tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121935272024-03-07T13:14:03.853-05:00Chiropractic PerspectivesDr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.comBlogger670125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-81979153937274484052008-10-20T11:49:00.002-04:002008-10-20T11:53:25.742-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Since graduating, I began <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com">Traveling with Baby: a blog on health and parenting</a>. I also blog at <a href="http://svmomblog.typepad.com/deep_south_moms/">Deep South Moms</a>. I expect to continue the Chiropractic Perspectives blog on my <a href="http://www.scoliosisdoc.com">new practice website</a> in the very near future. So, subscribe, read, and contact me!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-20600629971968962412007-09-20T18:04:00.000-04:002007-09-20T18:16:10.752-04:00Closing a chapter on professional education<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Oa-LJBrVdGYraslGtLRkP-wxrUVboCXZkrDudaKCMT9nFp2-wrn280x5UB2AMlk1tEK9T-G2R6LaBq_FJJ5LK2R-f4CWzhuP4GJ6ukLcWCPKaSXM5qIUwuSgXMkc5-UE9rX9-w/s1600-h/073+graduation.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Oa-LJBrVdGYraslGtLRkP-wxrUVboCXZkrDudaKCMT9nFp2-wrn280x5UB2AMlk1tEK9T-G2R6LaBq_FJJ5LK2R-f4CWzhuP4GJ6ukLcWCPKaSXM5qIUwuSgXMkc5-UE9rX9-w/s400/073+graduation.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112411821386481506" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tomorrow at 2pm, I will graduate. After 3.25 years of chiropractic school (following a 4-year undergraduate program), I will finally be a doctor of chiropractic. I'm DONE with school . . . at LAST!<br /><br />Now, I just need to make it through my last month of pregnancy, and this is definitely a tough month! I'm so belly heavy that it's uncomfortable to sit, sleep, walk, stand, or do just about anything. I love it when the blood just rushes to my uterus and about all I can do is sit down on the floor. I can go from being relaxed to feeling so uncomfortable that I have to just plop down wherever I'm at in about 30 seconds. Right now, this little bambino is chalking up about 6 lbs, and I still have almost a month to go. Estimated baby weight at birth is 8.5 lbs. <br /><br />Even though I can't don the cap, gown, and hood for the ceremony and celebrate in true 073 style, I'm going to celebrate tomorrow evening anyway. My mom and step-dad are meeting us in Clarks Summit for dinner at Pepato's Cafe. Yay! <br /><br />Hopefully in the next 6 months, Steve & I will figure out where we want to move and settle down . . . where we'll open a practice, and then I can figure out all the other details involved with that huge life-changing event! <br /><br />I'm taking a hiatus on this blog for awhile since I'm not going to be doing anything chiropractic-related for a few months (at least until well after the baby's born and I'm licensed). But, for updates on baby and travel, stay tuned to our <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com">Baby Blog</a>.<br /><br /></span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-84979046531955104452007-09-09T17:23:00.000-04:002007-09-09T18:30:55.668-04:00Preceptorship Week 8 of 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I finished up on the last week of August. What a crazy week. There were 4 out of town patients, and at the end of a week, a doctor came up to train (2 of the patients were his from Texas). It was madness with the schedule and local patients on top of that. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I was so burned out by the end of the preceptorship that I was so glad to be done and to get back to PA to relax. I was able to get some good work on Steve, per post radiographs. I also sat in the scoliosis traction chair for 5 minute sessions a few times to pull on my right side dorsal-upper-dorsal angle. It made my ribs and upper thoracics feel so much better!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I learned a lot during my 8 weeks preceptoring. I saw some interesting cases, and got a better understanding of the flow for rehab and scoliosis correction. I learned how I would do things differently in regard to staff communication and leadership. I learned how to deal with difficult patients, or the difficult parents of patients, and I learned how to better analyze radiographs. I also realized that I most definitely don't want to work that many clinic hours per week. I just don't want to burn both ends of the wick...I'd rather work 20-30 hours a week and be totally focused and energized with my patients during those hours than to give them only 60% of my energy, and have even less left over in the evenings for my family.</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-70813695512428964382007-08-26T16:05:00.000-04:002007-08-26T19:00:52.222-04:00Preceptorship Week 7 of 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last week we worked with a couple of out of country, intensive care scoliosis patients. Having new patients here for intensive treatment is a lot of work.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Monday: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">history and exam, full-spine x-rays and analysis, report of findings, demonstrating and teaching patient exercises, 2 rounds of treatment with warm-up (MIX), adjustments (FIX), and rehabilitation (SET) which usually lasts 2-2.5 hours.<br /><br />Usually, I don't have to start taking photos of the patients until the 2nd day, but that wasn't the case this week. I added it up and taking photos of the patients x-rays, the patients warming up, getting adjusted, and doing rehab adds up to close to 120 photos per patient. So, on average, I take about 240 photos per week, edit & crop photos, and create a 38-40 page personalized report for the patients.<br /><br />On top of everything going on with that, we were short 1 staff member last week because she was on vacation. