Alumni
Alumni News
Parker Graduates Featured in Mansfield Newspaper
Making Adjustments: Chiropractors Makes Health a Way of Life
Joe ‘99 and Cheryl ’98 Silva didn’t set out to be chiropractors, but they both knew they would do something with health. The couple even met getting healthy, working out at the Duncanville Athletic Club.
"He was home from Baylor and I was home from Texas Women’s," Cheryl Silva, 38, said. "He came over to the leg extensions and started talking to me. I was thinking 'Leave me alone.’ A few days later he asked me out."
Article published Friday April 25, 2008, in the Mansfield News-Mirror written by Amanda Rogers. For complete article visit the Mansfield News-Mirror.
Five Thousandth Student Graduates from Parker
Parker College celebrates its five thousandth graduate. Since the school’s first graduation ceremony in 1985, more than 5000 students have earned the prestigious recognition of doctors of chiropractic. Parker has been in business for 25 years and will little luck and lots of love, the ten- thousandth student is not far off. Due to alphabetical order the honor of being the five thousandth student fell upon Dr. Lance Doyle. Dr. Doyle is originally from Okarche, OK, and graduated with the April 2008 class.
Former Dallas Cowboy Honored as Parker College of Chiropractic Top 2008 Graduate
Former NFL player and Dallas Cowboy Jason Kaiser received top academic honor at Parker College of Chiropractic's 68th graduation ceremony. Kaiser earned the title of valedictorian with a GPA of 3.78. "There are a lot of intelligent people in this school and in my class especially," he said. "To be number one is really an honor."
Before enrolling in Parker College, Kaiser played professional football for more than eight years with teams including the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. He credits his good grades to a strong work ethic and competitive nature, as well as his football career. "I carried the same attitude into the academic world as I did on the athletic field," he said. "I was a little competitive in that regard and learned to always be prepared."
Kaiser studied pre-med at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri before heading to the pros. Kaiser intended on pursuing some kind of medical training after his football career ended, but he decided on chiropractic after experiencing the benefits first-hand. Article published April 25, 2008 released by PRNewswire. For complete article visit the PRNewswire web site.
Parker Alumna Appointed to Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Parker graduate, Dr. Janette Kurban ‘99, was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Friday, April 18, in the Courtyard on Parker campus. This was a historic event for the Kurban family and Parker College.
Dr. Kurban is the first and only Parker graduate to be appointed to the board. She was sworn in by Judge Louis Sturns from the 213th District Court in Tarrant County. Dr. Kurban expressed her thanks and shared her favorite Parker Principle, “….optimize my mission, talent and destiny… when I love each person as a mother, father, brother, sister, or child…”
Dr. Mancini along with faculty, alumni, and friends congratulated Dr. Kurban for her wonderful accomplishments and contributions to chiropractic. Dr. Kurban is also the wife of Judge Roy Kurban, a trustee for Parker College.
Graduating Classes Donate Almost $9000 to Parker Community Members
In a final act of giving, two recent graduating classes recognized the importance of giving to those who gave to them during their years at Parker College.
Members of the graduating class of September 2007 and January 2008 donated their last budget dollars to three different causes to recognize the importance of giving back. There were numerous alternatives to spending the remaining dollars which the classes raised throughout their three years at Parker College.
This past September, the graduating class made a $6000 donation to help fund the future education of others. Chris Husbands made many contributes to Parker as the biology lab manager. His outgoing and determined spirit motivated many and his endless efforts of giving were evident in his devotion to service. Although he was recently diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a debilitating bone marrow disease, Chris’ spirit has not dimmed. Friends and family joined together to help raise funds for a bone marrow transplant through blood drives and donations. The generous donation from the September 2007 graduates will go towards his recovery and help him pursue his educational dreams.
Graduates from the January 2008 class chose to memorialize Dr. Alan Campbell by making him a lifeti
me member— a prestigious recognition among Parker alumni and friends – to the Parker Alumni Association. Dr. Campbell was a favorite among students and well respected for his great teaching abilities and dedication to Parker College. He was honored at a Wednesday Assembly by Dr. Kevin Grimes ‘08. Dr. Grimes awarded the plaque on behalf of the January '08 graduates. This lifetime membership in memory of Dr. Campbell will continue to keep him a part of the Parker family each and every time the Alumni Association Endowment Fund Scholarship is given out.
Both classes contributed a combined $4300 to Emma Campbell, the youngest daughter of the late Dr. Alan Campbell. A scholarship fund in the name of Emma was created in his memory. The intention of the scholarship fund is to raise enough money to give the gift of a college education to Emma in the future.
The combined $8800 donations from these graduating classes were a gesture of gratitude and respect to the Parker community members.
