The 45th annual conference of the Association for the History of Chiropractic was held on June 20, 2026, at Southern California Health Sciences University, California. The recipients of the William S. Rehm Medal and the Gibbons-Wardwell Medal for excellence in history are both students at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
Both awards are given for an outstanding unpublished essay by a single author on any topic in the history of chiropractic. The essay must be the result of original research or show an unusual appreciation and understanding of problems in the history of chiropractic. The essay must demonstrate quality of writing, appropriate use of sources and ability to address themes of historical significance.
Chiropractic students throughout the world enrolled in an accredited chiropractic college or university at the time of submission are eligible for the William S. Rehm award. The award honors William S. Rehm, D.C. (1920-2002), the father of the Association for the History of Chiropractic.
This year’s recipient of the Rehm award was Gabe Workman for his paper titled The Story of Delta Sigma Chi: Over a Century of Brotherhood in Chiropractic.
Graduate and undergraduate students, especially in the field of history, were invited to enter the Gibbons-Wardwell medal essay contest. The medal honors Russell W. Gibbons, B.A., FICA, D.C. (hon.), Litt. D (hon.) and Walter I. Wardwell, Ph.D., two of the most prominent chiropractic observers and historians.
Jacob Kleinfelter was the recipient of the Wardwell Medal. Jacob was an undergraduate student at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus when he wrote his paper, NUCCA and the Standardization of Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” said Roger Hynes, D.C., executive director for the Association for Chiropractic History. “We look forward to your future displays of academic achievement.”