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, the other staff member who works with patient rehab wasn't able to come in due to a family emergency. That left 1 person, the intern, ME, doing EVERYTHING: muscle stim on regular patients, setting up 4 scoliosis patients on all the mix and set rehab equipment. Additionally, the doctor was giving me even more stuff to do like review home exercises with a patient. There's only so much 1 person can do in an afternoon to get everyone done by closing time!<br /><br />I was so thankful for the weekend!!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-13413628228121993092007-08-26T15:47:00.000-04:002007-08-26T16:05:06.981-04:00Can't Get Enough Tests!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Steve & I decided we're going to get certified by the <a href="http://www.nsca-lift.org/">National Strength and Conditioning Association's</a> (NSCA) as <a href="http://www.nsca-cc.org/">Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists</a> (CSCS). According to Steve, who was an athletic trainer at the State University of NY - Brockport, CSCS is the gold standard of certification for an athletic trainer or a healthcare professional who's working with athletes or even in a clinical setting.<br /><br />Steve wants the certification to strengthen his credentials as a fitness instructor and to possibly open the doors for other job opportunities. Let's face it, having a masters in Biblical Studies doesn't necessarily pay the bills. All throughout school, he's encouraged me to get the certification, but the constant study cycle for chiropractic national boards never quite made CSCS cert a priority for me. However, since I hope to one-day hire an athletic trainer as part of my practice, it will help me to have a stronger understanding and appreciation for what they do. <br /><br />Certification requires being current in First Aid and CPR. Since my CPR certification runs out in October, I have to get recurrent on it (internet studying and a 2 hour class should cover it!). Then, Steve & I have to study for the CSCS exam and schedule to take that at some point in the fall.<br /><br />I supposed the best time to study is now. I know HOW to study since I just did it intensively for the past 3 years, and most of the exam material is stuff I learned in school: anatomy, physiology, and orthopedic tests. New to me will be info on managing a gym (who cares?! but it's on the test). <br /></span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-54480761105689884072007-08-26T15:44:00.001-04:002007-08-26T15:47:15.563-04:00Orthopedic Exams<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The folks who really know how to demonstrate orthopedic tests of extremities are athletic trainers who work with numerous injuries and abnormal presentations on a daily basis. A prof at California State University in Fresno created a <a href="http://orthoassessment.blogspot.com/">blog</a> with instructional videos on several orthopedic assessments. Watch, learn, and enjoy!</span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-86402978795681625012007-08-15T20:02:00.000-04:002007-08-19T15:36:37.927-04:00Preceptorship Weeks 5 & 6 of 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last week, I was able to visit a local clinic that's only been open less than 2 years. Dr. Keith gave me lots of awesome pointers on where to find office supplies and clinic equipment for an inexpensive price. Seeing his practice also gave me confidence to know that I can start out from scractch with bare-bones for adjusting equipment, and still make it!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">This week, we have several out of town patients here for a week of intensive treatment. I've been busy with exams, report of findings, teaching patients' their home exercise and rehab protocols, running the scoliosis center, and helping out with front desk operations. Also, a doctor from Mississippi is in town training for a week; she's here with a CA and her husband. I've been able to pick her brain and learn about running a high volume practice that includes scoliosis treatment while also being a mom. She's given me a lot of tips and pointers, including adjusting patients much larger than me and still achieving results (thank goodness for Thompson drop tables!). Together, we've been analyzing x-rays and determining the best method for treatment for the respective patients.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The more clinics I visit, the clearer picture I develop on how I want my future practice to look and to run. However, I'm still undecided on whether or not I'll work with insurance plans . . . or at least whether or not I'll work with Medicare. I still don't know how I'll eventually balance being a mom AND a doctor, because I never want my practice to come before my family. I never want my kids to grow up and say that their mom wasn't around enough for them. Somehow, Steve and I will balance raising a family, running a practice, and cultivating our marriage for a lifetime. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Maybe it's for the best that I don't know yet where I'll practice, where we'll plant our roots, and what we're doing after the next 6-8 months. For now, we're focusing on having a baby, meeting our immediate budget needs, and being open to what plans God has for us in the future!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-89267562909301516622007-08-04T13:03:00.000-04:002007-08-04T13:23:26.471-04:00Preceptorship Week 5 of 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Less than 1 month left . . . and past the half-way mark of preceptorship! This past week, I did exams on an out-of-town teenage scoliosis patient and her mom. Both improved considerably with 5 days of treatment, and both felt tremendously better after only 5 days of treatment. Focusing on cervical curve restoration and addressing the upper cervical subluxations helped them to feel "lighter and clear-minded" and it reduced a lot of headache pain and nausea related to the strain they were both feeling on their spinal cords.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Additionally, I did an exam on a non-scoliosis patient who complained of a foot drop and low back pain due to nerves severed from an injury in the military. The orthopedic tests and motor and sensory tests we learn in school definitely come into play for a case like that! