Student Experience

2021 American Black Chiropractic Association Conference Student Experience

By: Jasmine Brewster Piper, UWS SABCA Chapter President, SABCA Western Region Student Representative, Doctor of Chiropractic Candidate The 21st American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) National Conference came at the perfect time. The past year has been devastating for the entire world. In addition to experiencing a global pandemic, us students of color have had to maneuver through our schoolwork and patient care with grace while we witnessed murder and injustice around us. We have been angry, we have been filled with grief and trauma, but more than anything we have felt isolated and alone throughout our campuses. The ABCA National Conference provided the two things we all needed, community and healing.

Every year the national conference leaves us with a burning fire and motivation to continue on, because that is what it will take for us to become doctors and make real change in our communities. This year we received lectures from Dr. Terry Yochum and Dr. Elise Hewitt, UWS alumna (DC class of 1988). We had breakout sessions with the student members where we discussed and brainstormed different opportunities to bring diversity to our campuses and the profession as a whole. During the Harvey-Lillard Scholarship I was nominated and announced as the new Western Region Student Representative, making it the second year a member from the UWS chapter held this position.

We danced, we ate, we learned from amazing doctors – we left with our spirits lifted and focused on our purpose. Collectively, we were

all seen and heard. I left feeling proud of our UWS SABCA members and the organization as a whole for their continued efforts and resilience. I am a proud member of the Student American Black Chiropractic Association and will continue to stand up for those who are not heard.

Learn more about the ABCA history. Read this story on the UWS website. 

ABCA Mission Statement: Integrating and improving outcomes for persons of color entering the profession of doctor of chiropractic.

Constitution Purpose:

1. To recruit, encourage and support black persons to study chiropractic.

2. To encourage research in the development of the science, philosophy and the art of chiropractic.

3. To assist chiropractic colleges in recruiting qualified black students and faculty members.

4. To generally advance in the science, philosophy, and art of chiropractic, and to improve the standards in the profession’s professional knowledge.

5. To facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience, and research among doctors of chiropractic.

6. To perform community education.

7. To establish the Harvey Lillard scholarship fund for members of the Student American Black

Chiropractic Association. 2021 Olympic Track and Field Trials Student Experience

Hands-on training is emphasized in the UWS sports medicine program, along with current evidence and trends in sports medicine and research. An essential part of the program includes field experience working with local sports teams, multi-level athletes and at rehab clinics during labs and practicum. This summer, UWS sports medicine students had the opportunity to volunteer at the Olympic track and field trials in Eugene, Oregon and made a positive impression on medical directors at the event.

“I am going to keep UWS students in mind for future events,” said Dr. Chris Van Wagner, director of providence sports medicine and medical services admin captain at the trials.”

By: Caitlin Jones, Doctor of Chiropractic Candidate Volunteering at the Olympic trials was an incredible experience. Even though I was working as an admin, I interacted with the athletes and health care professionals constantly. It was wonderful to see what kinds of treatment the athletes wanted (lots and lots of massage) and how interactive all of the health care professionals were with each other. When it was slower, it was great talking to the athletic trainers, physical therapists, chiropractic physicians and massage therapists about their experience and how they got involved with USATF (USA Track and Field).

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Even with the crazy temperatures, I still had a great time and learned so much.

My favorite part was seeing how everyone came together to help out when needed. When we had a 40-minute wait for massage, the chiropractic physician and physical therapists volunteered to help out so that the athletes were able to be treated in a timely manner. When it was 116 degrees out, everyone was folding towels, putting them in ice coolers and handing them out to all of the athletes. It was great to see everyone working as a team. Another great moment was when an athlete came in after just placing 4th and missing out on going to the Olympics. She walked in upset and was getting a massage when her friend ran in to tell her that she made one of the other events and would be going! All of the tears and celebration was infectious throughout the tent and it was amazing to be part of that. Though some professionals think they can treat and diagnose it all, they can’t as efficiently and precisely as a team of experts. It’s important for elite athletes to have a variety of providers that can utilize their speciality as part of a team of providers to truly help the athlete with what they need. Just looking at distance runners, they benefit from massage, chiropractic manipulation, rehab, strength training, gait analysis, taping and so much more. One provider may be able to provide all of that, but as an elite athlete, they need providers that specialize in it so they can perform at their highest potential.

My biggest takeaway was to volunteer and be part of as much as I possibly can as a student and in the future as a sports chiropractor. I made some great connections, saw how an integrative team pulls together when needed, and had so much fun! 