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Palmer Homecoming: Dr. Marchiori looks toward 2020
8/16/2011 (Archived)
During the closing session of Homecoming 2011, Palmer College
Chancellor Dennis Marchiori, D.C., discussed the future of the college
for the next 10 years, making it clear that during this time of growth,
Palmer has focus.
“Our focus is on being the trusted leader,”
said Dr. Marchiori. “It’s our aspirational direction. I know we’re not
there on all aspects, but when it comes to training chiropractors, we’re
number one.” 
Dr.
Marchiori said that 50 percent of Americans take at least one
prescription drug, with one in six people having been prescribed three
or more drugs. But while the population seems to have no problem taking
pills, there are still people who say they don’t “believe” in
chiropractic.”
“Chiropractic is not a religion,” he said. “We
need to show them the facts. Our healthcare system is in crisis. It’s
time to get our thoughts rolling on how we impact society. We need to
define what we do as a viable (health care) option. We are the third
largest organized health profession, … yet only eight percent of the
population sees chiropractors.”
In order for chiropractic to strengthen—for the sake of patients as well as for the profession as a whole—there must be unity.
“The
chiropractic profession has problems with scope of practice and
philosophy,” he said. “Let’s stop circling the wagons then shooting
inward. The divisions are not helping us; they’re hurting us. It’s time
to move forward collectively with our focus on patients. That’s what we
do well.”
Dr. Marchiori called for alumni to mentor Palmer
students and recent graduates. He encouraged them to join the new Palmer
CareerNetwork, an online networking database exclusively for Palmer
students and alumni. He also told them to spread the word and bring
their chiropractic friends with them next year to Palmer Homecoming and
to be part of a unified community.
“We stand on the shoulders of
giants,” said Dr. Marchiori, “but B.J. is not coming back—nor is Dr.
Pierce or Dr. David Palmer or the others. We have what they have given
us, but we must take the next steps to take Palmer to the next level. We
can do it. Please join all of us, and I’ll join you.”