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On another interesting note, I learned more about the genetic disease, Turner's syndrome. In Turner's syndrome, females have only 1 X chromosome (X,O) instead of X,X. Some Turner's syndrome females manifest with X,Y.<br /><br />In school and for national boards, we learn about the common characteristics which manifest itself in an adult, but we never learn about what that presentation looks like in a child. There is a young patient who is undergoing genetic testing for this disease. Although the results haven't yet been provided, some research provided more insight into the presentation . . . and this patient presents with very classic findings:<br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;">short stature for her age</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">congenital heart defect</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">scoliosis</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">drooping eyes, down-slanted eyes<br /></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Other related affects with Turner's are kidney defects and premature ovarian eggs which typically means that someone with this disease cannot get pregnant nor have children. Although a young girl who isn't yet interested in boys may not think this is a big deal, one day it may be a hard concept for her to embrace. I would think it would be even more difficult for her parents to endure. You can read more about Turner's syndrome <a href="http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/heart-encyclopedia/disease/syndrome/turner.htm">here</a>.</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-34871262493691415082007-07-26T19:06:00.000-04:002007-07-26T19:17:22.628-04:00Preceptorship Week 4<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The doctor is on vacation this week, therefore, I am, too! I'm visiting other local doctors' clinics, catching up on reading, e-mails, and blogging. I'm also studying and working on a big class project that will also help me develop a more sound business plan for the day when I eventually open my future practice.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago, Steve & I attended an <a href="http://www.erchonia.com/">Erchonia Laser seminar</a> in Minneapolis. The main instructor was <a href="http://www.danmurphydc.com/">Dr. Dan Murphy</a>. I learned so much, and I really enjoy his teaching style. I could literally listen to him lecture for hours. Steve enjoyed listening to him, too. Now, he's helping me brainstorm ways in which we can integrate nutrition, laser, and possibly ion hydrotherapy into our future clinic. I knew the cold laser was pretty amazing based on the results I saw in the Palmer clinic, but I had no idea it had so many possibilities for healing. We went through the basic protocols for myotome testing in the upper and lower body. What I really enjoyed was learning the cellular reason to it's success--there's a reason we memorized glycolysis other than for national boards! Electron Transport Chain and ATP, that's what cold laser therapy is all about! Anyway, I encourage you to check out one of those seminars when you get a chance. . . and student pricing is 50% off! (Steve got to attend for free since he's not a doctor!)<br /><br />It's nice to have the week off from the grind. Being pregnant and working 50+ hours per week where I walk 3-4 miles per day in the clinic was really taking a toll on my stamina. I'm to the point where I will just duck out at 11 AM (when the rest of the staff leaves for lunch), come downstairs and take a nap, then head back upstairs by 1pm. Must have the nap. Must get 8-9 hours of sleep per night or I'm crashing and burning by 2pm due to utter exhaustion.<br /><br />August is going to be just as busy as July, so this is my week to rejuvenate. 1 more month! I can make it, I know it! I take every opportunity possible to put my feet up and to sit while in the clinic. By labor day weekend, I'll be able to head home to PA and just CHILL OUT until this baby is born. That's exactly what I'm looking forward to!<br /><br /><br /></span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-50731465371585728912007-07-18T23:57:00.000-04:002007-07-19T00:03:29.560-04:00Preceptorship Week 3<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Ever have days when you want to leave work . . . and NEVER go back? That was today. <br /><br />I was able to compartmentalize my frustrations and carry on with my duties for the day, which mainly consisted of helping other staff members rehab patients and smooth out the patient flow. But, all I wanted to do was go home, take a nap, and get a big hug from Steve.<br /><br />I did get a great <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com/2007/07/18/the-bliss-of-pregnancy-massage/">massage</a> during my lunch break. It didn't make all my problems go away, but it sure helped me deal with the stressors of an unpleasant day. <br /><br />Even so, I can't wait to be done with everything related to school, including this preceptorship. I just want to get back to PA where I can relax in my last month of pregnancy, and not deal with a demanding work schedule, aching feet, rare lunch breaks (or breaks in general), and a place where I can actually see the sunshine during the day. Living in the basement of where you work sometimes means you never leave the building. </span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-32056743218950043122007-07-15T23:22:00.000-04:002007-07-15T23:31:11.412-04:00Chiropractic and Schuermann's Disease<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A week ago, I did a re-exam on a 15 y.o. male who had been diagnosed with Scheurmann's disease. When he first came to the clinic in January, he had a 67 degree kyphosis in his thoracic spine. Normal is 40 degrees.<br /><br />After 6 months of treatment, rehabilitation, and home exercises, a post-film revealed a significant improvement. His kyphosis decreased to 49 degrees. Re-exam findings also indicated improvement in proprioceptive balance with Hautant's test and increased lung capacity (spirometry testing).