Program and Schedule

Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026

8-9:50 a.m.

From Analysis to Adjustment: The Palmer Protocols for Pelvic and Lumbar Care
Rachelle Hynes, D.C., LCP & Roger Hynes, D.C., DPhCS, FICA
Technique/Clinical Credit

This two-hour clinical presentation will explore the application of Palmer Package analytical procedures in the evaluation and management of the pelvis and lumbar spine. Emphasis will be placed on developing clinical certainty in determining when and where to adjust, grounded in time-tested assessment protocols. The session will then transition into a detailed demonstration of specific adjusting procedures, highlighting both the technical execution and the underlying rationale that guides each intervention. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how precise analysis informs effective correction, and how these methods contribute to the consistent, results-driven outcomes for which Palmer-trained practitioners are recognized.

Myths and Breakthroughs of Scoliosis Bracing
J. Hartley, D.C., DACNB
Clinical Credit

In the past, school scoliosis screenings and subsequent scoliosis bracing led to increased rates of scoliosis surgery in adolescents. Although adults make up the largest group of scoliosis patients, braces were discouraged due to fear of muscular atrophy. Recently, scoliosis bracing research with adolescents and adults has offered significant breakthroughs.

Neural Integrity and the Framework of Whole-Being Health: Integrative Strategies for Personalized Care
Sherry McAllister, D.C., M.S. (Ed), CCSP®, FACC
Clinical Credit

This session introduces participants to a constructive, personalized care model that places neural integrity at the center of whole-being health. Grounded in neurophysiology and lifestyle science, this lecture presents integrative strategies that optimize patient outcomes through a personalized care approach. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between the nervous system, behavioral choices, and environmental inputs to enhance resilience, reduce chronic disease risk, and improve quality of life. Participants will gain actionable tools to apply neural integrity principles in clinical settings, particularly within prevention-focused, patient-centered models of care.

Movement Diversity and Foundations of Health: A Lifestyle Approach for Chiropractic Practice
Kevin Percuoco, D.C., Cert. MDT & Michael Tunning, D.C., M.S., ATC
Clinical Credit

This session consists of two distinct parts and will provide an evidence-based framework for improving patient health through foundational lifestyle behaviors. We will review current research in physical activity, exercise diversity, sleep, stress physiology, and social connection, and explore how these factors influence health.

Participants will learn how to implement practical tools into clinical care such as the Exercise Vital Sign, prescribe movement diversity, and lifestyle coaching into routine patient care. Emphasis is placed on translating research into strategies that enhance patient outcomes, support recovery, and promote long-term health and resilience.

Ethics and Professional Boundaries for the Chiropractor
Mary Frost, D.C., M.B.A.
Ethics and Professional Boundaries Credit

Please join Dr. Mary Frost for this session on ethics in chiropractic practice. She will reference various state laws regarding chiropractic, ethics, sexual misconduct, professional boundaries, and fraud.

X-ray in the Chiropractic Office Part 1
Ian McLean, D.C., DACBR & Gabriella Hindman, D.C.
Radiology Credit

This six-hour course will emphasize skills and knowledge for obtaining outstanding images for chiropractic practice. The attendee will be presented with the following topics:

• Hours 1 & 2:
  • Managing imaging in chiropractic radiology
  • Imaging physics and digital radiology
  • Case studies emphasizing image quality impact on image interpretation

Special Anatomy Session Part 1: Spinal Anatomy (special add-on package with additional fee)
Megan Beveridge, M.S. & Joy Lewis, Ed.D., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This session provides an interactive review of the musculoskeletal anatomy of the vertebral column, head, neck, and thorax. Participants will examine relevant bony landmarks, joints, ligaments, and associated structural relationships of these regions. Through guided, hands-on exploration and anatomical discussion, attendees will reinforce their understanding of the musculoskeletal components that contribute to spinal structure and regional biomechanics relevant to chiropractic practice.

10:15-11:05 a.m.

Palmer Homecoming Opening Session: State of the College
Chancellor and CEO Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D.
General Credit

Join Dr. Marchiori as he opens Homecoming 2026 by offering an insider’s view on the State of the College. In the tradition of the last several years, he will share our latest measures of success, on-going challenges, and strategies to advance Palmer’s mission. Facilities updates, curriculum improvement, and new opportunities will be addressed. As the largest and most successful chiropractic program in the world, Palmer College’s future depends on the continued support and engagement of our full college community. This session will celebrate who we are and lay out the path forward as The Trusted Leader in Chiropractic Education®.

11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.

Coming Home to a Promise
Casey Okamoto, D.C.
General Credit

Coming Home to a Promise invites chiropractors to experience Homecoming as more than a return to Palmer. It is a return to the promise at the heart of the profession. Guided by the chiropractic oath, this session reflects on what that promise asks of us in 2026: to hold together the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic; to practice with integrity, skill, humility, and compassion; to protect the confidence and dignity of our patients; to honor our colleagues; and to keep growing in knowledge, judgment, and service. 

It is a call to remember that the degree represents more than an achievement. It represents a responsibility to carry chiropractic forward with ethical conviction, evidence-informed care, and renewed commitment to the people who come to us seeking relief, health, and hope.

1:30-3:20 p.m.

