from the faculty

Plane conversations

Sitting in seat 8-A on a small commuter jet, I observed out of the corner of my eye, the young woman next to me turning around in her seat, grabbing the back of it and twisting herself around until the joints in her spine popped.

I had to say something. “That’s not a healthy thing to do to your spine you know,” I said. She replied with a statement that was intended to shut me up. “I’m a physical therapist,” she said. Fortunately, very few things can shut me up. Turns out we had a very nice conversation about our different professions.

Both physical therapists and chiropractors deal with the spine, but our approaches are very different. The chiropractor is primarily concerned with biomechanics and neural function, while the therapist is mainly concerned with eliminating painful syndromes.

While a well trained chiropractor has a very deep understanding of proper spinal mechanics and physiology, my physical therapist friend had a much better understanding of pain syndromes and how to make the spine feel better. It is interesting that even when the pain has gone, the mechanics and the neural function can be far from normal.

My point is that chiropractic is unique. It is important for the healthcare professionals to have ways to help people feel better, but it is much more crucial for us to have ways to help them function better.

Joseph J. Donofrio is Dean of Clinical Sciences, an associate professor and Chair of Technique Department. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1994) and teaches Spinal Biodynamics I & II. He has been under regular chiropractic care since the day he was born and is a second generation chiropractor. Dr. Donofrio has lectured internationally on spinal biodynamics, palpation, chiropractic history and education. What he really enjoys is studying the Bible and spending time with his family. "It is awesome to play a role in shaping the future of this great profession of chiropractic," he says.

Enjoying the spring

I am extremely excited about the spring 2008 quarter after a much deserved and needed break at the end of March. I really enjoy teaching my philosophical applications course where students learn the chiropractic philosophical principles and apply them in the active practice setting.

The best part of being an instructor at Sherman College is being able to share such important information with students who will ultimately be the manager of our profession in the future.

John L. Reizer is an assistant professor of clinical sciences and a member of the health center faculty. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1986) and has been with the college since 1998. He teaches Philosophical Applications, Patient Management Observation Elective, Business 810. He enjoys sports, fishing, writing and traveling when time permits. "Sherman College will offer you a chance to change your life in a positive manner while also changing the lives of countless others that you may come into contact with," he says.

The life of a D.C. has many perks

Fishing and baby sitting my grand dogs is always an excellent way to unwind from a busy quarter. It's also a great way to prepare for a new quarter.

Rest is a vital component for good health along with chiropractic care. In fact, whenever my brothers and I meet at the lake house for a few days of fishing and lying about fishing, they ask me to bring my portable adjusting table. This way they stay healthy enough to keep up with me. I still catch the biggest fish each time!!

Yes, my grand dogs even get adjusted when I visit them. The life of a D.C. has many perks... my brothers buy all the bait and the beverages!

Robert L. Irwin is Vice President for Academic Affairs and an assistant professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Life (1979) and an A.S. from SouthWestern Michigan College (1976). He has been with the college since 1998 and teaches Clinical Reasoning and Upper Cervical Technique. He enjoys golf, reading and fishing.

Radiology games

Learning should be fun and enjoyable! In my radiology class I love to have fun while teaching (it can be pretty boring looking at sleepy faces for an hour).

You will find students in my class being interactive. I will often divide the class into multiple groups and play radiology games. This helps students get more involved with learning the radiology pathology that has been demonstrated. Students like the activity and I always have 100% participation. The students also have to keep up with their radiology pathology skills so that they can be on the winning team to earn bonus points.

My thought is that if learning is fun and enjoyable, the student will want to come to class and learn!

Laura R. Greene-Orndorff is a professor, Chair of the Radiology Department, and a member of the health center faculty. She has an R.T.R. from Mercy Hospital (1989), an A.S. from Pennsylvania State College (1990), a B.S. from Regents College and a D.C. from Sherman College (1995). She has been with the college since 1996 and teaches X-Ray Review, Soft Tissue, Hard Tissue, X-Ray Positioning III & X-Ray Lab. She enjoys gardening, walking and floral design. "Education is the best investment you can make for yourself and others," she says.

Running for cookies

I started running last winter. My first race, The Frost Bite Run, was a 5K, which I actually finished. Most races, as I have come to learn, have great snacks for the runners. This particular race gives each runner who finishes a big chocolate chip cookie. Ah, here is motivation I can get excited about! My training mantra was, “I’m running for the cookie!” And it was a good cookie!!!

My most recent 5K was the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning where I ran a perfect race … without a cookie! I think I’m hooked.

I’ve been reading a great book titled “Running and Being” by the late Dr. George Sheehan. It is a very inspiring book about life and running. Check it out. Even if you don’t run, you’ll get lots out of it.

Dr. Ron Castellucci earned an A.S. from Nassau Community College, B.S. from the University of New York and is a 1988 graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO. After 10 years of successful practice in Lexington, MA, Dr. Castellucci moved south to join the Sherman College faculty in 1998. He currently teaches Palpation, Full Spine Technique & Patient Education. In addition to his passion for teaching, Dr. Castellucci is involved in his community as a scout leader and soccer coach, and is an active member of his church. He maintains a private practice in Hendersonville, NC, where he lives with his wife and two children.