The chiropractic profession is mourning the loss of Dr. W. Karl Parker, one of its most passionate, dedicated leaders. Dr. Karl lost a valiant 18-month battle against cancer on Christmas night 2009.
Dr. Karl Parker received his degree from Texas Chiropractic College in 1969. He began his career in Houston, where he built one of the most successful practices in Texas. He left his practice in 1976 to join his father, the legendary Dr. James W. Parker, as executive vice president of the Parker Chiropractic Resource Foundation in Fort Worth. Together, with the same vision for chiropractic, they conducted the largest seminar series in the profession. The 300th Parker Seminar in January 1989, with an attendance of more than 8,300 doctors, spouses and staff, was the largest such gathering in chiropractic history.
With Dr. Karl by his side, Dr. Jim was able to expand their shared vision by starting Parker College of Chiropractic in 1982, so future doctors could be exposed to the Parker principles for life and practice success while going through school, and ultimately assumed the presidency of both Parker Seminars and Parker College in 1996. In order to continue his and his father's vision and legacy (Dr. Jim passed away in November 1997), Dr. Karl began the Karl Parker Seminars in 1999. Through incredible odds and debilitating disease, Dr. Karl tirelessly persevered for the betterment of the profession he dearly loved.
Dr. Karl died peacefully at home with his family in prayer around him. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the Karl Parker Memorial Fund. Please make checks payable to the executor of the estate, Robert Parker, and mail to:
Parker Health Solutions
6210 N. Beltline Road, Suite 155
Irving, TX 75063
Source: Parker Health Solutions
When I graduated from chiropractic college in 1981 and started practice, I heard it all, and very little was positive. “You are a quack; you do not know what a subluxation is; you couldn’t get into a real health care program, so you chose the one that is slightly above a mail-order degree; you have no proof that chiropractic works; Are you really licensed?”, and so much more.
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