<br /><br />To see those findings in a young man when we're taught in school that chiropractic pretty much can't help Scheuermann's disease.</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-46740987275159548802007-07-10T19:41:00.000-04:002007-07-10T20:00:26.844-04:00Fresh water<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We spent Saturday at the largest body of freshwater in the world and avoided the 100 degree heat in St. Cloud. See photos and check my post from my <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com/">other blog</a> about our <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com/2007/07/08/north-shore-getaway/">weekend trip</a>!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-74930570546562256792007-07-10T19:25:00.000-04:002007-07-10T19:41:21.621-04:00Preceptorship Week 1 of 8, Part II<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Independence Day felt like a Saturday in the middle of the week. I liked the break, but it made me want even more time off! Thursday was pretty slow in the clinic. I was left to do a report, and I had plenty of down time to work on a school project. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Friday was another story . . .</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dr. Dennis had me adjust anterior dorsals on several patients. I barely felt anything move on anyone, and I couldn't figure out why. Later that day, a chiropractor was the patient and he gave me some pretty good feedback. Plus, he was the first patient where I actually felt the joints move when I adjusted him. He emphasized using an inferior-superior line of drive. Thus far that day, I had been hit or miss with that aspect, and I had been thrusting more anterior-posterior.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">A couple of the staff members also asked me to work on them later that day. They'd never seen me adjust anyone nor had I ever adjusted them. So, in spite of not knowing about how forceful or in fact decent I am at adjusting, they at least felt comfortable enough working with me in the clinic to ask me to work on their spines. Since it was near closing time, I only had time to adjust 1 person. The only catch was that I had to dictate the SOAP notes into a recorder, something I've never done before. Thankfully, there was at least somewhat of a pattern to her SOAP notes. Since the diagnosis hadn't changed, and I was using Pettibon adjusting procedures, I could at least reference similar things that had been recorded in previous adjustment SOAPs. The best part about it was that the patient was easy to adjust, and her legs balanced with a neurological leg check so that I didn't even have to address the upper or lower angles of the atlas. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Also, she gave me feedback that helped me with all the self-doubt I'd accumulated adjusting numerous other patients' thoracics that day. She said she felt her thoracics move in at least 3 places when I adjusted her. I, however, didn't feel ANYTHING move. So, it's possible that I had adjusted some patients throughout the day, but I hadn't felt anything, just like when I adjusted a staff member at the end of the day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Dictation notes are definitely the way to go. The electronic push-button forms are great, but they don't help much if they don't cover all the stuff that you actually do when you work with a patient. Presently, there aren't any electronic note forms that are compatible with structural correction. Also, dictation is always patient-specific and relevant. Much less likelihood to get in trouble with a malpractice suit for poor note-taking when you have dictation notes. However, I'm a novice at it, and I need practice. I also need to learn the codeword shortforms for standard phrases. I hear Dr. Dennis say "Macro 7" or something similar. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I'll probably develop my own form of code notespeak for the typist once I get settled into my own practice. Once I get that down, I'll be much faster at treating patients for each respective visit.</span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-56962874783236845152007-07-03T13:43:00.000-04:002007-07-03T14:20:01.585-04:00Preceptorship Week 1 of 8<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I had a really relaxed first day. I thought I'd be running around like mad trying to keep up, but it wasn't that way at all. Since this is a holiday week, and the clinic is closed for 2 days, there aren't any new patients. In fact, yesterday, we were able to leave by 5pm instead of 6pm since the last scheduled patient was finished early. The staff said that early close time NEVER happens. They were super excited about it.<br /><br />My first day was relaxing due to the fact that I got to experience the <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/">Young Living</a> <a href="http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/raindrop_technique">Raindrop Technique</a> . . . which is a treatment that combines essential oils, trigger point therapy, and massage. Dr. Dennis mentioned that he uses this for his out-of-state patients who get the intensive scoliosis treatment, and that the therapy helps them relax before getting chiropractic treatment and rehab. He asked if I wanted to try it out . . . who am I to refuse a treatment that my prospective patients will endure, especially if it has essential oils and massage! It was great, and Dorie avoided using any oils that were potentially harmful to a pregnant woman and developing baby, so I only got a truncated version of the therapy. Wow was it cool . . . and it smelled great!