vickie Palmer; and Maurice Piscottano, D.C. “I was excited to be a part of this project from the beginning because it represents the future of chiropractic,” said Dr. Pisciottano. “The number of people who will be impacted by the students who learn here will number in the hundreds of millions and eventually the billions. We can and we will be the number one healthcare choice on planet Earth. All of you here today will have had a part in what I believe is the tipping point for Palmer College and the chiropractic profession.” Another significant event during Palmer Homecoming 2007 was the announcement of the creation of a new alumni association for Palmer. “By working together, we can accomplish great things for Palmer College, its alumni and future alumni,” said Executive Director for Alumni Mickey Burt, D.C., in a presentation on Aug. 9, just prior to the alumni reception. Graduates of all three Palmer campuses will automatically be part of the new association. Dr. Burt told attendees that, in the coming months, the Alumni Office will be collecting profiles from graduates who would like to participate in leadership roles in the Palmer College of Chiropractic Alumni Association. The leadership of the new association will be made up of a diverse group of alumni from all three campuses who will have the opportunity to participate in many different ways.

As part of its ongoing effort to provide a diversity of clinical education experiences for its students, New York Chiropractic College (NYCC) recently signed an internship agreement with Stony Brook University, New York’s second largest university. The agreement will enable NYCC’s chiropractic students to experience hands-on clinical training at the Stony Brook University student health centers as Stony Brook’s students get to discover chiropractic’s many benefits. NYCC currently affiliates with SUNY Farmingdale, and with New York’s largest university, the University of Buffalo. Stony Brook University is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the invitation-only organization of the best research universities in the country, and Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine lists it as one of the “100 Best Values in Higher Education” among public universities. NYCC continues to pursue similar arrangements with private colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Seneca Falls: On July 28 and 29, New York Chiropractic College held commencement exercises, conferring upon candidates the Doctor of Chiropractic, and Master of Science in Acupuncture, or Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. On Saturday, July 28, at 10 AM, 27 candidates for the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic were awarded their diplomas in a ceremony held in the campus’s Delavan Theater. The commencement address was delivered by Serge Nerli, D.C., a 1983 NYCC alumnus. Nerli earned a Master of Science in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport in 1999, has a private practice in Fresh Meadows, N.Y., and currently serves on the NYCC Board of Trustees. Valedictorian Rachel A. Streit had the honor of addressing her classmates and the assembled audience. Christa Marie Whiteman was named Salutatorian for the Spring 2007 graduating class. On Sunday, July 29, at 10 AM, the NYCC School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM) graduated 31 master’s candidates. The commencement address was delivered by Dainel Seitz, chair of the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and executive director of the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Former president of New England School of AOM and former chief of the Acupuncture Unit for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, Seitz earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts for Teachers from the University of Chicago and holds a law degree from Boston University Law School. He served as founding dean of the AOM master’s degree programs at NYCC and currently serves on NYCC’s Oriental Medicine Advisory Committee. For further information about New York Chiropractic College’s degree programs in chiropractic, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and applied clinical nutrition, please visit our Web site at:

In a letter dated July 27, 2007, Dr. Frank J. Nicchi, President of New York Chiropractic College (NYCC), received official notification from the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) reaffirming accreditation for the College’s doctor of chiropractic program. The reaffirmation marks the beginning of the next eight (8) year accreditation cycle for the college’s chiropractic program. Expressing delight at the good news, President Nicchi remarked, “I’m thrilled with the report and extremely proud of the valuable contributions by faculty, staff and students to this significant achievement.”

New York Chiropractic College was presented with the “Gold” award during a ceremony held Friday, June 8, 2007. “Today we give quality its due,” said Nicchi, “as we join a small handful of institutions of higher education to receive Empire State Advantage’s ‘Excellence at Work Program’ Gold level of recognition.” NYCC is the only college of chiropractic or school of acupuncture and Oriental medicine ever to be so honored. Nicchi thanked all those who work at NYCC for their hard work and dedication: “This award belongs to all of you.” The Gold Level of recognition is reserved for those educational institutions who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and offer highly effective teaching and work practices. An onsite review team visited the NYCC campus to evaluate, among other qualities, the college’s management systems, work processes, employee satisfaction and customer service. Empire State Advantage (ESA) Executive Director George Hansen, in awarding the honor, said “This is the best kind of day that we have …when we can come out to present and award and celebrate!” ESA Board Chairman Ronald Knight said “We need to have more celebrations of this kind – celebrating our work.” He congratulated NYCC on its achievement and challenged those present to be proud of your accomplishment, continue the “improvement journey” aggressively and to reach out to other area organizations to share what has been learned and to ask for help. “This is how communities of excellence grow,” he said. New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio, who was on hand to share in the celebration, remarked “Congratulations on a job well done…this recognition is certainly well deserved.” ESA Executive Director George Hansen and Chairman of the ESA Board of Directors Ronald Knight presented NYCC President Frank J. Nicchi, D.C., M.S. and Chairman of the NYCC Board of Trustees, Lewis J. Bazakos, D.C., M.S. with the ESA “Excellence at Work” Program Gold level of recognition, thus making NYCC one of only eight organizations in New York State to be so honored. To learn more about ESA please visit their Web site at

The Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic Board of Trustees recently announced the appointment of Jon C. Schwartzbauer, D.C., as the college’s fourth president, effective August 13. A Sherman alumnus, Schwartzbauer brings a breadth of academic, leadership and administrative experience, as well as a passionate commitment to vertebral subluxation-centered chiropractic. Most recently he has served the college as vice president for academic affairs and director of the Leadership and Practice Management Institute. Schwartzbauer and his wife, Mitzi, a clinical sciences faculty member at Sherman, ran Schwartzbauer Straight Chiropractic Center in Mahtomedi, MN, for five years before he joined the Sherman College faculty in 2002. The couple also served as team chiropractors for the St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team in their home state of Minnesota. Schwartzbauer was selected in early 2006 to lead the launch and development of Sherman College’s Leadership and Practice Management Institute (LPMI). As LPMI director, he worked to create a culture of ever-improving leadership within the chiropractic profession. He instituted Sherman College’s Success Colloquia, a series of seminars designed to enhance leadership and practice management skills for members of the chiropractic profession as well as Sherman students and faculty. He also laid the groundwork for a student leadership program on campus. He was named vice president for academic affairs in December 2006. In addition to the doctor of chiropractic degree he earned in 1997, Schwartzbauer holds a B.S. from Excelsior College. His appointment as president follows a nationwide search and comprehensive selection process that provided the college with a broad array of talented candidates. “I am committed to being a faithful steward to the college’s history and working with the college community as we address the opportunities in chiropractic education today,” Schwartzbauer says. “I look forward to working with our talented and dedicated board, faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters to strengthen Sherman College and the chiropractic profession.” Schwartzbauer says his priorities include increasing enrollment and fund-raising at the college. “I am grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me,” he says. "I intend to put my heart and soul into Sherman College.” Sherman Board Chair Cindy Pekofsky, D.C., says the trustees look forward to working with Schwartzbauer as he continues to lead and advance the college’s mission of being the leader in bringing straight chiropractic to the world. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Schwartzbauer as Sherman College’s fourth president, and we look forward to the great things we will accomplish for Sherman College and for the chiropractic profession under his leadership and guidance,” she says. Pekofsky adds that the continued service of Sherman College’s Interim President and founder, Thomas A. Gelardi, D.C., will be invaluable in the coming months as he helps provide a seamless transition to Dr. Schwartzbauer’s dynamic leadership. “The board is extremely grateful for Dr. Gelardi’s dedicated service to the college and for his many contributions to the college’s successes during his tenure as interim president for the past two years,” she says.

Seneca Falls, NY: New York Chiropractic College conferred the Doctor of Chiropractic degree upon 49 graduates Saturday, March 31, 2007, during its commencement ceremony held in the college’s Athletic Center. Dr. Frank J. Nicchi, president of NYCC, commented on the new graduates: "I’ve come to know a number of students in this graduating class. And while they will be missed, I anticipate great things from them!" Richard G. Brassard, D.C., a leader and innovator in the field of chiropractic, delivered the commencement address. A graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Brassard currently serves as the President of Texas Chiropractic College and President of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Dr. Brassard was one of four individuals inducted as Fellows into the American College of Chiropractors (ACC). NYCC Board of Trustees member, Robert E. Daley, Ph.D., past U.S. Olympic Team Head Athletic Director, Edward J. Ryan, III, M.S. and Lee C. Van Dusen, D.C., D.A.B.C.O, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Quality and Assessment at NYCC were also inducted in a ceremony presided over by Thomas R. Ventimiglia, D.C., F.A.C.C., President of the ACC. The ACC was chartered under an Act of Congress in 1924 and is composed of chiropractors, educators and scientific investigators throughout the United States whose field endeavor lies within the domain of chiropractic. Its primary purpose is to encourage research and advance the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic. Additionally, Michael A. Mestan, D.C., D.A.C.B.R., Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at NYCC, was selected as a Fellow of the International College of Chiropractors, an organization that promotes the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic and includes among its members, individuals who have shown themselves to be significant contributors to the development of the science of chiropractic. Brent Lindsay Moyer, class valedictorian, had the honor of addressing the assembled audience. Andrew Haynes Hancock was the class salutatorian. Awards were presented to select members of the graduating class. Class President Eoin Christopher Gregory received the Alumni Class President Award, the Lloyd E. Henby Distinguished Service Award and a Distinguished Service Award. Lance Jarrod Loomis, Class Treasurer, was presented with the D.D. Palmer Award and the Distinguished Service in Basic Sciences Award. The Diagnostic Imaging Award went to Sybil Ann Coburn, who also received a Distinguished Service Award. Distinguished Service Awards were also presented to Christopher John Arma and Laurissa Constance-Swaine Simms. The Ernest G. Napolitano Memorial Award was presented to Sarah Anne Harkins. Irum Hussain received the Frank E. Dean Memorial Award. Eric A. Steffen received the Frank P. DeGiacomo Technique Award. The recipient of the Libero A. Violini Distinguished Service Award was Michael V. Rockefeller. The Lorraine Welch Memorial Award went to Kimberly M. Carozzi and the Heath Center Award winners were Nathan A. Bukuts (Depew), Susan Leigh Szot (Levittown) and Jennifer Kelly Bollinger (Seneca Falls). For further information about New York Chiropractic College’s degree programs in chiropractic, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and applied clinical nutrition, visit the college’s Web site at:

