Wayne Bennett, D.C., West '92, Prescott, Ariz. |
During my early years in practice, I felt it was my duty, at a
minimum, to send $100 a year to my alma mater. Since
then, I have been able to increase that amount to $1,000
annually, partially because I have more resources, but more
importantly because I support the current leadership direction
at Palmer and feel that additional support is both earned
and deserved.
I also try to attend Palmer special events, although traveling
out of state isn’t always feasible. And I try to keep track of
my classmates.
When I have an opinion about an issue and I would like to
have my voice heard, I speak up. I believe that constructive
criticism, if backed by willingness to be part of the solution,
is another excellent and productive form of support.
I think that one should support everything in one’s life that
has importance. The quality of the chiropractic educational
experience is very important to all of us, whether we realize
it or not.
Just as the current state of chiropractic is the product of
yesterday’s educational process, the future state of our
profession will be the product of today’s chiropractic
education. If this is true, then it is incumbent upon all
of us who care about our profession’s future to involve
ourselves in what is going on in colleges, especially those
from which we graduated.
Those who would see our profession fail depend upon our
tendency to “circle the wagons and fire inward.” Instead of
falling prey to this frailty, we should all realize that we will
never agree upon everything, nor should we, and that we
don’t have to agree upon everything to agree upon what is
important. Providing a current, dynamic, comprehensive
education to the chiropractors of tomorrow is important.
Supporting the profession by joining and participating in
chiropractic state and national organizations is also important.
I have been a member of the Arizona Association of
Chiropractic (AAC) since I was a student at West. For a
number of years, I have been actively involved
in committee work for the association
and currently serve as its president.
Since graduating from the West campus in 1992,
I have been a member of the Yavapai County
Chiropractic Association (YCCA) and served in
all of the offices, including president, over the
years. My son, Dr. Mike Nash, who has practiced
with me for the past three years, is currently the
YCCA president so I take orders from him.
In addition, I’ve been a member of the
American Chiropractic Association (ACA)
since graduation and have attended the
National Chiropractic Legislative Conference
in Washington, D.C., on several occasions as
a representative from our state association
and as the alternate delegate from our state to
the ACA. Currently I serve as the Arizona
delegate to the ACA.
Serving on the Council for Chiropractic
Guidelines and Practice Parameters is something
I also enjoy. This is the group that is
working on the “Chiropractic Best Practices”
document and the “Chiropractic Clinical
Compass.”
Chiropractic has always been close to home,
for me. I was born in the town where I live
and practice. It is a fairly small town, and I
value this aspect of my life very much.
That’s why I continue to be involved inthe
local Kiwanis Club and YMCA as well as
with other philanthropic and political
activities and causes.
I believe in living life like you mean
it, both professionally and personally.
Otherwise, what’s the point?