In November, George Zakhary, a doctor of chiropractic student at Southern California Health Sciences University (SCU), was awarded the 2024 Professional Baseball Chiropractic Society (PBCS) sports chiropractic scholarship, recognizing his dedication to the field of sports medicine.
He received the award at the annual PBCS meeting in Naples, Florida, alongside top professionals in sports chiropractic care, a university press release noted.
A passion for sports medicine
Now in his clinical year at SCU, Zakhary is completing his DC degree with a focus on sports medicine. He chose to specialize in this field because he wants to empower athletes through innovative, nonpharmacological pain therapies and rehabilitative techniques.
“My passion for sports and helping athletes perform at their best has always been a driving force,” he said in the press release. “ I took a leap of faith when I moved from Florida to Southern California to attend SCU specifically because of its focus on sports medicine. Despite other schools being closer to home, I knew SCU was the best place to pursue my dream, and I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunities I’ve had here.”
Those opportunities include extensive hands-on experience working with diverse patient populations throughout his academic and clinical career. At the SCU Tactical Sports Medicine Clinic and Performance Place Sports Care, he honed his skills in rehabilitative exercise, patient education and collaborative care. His work on the sidelines with Miami FC in the USL (United Soccer League) Championship League gave him valuable insights into how to treat professional athletes and foster peak performance. He currently serves as a chiropractic intern at the 13 Area Navy Branch Health Clinic in Camp Pendleton, a US Marine base near Oceanside, California.
“My rotations at clinics like the Navy Sports Medicine Clinic at Camp Pendleton and treating athletes with Miami FC have been instrumental in shaping my patient-centered approach in the athletic sphere. I’ve learned the importance of addressing both the physical and mental aspects of recovery and tailoring care to each individual’s needs,” Zakhary explained.
In his position at Camp Pendleton, Zakhary provides care to active-duty Marines, further honing his expertise in injury management and performance optimization, as well as his ability to adapt his skills to serve the needs of diverse populations.
Chiropractic research
Beyond clinical practice, Zakhary has presented research at high-profile conferences, including a convention of the American Public Health Association and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges’ Research Agenda Conference (ACCRAC). Through his presentations, he contributed valuable insights into non-drug strategies for managing patients’ pain.
Zakhary is also pursuing a certification as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), which will equip him with more tools he can use to serve athletes.
Looking ahead
Zakhary envisions a career at the intersection of chiropractic care and professional athletics, where he can impact athletes’ health and performance at all levels. The sports chiropractic scholarship he earned has helped him advance toward that goal.
“This scholarship provides me with a feeling of recognition, which motivates me to continue excelling in my studies and clinical work,” Zakhary commented. “It also connects me to a network of professionals who share my passion for sports chiropractic and have empowered me beyond words, opening doors to new opportunities.
“My ultimate goal is to work with a professional team and eventually open my own clinic in Florida or California,” he continued. “I aim to provide exceptional care that helps not only athletes but all people to reach peak performance and enjoy long, healthy careers.”
About Southern California University of Health Sciences
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is one of the world’s only integrative, whole health universities — preparing students to blend the best of conventional medicine with proven complementary approaches, and to treat the whole person (body, mind and spirit). Founded in 1911 as one of the nation’s very first chiropractic colleges, SCU has been challenging convention and pushing healthcare forward since the very beginning. Today, the institution offers graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including Chiropractic, Sports Medicine, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Genetic Counseling, Genetics and Genomics, Medical Science, Physician Assistant, Ayurveda, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Whole Health Leadership and beyond. Learn more at scuhs.edu.
