The chiropractic profession in Michigan has lost a great warrior, leader, teacher and friend. On January 19, 2005, Dr. Dennis "Skip" Semlow passed away from natural causes while doing what he did so well: serving his profession. Dr. Semlow touched the lives of thousands through his chiropractic practice, his chiropractic seminars, his leadership positions in both the Michigan Chiropractic Association and the Michigan Chiropractic Society, and his passion for fun and family.
I first met Dr. Semlow as a new doctor, fresh out of chiropractic college in 1981. I was invited to attend a board meeting of the Michigan Chiropractic Council (as the MCA was known in the early days); then-president Dr. Semlow was running the meeting. The room was full of passionate, driven chiropractors who all wanted their opinions heard on every subject. I remember being impressed with the way Dr. Skip reigned in all those powerful personalities, in order to get the meeting agenda accomplished, without causing anyone to feel like they had been slighted or overlooked.
In his pursuit of fun, Dr. Semlow liked to surround himself with fellow chiropractors. For countless years, Skip and his wife, Pam, hosted the annual Michigan "Lyceum" for chiropractors at the Semlow compound in Freemont. A big tent would be set up in the yard as everyone ate, played and revived their chiropractic "spiz." Laughter from all the children would fill the air as they splashed in the pool, warmed up in the hot tub and raced around the yard while the adults told chiropractic war stories. Local politicians, who were running for office, would show up at this big event to garner support for their campaigns and court the vote of the chiropractic profession.
If you only knew Skip professionally, it is probably hard to picture this dapper, professional gentleman crashing through the trees, covered with mud and dirt, on the back of a high-powered dirt bike. I had the pleasure of riding for many years with Skip in the notorious chiropractic group known as "The International Society of Goat Ropers and Tool Swappers." Don't ask me where the name came from - the group was started way before my time - it was simply a group of Michigan chiropractors that got together twice a year and rode dirt bikes in the backwoods of upper Michigan. Skip was a great rider and he would be smiling from ear to ear as he wheeled his noisy machine through the mud, sand, trees and brush. He had a decal on his gas tank that exemplified his attitude toward life - it simply read, "When in doubt - GAS IT!"
If you spent any time with Dr. Semlow, you undoubtedly have many warm and moving stories to tell. Dr. Skip left an indelible impression on everyone that he came in contact with. He presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Every chiropractor in Michigan owes much to his tireless efforts and his commitment to the profession. He has set a standard of excellence that we would all do well to follow.
Kerry Kilpatrick, DC
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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?