Palmer College of Chiropractic will host Homecoming 2007 on its Davenport, Iowa, campus Aug. 9-11. The program features a variety of continuing education sessions as well as the traditional and some new social events, along with a vendor expo filled with the latest chiropractic products and services. This year’s theme is “Look Inside,” and refers to some exciting additions to Palmer’s Davenport Campus, as well as the healing, compassion and knowledge that chiropractors can find within themselves and at Palmer. There will be a dedication ceremony on Aug. 10 for the new Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Health Center, a 50,000-square foot, state-of-the-art clinic and clinical learning resource center. The Palmer Homecoming 2007 schedule features some new events, including special day tours for spouses and guests at area attractions such as the Quad-City Botanical Center, the new Figge Museum in Davenport and the Lavender Crest Winery. There also will be several options to choose from during “Palmer Night” on Aug. 10: music at the River Music Experience, a movie at the IMAX Theatre or a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River. Continuing education sessions will be presented by top-notch speakers in the chiropractic community, including Drs. Casey Crisp, Daniel Drubin, Will Evans, Joan Fallon, Cheryl Hawk, Keith Kramer, Tracey Littrell, Dennis Marchiori, Ian McLean, Bill Moreau, Dan Murphy, Robert Rakowski, Jeremy Rodgers, Frank Sovinsky and Dan Weinert; along with Ms. Christine Crisp, Mr. Bill Esteb, Frank Mitvalsky, J.D., Ms. Judith Siebert and John Slover, J.D. The closing session features a motivational presentation by “The Chalk Man,” Sam Glenn. Chiropractors may earn up to 16 hours of continuing education credit pending state board approval. Chiropractic Technologists may acquire up to seven hours of radiology credit. Topics to be covered include: patient-centered spine care; profitability; radiology (for D.C.s and C.T.s); the science of chiropractic subluxation and neurology; dilemmas and dialogues; nutritional strategies; chiropractic and autism, ADD and ADHD; the science of wellness; the biggest subluxation in chiropractic; the doctor-patient relationship; extremities evaluation and management; real world solutions for the chiropractor’s dilemma; and basic and advanced estate planning strategies. The full schedule and registration information for Palmer Homecoming 2007 are available online at:

Seneca Falls, NY: Karen A. Bobak, D.C. was selected to serve as New York Chiropractic College’s Acting Dean of Chiropractic, effective beginning May 1. Acting Dean, Bobak will oversee the day to day operation of the Doctor of Chiropractic program, including academic planning, curriculum development, faculty hiring and associated budgets as they relate to the program. Dr. Bobak’s appointment comes on the heels of a nationwide 15-week search that attracted applications from throughout the country. A search team comprised of faculty, staff and administration made recommendations to Michael Mestan, D.C., Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, who thereafter conducted interviews with qualified prospects. Dr. Bobak received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York in 1982, and the Bachelor of Science degree from National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois, in 1984. Awarded a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National in 1986, Karen was licensed in New York, and has since managed a private practice in the Rochester. Affiliated with NYCC since 1994 as an adjunct professor, Bobak joined NYCC’s full time faculty in 1999 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2003, teaching coursework in technique and has also served as Technique Team Leader in the Chiropractic Clinical Sciences department. She remains active in a variety of academic and search committees, and her scholarly activity includes participation in NYCC’s 2006 Research Symposium, and involvement in numerous research and faculty development consortia. Executive Vice President Mestan is pleased at Dr. Bobak’s steady growth and development throughout her employment at the College, and he feels confident she will continue to “demonstrate outstanding leadership” in her new position.

