Is life a boon?
If so, it must befall
That Death, whene'er he call,
Must call too soon.
-- Sir William Gilbert, "The Yeomen of the Guard" (1888)
An active voice in the chiropractic profession since his graduation from Palmer College 25 years ago, Dr. Grostic earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from Eastern Michigan University, and was a research associate at the University of Colorado before turning to chiropractic. It was Dr. Grostic's father, John F. Grostic (also a Palmer graduate) who developed the Grostic Procedure during the '30s to correct upper cervical subluxations, and he carried on his father's tradition up until the time of his death.
Just last fall, the ICA recognized Dr. Grostic for his pioneering efforts in chiropractic research and his many contributions to the profession, naming him 1994 "Chiropractor of the Year" at its convention in Palm Springs, Calif., the first DC selected for that honor by the membership of the association (see "Dr. John Grostic is ICA's Chiropractor of the Year," Oct. 21, 1994, "DC").
Dr. Grostic's long history of service includes membership on the Florida State Peer Review Committee, chairman of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners question committee for neuromusculo- skeletal conditions, and editor of the Chiropractic Research Journal. He was named a fellow of the Institute for Chiropractic Research (FICR) in 1981, and a fellow of the ICA in 1975.
Among his notable accomplishments was his April 30, 1992 testimony before the Military Personnel and Compensation Subcommittee to bolster H.R. 608, the bill that finally authorized the appointment of DCs as commissioned health care officers in the U.S. military.
Dr. Grostic career in chiropractic academia began at Palmer (1977-83), including positions as associate professor of pathology, acting director of research, and director of institutional analysis. After briefly leaving teaching from 1984 to 1986, he opened a private practice in Orlando, Florida. In 1986 he joined the Life College faculty as professor in clinical sciences, research and chiropractic sciences. He directed the Sid Williams Research Center from 1987 until his death. The Life College faculty and students voted Dr. Grostic "Teacher of the Year" in 1987 and 1988.
As Life's director of research, he worked on several important projects: low back studies and controlled clinical trials; HIV controlled trials; a photogrammetry project to economically assess posture in a large population; and several different computer projects.
Learning of Dr. Grostic's death, Life President Dr. Sid Williams reflected, "For all his brilliance, John was still the most humble person I've ever known. Gentleness and kindness were the qualities that he elevated. His presence at Life College will be indelibly etched in the minds of the students, faculty, staff, and patients he touched. The chiropractic profession has lost a dedicated researcher, respected teacher, and loyal friend."
ICA President Dr. James Gregg commented, "John will be missed greatly, not only by those of us who knew and loved him, but by the profession. His passing leaves a void in chiropractic that few can fill. He was respected by his colleagues and loved by his students because of his dedication and commitment to chiropractic research."
Dr. Grostic is survived by his wife, Dr. Jill Bradshaw, an assistant professor and chair of the diagnostic imaging and alignment department at Life; two sons, Rick and Christopher, and two grandchildren.
The family has requested that any contributions be sent to the Life College Research Center.
