Dr. Reed B. Phillips, president of Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) and longtime columnist for Dynamic Chiropractic, announced his retirement on Friday, Jan. 5, 2007. Dr. Phillips has been president of the university, based in Whittier, Calif., for 16 years.
In announcing his retirement, Dr. Phillips stated, "My time as president has been a delightful experience, offering many opportunities for growth and development. I wish to thank all of the SCU family who have worked so hard to support me in making a great institution even greater. It has been a memorable part of my life."
He will continue to serve as president until a replacement is chosen. The university's Board of Regents has created a presidential search committee, headed by Dr. Richard Burger. Dr. John David Hemauer and Harry Jacobs also were appointed to serve on the committee. Once a successor is named, Dr. Phillips plans to return to research, teaching and writing. Last year, he completed a biography of Dr. Joseph Janse, former president of Dr. Phillips' alma mater, National College of Chiropractic (now National University of Health Sciences).
"Under Reed's leadership over the last decade and a half, Southern California University of Health Sciences has accomplished so much, adding to its reputation as a dynamic force in alternative health care education," said Dr. Harry Douglas, III, chair of the board of regents. "It has gained university status, expanded its curriculum with another program in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, enhanced its chiropractic program with innovative refinements and made multiple improvements to the facilities on its 38-acre campus. His mark has been impressive and will be long-lasting."
One of Dr. Phillips' major professional achievements during his tenure as president was his appointment as chair of the Chiropractic Advisory Committee, established to assist the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the development and implementation of chiropractic in the Veterans Administration (VA). Due to the committee's efforts and recommendations, chiropractic care was introduced in the VA, culminating in a federal bill (H.R.5202) that would mandate chiropractic care be available at all VA medical centers by the end of 2010. While the legislation, introduced in April 2006, did not progress to a congressional vote before the end of the 109th session (meaning no further action can be taken), a new version of the bill will likely be introduced in 2007. Currently, approximately one-fifth of the nation's major VA medical centers have a chiropractor on staff.
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?
