National University of Health Sciences Partners with Powers Health for Chiropractic Preceptorships

National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) is pleased to announce it is adding Powers Health, an institution of Community Care Network, Inc. (CCNI) to its distinctive list of preceptorship institutions for Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine students. The Powers system encompasses four hospitals, more than 1,000 care providers and more than 8,300 employees in Northwest Indiana. Powers' hospitals are regional leaders in orthopedics.

Anticipated to begin in 2025, the preceptorship will initially offer one to two ninth or tenth trimester NUHS students the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience prior to graduation. Because of its excellent location-approximately one hour by car from NUHS' Lombard, Ill. campus, the program is expected to progress quickly. Interns will practice from Community Hospital in Schereville, Ind.

"Students will receive hands-on experiences treating patients with a mix of musculoskeletal issues," said Dr. Theodore Johnson, Jr., NUHS Dean of Clinics. "One of the most exciting aspects is that they will have the opportunity to work with patients from start to finish - an excellent, real-world learning opportunity."

"Powers Health is a leader in the evidence-based treatment of patients," Dr. Johnson continued. "Dr. (Robert) Watson, our Powers liaison and supervising clinician, specializes in sports medicine, a key area of interest for many of our students."

Interns will have hands-on opportunities for practical learning experiences, including use of Active Release Technique, Cox Flexion Distraction, Diversified Manipulation, Mckenzie Extension and more.

A key factor making the NUHS and Powers alliance compelling is the University's philosophy to focus on the best evidence available.

"Physicians may fear their patients could be led astray with business approaches that focus more on reimbursements than what is best for the patient," said Dr. Watson. "Here in our Chiropractic Medicine department, we utilize evidence-based practice to treat and inform our patients." Because National University and Powers Health are both committed to evidence-based medicine, the partnership is a logical one.

When considering whether or not to participate in a preceptorship, Dr. Johnson offered students some valuable advice.

"First, students need to really be aware of what kind of specialty and facility they're looking for, and very carefully research potential sites," he said.

Next, he advised careful consideration of students' current living situations and how far they could reasonably commute each day. "Make sure it's conveniently located, or that you have a short-term plan of action."

Last, he advised students to be very mindful of their grade point average (GPA). "Institutions expect to help students learn the hands-on aspects of their profession, but they need to see strong academic performance and a self-directed demeanor."

As a clinician, Dr. Watson noted three important aspects interns should take away from the experience:

The ability to understand regional interdependence. Sometimes the cause of the resistant low back pain is poor dorsiflexion of the ankle that causes the patient to lumbar extend when lifting objects. In many of these cases, the pain generator is not the problem.

The ability to push one's knowledge. Once you graduate, what are good sources to continue your growth? Do you know how to study without an assignment forcing you to do so?

And finally, the ability to work as a member of a team. "We are an integrated clinic that communicates with and works alongside several other professionals," Dr. Watson said. "It is my belief that this is the future of our profession. There is no shortage of back pain and neck pain in the world. We are, however, experiencing shortages of clinicians. This is our time, as a profession, to take the pressure off of an already overloaded medical system."

Some of NUHS' hospital rotations and preceptorships for chiropractic medicine students include Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (Columbia, Mo.), Bay Pines VA (St. Petersburg, Fl.), Medical College of Wisconsin, (Milwaukee, Wis.) and many more within and outside of the Veterans Administration system.

National University is committed to the ongoing pursuit and development of preceptorship opportunities for all of its health education programs.

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