The Architecture of Life: The Order Governing Fetal Neurologic Development
Robert Sinnott, D.C., LCP, FPHC
Clinical Credit

A stand-alone, two-hour deep-dive into how fetal neurologic development unfolds in precise intelligent sequence—from neural tube patterning to brainstem autonomic control and spinal outflow. The intricate dance between the intelligence of the mother and her fetus will be highlighted. Gain clear clinical analogies, parent-education tools, and practical ways to confidently explain developmental order through a chiropractic lens.

Risk vs. Reward: The Role of Precision Upper Cervical Care in Complex Vascular Cases
Laurel Griffin, D.C.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This session analyzes critical neurovascular findings at the craniocervical junction, including jugular vein compression, vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, and ventral brainstem compression, using advanced X-ray, DMX, MRI, and CT imaging. By comparing successful clinical outcomes with cautionary cases of injury resulting from missed risk factors and underlying craniocervical instability, we will identify the imaging markers that demand a shift in clinical strategy. Attendees will discover how a precision, instrument-based Atlas Orthogonal approach provides a safe, low-force method for stabilizing these complex cases while mitigating the risks inherent in traditional cervical manipulation.

Clinical and Radiological Review of Unexpected Findings in Chiropractic Offices 
Tracey Littrell, D.C., DACBR, DIANM
Clinical/Radiology & Imaging Interpretation Credit

In this lecture, we will investigate the clinical presentations and examination results leading to both expected and unexpected radiographic findings. Discussion will include:

• Identifying the imaging examination method most appropriate for evaluation of several spinal, extremity, chest, and abdomen conditions
• Recognizing the imaging findings of numerous spinal, extremity, chest, and abdomen conditions
• Discussing multiple differential diagnoses for various clinical presentations first seen in outpatient clinic settings

From Diagnosis to Payment: Coding and Documentation That Hold Up Under Review Part 1
Evan Gwilliam, D.C., M.B.A., QCC, CPC, CCPC, CPMA, CPCO, AAPC
Sponsored by the NCMIC Foundation
Documentation Credit

Great clinical care does not guarantee payment, or protection, unless the coding and documentation clearly tell the story. This course takes a practical, start-to-finish approach to connecting ICD-10 diagnosis selection, CPT coding, and documentation into a cohesive, defensible record. Rather than focusing only on rules, we will focus on how auditors and payers interpret what you write, and how small gaps between coding and documentation can lead to denials or recoupments. Attendees will leave with a clearer system for aligning diagnosis, care plans, procedures, and re-exams, so their records support both patient care and reimbursement.

Build Hip Muscle Using the Hip Hinge and its Variants
Amy Ashmore, Ph.D.
Clinical/Rehabilitation Credit

Dr. Amy Ashmore teaches this two-hour class about how to build muscle with the hip hinge and its variants. Learn to build and strengthen gluteal, hamstring, and low back muscles. Designed for chiropractors and patients with an interest in sports performance, general fitness, and rehabilitation, this course is packed with exercise demonstrations and sample routines for all ability levels from starter exercises like the hip hinge to Romanian and traditional deadlifts.

Researched Based Education and Patient Compliance
Keith Wassung, B.S., H.C.D. (Hon.)
Practice Management Credit

In this two-hour session, chiropractic advocate Keith Wassung will compare health care models and discuss chiropractic principles and research. Topics include subluxation research, immunology, physiology, and symptomatology. He will also examine effective dialogue with patients and groups. Finally, he will discuss building relationships, referrals, and marketing for your practice.

X-ray in the Chiropractic Office Part 2
Ian McLean, D.C., DACBR & Gabriella Hindman, D.C.
Radiology Credit

This six-hour course will emphasize skills and knowledge for obtaining outstanding images for chiropractic practice. The attendee will be presented with the following topics:

• Hours 3 & 4: Impact of patient anatomy and clinical conditions on radiography

3:30-5:20 p.m.

The Vagal Nerve Complex: The Right–Left Pathways and Their Clinical Relevance
Brad Poock, D.C., LCP, FPHC
Clinical Credit

This two-hour session delivers a detailed, side-by-side exploration of the right and left vagus nerves, tracing their distinct anatomical routes from brainstem origins through passageways to their visceral targets. Dr. Poock’s approach is both precise and practical— clarifying what is often glossed over: asymmetry, branching patterns, regional relationships, and why “right vs. left” matters.

Attendees will leave with a sharper anatomical command of the vagal pathways and a clearer grasp of why laterality is not a trivial detail but a window into the body’s deeper organizing principles. Dr. Poock ties each structural distinction back to chiropractic’s philosophic foundations—showing how asymmetry, branching, and regional relationships reveal an underlying order that governs physiological adaptability. This session equips clinicians to speak about the vagal nerve complex with precision, confidence, and coherence, elevating both their clinical reasoning and their ability to articulate the intelligence expressed in neuroanatomical design.

The Cardiology Exam for the Chiropractor
Robert Rowell, D.C., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

In this course, we will go on a journey to understand the examination of the cardiovascular system. This will include a refresher for the chiropractor of the in-office cardiology examination and a discussion of cardiac diagnostic testing.

• Hour 1: Review of the cardiac cycle and the cardiovascular physical examination
• Hour 2: Expected and unexpected heart sounds and diagnostic testing

Strong From the Start: Practical Biomechanics for Mom and Baby in the First Year
Erica Boland, D.C.
Clinical Credit

This session provides a practical framework for understanding and addressing biomechanics in both mom and baby from conception through the first year. You will learn how core function, pelvic floor dynamics, and developmental milestones are interconnected and how to apply this knowledge immediately in clinical practice.