Clearly Canadian
That’s right the alumni association is heading to Montreal, Canada in May. The city surrounding a mountain is the latest venue for Parker Seminars and home to the first time ever - alumni association event scheduled for Friday, May 16. Take this opportunity to visit the entertaining city of Montréal, enhance your chiropractic knowledge, and meet up with a few old friends, eh? RSVP today for the first-ever alumni gathering in Canada.
Alumni Spring Savings
Let our massage students put some spring back into your step! Exclusive to alumni, the Parker School of Massage Therapy is offering serene 60-minute massages for only $20. Purchase enough for your friends, family, and patients. Promotional price is given only to Parker alumni and will be verified at time of purchase. Massages can be purchased at the school April 15 through May 15 and must be redeemed by December 12, 2008. For more information contact the school at 214.902.3485 or visit the Parker School of Massage Therapy which is located at Electronic Lane, Dallas, Texas 75220.
Troublesome Infection Spreading Across the Table
Most chiropractic patients don’t think twice about the tables they lay on. A recent study on methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus also known as MRSA, a troublesome infection spread though improper sanitation may cause patients to rethink their treatment and your table.
A research article by BMC Medicine "suggests that MRSA can be a potentially serious infection in the community leading to mortality. Improper sanitation procedures may be the leading cause of MRSA spreading among patients. Patients with cuts, invasive devices, and weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for contracting this illness and spreading the bacteria.
For the BMC Medicine Article published January 31, 2008.
U.S. Senate Committee: Doctors of Chiropractic Eligible for Federal Loan Repayment Program
In a report to accompany legislation reauthorizing the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions made it abundantly clear that doctors of chiropractic are eligible to qualify for inclusion in the NHSC Loan Repayment program. The report language, which will accompany bill S.901, is supported by both the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC).
"For more than 35 years, doctors of chiropractic were excluded from the National Health Service Corps because we were not mentioned explicitly as eligible providers," said ACA President Glenn Manceaux, DC. "Many areas of the country are experiencing shortages of qualified health professionals, and doctors of chiropractic are uniquely positioned to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to the nation’s underserved communities. I applaud the Senate committee for taking this action and I look forward to chiropractic inclusion in the program."
"This is a great victory, particularly for chiropractic students who are ready, willing and able to serve in the NHSC," said ACC President Carl Cleveland III, DC. "Chiropractic graduates enter the profession well-qualified, prepared and most eager to serve, but many are positioned to enter practice with considerable student loan indebtedness. Thanks to the committee’s action, doctors of chiropractic—especially the next generation of doctors graduating from our colleges—will soon have an opportunity to participate in this important loan forgiveness program."
Article published on March 24, 2008 by the American Chiropractic Association. For complete article visit the ACA website
Chiropractors Receive Recognition for Decreasing High Blood Pressure
Got hypertension? ABC News Good Morning America reports chiropractors may be the key to lowering blood pressure through spinal adjustments. Reported findings show patients’ blood pressure decreased as much as 17 points after a few adjustments and without the use of medication. Broadcast featured on ABC News GMA website; to watch the video visit www.abcnews.go.com.
Vegas Alumni Event Sets Record
Parker alumni and friends gathered in record attendance at the annual gathering on the first evening of Parker Seminar Vegas 2008. This years event saw over 200 people come together to connect with each other and learn what is new at Parker College. Dr. Mary Turner '96 of Batesville, AR, won a $200 American Express gift card as part of the alumni prize drawing held throughout the seminar. Pictures of the event are available on the Past Events page.
Five Students Receive First-Ever Alumni Association Endowment Fund Scholarship
For Bret Wickstrom, Samuel Shay, Scott Phillips, Katerina Dickey and Homero Cavazos, this assembly was unforgettable. The five Parker College of Chiropractic students each received the Parker Alumni Association Endowment Fund Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship given for the first time in school history at the Wednesday Assembly on January 30. Wickstrom, Shay, Phillips, Dickey and Cavazos received the scholarship due to their leadership skills and future ability help advance chiropractic.
Along with the scholarship recipients, lifetime members of the Parker Alumni Association lined the stage as each student was recognized for his/her achievements. These Lifetime Members had come to witness history in the making with the first beneficiaries of the scholarship which was made possible due to their donation. The scholarship is a testimony of the Lifetime Members’ commitment to give back to their alma mater through the Alumni Association Endowment Fund.
From its conception in 2002, the endowment fund has increased in size, allowing the alumni association for the first time to use the interest generated from the fund in awarding scholarships to the chiropractic leaders of tomorrow.
