On July 23, 2004, Richard G. Brassard, DC, was inaugurated as the new president of Texas Chiropractic College (TCC) during the college's annual Homecoming Convention, in front of a crowd of delegates, distinguished guests, and family members.
Also during the event, Peter Tyler, representing U.S. Congressman Nick Lampson, read a letter from the congressman, a close personal friend of Dr. Brassard, who could not attend due to a prior commitment; Dr. Ellis read a letter from Dr. James Simmons, president of Lamar University and a good friend and former high school classmate of Dr. Brassard; and Col. Mark Losack, DC, presented the new president with a framed photo of Dr. Losack adjusting a fellow Marine last year in front of one of Saddam Hussein's palaces.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Brassard emphasized that "the future is ours," echoing the theme of the evening's event. "Within the walls of Texas Chiropractic College exists an academic curriculum on par with those in the Texas Medical Center. Our hospital rotations program continues to expand and has helped to set the standard for other colleges to emulate. ... 'Complementary and Alternative Medicine' ... is the future of health care. It is the future of chiropractic medicine. We intend to strengthen our curriculum and perpetuate the hospital rotations for which this institution has become known. Our graduates will be fully prepared to become members of complementary and alternative medical clinics that are reshaping the model of health care in this country."
Founded in 1908, TCC is one of the oldest chiropractic colleges in the country. Its first-of-its-kind Hospital Rotations Program gives college interns the opportunity to rotate in nearly 30 hospitals and clinics throughout the Houston area, including the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
Local Legislators Tour Northwestern Health Sciences University
The goal of Northwestern Health Sciences University's first on-campus legislative day was to familiarize area legislators with the mission of the university, as well as to give students a chance to ask questions of the elected officials. Legislators given tours of the university and introduced to students, faculty and staff were Sens. Geoff Michel and Bill Belanger, and Reps. Dan Larson and Duke Powell.
"My hope is to increase the legislators' awareness of natural health care because what they decide ultimately governs our lives," said tour guide Mary Grady, a student in the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the Student Senate vice president. "There needs to be a better awareness in order to meet our needs as practitioners. The better informed the legislators are, the better decisions they will make."
Legislators gave students suggestions in regards to passing legislation and getting involved. They encouraged students to visit the state capitol, write letters and call.
"It was a great tour and I was especially interested and encouraged by the research aspect of Northwestern and the relationship with the National Institutes of Health," enthused Rep. Larson.
CCC-KC Appoints Academic Dean
Cleveland Chiropractic College (CCC) recently announced the appointment of Paul Barlett, PhD, as academic dean of its Kansas City campus. Dr. Barlett assumed the new position July 1, taking over for Dr. Ashley Cleveland, who had been serving as interim academic dean.
Dr. Barlett has been with the college since 1987; he began his career at CCC-KC as an assistant professor of anatomy, and since then, has served in a variety of capacities, including leading the undergraduate program from inception to full accreditation.
"I am excited to take on this new position," he said. "I hope that I can make a difference in the academic programs at the college. I have an excellent mentor in Dr. Ashley Cleveland, and I will continue to work with the department chairs to develop an education program of which we can all be proud."
Life West Health Center Names New Director
The Life Chiropractic College West Health Center recently named Shawn Henry Dill, DC, as director of community outreach. As director of the center, Dr. Dill will pursue and maintain relationships with local businesses, government, nonprofit organizations, and chambers of commerce. He will also instruct and assist student interns in their community outreach and education programs.
Dr. Dill recently returned to the states after spending nearly 10 years in Costa Rica, where he opened and directed four successful chiropractic clinics. He also served as team chiropractor to four first-division soccer club teams and produced and hosted a daily health-related radio show on the country's highest rated talk-radio station.
The Life West Health Center provides health care for approximately 1,600 patients a week and is operated by 200 senior interns, guided by licensed DCs.
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