In memoriam: Andre KnustGraichen, D.C., West faculty-member, alumnus

The Palmer community is mourning the passing of Andre KnustGraichen, D.C.

A 1984 graduate of Palmer College’s West campus in San Jose, California, Dr. KnustGraichen was appointed to the Palmer West faculty in 1992.

Dr. KnustGraichen spent the majority of his Palmer West teaching tenure as a clinician in the West outreach program.

He provided mentorship to generations of interns and managed care for the thousands of homeless, low-income and other challenged members of our community served at the College’s outreach clinics based at various locations throughout Santa Clara County during the past 26 years.

When Palmer College was honored by the San Jose City Council (in 2014), and by the office of former Congressman Mike Honda (in 2015), Dr. KnustGraichen accepted the awards on behalf of the Palmer Clinics at each event.

“Generations of interns and patients alike benefited not only from Dr. Andre’s clinical skills, but also from the sincerity of the kindness and compassion he showed during every day of service as a clinician in our outreach program,” said West Campus President Bill Meeker, D.C, M.P.H., F.P.A.C. (West ’82).

Dr. Meeker also noted, “The many Palmer West alumni whose clinical internship was enriched by their experience in the outreach program would all no doubt agree: They are not only better doctors for knowing Dr. Andre, but more important, they are better people.”

“For nearly three decades, Andre was the driving force behind the outstanding clinical care that has been provided to the underserved population in Santa Clara County through our outreach system of clinics,” said West Campus Dean of Clinics Greg Snow, D.C. (West ’90).

“Andre was known for his calm and gentle demeanor, and caring nature, and was highly regarded by interns as a clinical-mentor in the outreach system of clinics,” added Dr. Snow.

“His loss will be strongly felt not only among the Palmer West community, but also by the community of patients served during Andre’s years of service.”

The College plans to host a special on-campus event to honor Dr. KnustGraichen, and his years of service to Palmer College and the West Campus outreach-program.