News / Profession

Spine Research Institute of San Diego to Conduct New Crash Tests

Editorial Staff

Plans to conduct full-scale crash tests using the BioRID2 anthropometric crash-test dummy are underway. The tests, scheduled for Aug. 22-24, will take place at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego (SRISD) and mark the institute's fifth consecutive year of human-subject crash-testing.

Arthur C. Croft, DC, MS, FACO, director of the SRISD and president of the Center for Research into Automotive Safety and Health (CRASH), is overseeing the tests. Last year, similar validation tests were conducted using the RID2, the only other specialized rear-impact dummy. While the RID 2 has been tested using various sled configurations, the SRISD is the only group to use a live volunteer comparison model.

The SRISD institute touts itself as the only automotive safety-based research center run by a doctor of chiropractic. Results from this latest round of tests will be used to better understand injuries caused by low-speed automobile collisions and develop advanced safety systems and crash-prevention strategies.

 



New Board Member at NCMIC

Mary Selly-Navarro, RD, DC, was elected to the board of directors of NCMIC Group, Inc., during the company's board meeting in April. She replaces Dr. Arnold Cianciulli, who passed away March 4, 2003.

Dr. Selly-Navarro is a graduate of Northwestern College of Chiropractic (NCC) and an adjunct faculty member at the college. She is also past president of the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (2001-2002), and served as its ethics chair for six years.

"We're pleased Dr. Selly-Navarro has joined NCMIC," said Louis Sportelli, DC, president of NCMIC. "The board will benefit greatly from her experience and insight."

 



South Dakota Chiropractic Association Honors Dr. Munsterman

Scott Munsterman, DC, recently received the "Chiropractor of the Year" award from the South Dakota Chiropractic Association (SDCA). Dr. Munsterman, a Northwestern College of Chiropractic graduate, has served in various capacities with the SDCA, including president, chair of its legislative committee, and board member. He also has served on the state labor department's Workers' Compensation Task Force and chaired the South Dakota Association of Managed Care Organizations.

The SDCA has conferred the Chiropractor of the Year award on deserving DCs since 1956. Commenting on this year's receipient, SDCA President Allen Unruh, DC, enthused: "Dr.Munsterman truly fits the requirements for the Chiropractor of the Year award.His résumé is filled with examples of service to his profession and his community."

 



Good News for Life West's Director of Students

Jackie Biron, director of student services, job location and development for Life Chiropractic College West, has been elected president of the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators (WASEA), a nonprofit organization representing institutions of higher education in the 13 Western states.

Ms. Biron, who attended Chabot College in Hayward, Calif., and Washington State University, has been a staff member at Life West since 1998, serving as executive assistant to the college's director of students; manager of accounts payable; and director of job location and development through the financial aid office. She has been Life West's director of student services, job location and development since October 2001.

An active member of the WASEA since 2000, Ms. Biron served on the organization's conference committee in 2001 and as conference chair and vice president in 2002-2003. Her one-year term as president began July 1.

 



The World's Fastest Chiropractor?

Alan Bradshaw, DC, operates a successful practice in Odessa, Texas, but it's his hobby that's drawing much of the attention lately. Dr. Bradshaw is one of the best Top Alcohol Dragster drivers (and the defending Division V champion) on the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series circuit.

Dr. Bradshaw, nicknamed "Quick Draw" on the racing circuit, graduated from Parker College of Chiropractic in 1992. His practice continues to thrive, but with a busy race schedule, Dr. Bradshaw seems to spend more time on the track than in the office these days.

"We've got the practice open right now," said Dr. Bradshaw. "I've got a doctor in there full-time with me, so he takes care of the load while I'm gone. ... I let him do about 95 percent of the work even when I'm there so that the patients are used to that and there's no swapping-transition issue."

 



Parker College Launches Program in Animal Chiropractic

In May, Parker College of Chiropractic introduced "Chiropractic for Animals," a 200-hour course designed to provide classroom and hands-on instruction on chiropractic care for injured animals.

The curriculum, believed to be one of only three such programs in the country, prepares chiropractors, veterinarians and students for the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association exam, and consists of coursework that includes over 74 hours of hands-on instruction with small animals and horses.

The course runs four days per month through October. For more information, visit www.parkercc.edu.

July 2003
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