<br /><br />Day 1, I also adjusted 1 patient's thoracics, applied a few therapeutic modalities on patients, read some current research and chiropractic-related reading material, and I got the run-down on the front desk operations. I only had to analyze a few sets of films. I got the first set correct, but I forgot a couple of things on the lateral cervicals for the last 2 sets. I'll never forget those body base lines again. Since I was thrown into analyzing an S-curve lateral cervical with a very short time limit, I messed up the math on the loss of curvature. However, once Dr. Dennis pointed out what the value SHOULD be, I was able to see where I made the error, and I know I'll never mess it up again (hopefully). It finally makes sense to me.<br /><br />Day 2, the clinic isn't officially open, but a few emergency patients and a couple of out-of-state patients are receiving treatment. Tuesdays are when I get a weekly 1-on-1 meeting time with Dr. Dennis to ask questions. Today, my questions mostly focused on employing staff, firing staff, wages and bonuses for staff, office policies, worker's compensation, & accounting and billing. There's only 1 more patient scheduled for this afternoon, and I'll also get treated later on today, YAY!<br /><br />Next week, we're expecting 2 out-of-state patients for intensive treatment. They are daughters of chiropractors. So, their dad's will be observing and learning in the clinic, too. It should be a busy and fun week.</span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-57991978344052189292007-06-29T15:20:00.001-04:002007-06-29T15:22:51.246-04:00Relief!<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I just checked my scores for the NBCE Part IV board exam that I took in May, thankfully, I passed! I scored well enough to be eligible to practice in any of the 47 states that accept Part IV scores. Whew! Now, I just need to get through this preceptorship and my last business class project for Palmer, and I can graduate. I still have to figure out all the paperwork craziness for applying for a chiropractic license in Pennsylvania, but it doesn't look too bad. The end is in sight!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-23697177283131596942007-06-21T10:00:00.000-04:002007-06-21T10:07:52.686-04:00Summer Transitions<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We moved from FL shortly after Steve's graduation. Since then, we've been <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com/2007/06/11/living-between-2-houses/">living between 2 houses</a> in PA & NY and visiting family. Moving, as always, was such a pain. I still don't know where to find certain things packed away. However, just as we're sorta getting settled in our little bedroom at Steve's grandparents house, we're moving on Tuesday to Minnesota where I'll complete a 2 month preceptorship. Lots of moving & lots of traveling this summer. But, I'm ready to head out there. I'm getting antsy since this past week or so most of my days are spent cleaning, cooking, and reading books. I can only take so much of that. I need to be in the clinic and interacting with patients!</span></div><script type="text/javascript">MapKit.display();</script>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-82422005227534016862007-05-26T21:41:00.001-04:002007-05-26T21:53:04.277-04:00RTS Graduation Ceremony 2007<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Steve graduated last night from RTS. The ceremony lasted a little over an hour, but it had guest speakers from different countries, live classical music (vocals, trumpets, and an organist), and it packed out a very large church in downtown Orlando. Steve said goodbye to some of his classmates and friends with whom he'd traveled on a mission trip overseas. </span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHWbKehmHksgBA-sMVROqHygZBR8rTxklsLq2UXb7TkMdFtw53h7ERaQaDRHzjuO7vxwVAEQbZN2ewvq2GqbEVyKJ3JJDHqqPbF-bdMdw540TQtfhP7Kdj2RKTIAxkUx7563ylA/s1600-h/best+photo+steve.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHWbKehmHksgBA-sMVROqHygZBR8rTxklsLq2UXb7TkMdFtw53h7ERaQaDRHzjuO7vxwVAEQbZN2ewvq2GqbEVyKJ3JJDHqqPbF-bdMdw540TQtfhP7Kdj2RKTIAxkUx7563ylA/s320/best+photo+steve.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069051212158687522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouq6YcLIjm68uBm1FMuQExBAtgKYm_bDT77UWLRObbbhYKsv703WK8JCBlU2FYFWZ4YTRkTzjXCK6ODlFBfPo1FOKqNpRB5elweo1idRKOL_HN6BmM95dgyNkrdLV78UPrwV_Zw/s1600-h/steve+%26+diploma.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouq6YcLIjm68uBm1FMuQExBAtgKYm_bDT77UWLRObbbhYKsv703WK8JCBlU2FYFWZ4YTRkTzjXCK6ODlFBfPo1FOKqNpRB5elweo1idRKOL_HN6BmM95dgyNkrdLV78UPrwV_Zw/s320/steve+%26+diploma.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069051109079472402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Steve receives his diploma on stage</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJYEcv3ZcQi_dpN66pkG1hsgn3xXO4HTB6ltmB2Onuq3D2i74mTNNGwFOlv_dUIhdtuJpqLB2Xb1D04vj6cp5gcb5U2xifovbUE0xCoUzKh846FpE9szvkPCu0XP2sLywFuk0A/s1600-h/steve+%26+family.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJYEcv3ZcQi_dpN66pkG1hsgn3xXO4HTB6ltmB2Onuq3D2i74mTNNGwFOlv_dUIhdtuJpqLB2Xb1D04vj6cp5gcb5U2xifovbUE0xCoUzKh846FpE9szvkPCu0XP2sLywFuk0A/s320/steve+%26+family.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069050872856271106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Steve with me (20 weeks pregnant) and his </span><span style="font-size:85%;">parents<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1mIO2AWHiHJ2st8Pc_P4m1VXbQiOc5-O8dS56kFlq6XfIvBvq7wWg4eof6LCX99M39d87CfHbQ9YUbKyKHARzZlVhjzmhWUswuNeGq7GSRL802VufevcLA19unaT_xN33JeLnw/s1600-h/class+banner.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1mIO2AWHiHJ2st8Pc_P4m1VXbQiOc5-O8dS56kFlq6XfIvBvq7wWg4eof6LCX99M39d87CfHbQ9YUbKyKHARzZlVhjzmhWUswuNeGq7GSRL802VufevcLA19unaT_xN33JeLnw/s320/class+banner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069050722532415730" border="0" /></a>The Class of 2007's banner for the RTS auditorium</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-9696647717688987062007-05-26T21:36:00.001-04:002007-05-26T21:41:08.786-04:00Dallas Eatery<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We visited <a href="http://www.lamadeleine.com/">La Madeleine</a> in Dallas, my favorite French cafe and bakery. Our friend Jessica drove down from Oklahoma to visit us. It was great to catch up with her, since we hadn't seen her in 3 years. </span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXiDLdaq2tibtt9y74X6xC_S52RVIdNafju3m98Su42Hoy4somHyGCWC_YGPQaZRZLtz6r_zeoxsohRdma7UKc3CLDqjUEViBRZ3cLt5BywtduiB6SSTTMlw5f9iXIFHKpbKUbA/s1600-h/IMG_0787.