The NCMIC Group, Inc. has contributed $100,000 to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress to support the national initiative to educate the general public about the benefits of chiropractic care. This most recent donation makes a total of $400,000 committed by the NCMIC. About NCMIC Group, Inc. For more than 60 years, NCMIC has served as the nation’s largest provider of chiropractic malpractice insurance, insuring more than 36,500 doctors. Their core business consists not only of malpractice coverage, but also includes financial products and other affiliated insurance products. "A public relations campaign to raise the awareness of the benefits of chiropractic, supported by the profession, can have a huge impact on the profession both today and in the future,” said Dr. Louis Sportelli, NCMIC President. "Whether doctor or vendor we all have a direct interest in the success of this public relations campaign. The profession must make contributions and view this program as a long-term investment in the future." About the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress A non-profit corporation, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress exists to increase the number of people who seek chiropractic treatment and to educate consumers about this conservative, effective form of treatment. “The Foundation challenges the profession to match the commitment level of NCMIC,” said Kent Greenawalt, Foundation Chairman. “We need every doctor to contribute the equivalent of just one adjustment a month to ensure success.” Every dollar received from vendors and doctors will go directly to the advertising/public relations campaign. We invite you to join the Foundation and build on the positive press of this campaign. If you wish to make a pledge and/or contribution to the Foundation, please visit www.foundation4cp.com. Contributions are also received at P.O. Box 560, Carmichael, California 95609-0560.

Effective spring quarter 2008, Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic will raise its entering grade-point average (GPA) requirement (currently 2.5 on a 4.0 scale) by one-tenth of a point each year, until the entering GPA reaches 3.0 in 2012. The college’s Board of Trustees approved the policy in early March. The proposal to increase the entering GPA requirement initiated from faculty recommendations and from several discussions in meetings of the college’s Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness Committees. The increased admission standards were also discussed extensively with student representatives, academic deans and the Enrollment Services office, and they reflect the rising qualifications needed for students to be academically successful at Sherman. The first incremental increase in spring 2008 will bring the required entering GPA to 2.6. “Our goal in adopting this policy is to attract students who are adequately prepared for the rigor of the academic program at Sherman College,” says Vice President for Academic Affairs Jon Schwartzbauer, D.C. “It is only appropriate that the requirements associated with admission to Sherman College be aligned with the expectations students will encounter when they enter the doctor of chiropractic program,” Schwartzbauer explains. Increasing the entering GPA requirement specifically addresses an objective of the college’s Strategic Plan to “increase student quality in the recruitment process by using indicators of student success to evaluate candidates.” Included in the college’s definition of student success are (1) completing the doctor of chiropractic degree program in 14 quarters and (2) passing all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners’ tests before graduation. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) currently requires a minimum entrance GPA of 2.5 for students enrolling in all chiropractic colleges. A study of entrance data for Sherman students enrolling between 2004 and 2006 compared entrance GPAs with Sherman College quarterly GPAs, cumulative GPAs and national board scores. Strong correlations were found between entrance requirements and Sherman College GPAs and national board scores, supporting the concept that increasing the entrance requirement would lead to an improvement in student performance in the chiropractic program and on national board exams. College officials believe increasing the entrance requirements will result in better-equipped students who are able to thrive within the chiropractic program. In addition, the change should result in increased retention and graduation rates. Vice President for Enrollment Services Robert Irwin, D.C., doesn’t expect the revised policy to cause any changes in enrollment trends, as most Sherman students exceed a 2.6 entering GPA. By giving a year’s notice to students preparing for admission, the college does not expect the change to be a hardship on any qualified candidates. “We want to ensure the best possible fit between Sherman College and its students,” Irwin says. “Aligning admission requirements with the high academic standards already in place at Sherman just makes sense.” Executive Vice President/Provost Myron Brown, D.C., who serves on the task committee of the CCE that is currently considering a major re-write of its educational standards, agrees. He says that because part of Sherman College’s mission is to train leaders for the profession, raising the entering GPA is appropriate. As a member of the task force, Brown hopes the CCE’s new educational standards will focus on outcomes relative to an institution’s mission and leave the process, including entering GPAs, up to the institutions. Sherman College will continue to monitor the effect of entering GPA on educational outcomes and if necessary, will adjust admission policies accordingly.