• Describe the role of the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and abdominal system in pressure regulation pregnancy through postpartum
• Identify common biomechanical compensations in prenatal and postpartum patients
• Perform a dimple clinical assessment of core function and breathing patterns
• Apply foundational interventions to improve pressure management and movement
• Recognize key developmental milestones in the first year and their significance
• Identify red flags in infant development that warrant intervention or referral
• Integrate care strategies that connect maternal function with infant development

From Diagnosis to Payment: Coding and Documentation That Hold Up Under Review Part 2
Evan Gwilliam, D.C., M.B.A., QCC, CPC, CCPC, CPMA, CPCO, AAPC
Sponsored by the NCMIC Foundation
Documentation Credit

Great clinical care does not guarantee payment, or protection, unless the coding and documentation clearly tell the story. This course takes a practical, start-to-finish approach to connecting ICD-10 diagnosis selection, CPT coding, and documentation into a cohesive, defensible record. Rather than focusing only on rules, we will focus on how auditors and payers interpret what you write, and how small gaps between coding and documentation can lead to denials or recoupments. Attendees will leave with a clearer system for aligning diagnosis, care plans, procedures, and re-exams, so their records support both patient care and reimbursement.

A World of HURT: A Guide to Classifying Pain Part 1
Annie O’Connor, P.T., OCS, Cert. MDT
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

Pain is the most common reason patients seek chiropractic care, yet structural diagnoses often fail to fully explain a patient’s experience. This lecture introduces the Pain Mechanism Classification System (PMCS), a practical framework based on the bestselling practical book, “A World of HURT: A Guide to Classifying Pain.” Participants will learn how to identify six distinct pain mechanisms using characteristic subjective histories and objective clinical findings. This mechanism-based approach provides clinicians with a structured method for subgrouping patients when pathology or anatomical diagnosis is unclear or clinically irrelevant, improving clinical reasoning and patient communication.

X-ray in the Chiropractic Office Part 3
Ian McLean, D.C., DACBR & Gabriella Hindman, D.C.
Radiology Credit

This six-hour course will emphasize skills and knowledge for obtaining outstanding images for chiropractic practice. The attendee will be presented with the following topics:

• Hours 5 & 6:
  • Imaging positioning
  • Case studies emphasizing image quality impact on image interpretation

5:30-6:20 p.m.

How Does Our Immune System Change as We Age?
Ward Jones, Ph.D.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

Why do I have these aches and pains? Why can’t I seem to shake this cold? What happened to my thymus? As we age, these are some of the questions we ask. Aging has a tremendous impact on our immune system. We will briefly review the immune system and then discuss many of the primary immune system changes that occur as we age. 

The Art of Infant Exam: A Hands-On, Technology-Free Approach
Brittney Asby, D.C.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

While modern tools and technology can be helpful, sometimes the most valuable information comes from careful observation, skilled palpation, thorough examination, and face-to-face interaction. Participants will learn how to perform a structured, efficient and effective infant exam, as well as signs and symptoms to aid in care planning for this age demographic.  This course will strengthen confidence, clinical reasoning, and practical exam skills.  

HIPAA Updates and Strategies
James Mountain, M.S., CISSP, CISM, HCISPP
General/Legal Credit

This course offers updates on HIPAA security requirements, specifically tailored to small health care practices. Participants will explore the growing threat landscape in the health care sector, understand the financial and reputational risks of data breaches, and learn how to implement practical, scalable security measures to protect patient information.

From Force to Function: Mechanotransduction, Fascia, and the Nervous System in Human Movement
Ranier Pavlicek D.C., DACRB, ATRet
Clinical Credit

This one-hour session explores how mechanical forces are converted into biological signals through mechanotransduction, highlighting the interconnected roles of muscle, fascia and the nervous system in shaping movement, function, and exercise adaptation.

A World of HURT: A Guide to Classifying Pain Part 2
Annie O’Connor, P.T., OCS, Cert. MDT
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

Pain is the most common reason patients seek chiropractic care, yet structural diagnoses often fail to fully explain a patient’s experience. This lecture introduces the Pain Mechanism Classification System (PMCS), a practical framework based on the bestselling practical book, “A World of HURT: A Guide to Classifying Pain.” Participants will learn how to identify six distinct pain mechanisms using characteristic subjective histories and objective clinical findings. This mechanism-based approach provides clinicians with a structured method for subgrouping patients when pathology or anatomical diagnosis is unclear or clinically irrelevant, improving clinical reasoning and patient communication.

Implicit Bias
Heather Bowyer, D.C., CCSP®
Implicit Bias/Regulatory Credit

What we do and don’t know about ourselves affects our decision-making process. What are the steps to recognize what might influence us and how to overcome our biases? Join Dr. Heather Bowyer as she unpacks what we know (and don’t know) about how we make decisions about patients, their care, and referrals.

The Biomechanics of Assisted Stretching
Amy Ashmore, Ph.D.
Clinical/Rehabilitation Credit

Dr. Amy Ashmore presents this two-hour session based on the law of action-reaction. This session was developed to help professionals use their own leverage to make assisted stretching easier and more effective. This course explores the three principles of force application that help you determine where to place your hands, what direction to apply force, and how much force to use when helping clients stretch. Learn how to apply assisted stretching techniques to all major muscle groups, modify stretches, and correct form errors.

