Jennifer Watters, DC, DAcCHM, DACBSP, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), LAc, CSCS, joined Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU) as director of the Human Performance Center (HPC) on October 1.
As a dual-licensed DC and acupuncturist, Watters is uniquely suited to lead the HPC: where students in the chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy programs work integratively to support athletes in the Twin Cities, a press release noted. Her vast experience in sports medicine also positions her as an ideal mentor to the Chiropractic Sports Medicine residents.
“I am passionate about helping the next generation of sports medicine professionals to achieve their goals and succeed in their careers,” Watters said.
Watters also holds the Foot Levelers Chair in Biomechanics and Human Performance, a position funded by Foot Levelers to advance the biomechanics field through research and practice.
A recognized leader in sports medicine
Watters arrives at NWHSU with a wealth of national and international experience. She most recently served as Senior Health Care Service Provider at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Training Site in Chula Vista, California, and taught as adjunct faculty at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU). Previously, she coordinated the Sports Medicine Clinic at SCU and owned a thriving sports medicine practice in Santa Monica.
Her clinical résumé includes more than a decade of field work at the highest levels of sport. She served as a Team USA medical staff member at three Olympic Games—Tokyo (Summer), Beijing (Winter) and Paris (Paralympic). She also acted as Medical Director for Team USA at the 2023 Pan American Games.
An eye toward Human Performance Center collaboration
Watters is eager to build on the Human Performance Center’s strong foundation while expanding its impact.
“My vision is to provide residents and interns with a premier experience in multidisciplinary sports medicine and performance care,” she explained. “The future HPC will include greater outreach, physically and conceptually.”
“We believe Dr. Watters is the ideal leader to expand the reach of the HPC both locally and nationally,” noted NWHSU President and CEO Deb Bushway, PhD. “Through innovative collaboration, she will create new opportunities for students and residents while continuing to advance the fields of chiropractic and acupuncture sports medicine.”
Legacy of advancing the field
Founded in 2014, the HPC provides integrated, real-world clinical experience in sports medicine and delivers care to athletes of all levels. Founding director Tim Stark led the program until 2019, followed by Andrew Klein, who retired earlier this year.
Since its founding, the Human Performance Center has trained 17 chiropractic residents and one registered dietitian. Also trained in the space are chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy student interns.
Chiropractic sports residents have gone on to distinguished careers. They include Liz Moos, DC, a leader on the ACA Sports Council now working at the VA Pacific Islands; Jordan Knowlton-Key, DC, FICS, Integrative Sports Medicine staff at USOPC in Lake Placid, New York; and Dennis Matos, DC, MS, CCSP, clinician at the Osher Center for Integrated Health at Harvard Medical School.
For more information, visit nwhealth.edu.
About Northwestern Health Sciences University
We are Northwestern Health Sciences University (NWHSU). We are a mission- and vision-driven university, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to not only deliver, but also advance health care. NWHSU takes a person-centered approach to health education and practice to help people live happier, healthier, better lives. We offer a diverse range of evidence-informed programs and experiences across the healthcare spectrum — from our roots in chiropractic to acupuncture, massage therapy and undergraduate health sciences. Whether you’re a student considering a career in health sciences, a practitioner looking to enhance your skills or an individual seeking care at one of our multidisciplinary clinics, NWHSU welcomes you.