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXiDLdaq2tibtt9y74X6xC_S52RVIdNafju3m98Su42Hoy4somHyGCWC_YGPQaZRZLtz6r_zeoxsohRdma7UKc3CLDqjUEViBRZ3cLt5BywtduiB6SSTTMlw5f9iXIFHKpbKUbA/s320/IMG_0787.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069048785502165218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaWovX5l2OqmxVEo7g9BKdR11MHJZ54WtXdacMTRoBhn6iMfxxe2mHUUZZ8dklEU0WuQtzElvcy_oSNa-5x4OVuf5IMjkticBTzh9eDWc43WOSGiy_fTSyklv_PQEPldUezr3lQ/s1600-h/IMG_0786.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaWovX5l2OqmxVEo7g9BKdR11MHJZ54WtXdacMTRoBhn6iMfxxe2mHUUZZ8dklEU0WuQtzElvcy_oSNa-5x4OVuf5IMjkticBTzh9eDWc43WOSGiy_fTSyklv_PQEPldUezr3lQ/s320/IMG_0786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069048587933669586" border="0" /></a>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-83905426270472778052007-05-25T12:09:00.001-04:002007-05-25T12:18:50.492-04:00Steve's Graduation<span style="font-size:85%;">Steve graduates tonight from <a href="http://www.rts.edu/">Reformed Theological Seminary</a> with a Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies. His parents are in town for the ceremony and to help us pack and move. I got Steve a <a href="http://www.mrsfields.com">Mrs. Fields'</a> cookie cake to commemorate the event.<br /></span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRtvkao6VAViSuIuh_6dATs9UGlw-mxfi_sbGtkf1jQXF4-a7_m3hCJM0PuSMfK7zaB0XOj7CqinALLPOCrlGe7pjjbytWOp39WAY2kk7d3tUheESa7U3_ula4vlKlqz95mV4BA/s1600-h/IMG_0788.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRtvkao6VAViSuIuh_6dATs9UGlw-mxfi_sbGtkf1jQXF4-a7_m3hCJM0PuSMfK7zaB0XOj7CqinALLPOCrlGe7pjjbytWOp39WAY2kk7d3tUheESa7U3_ula4vlKlqz95mV4BA/s320/IMG_0788.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068531856123320498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXHu3asLs0ELnmGJYATAY_nqEKr3xA7Z1CJtlIG1AgJUS1i54ble0iLu_9eF8ysu6mBPegOs2IVRrtccQCi96tLOyVCE0_XUKrxgGqsbv0gwxRrsCZcv7lnSC8eepifakPrYuA/s1600-h/IMG_0790.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NXHu3asLs0ELnmGJYATAY_nqEKr3xA7Z1CJtlIG1AgJUS1i54ble0iLu_9eF8ysu6mBPegOs2IVRrtccQCi96tLOyVCE0_XUKrxgGqsbv0gwxRrsCZcv7lnSC8eepifakPrYuA/s320/IMG_0790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068532006447175874" border="0" /></a>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-9573815283889729032007-05-23T17:04:00.001-04:002007-05-23T20:57:41.280-04:00Saying Adios to Palmer FL<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGAKEFAvo6pmKRLoXcvrn58OtoqZOxlBqAIkJkGqlfaHzRqhCOGmrxdXzIpIfPthbXuFk5v33GL79wwMEIMuuCM6PLjXM_q-9g-kRU784svhUZUCCVQ2qhwmXzJ8YcP4NMCS1Lw/s1600-h/Dolly+graduation.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGAKEFAvo6pmKRLoXcvrn58OtoqZOxlBqAIkJkGqlfaHzRqhCOGmrxdXzIpIfPthbXuFk5v33GL79wwMEIMuuCM6PLjXM_q-9g-kRU784svhUZUCCVQ2qhwmXzJ8YcP4NMCS1Lw/s200/Dolly+graduation.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5067924960064526498" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >Tomorrow, I'll wear my clinic jacket for the last time when I check out. Hopefully, that process will go smoothly, and I won't need to do any more last minute hours or requirements. We'll pack up our stuff and move to PA by next Wednesday. Yay!</span> <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >We already took our graduation photos. I'm posting mine now since there's a very strong possibility that I won't make it to the graduation ceremony, which is due to the fact that I'm due with the baby 3 weeks after our ceremony. Graduation is sort of a big deal here, but not really. I mean, it's not like the 3-day event that it was at UT Austin complete with fireworks, live concert performances, and buildings on the mall awash with lights displaying the 6 flags of Texas. It's nothing like that. </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >In fact, at Palmer FL, the whole ceremony is usually conducted in the middle of the afternoon at a local college's auditorium and it's over in less than 45 minutes.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >However, it is a small college, so instead of a glorious commencement, it's more of a small, "say goodbye to your Palmer family" type of deal. Considering we have such small graduating classes, I'd expect a more personalized ceremony for each of the 50 graduates, but again, they don't do that here. </span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >What will be different for our class, thanks to a rockin' class council, is that we're taking huge strides to change the location of the ceremony. Hey, the charter class of Palmer FL was going to graduate in a local high school's cafeteria, so considering we have something more than that is a huge step up. We've been trying to do the ceremony in a different and classier location for the past year, but there's something about going through administration and getting them to approve it (money), so, we don't know the final word on that just yet.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >But, we did vote on graduation speakers, and as long as our top choice says "Yes", we have an incredibly captivating speaker and leader in the chiropractic profession lined up to provide the keynote address. If his schedule isn't open, we've also voted on 2 faculty members to speak at the graduation banquet and/or 1 of them to speak at the ceremony as a back-up. I'd hate to miss <a href="http://www.danmurphydc.com/">Dr. Dan Murphy</a>, and the opportunity to celebrate and say goodbye to my classmates, but I'm not going to risk my health nor this pregnancy and fly 3 weeks from my due date. But hey, I could deliver early and that could change everything.