Friday, Sept. 18, 2026

8-9:50 a.m.

Optimizing Chiropractic Care to Meet the Needs of Veterans with Chronic Low Back Pain
Christine Goertz, D.C., Ph.D., Anthony Lisi, D.C., Cynthia Long, Ph.D., Stacie Salsbury, Ph.D., R.N.
Clinical/Research Credit

Veteran Response to Dosage in Chiropractic Therapy (VERDICT) was a multisite, randomized, pragmatic clinical trial conducted as part of the NIH-DOD-VA Pain Management Collaboratory. VERDICT addressed an important policy question by evaluating the number of chiropractic visits needed to achieve meaningful clinical benefit in both short- and long-term for U.S. veterans with chronic low back pain. VERDICT consisted of two interlinked trials. Trial one evaluated the effectiveness of a lower dose of chiropractic care (1-5 visits) versus a higher dose (8-12 visits) on patient outcomes over a 10-week course of care. Trial two tested the effects of chiropractic chronic pain maintenance care (CCPM; scheduled monthly chiropractic visits) versus no CCPM over the next 10 months. We will present VERDICT results including outcomes, health care utilization, and qualitative interviews with veteran participants.

Walking: Is It Overrated or Underrated?
Casey Crisp, D.C., M.S., CCST, LCP, ACP, CHCQM, CICE
Clinical Credit

The focus of this session is to examine what the literature says about walking and the benefits (if any) to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of ourselves and to our patients.

We will be examining the 10,000 steps a day concept that is out in public and whether this is a real thing or a made-up thing. What are the benefits, if any, of the overall all-cause mortality and longevity of a person through an examination of literature? What is the possible impact of substance abuse? We will examine and build an easy plan for walking and also the pace, heart rate, and intensity to help one get the most benefits for their overall health, not only physically yet also mentally.

The course will be fun, interactive, and something that you can apply the next day.

Every Bite Counts: Smart Nutrition for Patients Using GLP-1 Medications
Lia Nightingale, Ph.D.
Nutrition/Clinical Credit

As the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists continues to expand for weight management and metabolic health, targeted nutritional support is essential to optimize patient outcomes and minimize adverse effects. This seminar will highlight common nutritional challenges associated with GLP-1 therapy, including inadequate protein intake, micronutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal symptoms, and loss of lean body mass.

Participants will gain evidence-based, practical strategies to address these concerns through individualized nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Emphasis will be placed on patient-centered care approaches that improve nutritional status, and promote sustainable, long term health outcomes for patients using GLP-1 medications.

Preventing Clinical Errors in Practice
Scott Munsterman, D.C., FICC, CPCO
Risk Management Credit

Join Dr. Scott Munsterman for his course addressing the prevention of clinical errors in chiropractic practice. In the first hour of the presentation, Dr. Munsterman identifies the most common clinical errors and causes. He systematically takes the learner through the patient visit to help the practicing Doctor of Chiropractic understand what could go wrong and why. In the second hour, he will discuss strategies to limit risk, misdiagnosis, and safety incidents in chiropractic practice.

From Complexity to Clarity: Simplifying Your Spinal Injury Understanding
Jeffrey A. Cronk, D.C., J.D.
Clinical/Examination Credit 1-hour, Documentation Credit 1-hour

Spinal injuries remain one of the most common and misunderstood causes of chronic pain and disability in today’s health care environment. Despite their prevalence, there is currently no widely adopted, standardized approach to spinal injury workups or documentation, leading to inconsistent diagnoses, poor patient outcomes, and significant medico-legal challenges.

This two-hour seminar is designed to simplify spinal injury understanding by introducing a structured, guideline-driven approach to both clinical workup and documentation. Attendees will learn how to identify, evaluate, and document spinal injuries in a clear, consistent, and clinically defensible manner.

The program is divided into two one-hour sessions. The first hour focuses on standardizing the spinal injury workup, while the second hour addresses simplifying med-legal documentation requirements for spinal injury cases.

Getting the Diagnosis Right in a Chiropractic Office
Michael VanNatta, D.C.
Clinical/Examination Credit – Michigan

Join Dr. VanNatta for this session on patient diagnosis and care. He will take the attendee through a detailed review of history, reflexes, muscle testing, orthopedic and neurologic examination, imaging, clinical decision making, and patient care at a chiropractic office. Dr. VanNatta will discuss myelopathy, radiculopathy, and neuropathy with real-life case applications.

Mental Health and Chiropractic
Timothy Bessette, D.C., FICA, LCP, DPhCS
General/Chiropractic History Credit

In this two-hour session, Dr. Bessette will provide a historical foundation of mental health in the chiropractic profession.  His presentation will take you from the 1600’s to the present, and into the future.    

 You will learn about the key players in the chiropyschiatrist movement.  These individuals were instrumental in the formation of many chiropractic sanitariums that were established in the 1920’s. The two most popular sanitariums, Forest Park and Clear View, will be highlighted throughout this presentation.    

Dr. Bessette discusses a pivotal turning point in the mental health movement after the death of B.J. Palmer that may leave the audience frustrated.  This will be only temporary as he will also present research that demonstrates how the chiropractic adjustment can potentially be a piece to help solve the puzzle of the mental health epidemic in our society.