New York Chiropractic College Fellow Jonathon Egan, DC, MPH, (NYCC ’06) was recently approved by the Seneca County Board of Supervisors to become the newest member of the Seneca County Board of Health. Dr. Egan, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Health/Epidemiology, was notified by Public Health Director Vickie Swineheart, RN, of his appointment on March 14, 2007. The Board of Health, consists of three M.D.s, three community members (of which Egan will be one), and one representative from the County Board of Supervisors, and governs the Public Health Department. The Board directs department programming, helps set future program direction, reviews items such as tobacco sales and Clean Air Act compliance, and hires the Public Health Director. Dr. Egan will participate in the Board’s monthly meeting. Wendy Maneri, DC, MS, (NYCC ’99), Chief of Staff of the NYCC Campus Health Center, strongly encouraged Egan to participate. Aside from his duties in the student clinic, Egan is currently working with Paul Dougherty, DC, overseeing student care at the Rochester VA, is involved in several research projects regarding chronic back pain and veteran demographics with Dr. Dougherty, and together with Jason Napuli, DC, MBA, (NYCC ’03) assesses Medicaid patient demographics and patients’ response to chiropractic care. According to Dr. Egan, the NYCC Fellowship had enabled him to work with great students in clinic, and now, provides the opportunity to serve on the Board of Health.

Dr. Frank Nicchi, President of New York Chiropractic College received the Achievement Award for Chiropractic Education during the annual Parker Seminars international event in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 9th. The sixth annual Foot Levelers’ achievement awards were presented to a group of the chiropractic profession’s most distinguished leaders. Foot Levelers’ President and CEO, Kent S. Greenawalt, presented the awards in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. Dr. Nicchi, a 1978 alumnus and long-time faculty member, was appointed President of NYCC in 2000. Since that time, he has led new initiatives to develop clinical education programs that have solidified the College’s vision and its emphasis on academic excellence and successful integration of chiropractic into diverse healthcare settings. Dr. Nicchi was recognized for his leadership in NYCC’s creation of educational and clinical programs (internships and chiropractic services in the Veteran’s Administration (VA) health systems, private and military hospitals and at state university health centers) that advance and benefit the chiropractic profession. Three additional honors were awarded at the event. Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, President of Parker College of Chiropractic and the Parker Seminars received the Dr. Monte Greenawalt Chiropractic Excellence Award. David Chapman-Smith, Secretary-General for the World Federation of Chiropractic was awarded the Achievement Award for Chiropractic Leadership. The Achievement Award for Chiropractic Philosophy went to Dr. Bob Hoffman, President and CEO of The Masters Circle. “We are privileged to have this opportunity to recognize their achievements and thank them for all they have done,” Kent Greenawalt said of the award recipients. “These four individuals have made a tremendous impact on the profession.”

Buffalo – D’Youville College will open a chiropractic clinic in Buffalo to serve the general public as part of its chiropractic education program. The grand opening of the clinic will be Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at 2900 Main Street (Across from Bennett High School) and will be open to treat patients. (Local officials have been invited to the opening ceremony.) It will serve as one of the college’s clinical training sites for chiropractic interns and also provide a variety of clinical health services to the public, according to college officials. “It is the only such chiropractic health center in the City and features full handicap accessibility,” said Dr. Stephen J. Zajac, associate professor and coordinator of clinical services for the chiropractic program at D’Youville. The 6600 square foot clinic houses examination and treatment rooms, a rehabilitation suite, conference room, patient waiting area, x-ray suite, and faculty and administrative offices. There is a lighted parking lot for 35 cars. “ Our certified chiropractic interns will provide services under the direct supervision of our chiropractic faculty who are licensed doctors of chiropractic,” Zajac said. “We will provide consultation, evaluation, diagnosis and digital imaging x-rays, EKG, lab diagnosis, and spirometry along with chiropractic manipulation, physiotherapy, treatment, rehabilitation services and wellness counseling,” he said. “The fees will be affordable and in some cases there will be no cost.” “Office hours will be by appointment and we plan to be open five days a week and eventually on Saturdays,” Zajac said. The clinic has state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment including direct digital radiography that allows a patient’s x-rays to be recorded on a CD for the patient to take to their primary physician or specialist if needed. The college is one of the first standard accredited multi-disciplinary colleges in the State to “mainstream” chiropractic education by offering the Doctor of Chiropractic degree as a part of its curriculum. Introduced in 2004, the seven-year chiropractic program currently enrolls 80 students. D’Youville, a private college based on Buffalo’s West Side, was chartered in 1908 and today has approximately 3000 students.