PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- The 63rd annual convention of the International Chiropractors Association came to a dramatic crescendo with the awarding of the ICA "Chiropractor of the Year" award to Dr. John Grostic on Saturday, October 1, 1994.
Dr. Grostic, director of research at Life College, was the first Chiropractor of the Year to be chosen by the membership of the association. In the past the award has been presented following a vote of the Distinguished Fellows of the ICA.
The announcement brought an ovation from the crowd. The presentation was made by ICA President Dr. R. James Gregg at the convention banquet. "Dr. John Grostic has been the most important referenced for chiropractic related research that this association has ever seen," Dr. Gregg said. He added: "Dr. Grostic has always attempted to focus our attention on the need for quality chiropractic research and the impact that such research will have on the lives of countless patients the world over."
Dr. Grostic also received exceptional praise from Dr. Sid Williams, president and founder of Life College and chairman of the ICA Board of Directors. "Dr. John Grostic is the greatest chiropractor in the profession." Dr. Williams spoke of Dr. Grostic's dedication to clinical and scientific excellence. He also expressed his great personal and professional appreciation.
Dr. Grostic recalled the years that he had attended conventions and meetings with this father Dr. John F. Grostic, and reflected on how much chiropractic and the ICA have been part of his life. In receiving the award Dr. Grostic expressed his appreciation for the honor and he emphasized the respect that his father held for Chiropractor of the Year and that he also shared that respect. He expressed his thanks to the gathering for their expression of support and commendation, his words conveying the humility and kindness that have become the hallmark of Dr. Grostic.
Dr. Grostic is a graduate of the Palmer College of Chiropractic. He completed his undergraduate education at Eastern Michigan University in 1976. In 1979, he accepted a position as a research associate at the University of Colorado's college of engineering, and in 1982 completed studies at the Institute for Chiropractic Research under the direction of Dr. Chung Ha Suh, receiving the status of Fellow of the Institute for Chiropractic Research. Dr. Grostic was a member of the faculty of Palmer College during his studies at the Institute, and went on to serve as the acting director of research (1981), and as an associate professor of pathology. After five years in private practice, he returned to academia in 1987 as director of research at Life College.
Dr. Grostic's work has focused on the significance of the upper cervical spine in health and disease. He has published dozens of articles dealing with different aspects of the upper cervical subluxation and its importance to chiropractic patients and chiropractic practice.
Dr. Grostic has been the editor-in-chief of the Chiropractic Research Journal, published by Life College. At Life, Dr. Grostic has been recognized for his research efforts and his talents as a teacher. He has twice been voted by the student body as the Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Grostic lives in Marietta, Georgia with his wife Dr. Jill Bradshaw.