Special Anatomy Session Part 2: Gross Anatomy One (special add-on package with additional fee)
Anthony Yarbrough, D.C. & Joy Lewis, Ed.D., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

During this interactive session, participants will examine the musculoskeletal anatomy of the upper and lower extremities. The session will also include a hands-on review of the brachial plexus and lumbosacral plexuses, emphasizing their anatomical organization, regional pathways, and relevance to musculoskeletal function.

10:30-11:20 a.m.

Sleep: The Backbone of Health, Performance, and Longevity
Wendy Troxel, Ph.D.
Clinical/Research Credit

In a culture obsessed with living longer, we often overlook a more meaningful goal: living well. This session reframes longevity as the pursuit of a full, meaningful life and positions sleep as the foundation that makes that possible. Drawing over 20 years of research and clinical work, Dr. Troxel shows that sleep is not passive rest. It is an active biological process that drives mental clarity, emotional resilience, physical health, and relationship quality. From clearing neurotoxins to strengthening relationships, sleep shapes how we think, feel, and perform every day. The talk highlights the real costs of sleep loss, including increased health risks, strained relationships, and reduced performance, while cutting through the noise of “sleep hacking.” Instead, it delivers a practical, evidence-based framework focused on consistency, environment, and sustainable habits. The takeaway is simple. Sleep is not a luxury; it is the infrastructure for health, performance, and a life fully lived.

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

The Missing Link: The Nervous System’s Control of Inflammation
Dan Weinert, D.C., Ph.D.
Clinical Credit

In this session, Dr. Dan Weinert introduces a modern framework for understanding inflammation through the lens of the nervous system, positioning it as the “missing link” in immune regulation. Rather than viewing inflammation as purely chemical or immune-driven, this presentation explores how the neuro-immune connection, anchored in the anti-inflammatory reflex, actively controls cytokine activity and maintains homeostasis. Attendees gain a clear understanding of how vagal signaling, parasympathetic tone, and cholinergic immune pathways shape inflammatory responses, and why breakdowns in this system lead to loss of control. By reframing inflammation as a regulated process, not just a reaction; this session offers chiropractors a compelling, biologically grounded model for interpreting health, dysfunction, and patient resilience.

1:30- 3:20 p.m.

Chronic Inflammation Interference: Metabolic, Immune, and Gut Drivers of Dysregulation
Dan Weinert, D.C., Ph.D.
Clinical Credit

In this advanced session, Dr. Dan Weinert expands the concept of chronic inflammation beyond symptoms and pathology, reframing it as a persistent form of physiologic interference that disrupts the body’s ability to regulate itself. Building on the neuro-immune model, this presentation examines three major sources of chronic inflammatory load: advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), visceral adiposity, and gut-derived endotoxemia aka “leaky gut.”  Explore how excess glucose drives glycation and AGE–RAGE signaling, how hypertrophied adipose tissue becomes a source of sustained inflammatory cytokine production, and how compromised gut integrity exposes the immune system to bacterial components that perpetuate inflammation. These converging pathways elevate baseline inflammatory tone and interfere with autonomic regulation, ultimately impairing the anti-inflammatory reflex and reducing the body’s capacity for control. The session provides a clear, mechanistic framework for understanding chronic inflammation as interference homeostasis, equipping chiropractors with a unified, biologically grounded model to better interpret patient health and guide strategies to restore wellness.

Medicare Compliance Part 1
Scott Munsterman, D.C., FICC, CPCO
Documentation Credit

Join Dr. Scott Munsterman for this session about documenting patient care for Medicare reimbursement and compliance. Topics include but are not limited to patient history, examination, findings, treatment, and response to treatment.

No Better Time than Now to be a Sports Chiropractor: Managing the Risk
Alan Sokoloff, D.C., DACBSP
Sponsored by China Gel
Clinical Credit

Many chiropractors cleared the way for sports-minded chiropractors to be involved in sports at every level and competition. But what does it take to get there? Where do you fit in? What do you need to know? How do you avoid “risk”? Dr. Sokoloff will discuss what you need to do to pursue and achieve your goals in sports chiropractic at every level. Whether it is in the office or on the field, he will examine and demonstrate the tools you need to increase your chances of becoming a successful sports chiropractor and then how to stay there. He will discuss steps to maintain a position in sports medicine by avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes when treating athletes. Proper communication and documentation are keys to long and successful relationships in the sports health world.

Mastering the Shoulders, Ribs, and Thoracic Spine the “Wong Way”
Kevin Wong, D.C., FCCA
Sponsored by FootLevelers
Clinical/Technique Credit

This two-hour course is designed to discuss some common conditions and patterns of subluxation in the upper extremity of the body that frequently present in clinical practice. We will cover the thoracic spine, shoulders, ribs, elbows, wrists, and hands. The importance of the shoulders to upper body stability will be highlighted. You will leave knowing how to analyze the patient, identify subluxation patterns, and render treatment that may include home and lifestyle care. It involves hands-on examination and adjusting procedures along the way.

The Biomechanics of Assisted Stretching
Amy Ashmore, Ph.D.
Clinical/Rehabilitation Credit

4-5:50 p.m.

