B.J. Palmer once said, "One great, strong, unselfish soul in every community would actually redeem the world." Thanks to the efforts of several unselfish souls, an adjusting table that began its service at the Palmer College of Chiropractic has found a new home in Mexico, and will be used to provide chiropractic care to thousands of underprivileged residents.
The odyssey of the table began in the early 1990s. After being used by chiropractic externs at the Palmer Clinic in Davenport, Iowa, it was purchased by Drs. James and Laura Van Wagoner in 1995 and shipped to their clinic in New Port Richey, Fla. A few years later, the table returned to Davenport when James Van Wagoner began working as an ambassador of the Palmer college system.
Enter Drs. James and Terri Coats, another husband-and-wife team of chiropractors - and Palmer alumni. In 2002, while in the Mexican city of Piedras Negras, the Coatses met a local medical doctor who happened to belong to the city's rotary club, the Club Rotario Piedras Negras Poniente. When the doctor learned that the Coatses belonged to a similar rotary club in Harrison, Ark., he envisioned the clubs working together to bring the Coatses back to Mexico to provide chiropractic care for underprivileged people in Piedras Negras.
In a few short weeks, the rotary clubs arranged for the Coatses to return to Mexico, and even located a small clinic for them to provide treatment. "People in Mexico don't procrastinate," explained Terri Coats. "Within weeks of our initial discussions, the Piedras Negras rotary club had the trip arranged for February 2003. They publicized it and coordinated a clinic for us at a local hospital. We saw 150 people over two days who would otherwise have been unable to afford care."
Upon their return to the U.S., the Coatses encountered the Van Wagoners and told them about the trip. Although they had helped 150 people, the Coatses lamented the lack of proper chiropractic equipment that was available - not to mention the strain put on their own bodies from providing so many adjustments on a portable table in such a short time span. Realizing the importance of the work the were doing, the Van Wagoners offered to donate the table the next time the Coatses traveled to Mexico.
With the help of both rotary clubs and the contributions of many willing volunteers, the table was shipped to Piedras Negras in time for the Coats' second clinic this past January, which allowed the doctors to treat twice as many patients in the same amount of time. The citizens of Piedras Negras were so grateful to the Van Wagoners for donating the table that they sent plaques to the doctors to express their gratitude. In addition, based on their connection with the rotary club and the ties they have forged with Piedras Negras, the Coatses have announced plans for future chiropractic clinics, to be coordinated by both rotary clubs.
"We would love to have other chiropractors join us during future clinics," commented Dr. Terri Coats. "The community has been so receptive to our care and the chiropractic message. We would like to see this program grow and continue for years to come."
NUHS Awards First Diane Winterstein Memorial Scholarship, Other Honors
The National University of Health Sciences (NUHS), in Lombard, Ill., recently awarded 18 scholarships to students based upon factors such as academic excellence, personal achievement and community service.
"These are the students who will go on to lead our profession," commented college president James Winterstein, DC, who personally presented the scholarships to the students.
Receiving the scholarships were students Max Barrett, Cori Bauer, Brad Farney, Katie Kielpinski, Alicia Lewitt, Aaron Locke, Lis Lombardo, Jennifer Ma, Paul Mikulski, Jennifer Parry, Jennifer Reinking, Jennifer Rudhman, Katie Samsel, Mitch Stanlick, Joseph Stiefel, Erin Strauch, Jena Swanson, and Desiree Thompson.
In addition, Joseph Stiefel was the recipient of the first Diane Winterstein Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of the late wife of Dr. Winterstein. Known as the "first lady" of NUHS, Mrs. Winterstein served the school for 16 years by hosting events, assisting as a nurse, and even volunteering for a hospice, before passing away from cancer in 2002.
Said Joseph, who intends to become a resident in radiology upon graduation: "Although I never met her, Diane Winterstein's name is one of those that people on the NUHS campus speak of with reverence. I was very flattered and moved to be named the first recipient of her scholarship."
SCUHS "Spring Into Health" Raises $2,000 for Charity
In March, Southern California University of Health Sciences held its fourth annual "Spring Into Health" event at the school's campus in Whittier, Calif. The weekend-long festival included a 5K run/walk, a kid's "fun run," and a health fair. In addition, representatives from the university's two colleges (Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and the College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) were on hand to provide services and information to the public.
Based on the success of the event, the university's associated student body was able to provide a $2,000 donation to Help for Brain Injured Children, a local charity.
"Once a year, the students plan, organize and provide the manpower for "Spring into Health," observed SCUHS President Dr. Reed B. Phillips. "It not only introduces alternative health care to our neighbors in the community, but, obviously, assists a worthwhile organization. We're extremely proud of the students' great efforts and the positive impact they have on the profession and the public at large."
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