</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-size:85%;" >So, my last chance to see everyone will be at class next Tuesday morning. I think most of us are just itching so bad to get out of here and start our preceptorship that we just really don't care about much of anything at all around here. </span><br /><br /></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To Class 073:</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We've come a long way since July 2004 when we were just a lecture hall full of strangers. We've since grown so much as doctors and professionals. We've participated in 3 Student Olympics, 3 Homecomings, 2 Chiro Games (with 2 gold-medal teams), at least 3 sets of national boards, countless seminars, 1.5 years worth of anatomy labs, almost 1 year at the clinic to date, way too many classroom hours (most of us sitting in the same seats since 1st quarter), picnics, parties, & fundraisers.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We made it through 9th quarter, and we all know that NOTHING in an academic setting can EVER compete with the stress and chaos of those 3 months of pain. We'll never forget J-Pags' robot voice, Victor's contagious laugh, Barney's off-topic comments, nor Stew's Student Council announcements. OK, maybe scratch the last one. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Through the ingenuity of really smart and talented people in our class with great movie-making skills, and numchuck skills (Rob), our class paved the way for filming lab demos to create incredibly smart study tools. We started over 8 new clubs and organizations on and off campus and have left a legacy at Palmer Florida. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Congrats to everyone for making it thus far . . . only 4 more months! I wish you all the best in 13th quarter and beyond graduation as you serve your patients and blaze new trails in our profession. Our most challenging classroom is yet to come, working in a real-world practice and making ends meet.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I hope you'll keep in touch (e-mail, myspace, even good ol' WebCT). Perhaps we'll see each other in the future at seminars, Homecoming, weddings, or reunions. By the way, I think having a class reunion in Puerto Rico would be fabuloso. Serve well, and God bless you all.</span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102); font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" > </span></span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-49304447535533035102007-05-19T21:08:00.000-04:002007-05-23T20:58:36.072-04:00Part IV After-Thoughts<span style="font-size:85%;">Radiology:<br />- butt-kicking hard (the AM test!!)<br />- "what the heck is that supposed to be?"<br />- "oh, I can totally see what's wrong there, why aren't all of my multiple choice answers adding up to the same response on that particular station?"<br />- "oh, crap, I'm gonna have to re-take this thing in November"<br /><br />Technique/Physical Exam/History:<br />- 2 hours into the test, "I'm so hungry, how much longer?"<br />- transitioning from ortho/neuro/physical exam stations to technique stations, examiner asks "what is your line of drive?" . . . (huge pause while brain is working really hard to think), then I blurted out an answer that I believe was correct. . . but I was frustrated it took my so long, and that I wasn't on point.<br /><br />Exhaustion hit at the end of the test and I was just thirsty, mentally tired, and ready for lunch. Once we went back to our glass prison for 5 hours of sequestering, we were forced to watch really stupid comedies. I think I slept on the floor for a little while, until my sacrum was screaming in pain.<br /><br />Post test, 2 hours later:<br />- "I'm so bored, and we have to sit in this room for 3 more hours until we're released"<br />- "I want to go home, change out of these clinic clothes into pajamas and SLEEP!"<br />- "Thank goodness I did better on the exam/technique than the radiology test, maybe I won't have to retake this bloody exam ever again"<br /><br />This exam is a big deal. They had folks on the NBCE board of diretors present at the test site to watch the exam administration. Overall, the proctors and examiners were professional, and some were even friendly (unexpected). Parker was definitely a good campus to take the exam. Some of the patient-actors were a little over-dramatic and ate up a lot of time with their unnecessary theatrics, but otherwise, they did a good job.<br /><br />I'm so glad to be done. I just immersed in study to ridiculous lengths this past week, and at least for the next five weeks (when scores are posted), I'm breathing relief that I'm hopefully completely done with this exam once and for all!</span>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-39784480010804017322007-05-13T08:57:00.000-04:002007-05-13T09:01:27.107-04:00Part IV, the final stretch<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Flyin' to Dallas today. Finishing up Irene Gold's Part IV National Board Exam Review course at Parker College of Chiropractic where I'll take the exam next weekend. Steve will fly out to join me later in the week. We'll have some down time to spend with family and our friends from Oklahoma City. I'll be so glad when this exam is over!</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-87142555370014813622007-05-10T04:24:00.001-04:002007-05-10T09:28:12.957-04:00Recruiting<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/RZYTtSWXE9w" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/RZYTtSWXE9w" height="350" width="425"></embed></object></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The Palmer recruiters recently posted a new video to entice prospective students to join the ranks of other Palmer grads. I'm briefly featured in the video. <br /><br />Now, if only they filmed Palmer FL students wearing flip flops and shorts to class in December, they'd have huge matriculation numbers from northern applicants!