The Essential Role of Whole Food Nutrition in Today’s Health Care Environment
Bill Hemmer, D.C.
Clinical/Nutrition Credit

In an era where access to food has never been greater, yet micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect over two billion people globally, health care practitioners face a critical paradox. This comprehensive presentation examines the essential and often overlooked role whole food nutrition plays in achieving optimal patient outcomes within chiropractic practice. Drawing on the latest research from 2025-2026, including landmark findings on ultra-processed food consumption, declining agricultural nutrient density, and the emerging science of nutrient synergy, participants will gain evidence-based insights into why whole food approaches dramatically outperform isolated synthetic supplementation.

The session bridges nutritional biochemistry with clinical application, exploring how modern farming practices have created a “hidden hunger” even among well-fed populations, and why the complexity of nutrients in their natural food matrix—complete with synergistic cofactors, enzymes, and phytonutrients—is critical for bioavailability and therapeutic effect. Chiropractors will learn practical strategies for integrating nutritional assessment and whole food supplementation into patient management protocols, particularly for addressing chronic inflammation, supporting tissue repair, and managing the underlying drivers of chronic disease. This presentation provides actionable frameworks for implementation, patient education techniques to enhance compliance, and documentation approaches that demonstrate clinical value—positioning nutrition as an indispensable component of contemporary chiropractic care.

What Are You Missing?
Jesse Hodges, Jr., D.C. M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This course focuses on improving clinical decision-making when patients are not progressing as expected. Rather than introducing rigid protocols, this lecture emphasizes a practical, movement-based approach to identifying overlooked contributors to musculoskeletal pain.

Through real-world case examples involving the low back, shoulder, and knee, attendees will learn how to recognize when treatment is not addressing the primary driver of dysfunction. Emphasis is placed on movement assessment, regional interdependence, and simple, effective exercise interventions that can be implemented immediately in practice. Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for evaluating difficult cases and improving patient outcomes without overcomplicating care.

Mastering the Cervical Spine and TMJ the “Wong Way”
Kevin Wong, D.C., FCCA
Sponsored by FootLevelers
Clinical/Technique Credit

This course is designed to teach chiropractors evaluation and adjusting techniques for specific regions of the cervical spine and jaw. Anatomy, common clinical conditions, and patterns of subluxation in these areas will be discussed. The attendee will learn how to analyze the patient, look for subluxation patterns, treat them, and help their patients with home and lifestyle care. It involves hands-on examination/evaluation, modeling adjusting techniques, physiotherapy modalities, elastic taping protocols, ancillary products, and exercise procedures for all appropriate areas of the body.

Medicare Compliance Part 2
Scott Munsterman, D.C., FICC, CPCO
Documentation Credit

Join Dr. Scott Munsterman for this session about documenting patient care for Medicare reimbursement and compliance. Topics include, but are not limited to patient history, examination, findings, treatment, and response to treatment.

The Cranial Component of Neonatal and Infant Subluxation Patterns
Lora Tanis, D.C., DICCP
Clinical/Peds Credit

This two-hour session examines the neonatal and infant cranium, strain patterns that may result from birth and how it relates to the vertebral subluxation. Emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, clinical indicators, treatment, and safety.

• Hour 1: Assessing cranial anatomy, birth biomechanics, clinical presentation, and a hands-on component with palpation and assessment of cranial bones and upper cervical spine.
• Hour 2: Birth biomechanics, subluxation patterns, common conditions associated with these patterns, and a hands-on review of occiput and atlas adjusting on neonates and infants. This session will conclude with a safety and collaborative care discussion.

From Data to Practice: Evidence-Informed Management of Adolescent Spinal Pain Part 1 – Understanding Adolescent Spinal Pain: Epidemiology, Trajectories, and Risk
Katherine Pohlman, D.C., M.S., Ph.D., Michael Swain, M.Chiroprac., M.Phil., Ph.D., FRCC, FHEA & Jeff King, D.C., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

Adolescent spinal pain is increasingly recognized as a prevalent and clinically significant condition with important implications for long-term musculoskeletal health. Emerging research highlights the multifactorial nature of spinal pain in this population, including biological, psychological, and social contributors, as well as variable pain trajectories over time.

This interactive workshop integrates current research evidence with practical clinical strategies for the assessment and management of adolescent spinal pain. Drawing on recent longitudinal and epidemiological findings, participants will explore patterns of pain presentation, risk factors, and prognostic indicators, and translate these insights into patient-centered, evidence-informed care approaches.

Through case-based discussion and application exercises, attendees will develop skills in clinical decision-making, communication, and management planning tailored to adolescents, with emphasis on functional outcomes, self-management, and prevention of persistent pain.

By the end of Part 1, participants will be able to:

• Describe contemporary evidence underpinning knowledge on adolescent spinal pain
• Identify current biopsychosocial contributors and risk factors

6-6:50 p.m.

Sacro Occipital Technique: Technique Take-Home Tips
Chad Hagen, D.C., CSP
Clinical/Technique Credit

This class will cover a brief history on Dr. M. B. DeJarnette and his development of Sacro Occipital Technique. We will explain certain diagnostic and treatment protocols used in SOT®. Whether you are an SOT® practitioner or not, this class will give you some clinical pearls to take home to your practice.

