Life Expands Research Department, Programs
MARIETTA, Georgia - The Sid E. Williams Research Department at Life University is expanding. The department will undergo refurbishing within its present space and extend into space formerly occupied by the accounting department. This move will nearly double the size of the research center and allows for: the incorporation of a modern chiropractic research clinic; a research library; a conference room for research seminars; and laboratory space for experimental research. A floor plan awaits final approval by the university.
"We're gearing up to apply for external funding and grants for visitors and VIPs," said Clifford Smith,PhD, the newly appointed director of the center. Dr. Smith replaced Dr. Bruce Pfleger, who is on a leave of absence to assist the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland in the documentation of the effects of chiropractic care on worldwide health.
"Dr. Richard Campbell was hired to begin putting the protocols in place that are required by the federal government. We'll be applying for grants from NIH (National Institutes of Health), NSF (National Science Foundation), and other federal and nonfederal funding agencies, Dr. Smith explained.
These funds will support clinical trials and research into the benefits of chiropractic in treating 10 different health conditions.
"These are studies that we're doing on a small basis as a pilot study," said Dr. Smith. "Once we have the pilot data, we'll have the foundation to apply for a grant to do a much larger scale study."
Smith noted that alternative health care has taken on much greater importance within the research community.
The results of a study on subacute low back pain, which Life conducted in conjunction with the WHO, is being prepared for submission to Spine. This randomized clinical trial of chiropractic vs. medical care demonstrated the effectiveness of chiropractic care in comparison to drug therapy in low back pain patients.
Other clinical trials underway are examining the benefits of chiropractic for trigeminal neuralgia, diabetes, and migraine patients. Researchers expect that these programs will document the link between these conditions, the subluxation and chiropractic care.
The center is conducting several new studies documenting the effects of the chiropractic adjustment in increasing range of motion in patients and athletes. It has also completed the WHO Low Back Pain Initiative booklet, which includes three chapters on chiropractic written by research faculty and Dr. Williams. This publication will be distributed worldwide.
SPARTANBURG, SC - Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic (SCSC) recently named Susan Newlin, of Green Creek, NC, as their vice president for institutional planning and assessment.
Susan has been with the college since 1974. For the last five years, she has served as vice president of enrollment services, leading SCSC in student recruitment and admissions.
"Susan Newlin has been an important part of Sherman College, almost since its founding," noted SCSC President David Koch,DC. "Almost every student who has ever walked through our doors has been recruited and welcomed by her, and she counts many close friends among the alumni of Sherman College."
Susan said she'll miss recruiting students to a chiropractic career, but looks forward to impacting the future of the college through planning and assessment.
Aside from her planning efforts, Susan will be monitoring the college's compliance with accreditation standards of the Council on Chiropractic Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Morgan "Chip" Kern, a Sherman alumnus, is on a mission to recruit and educate college students on the rewards of a career in chiropractic. He said he intends to "build enrollment," and "interest more people in our profession."
"I'm honored to have the opportunity to talk with college students personally to educate them about what chiropractic is, the rewards of practice, and the outstanding program offered by my >alma mater," he explained.
Frank Griffis Jr., newly appointed vice president for enrollment services at Sherman, will accompany Dr. Kern on visits to military installations to conduct information sessions, and to meet with educational service center managers to assist military personnel with chiropratic college placement after their military careers conclude.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
