Drs. William Corvino and Theresa Whitney
in Hyderabad, India, during a 2006 Clinic
Abroad trip. |
It wasn’t hard for William Corvino, D.C.,
West ’99, to decide to go on the 2006
Clinic Abroad trip to India. His wife,
Theresa Whitney, D.C., West ’95, had participated
in a Clinic Abroad trip to Brazil
the year before. “Her stories and pictures
piqued my interest, and I decided to
apply to become a field doctor and
teacher in the program,” he said.
Dr. Whitney, a part-time West Campus
assistant professor, got involved with the
program herself after being personally
contacted by the Clinic Abroad Program
(CAP) office. “I had been contemplating
the idea of attending a CAP visit and
this invitation was what I needed to take
the leap,” said Dr. Whitney. “Am I ever
glad I did!”
The couple, who share a practice in
Sunnyvale, Calif., have since participated
in their second Clinic Abroad trip
together, this time to Madagascar, an
island nation in the Indian Ocean off
the southeastern coast of Africa.
“We love to travel, love the work we do,
love to teach and love to experience new
cultures,” said Dr. Whitney. “Who better
to do this with than your good friend
and spouse?”
As CAP clinicians, the couple facilitated
students in their adjusting and clinical
skill development while witnessing
the positive affects their students’ care
had on patients. Dr. Whitney, for example,
recalled a patient in Brazil named
Miguel. He initially presented with
minimal shoulder movement when he
met with intern Stacy Stadnick, who
graduated from the Davenport Campus
in 2006. Later, when the team was
making a donation to a daycare center,
Dr. Whitney saw Miguel again.
“It so happened that Miguel worked as
a janitor at this facility and when he
saw our bus arrive, he ran out with
tears in his eyes, calling for Stacy, his
arm freely moving in all ranges of
motion,” said Dr. Whitney. “He wanted
to thank Stacy for completely improving
and changing his life.”
Dr. Corvino had observations of his own.
“The children, sometimes with congenital
conditions, are the ones that impact me
the most,” he said. “The way their faces
light up after an adjustment is always a
treat to see.”
Along with stories of grateful patients,
Drs. Whitney and Corvino have other
fond memories of their trips.
“We travel with a fantastic group of
students who are dedicated to their
school and profession, and to humanitarianism,”
said Dr. Whitney. “Our
profession is being well-represented
around the world through the efforts
of these interns and CAP.”
The couple also has advice for other
alumni who might be considering
going on a Clinic Abroad trip.
“Be brave and give it a try!” said Dr.
Whitney. “At first it may seem almost
overwhelming with the responsibilities
that are involved, but you are well
prepared after taking the pre-departure
sessions.”
Added Dr. Corvino, “Sacrificing the time
away from your practice is worth every
minute of the experience to help others
less fortunate and to share chiropractic
around the world.”