Parker University graduates doctors of chiropractic

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December 23, 2013 — Parker University College of Chiropractic presented its 85th graduating class with Doctor of Chiropractic degrees Dec. 14, 2013. Graduates earned the degree after an intensive amount of education in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, business, neuroscience, research, orthopedics, and more. They participated in a balance of classroom, research, business, and clinical education in a four-year academic program condensed to 10 trimesters.

Many of the graduates were also awarded a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in anatomy or a major in health and wellness.

Parker University President Brian McAulay, DC, delivered the commencement address.

“You should all be tremendously proud of yourselves for completing what we know is an extremely rigorous program,” said McAulay. “Throughout your career as a doctor of chiropractic, continue to remember what brought you to this profession; the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic; the patients that desperately need you; and loving service — your first technique, among the other Parker Principles you’ve come to embrace. In doing that, I know you will impact the lives of countless patients.”

Achieving top scholar ranking is no small feat among a class of extremely intelligent students. Nick Speegle received the highest academic honor of the graduating class as Valedictorian. A former National Football League player, Speegle played for the Cleveland Browns before retiring because of a back injury.

“I had a really bad back injury in college and in the NFL that eventually needed surgery,” said Speegle. “However, I went to a chiropractor in New Mexico that helped me manage my pain, which allowed me to play two extra years. I told myself that I wanted to help people just like he helped me, so the back injury that ended my career was a blessing because I would not have chosen this career path if I never got hurt.”

Speegle has plans to practice with a 2008 Parker grad, Landan Webster, DC, at Webster Chiropractic and Rehab in Dallas, where he will primarily focus on treating athletes.

Class Salutatorian Jill Plentl worked as a chiropractic assistant for eight years until she decided to pursue a doctor of chiropractic career of her own.

“I had found something that would offer hope and healing to so many people,” said Plentl. “As a chiropractic assistant, I watched patients regain their hope and their health from chiropractic care. As soon as I realized I could help even more people by opening a practice of my own, I began my schooling at Parker.”

Plentl will practice with her mentors, Steven Le, DC, and Laura Le, DC, at Best Life Chiropractic, until she opens her own practice in the summer of 2014 in North Richland Hills, Texas. She will provide chiropractic care for the whole family as well as prenatal care and nutritional counseling.

“I am very proud of earning my degree from Parker University’s College of Chiropractic,” said Plentl. “The curriculum at Parker is one of the best in the nation and is very challenging. I feel that this has prepared me with the knowledge needed to give patients the best care possible and to do so with great confidence.”

In addition to earning her doctorate from Parker University, Plentl was also awarded bachelor of science degrees in anatomy as well as health and wellness during commencement.

Source: Parker University