Dr. Cheryl Hawk, an associate professor at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, has been appointed by Governor Tom Vilsack to the Iowa Board of Health. The appointment makes Dr. Hawk the first doctor of chiropractic in Iowa history to be named to the board, which is responsible for making policies for the Iowa Department of Public Health.
"I am very honored by this appointment to such a prestigious group as the Iowa Board of Health," said Dr. Hawk, who was appointed in September and will serve on the board through June 30, 2002. "I am gratified not only for myself but for the chiropractic profession ... I look forward to playing a part in forging public health policies for the state of Iowa that focus on disease prevention and meet the diverse health care needs for all Iowans."
A native of Coralville, Iowa, Dr. Hawk received her doctor of chiropractic degree from National College of Chiropractic in 1976 and was in private practice for 12 years. In 1991, she earned a PhD in preventive medicine from the University of Iowa.
Since joining the Palmer faculty in 1993, Dr. Hawk has been the principal author of 17 articles in peer-reviewed journals and the primary writer of grant and contract proposals for the chiropractic profession totaling more than $3.5 million. She has also served as project director or co-director for eight projects funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions.
"Dr. Hawk's training and experience will enable her to make a significant contribution to the board," said Jennifer Rasmussen,DC, president of the Iowa Chiropractic Society (of which Dr. Hawk is a member). "The selection of a chiropractic physician with Dr. Hawk's education, commitment and enthusiasm is both appropriate and timely."
Palmer College of Chiropractic President Guy Riekeman,DC, called the appointment of Dr. Hawk "a recognition at the highest level of state government that chiropractic is a vital part of the health care delivery system in Iowa." Dr. Riekeman found it appropriate that the first chiropractor named to the board is affiliated with Palmer College, given the historical roots of chiropractic and the college.
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?
