As the day ends I find myself one day closer to graduation. Granted, I still have a lot of days left until graduation (289...not that I'm counting) but everyday marks a mini milestone. Everyday I grow more confident in my adjusting skills, and everyday I learn more and more from my staff doctors.
For example, today we had a "mentor meeting" where Dr. Carpenter explained work place ergonomics. Dr. Carpenter started the class with a definition of workplace ergonomics (it's basically bad posture that leads to even worse pain) and continued with a sample patient. There were about 5-6 students present (talk about a 1 on 1 education!) and we brainstormed differential diagnosis (all the potential things that could be wrong with the patient), treatment plans, exercises and advise for our pretend patient. Together, and with the help of Dr. Carpenter, we came up with a protocol to treat our "patient".
No sooner than Dr. Carpenter gave his leacture, my patient walked in complaining of pain in her left shoulder. She described it as a pain that started in her shoulder and traveled down into her hand making her fingers numb. After asking a few more questions about her history, I was able to determine that her symptoms were most likely due to bad workplace ergonomics. She was constatntly leaning on one side of her chair and it was creating a pressue in her arm which led to the pain and tingling. Just to make sure, I discussed the case with Dr. Carpenter (The staff doctors are always there to help you in case you get stuck and to guide you with adjusting/treating the patient) and we adjusted her. She felt immediately better, and the three of us discussed minor changes she could make to her posture to help reduce the problem.
It was perfect! We improved the patient's condition and I had an educated diagnosis as to the cause of her problem. The best part is-- STUFF LIKE THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT PALMER. My POD (POD is what we call the group of doctors I'm assigned to. There are 3 "POD'S" in the main clinic) has mentor meetings 4 times a day! The doctors teach about topics from sinus infections to disc herniation. Each one is focused on how chiropractic can help treat the problem.
The staff doctors and teachers are ALWAYS there to help you. I've never come across a teacher who will not take the time to personally answer questions or share information. The teachers at Palmer seem to LIVE to teach their students. Many of them have either owned or currently still own their own practices, so they have clinical chiropractic experience. After spending time in clinic, it's no suprise that Palmer has such a strong reputation for producing the BEST CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTORS around. The teachers care about the students and as a result- good students graduate as GREAT DOCTORS!
Only 289 days until I walk across that stage as a PALMER GRAD! I'm going to learn as much as I can....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
My first....
Hi all!
My name is Mary, and I'm an 8th trimester student here at Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC). I've been here for a little over 2 years now, and have had many firsts. My first all nighter (studying for PNS), my first failing grade on a test (after not studying ENOUGH for PNS), my first patient (thanks Kim- for being my "guinea pig") and my first adjustment (glad my patient walked out feeling better than he did walking in!) All of these "firsts" I EXPECTED to encounter during my 3 year journey here at Palmer. BUT----My first blog!? I never thought I'd write my first blog as a Palmer student. Yet, here we are. You are reading my first blog, and I hope you will continue to read my second, third, fourth and on and on. At least until I graduate next Feb, and maybe even beyond as a Palmer Alum...
I hope that as a perspective student you will read my blogs as often as I post them, because I'll try to cover all the questions I had when I was in your shoes. Where to live? How big is the average class size? What are the teachers like? How much do you REALLY have to study? Where is the mall? Are there even fun things to do in the Quad Cities? You know- all those important questions that you don't remember to ask before you come here. Not only that- but I'll give you answers from a student's perspective. I've been there- done that, and I want you to learn from my mistakes.
In addition to answering your questions- I get to talk about my life as a student. What my day is like from clinic to class. My life on campus (and off) and all of the great teachers and experiences I've had at Palmer. I've survived "the hard part" of this program and now my job is to help you get through- from your first day to your last.
My only request from you is simple--- Just ask me questions! Give me suggestions on what you would like me to blog about. Clinic? Patients? Living in the QCA? Tell me what you love and what you hate. If you've never used a blog before, it's simple. Just post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can- with every resource I have. I'll find the answer!
So, thanks for being "my first" and I look forward to giving you a little insight on ME: A CHIROPRACTOR-TO-BE!
Chiropractically Yours,
Mary
My name is Mary, and I'm an 8th trimester student here at Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC). I've been here for a little over 2 years now, and have had many firsts. My first all nighter (studying for PNS), my first failing grade on a test (after not studying ENOUGH for PNS), my first patient (thanks Kim- for being my "guinea pig") and my first adjustment (glad my patient walked out feeling better than he did walking in!) All of these "firsts" I EXPECTED to encounter during my 3 year journey here at Palmer. BUT----My first blog!? I never thought I'd write my first blog as a Palmer student. Yet, here we are. You are reading my first blog, and I hope you will continue to read my second, third, fourth and on and on. At least until I graduate next Feb, and maybe even beyond as a Palmer Alum...
I hope that as a perspective student you will read my blogs as often as I post them, because I'll try to cover all the questions I had when I was in your shoes. Where to live? How big is the average class size? What are the teachers like? How much do you REALLY have to study? Where is the mall? Are there even fun things to do in the Quad Cities? You know- all those important questions that you don't remember to ask before you come here. Not only that- but I'll give you answers from a student's perspective. I've been there- done that, and I want you to learn from my mistakes.
In addition to answering your questions- I get to talk about my life as a student. What my day is like from clinic to class. My life on campus (and off) and all of the great teachers and experiences I've had at Palmer. I've survived "the hard part" of this program and now my job is to help you get through- from your first day to your last.
My only request from you is simple--- Just ask me questions! Give me suggestions on what you would like me to blog about. Clinic? Patients? Living in the QCA? Tell me what you love and what you hate. If you've never used a blog before, it's simple. Just post a comment or email me at palmerbloggermary@gmail.com. I'll get back to you as soon as I can- with every resource I have. I'll find the answer!
So, thanks for being "my first" and I look forward to giving you a little insight on ME: A CHIROPRACTOR-TO-BE!
Chiropractically Yours,
Mary
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