Gaining Real-World Experience Through the DoD/VA Student Rotation Program
Palmer College of Chiropractic offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on clinical experience through its DoD/VA student rotation program. With over 50 Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) locations available, these highly competitive rotations allow students to work alongside staff chiropractors in hospitals and clinics, collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams to provide patient-centered care.
How Palmer Prepared Evelen for Success
Academic and Clinical Foundations
“Palmer prepared me for my rotation in many ways,” Evelen shared. “Our classes honed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills and allowed us to have hands-on practice early on into the program.”
Through Palmer’s clinical training, Evelen learned the importance of ethical, professional, and patient-centered care. She also benefited from a wide range of elective courses, including:
- Flexion-distraction
- Activator technique
- Thompson technique
These techniques proved invaluable during her VA rotation.
The Impact of Faculty Mentorship
Faculty mentorship played a pivotal role in Evelen’s development. “I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Ferranti, an amazing faculty clinician who not only challenged and believed in me but also emphasized the significance of proper documentation,” she said.
This mentorship helped Evelen build confidence and deepen her passion for chiropractic care through exposure to complex cases.
Building Interdisciplinary Communication Skills
Evelen emphasized the importance of communication in a multidisciplinary setting:
“It has also taught me how to properly communicate and how to work with different health care professionals.”
This experience helped her understand the value of collaboration in delivering comprehensive care.
Evelen’s Advice for Future DoD/VA Rotation Students
For students considering the DoD/VA Rotation program, Evelen offers three key pieces of advice:
1. Refine Your Adjustment Skills
Take full advantage of Palmer’s resources, including:
- Technique labs
- Outreach opportunities
“Palmer gives us many opportunities to do so – from our great professors who are willing to help in technique labs, to attending TOAL, our time in clinic, to attending outreach,” Evelen noted.
2. Strengthen Your Communication Skills
Compassion, empathy, and treating patients as individuals are essential in chiropractic care. Evelen encourages students to practice these skills consistently.
3. Stay Current on Research
Evidence-based practice is vital. Evelen recommends staying informed through the latest scientific findings to provide the best care possible.