More Than Just Tools: IASTM as a Concept in Diagnosis and Treatment
Mike McQueen, D.C.
Clinical Credit

If we define IASTM as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, then we must include all instruments that effect soft tissue. This would include stainless instruments, cupping, dry needling, and any intervention that requires an external instrument. This session will focus on the different concepts of IASTM widely utilized within the chiropractic profession and how they may shift our understanding of what we are doing to the tissues as well as what that means for diagnosis and outcomes.

Would You Follow Your Own Advice?
Jesse Hodges, Jr., D.C. M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This course challenges clinicians to examine their own movement habits and physical preparedness in relation to what they prescribe to patients. It highlights common gaps in mobility, stability, and fundamental movement patterns that are often overlooked in both patients and providers.

Through practical demonstrations and discussion, attendees will explore key movements involving the hips, thoracic spine, ankles, and core, along with simple strategies to improve them. The goal is to reinforce the importance of leading by example and ensuring that prescribed exercises are both effective and realistic.

Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to improve their own movement quality and better connect with patients through shared practice.

From Data to Practice: Evidence-Informed Management of Adolescent Spinal Pain
Part 2 – Translating Evidence into Practice: Clinical Management Strategies
Katherine Pohlman, D.C., M.S., Ph.D., Michael Swain, M.Chiroprac., M.Phil., Ph.D., FRCC, FHEA & Jeff King, D.C., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

Adolescent spinal pain is increasingly recognized as a prevalent and clinically significant condition with important implications for long-term musculoskeletal health. Emerging research highlights the multifactorial nature of spinal pain in this population, including biological, psychological, and social contributors, as well as variable pain trajectories over time.

This interactive workshop integrates current research evidence with practical clinical strategies for the assessment and management of adolescent spinal pain. Drawing on recent longitudinal and epidemiological findings, participants will explore patterns of pain presentation, risk factors, and prognostic indicators, and translate these insights into patient-centered, evidence-informed care approaches.

Through case-based discussion and application exercises, attendees will develop skills in clinical decision-making, communication, and management planning tailored to adolescents, with emphasis on functional outcomes, self-management, and prevention of persistent pain.

By the end of Part 2, participants will be able to:

• Apply evidence-informed approaches to assessment
• Develop management plans tailored to adolescent patients
• Incorporate communication strategies that support self-efficacy
• Integrate prevention and long-term risk reduction into care

Common Sense Pediatric Documentation
Lora Tanis, D.C., DICCP
Clinical/Peds Credit

This one-hour lecture provides chiropractors with practical strategies for pediatric documentation. There will be specific emphasis on history, examination, consent, risk, and safety. Dr. Tanis will also have a sample document available for reference.

Developing and Publishing Case Reports: Rationale, Strategies, and Resources
Robert Vining, D.C., D.H.Sc.
Research Credit

Case reports were once considered the highest level of evidence contained in scholarly health care journals. Though their role has changed, high-quality case reports still hold value. This session will review why case reports are still relevant and offer the following:

• Strategies for selecting appropriate cases
• Resources clarifying the clinical data needed to meet reporting requirements
• Suggestions for developing scholarly writing skills
• Advice on moving through the peer review process.

At the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

• Differentiate historical and current roles of case reports
• Recognize the characteristics of high-value case reports
• Identify clinical information needed for case reports
• Access resources to support case report writing

Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026

8-9:50 a.m.

From Prescriptions to Procedures: Pediatric Medical Interventions and Chiropractic Decision-Making
Aaron Hildreth, D.C., M.S.
Clinical/Pediatrics Credit

Many children in chiropractic practice have histories that include prescription medications, recent surgeries, implanted devices, feeding tubes, hospitalizations, specialist care, or ongoing medical management. These interventions can change how chiropractors take a history, assess risk, modify hands-on care, communicate with parents, and decide when additional co-management or referral is needed.

This lecture introduces a practical framework for caring for medically involved pediatric patients within a chiropractic scope. Participants will explore medication-aware history taking, post-surgical considerations, precautions around feeding tubes and medical devices, red flag recognition, and whole-child conservative care planning. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning, safe modification of care, parent communication, and collaboration with pediatric medical providers.

Hot Targets in Compliance
Scott Munsterman, D.C., FICC, CPCO
Risk Management Credit

Compliance in health care can be challenging, especially when you don’t know what you don’t know. This workshop provides you with insight into what the outside world sees when they encounter your practice from a high level and what they want to see more of if they become concerned. Join us for a lively discussion of various topics and leave with a better understanding of what compliance means to your practice.

Female Health and Wellness Part 1
Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, D.C., M.S., D.H.P.E., FICC, FACC
Sponsored by NCMIC Foundation
Clinical Credit

This is the first of a two-part series. During this session Dr. Petrocco-Napuli will address the female physiological journey. The impact of biomechanics and society on diagnosis and treatment of female patients will be discussed. In addition, conditions which are correlated and most commonly seen in the chiropractic office will be reviewed.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the impact of female biomechanics on pain and wellness.
2. Summarize the conditions related to females and pain.
3. Discuss treatment options which can impact the care of female patients.
4. Discuss the responsibility of providers in the care of female patients.