</span></p></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-4232662394535697972007-05-08T18:32:00.000-04:002007-05-08T19:05:53.073-04:00Last Adjustment<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Today, I delivered my last adjustment on my last patient for the last time at <a href="http://www.palmer.edu/pccf/">Palmer FL</a>. I'm sad to say goodbye to the many amazing people who helped me grow as an intern and as a doctor. However, I'm super thrilled to soon leave this place chock-full of red tape mazes and subsequent headaches of frustration. <br /><br />I leave on Sunday for Dallas for a week of Part IV board review and exams. At least there will be some relaxation time when Steve flies out to join me at my father and step-mom's house. It'll be good to spend the week in a familiar place and to be among family during a stressful exam, so I can more easily de-stress and not over-study (my tendency). <br /><br />I've been posting lately about lasts, which also reminds me about a lot of chiropractic school firsts. I had a first chiropractic adjustment (probably low back, maybe thoracics). I remember when I accomplished my <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/09/gonstead-i-overcome.html">first Gonstead atlas adjustment</a> on cervical chair. For none of these firsts do I remember whom I adjusted, I just know it happened, and it was awesome. I also remember when my philosophical paradigm of chiropractic, wellness care, and health completely shifted. It started the day I went to hear a guest speaker on <a href="http://www.pettiboninstitute.org/">Pettibon Technique</a> . . . and I haven't looked back since. <br /><br />The first time I heard <a href="http://www.drwoggon.com/">Dr. Woggon</a> speak about scoliosis correction--it completely stirred me to make a <a href="http://www.scoliosismentors.org/cgi-bin/index.cgi">change</a>, if ever so small, on my campus. It's cool how something so powerful and impacting can affect so many people in such a short amount of time, and it's been incredible to be a part of a <a href="http://clear-institute.com/clearinstitute.html">new change</a> in the chiropractic profession that benefits the patients immensely.<br /><br />My first chiropractic college club was the <a href="http://www.pccf-studentcouncil.com/club2.cgi#">Upper Cervical Club</a>. Hey, it sounded cool. They were concerned with correcting the entire spine and that it all rested with the atlas, occiput, and axis. I still believe that, and I take from my experiences in upper cervical and apply them to what I now know about scoliosis, and it's awesome.<br /><br />My first job in chiropractic school was working as an assistant in the <a href="http://www.palmer.edu/libraryf.aspx">Palmer FL library</a>. OK, that wasn't altogether a milestone or anything, but it did help pay the bills, and I met some fantastic people. <br /><br />While in chiropractic college, I also competed in my <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/after-swim-reflections.html#links">first swim meet</a> for <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/bryan-brian-were-part-of-one-of-pccf.html#links">Chiro Games 2005</a> (more info <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/chiro-games-2005.html#links">here</a>, <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/pccf-womens-swim-team.html#links">here</a>, <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/pccf-mens-200-im-relay-placed-2nd-l-r.html#links">here</a>, and <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/11/on-starting-blocks-for-100-free-where.html#links">here</a>). Thanks to my friend & classmate Andrew, I was able to <a href="http://sierradelta.blogspot.com/2005/08/class-073-picnic.html">surf</a> for the first and possibly the LAST time (too many sharks in Ponce Inlet for my comfort level!). <br /><br />I also had a first pregnancy, and this time, I hope I have our first baby in October. But, you can read more about that on our <a href="http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.com">Baby Blog</a>.<br /><br />Throughout life, we hit these major milestones, high school graduation, college graduation, marriage, first baby, first house, etc. They're supposed to be these etched-forever-in-your-memory events or life-changing events. I think it's all part of the life journey. I'm not the same person I was in high school, definitely not the same person I was in undergrad. I become a completely different person in the military (more to survive the harsh structure and expectation). And now, I'm not the same chiropractor that I thought I would be when I first started chiropractic college. Based on this track record, I suspect, and hope, I'm not the same person 5, 10, 50 years from now. I want to continue to learn, grow, and develop into the woman God has designed for me to be: follower of Christ, wife, mom, friend, daughter, sister, neighbor, doctor . . . I want to look back and say that I'm not the same person I was when I graduated from Chiropractic college, but that my experiences and the grace of God has changed me and shaped me more into who I am meant to become.<br /></span></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12193527.post-19394082359221580232007-05-03T22:42:00.000-04:002007-05-03T22:49:00.435-04:00Night at the Ballpark<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhex7aA6psyGjmWK68onXtaQ5zdzhVYZ438DVJl-HZrhheWuvFpfhPfXgbTRlAk2BaZoIGc_tD6HlNUnSN4ah9rB8nsgcmUnmQb9q2S3KTUEfYpBO-F1XIYlFpWxvzjyTd0_DMezw/s1600-h/cubs.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhex7aA6psyGjmWK68onXtaQ5zdzhVYZ438DVJl-HZrhheWuvFpfhPfXgbTRlAk2BaZoIGc_tD6HlNUnSN4ah9rB8nsgcmUnmQb9q2S3KTUEfYpBO-F1XIYlFpWxvzjyTd0_DMezw/s400/cubs.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060531720334742018" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">We just got home from a fun <a href="http://www.daytonacubs.com/">Daytona Cubs</a> baseball game. It was Palmer night, so our school had free tickets available. Home team's defense was mostly good except for a few slippery passes. But, both times they scored, they scored big! The first time was in the 6th inning when the bases were loaded, and the hitter smashed a home run. That was sweet! The second time, the St. Lucie Mets tied with 4 (stronger offensive team) in the 8th and 9th innings. But, the Daytona Cubs came back with yet another triple loaded bases to hit a home run. What a finish. They didn't score any other times during the game, but when it counted, they came through.</span><br /></div>Dr. Dolly (@drdolly)http://www.blogger.com/profile/14029009800556840480noreply@blogger.com0