 Dr. Mark Baker ’99 Appears on NBC Show American Gladiator
Mark Baker graduated from Parker College in January of 1999. He is a certified Master Fitness Instructor and former distance runner for the United States Army. He owns a successful wellness clinic, Elite Healthcare, in Chicago. To view a clip of Dr. Baker as a contestant on night five of American Gladiator, visit the NBC website at www.nbc.com and click "American Gladiator."
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Chiropractic Adjustment Makes National News
Blind Man Suddenly Sees Again by Reporter Katie Wiedemann
DUBUQUE - Doctors aren't quite sure how it happened, but a Dubuque man can see clearly after being blind in one eye for more than a decade. It happened after a trip to the chiropractor. Read more and watch the newscast video on
KCRG-TV website.
Dr Clinton Moore '02 Appears in Local Newspaper
"Moore Family Chiropractic is taking chiropractic care to a whole new level. Dr. Clinton Moore, who has been operating his chiropractic practice for humans in Locust Grove for over five years, recently added animal chiropractic to his resume." To read the entire article visit the Pryor Daily Times.
Alumni Executive Board Formed at Parker College
Parker College of Chiropractic’s alumni leadership is now set in full force and ready to serve in 2008.
Dr. David Hardison ’88, Dr. John D. Longenecker ’92 and Dr. Camille C. Eberle-Reagan ’01 were selected to form this year’s executive board for the Parker Alumni Association Board of Directors in November at Parker College. Hardison was voted to serve as president of the alumni association with Longenecker contributing as president-elect and Eberle-Reagan working as treasurer.
“I know it’s going to be an awesome experience,” Hardison said of the opportunity to work together with Longenecker and Eberle-Reagan. “They both have good vision. I think that we need to step out of the box to push the association forward, and I feel they are two people that can do that.” Hardison practices at Hardison Treatment Center in Fredericksburg, TX.
Meanwhile, Longenecker treats patients at Longenecker Chiropractic Center in Irving, TX. This will be his second year on the executive board of the board of directors. He served as treasurer his first year. “I’ve been with the board for a year … and I’m excited where the board is going,” he said. “I think one of the biggest goals personally is helping Parker graduates … have a place to go.”
Eberle-Reagan’s clinic is Performance and Wellness Center, located in Dallas. She said it is an honor to work with Hardison and Longenecker. “I don’t think we could have more enthusiastic people, and both have a lot of real strong leadership abilities,” Eberle-Reagan said. Like Longenecker, Eberle-Reagan also shared a goal she has for the alumni association: establishing traditions. “We want the alumni association to create traditions at Parker that are long-lasting,” she said. “We want people to know that we’re there for them.”
Hardison, Longenecker and Eberle-Reagan will work together with board members Dr. Dennis Harris ‘88, serving as immediate past president, Dr. Rena Sawyers ’94, Dr. Ray L. Nannis ’95, Dr. Michael Hall ’90, Dr. Erin Van Veldhuizen ’07, Dr. K. Andrew Shepherd ’03 and Dr. Vincent Scheffler ’07. Standing members include Dr. Fabrizio Mancini ’90, president of Parker College, Timothy Gunn, director of alumni relations for Parker College and Homero Cavazos, student senate president and Tri -Seven student.
“We need to do all that we can to support the college – its vision and goals – so that we can have the greatest entity for training wellness practitioners on the planet,” Hardison said.
Are Chiropractic Cervical Adjustments Safe? What New Research Shows
Controversy has historically surrounded the safety of some of the procedures used by the chiropractic profession. Foremost among those has been questions related to the risk of injury associated with treating the cervical spine. Isolated cases in Canada and other sources have put this issue on the front page. We now have more authoritative information about the true risk to our patients. The first large scale prospective study which included 28,807 patient consultations after 50,276 chiropractic cervical manipulations (using high-velocity/low-amplitude or mechanical assisted thrusts) creates new evidence related to the safety of chiropractic care. It was conducted by enlisting the cooperation of 32 percent of all practicing chiropractors in England and Scotland, a total of 377 doctors. Through these doctors, researchers made direct access to patients. Careful follow up was made of all patients including those that did not return after only one visit to the chiropractor. The conclusions were that, "although minor side effects following cervical spine manipulation were relatively common, the risk of a serious adverse event, immediately or up to seven days after treatment, was low to very low." The authors go on to point out that chiropractic care of the cervical spine has no greater risk of adverse effects than drugs commonly administered by the allopathic profession. They point out that spinal adjustments are "a relatively safe procedure when administered by registered U.K. chiropractors." One feature that makes this research particularly important and helpful to the chiropractic profession is that it was published in the October 2007 issue (Vol 32, No. 21, p. 2375-2378) of Spine, one of the most respected medical journals.
To our alumni: If you appear on television or in print, please contact the office of alumni relations so we can share the news with your colleagues.
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