Dr. Cheryl Hawk (r) and Dr. Marie Dusio of the Palmer Institute of Graduate Studies and Research
The Palmer Institute of Graduate Studies and Research has been awarded a research contract from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This is the largest federal contract ever awarded to Palmer's Research Institute, and the second in two years.
The project, "The role of chiropractors in the delivery of interdisciplinary health care in rural areas," will be directed by Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD, an assistant professor at Palmer. The associate director is Marie Dusio, DC, a Palmer research instructor. The project will seek to identify ways DCs can work more effectively with other health care providers.
In applying for the HRSA research contract, Dr. Hawk formed a project advisory group which includes Howard Balduc, DC, ACA representative; Blair Bauer, DC, a Palmer College alumni who has practiced since 1980 in rural North Dakota; Kathi Fuller, MA, program director of the Rural Health Education program at Western Michigan University; Joanne Nyiendo, PhD, director of research at Western States Chiropractic College; Pamela Spohn, PhD, principal investigator of the Interdisciplinary Training in Rural Areas grant at the University of Wisconsin; and Jerry Willis, DC, a Palmer College graduate who has practiced more than 20 years in rural Virginia. Health care professionals from a variety of disciplines will serve as consultants on the project. Palmer College assistant professor and public services librarian Barb Schmiechen has conducted an extensive literature search as one of the first steps in the project.
"We need input from chiropractors who are involved in any kind of rural and/or interdisciplinary delivery of care in order to complete this important project," Dr. Hawk said. Anyone interested in interdisciplinary care, rural health care, or both areas should contact Dr. Hawk at the Palmer Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, 741 Brady St., Davenport, Iowa 52803, telephone (319) 327-0162.
Dr. Hawk said the study could have a significant impact on how chiropractors work in the future with other health care professionals in rural areas.
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?
