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.

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.

Bear with me

Between teaching quarters, the Upstate area has lots to do to unwind busy faculty and students.

A few months ago, I went tent camping at Edisto Beach State Park. I took beautiful pictures, collected shells and artifacts. I also recently carved a bear out a large tree trunk for a neighbor. I used my chainsaw and made $800 in 8 hours (pictures available upon request).

My chiropractic practice is called “Bear Country Chiropractic.” Students visit my office which is close to Sherman. Carved bears fill my office to entertain patients and students.

The other night at the office, I took x-rays showing surgical screws and metal plates in a patient’s neck. The next morning I added those pictures to my x-ray anatomy class for students to benefit from. I do this frequently to share with students (patient confidentiality is always preserved).

More random things about me:
One morning last month, I jogged 3 miles in 17 degree weather … Brrrrrrrr!  Total jog miles is now 1992 miles since I started keeping track (yeah!).

Currently, I am working on the Spanish translation of my Blair technique course.  It will be presented in Argentina this summer, and Japan in September.

Perry Rush is an assistant professor of clinical sciences. He has a D.C. from Sherman College (1976) and an A.A. from Ricks College (1973). He teaches Blair X-Ray, Upper Cervical & Full Spine X-Ray Positioning, X-Ray Anatomy & Upper Cervical Rationale. He has been with the college since 1980 and enjoys cross country jogging, beach camping, ocean kayaking, fossil hunting, shrimping and flounder fishing.