Parker Clinic Experience

VA Hospital Rotation Program

The VA Clinical Chiropractic Internship is designed to improve clinical skills and develop clinical efficiency in managing a larger volume of patients within a conventional medical setting. The VA/PCC chiropractic student internship program provides up to 12 Parker interns per year with an eight-week rotation through the North Texas VA Hospital PM&R Spine Department. The students selected each trimester will take part in a program consisting of 35 hours/week of experience.

Q&A with Dr. Moses on the Parker College of Chiropractic VA Hospital Rotation Program 

Purpose of the VA Hospital Rotation Program:

It is the design and intent of the academic affiliation between the North Texas Veterans Administration Health Care Center and Parker College of Chiropractic to expand the clinical portion of the intern’s educational experience through exposure to the diverse veteran patient population. By applying chiropractic principals in this multi-faceted health care facility, the interns acquire a greater understanding of both clinical practice and interdisciplinary relations. The chiropractic interns, in return, provide a much needed service to the veteran population through appropriate chiropractic care. 

Objectives of the VAMC Chiropractic Student Internship is Threefold:

1. Provide quality care with measurable outcomes to the patient population of veterans we are privileged to serve.
2. Provide the chiropractic student intern with a unique educational experience designed to better prepare them for clinical practice within integrated healthcare settings such as hospitals, VAMC’s (Veteran Affairs Medical Center’s) and MTF (Military Treatment Facilities).
3. Explore opportunities within the VA Health Care System for the advancement of clinical and health systems knowledge regarding chiropractic.

Learning Objectives: 

Through the evaluation, observation, physician interaction, and treatment of patients, it is expected that the chiropractic intern will demonstrate increasing proficiency and competency in clinical chiropractic practice.

Clinical Learning Objectives: 

1. Review patient charts as part of consultation requests to determine if chiropractic evaluation is indicated.
2. Examine patients and document history, clinical findings, impression and plan within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
3. Participate in and understand the importance of the Informed Consent process with regards to diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, short and long term goals, and anticipated outcomes.
4. Effectively and efficiently work as part of a health care team managing chiropractic cases within a conventional VAMC.
5.  Utilize standard clinical outcomes measures to quantify the effectiveness of care and assist in the determination of clinical end points.
6. Maintain data regarding utilization patterns of chiropractic care.
7. Participate in the discharging of patients at the completion of their care within the scope of PCC/VA clinical care protocols.
8. Gain a greater understanding of VA chiropractic patient demographics and the unique needs of this patient population including conditions such as Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and others specific to prior military involvement and combat exposure.
9. Assist in the continued evolution of the VA chiropractic program through performance improvement measures ranging from modification of clinic policies and procedures to the design of enhanced patient education materials.
10. Make a positive contribution to the professional atmosphere of the VA chiropractic clinic through productive interactions with other practitioners, allied health professionals and VA staff.

Information on applying for the Parker College VA Hospital Rotation Program is available on MyParker (login required). Application is available during Tri-Eight orientation.