Michael Hahn, D.C., graduated
from Palmer College
of Chiropractic’s Davenport
campus in 1990. He has been practicing in Bettendorf, Iowa,
since then. Dr. Hahn is a member of the American Chiropractic
Association. He has also served as president and secretary of the
East Central District of the Iowa Chiropractic Society. In 1998
and 2003, he successfully completed year-long post-graduate
programs conducted by the Spine Research Institute of San
Diego. He is a member of the American Academy of Pain
Management, the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
and the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research.
He has been on the Palmer Board of Trustees since 2004.
Tell us what strengths you bring to the Board?
I feel my major strength on the Board is that I represent the
epitome of a Palmer graduate—a “moderate” in both philosophy
and technique. I also offer a local field perspective. Since
graduating from Palmer’s Davenport campus in 1990, I have
been in private practice in Bettendorf, Iowa. Being close to
my alma mater has made it easier to stay active with Palmer—
whether through continuing education, keeping in touch with
several of my instructors or regular visits to the Palmer Main
Clinic for chiropractic care. This closeness to Palmer gives me
a slightly different perspective than that of someone who rarely
visits the campus.
What issues in the chiropractic profession or in education concern you most?
I feel a major issue facing our profession is maintaining our
autonomy in the health care arena. We need to balance the
increasing public acceptance of spinal adjusting (and those
from outside of our profession who want to share this piece of
the pie) with what it means to be a chiropractor (our philosophy).
Outside of our profession, continued perseverance in local
and national politics is imperative to watchdog legislation that
can rob us of our exclusive domain over adjusting. My major
concern in chiropractic education is the strength of the Center
for Credentialing & Education, Inc. (CCE). As a profession, we
are as strong as our credentialing body. Perceived improprieties
within the CCE reflect poorly on those who have degrees confirmed
by it.
What are your favorite memories of your experience with Palmer?
Basking in the sun on the porch of the “old” Union with a
beer and friends after finals.
What is your vision of the three campuses of Palmer College in 25 years?
My vision for our three campuses is twofold: First, to make
Palmer the undisputed leader in chiropractic education; second,
to make Palmer a model for all higher education institutions
to aspire to. We are setting up the systems and procedures and
have in place key administrators and educators to make this
happen. Our three campuses allow students to choose which
learning path best suits their individual learning style, while
assuring they receive their education with a strong Palmer
philosophy. By adopting the recently decreed vision of “one
college, three campuses,” Palmer will be greater than the sum
of her individual parts.