Chiropractic Program Overview

Faculty: Brittany Baggett BSc, DC, LRCC

Course Description: As the chiropractic profession gains international recognition it is included in the integrative healthcare models sponsored by government and private insurers. An understanding of historical and contemporary chiropractic philosophy is critical for students to have a thorough understanding of the profession as it progresses through the 21st century.

The modern biopsychosocial model of health, and Palmer’s early comparative theories within chiropractic will be discussed. In addition to Dr. Palmer’s holistic philosophy, and evolution, the student will be introduced to Stephenson’s 33 Chiropractic Principles.

Faculty: Brittany Baggett BSc, DC, LRCC

Course Description: The chiropractic profession is expanding globally, with practitioners in 90 countries across the world. Regulation of the profession and education of clinicians has been shaped over time, leading to chiropractic’s current status.

Understanding the history and development of the profession gives future clinicians the information needed to develop their own opinions and thought processes, which will inform their clinical practice. A thorough understanding of where the profession has come from is essential to moving the profession forward. 

Faculty: Giselle Foss DC, L. Ac.

Course Description: This class is designed for healthcare professionals training to be chiropractors. The goal of this course is to bring an awareness of the other medical, holistic, and homeopathic practices and when a referral is clinically appropriate.

It will provide an in-depth discussion about their history, theory and their multiple modalities. It will discuss the importance of interprofessional collaboration and communication that can lead to improved patient outcomes. 

Faculty: Thomas R. Ventimiglia, DC, FACC(h)

Course Description: It is now well established that the leading causes of preventable, non-communicative death, disease, and disability in the Philippines are ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, and spinal pain syndromes. These diseases/disorders have etiology’s that include genetics, gender, and trauma among others, however, the individual’s lifestyle and health behavior choices are known to be contributing factors. The purpose of this lecture is to introduce the doctor to an evidence-based communication technique that can extend the traditional consultation to include wellness elements that guide the patient toward making healthy behavior choices that promote health and well-being.

Faculty: Philippa Oakley, DC, MChiro PgCert MRCC LRCC

Course Description: This course is designed to provide chiropractic students with a comprehensive understanding of diversity and inclusion within the field of chiropractic care, as well as to develop effective communication skills for promoting patient-centered care and cultural competence.

Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the diverse patient population and foster an inclusive and welcoming practice environment.

Faculty: John Nab, DC, FICC (h)

Course Description : This course is tailored for healthcare professionals aspiring to specialize in chiropractic care. Grounded in ethical business practices and exploring boundaries inherent in chiropractic care, this course offers a transformative educational experience, instilling principled leadership in future chiropractic practitioners.

Faculty: Sarah Kelly DC, MSACP

Course Description: This lecture will teach methods for developing static and dynamic spinal palpation skills. It will cover the following spinal regions; cervical (including C0-C1), thoracic, lumbar and pelvis.

It will also include a review of relevant spinal anatomy including muscles, bones, joints, ranges of motion and functionality. Palpation of special populations will also be taught. 

Faculty: Steven Smilkstein, M Tech Chiropractor, B Tech Chiropractor, ICCSP, ICSC

Course Description: The purpose of this module is to introduce the learner to a generalized understanding of spinal mechanics including the planes of articulation in specific spinal regions and ranges of motion available, to be applied in practice both in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Faculty: Steven Smilkstein, M Tech Chiropractor, B Tech Chiropractor, ICCSP, ICSC

Course Description: This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical assessment of the head and cervical spine. Students will learn to identify relevant anatomical structures, biomechanical functions, and clinical signs related to common conditions of the head and neck.

The course utilizes a combination of lectures, discussions, and case studies to develop students’ knowledge and skills in this area.

Faculty: Dennis M J Homack BS, DC, MS

Course Description:

This course will introduce the chiropractic student to the components and techniques of history taking, the development of a differential diagnosis list, the complete neurological evaluation of central and peripheral neural structures, and the comprehensive orthopedic and vascular evaluations of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. All course topics are integrated by chief complaint and history taking.

Faculty: Christine Foss MD, DC, MS. ED., ATC, DACBSP, DACRB, ICSC

Course Description: This course is designed for healthcare professionals that are in pursuit of a chiropractic degree. This course will review, demonstrate, and instruct the learner in the protocols of assessment, differential diagnosis, mechanism of injury for common conditions of the lower extremity. 

The learners will gain knowledge and confidence in assessment and care of common injuries of the hip, knee ankle and foot.  This course will also detail the phases of recovery and rehabilitation for common injuries of the lower limb. Lastly, return to activity will be addressed as progressions in the form of case studies will be detailed.  

Faculty: Jake Halverson, DC, DACBR

Course Description: In this course, students will review the basic principles of radiography and advanced imaging modalities (CT and MRI), and will apply appropriateness criteria and imaging practice guidelines for their best uses in chiropractic practice.  They will identify the normal anatomical appearances and variants of the musculoskeletal tissues and organs on imaging studies, and will subsequently review the commonest and most clinically significant pathologies that afflict them. 

The course concludes with a discussion and demonstration of diagnostic ultrasound for the musculoskeletal structures, an emerging point of care clinical imaging test.

Faculty: Dr. Henry Pollard BSc, Grad DC, Grad Dip Sports Sciences, MSportSc, PhD, ICSSD, FICC, FAICE

Course Description:

This research unit equips chiropractic students with the essential skills to critically evaluate and contribute to evidence-based practice. Students will learn the fundamentals of research methodology, biostatistics, and epidemiology, enabling them to interpret and apply research findings in clinical settings. The course emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills for clinical decision-making, considering published literature and relevant clinical guidelines.

Students will gain hands-on experience in analyzing case studies and assessing research projects, reinforcing the importance of documenting and sharing knowledge. Upon completion, students will be prepared to integrate evidence-based principles into their practice, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Faculty: Timothy W. Stark, DC, MPhil, MBA, DACBSP, ICSC, CSCS, FICC(h)

Course Description: This course is designed to equip the student pursuing a chiropractic degree  with advanced skills and knowledge in clinical decision making, enabling them to provide optimal patient care in a variety of clinical settings.

Through a comprehensive curriculum, participants will delve into the intricacies of evidence-based practice, diagnostic reasoning, and treatment planning tailored specifically to the chiropractic profession.