2019 Alumnus of the Year

Dr. David Peeace: 2019 Alumnus of the Year

David Peeace, DC, 1996 graduate of University of Western States, was named the 2019 UWS Alumnus of the Year.

12 D r. Peeace was presented the distinction at the A Fond Farewell event in October 2019. Over the span of his career, Dr. Peeace has been an advocate for best practices in chiropractic care, both in direct care of patients and as a leader in numerous professional organizations, including as immediate past chair of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), current chair of the Steering Committee for the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative, and as a North American representative for the World Federation of Chiropractic. “I do not take for granted any of the rights and privileges I have as a chiropractor,” said Dr. Peeace. “This has always motivated me to get involved and leave whatever organization I worked with in a better state.” “Dr. David Peeace is a leader in best practices and evidence-based chiropractic care,” said fellow UWS doctor of chiropractic graduate and Dr.

Peeace’s nominator Dr. Jennifer Forbes (Class of 2000). “He has served his home province, his country and internationally and is making a difference for our profession. Dr. Peeace is a strong supporter of UWS and I’m proud he has received recognition for his contributions to our profession. He is a positive role model to all UWS students, but especially those who come to UWS from north of the border.” In addition to his service on chiropractic advocacy boards, Dr. Peeace is a mentor for indigenous youth, having spoken at numerous indigenous educational events and paving the way for future generations as the first indigenous chiropractic physician to practice in Saskatchewan, Canada. “We all come from different backgrounds and our paths sometimes intersect with one another for a purpose,” explained Dr. Peeace. “For me, I feel a tremendous debt that I wish to pay back to those who challenged and saw the potential in me to achieve my dreams. This has always resonated with me and something I wish to impart in others, especially those 2019 UWS Alumnus of the Year Dr. David Peeace received his recognition at A Fond Farewell event in October

13 with indigenous ties. I want those I mentor to know that I believe in them, and if you in-turn trust in yourself, any of your dreams can become a reality.” Dr. Peeace was first introduced to chiropractic medicine following an injury he sustained during summer break while attending the University of Saskatchewan. He initially had plans to pursue a traditional medical doctor route, but was convinced to shift his focus after he experienced incredible healing from noninvasive chiropractic treatments. Dr. Peeace graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Physiology in 1993 and then made his way south to UWS (then Western States Chiropractic College). “During my time at UWS, I was deeply inspired from the mentorship I received from Dr. Ron LeFebvre and Dr. Richard Stonebrink and the many doctors that took me under their wings when I first started practice,” said Dr. Peeace. “The lessons I was imparted by them really gave me trust in my education I received at UWS and the meaningful connections I made here.” Dr. Peeace, his wife Lisa and their two children enjoy traveling and immersing themselves in new cultures. In the spirit of mentorship and sharing the power of chiropractic medicine, Dr. Peeace has been on several humanitarian trips where he shares chiropractic care with developing nations and rural communities. “I love helping people, not just getting them out of their pain in a natural way, but also helping them go back to their passions,” said Dr. Peeace. “For some, it’s being able to continue running, others lifting their grandchildren or starting to exercise. It is very exciting to go to the clinic in the morning knowing that you will be able to help someone have the life they wish to live.” Always a voice for compassion and quality of patient care, Dr. Peeace’s career exemplifies the UWS motto, “for the good of the patient.” Lisa Peeace, Dr. David Peeace, Dr. Joseph Brimhall and Dr. Jennifer Forbes