Advanced Imaging of the Craniocervical Junction: The Atlas to Brain Health
Julie Mayer-Hunt, D.C., DICCP, FCCJP
Technique/Clinical Credit

This session will provide a detailed explanation of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) with respect to ligamentous structure, vascular and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, and Chiari. The impacts on brain health resulting from CCJ anomalies and how the anomaly affects the blood and CSF supplies to the brain will be discussed, along with upright and supine MRI imaging merits. Specific case studies will be presented concerning brain changes resulting from upper cervical chiropractic care. Other research will review autism and CSF dynamics and the effect of upper cervical chiropractic care.

From Pixels to Patients: Advanced MSK Imaging That Guides Care
Siri Leech, D.C., DACBR
Radiology/Clinical Credit

This two-hour presentation provides a clinically focused review of advanced imaging modalities used in musculoskeletal (MSK) care, emphasizing appropriate utilization, accurate interpretation, and meaningful clinical correlation. This session moves beyond basic imaging review to explore how MRI, CT, and diagnostic ultrasound can refine diagnosis, guide management, and improve patient communication—while avoiding overreliance on imaging findings that may not correlate with symptoms.

From Adjustments to Assets – The Changing Economics of Chiropractic: What Private Equity, Consolidation, and Scale Mean for You
Robert Ault, D.C., M.B.A.
Practice Management/General Credit

The economics of chiropractic are evolving. Across health care, private equity and large-scale operators are transforming fragmented professions into scalable, high-value enterprises. Dentistry, physical therapy, and dermatology have already undergone significant consolidation—and chiropractic is now trying to follow.

In this lecture, Dr. Robert Ault examines the forces reshaping the profession and what they mean for practicing doctors and students entering the field. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how practice value is created, how investors evaluate chiropractic businesses, and why many practices remain difficult to sell despite strong clinical performance.

Participants will be introduced to three distinct pathways for modern practice ownership—lifestyle practice, scalable growth, exit-oriented models—and how to strategically position themselves within each.

This session challenges traditional assumptions and provides a practical framework for building not just a successful practice, but a valuable asset in today’s evolving health care landscape.

Special Anatomy Session Part 3: Gross Anatomy Two (special add-on package with additional fee)
Emily Speer, D.C. & Joy Lewis, Ed.D., M.S.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This session provides an interactive, hands-on review of the structural anatomy of the anterior thoracoabdominal wall, including its muscular layers and fascial architecture. The session will also include examination of the thoracic and abdominal viscera, highlighting their anatomical positioning and relationships to surrounding musculoskeletal structures through practical laboratory exploration.

10:30-11:20 a.m.

Stress Management and the Somatic System: Reclaiming Chiropractic’s Healing
Steven Capobianco, D.C., M.A., DACRB, CSCS
Clinical Credit

This plenary session bridges the gap between patients’ rising stress levels, their pain experience, and the unique role chiropractors play in restoring body–brain connection through the adjustment and other hands-on interventions. Rather than treating stress as a purely “mental” problem, this session reframes it as a threat-driven, body-first phenomenon that can be directly influenced by chiropractic touch, presence, and interoceptive awareness.

Attendees will leave with a renewed appreciation for the adjustment, and other touch-based therapies, as a neurobiological intervention, not only a mechanical one, and with simple, immediately applicable strategies to help patients (and themselves) regulate stress, reconnect with their bodies, and better manage pain.

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.

Hynes Wide Open: Deconstructing the Myths That Try to Tear Us Down
Roger Hynes, D.C., DPhCS, FICA
General Credit

Building on last year’s exploration of professional identity, this session turns its attention outward by examining the critiques, misconceptions, and narratives that are frequently used to challenge or diminish the chiropractic profession. Participants will experience a thoughtful and historically grounded analysis of the most common claims leveled against chiropractic, including those that originate not only from external critics but also from within the profession itself. You will leave not just with a list of rebuttals, but with a sophisticated understanding of how to neutralize attacks by providing the missing context. This session equips attendees with the facts needed to turn a defensive stance into an educational opportunity.

1:30-3:20 p.m.

Chiropractic Malpractice Claims Review
Heather Dehn, D.C.
Sponsored by ChiroPreferred
Risk Management Credit

In this course, Dr. Dehn will discuss what constitutes malpractice and what the differences are with malpractice coverage/policies. We will walk through some real malpractice cases and state board violations. There will be a short introduction to cultural competency as well as tips on how to protect yourself, your patients, and your license. 

Pediatric Neurodevelopment for Chiropractors: Primitive Reflexes, Sensory Processing, and Interoception
Bryan Asby, D.C.
Clinical/Diagnosis Credit

This two‑hour course introduces chiropractors to key pediatric neurodevelopment concepts that show up in everyday family practice. Participants will review primitive and postural reflexes, basic sensory processing patterns, and interoception (children’s awareness of internal body signals). The session outlines a brief, clinic‑friendly screening approach and conservative, chiropractic‑centered management strategies, including gentle adjusting, gross motor “play” exercises, and simple regulation tools, with clear guidance on when to co-manage or refer to other pediatric professionals.

Female Health and Wellness Part 2
Kristina Petrocco-Napuli, D.C., M.S., D.H.P.E., FICC, FACC
Sponsored by NCMIC Foundation
Clinical Credit

This is the second in a two-part series. In this session, Dr. Petrocco-Napuli will expand upon conditions and physiological transitions most seen in female patients. Topics include pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and menopause. In addition, the chronicity of pain in females will be discussed. During this portion of the presentation, treatment options as well as correlative symptoms will be addressed.

Objectives:

1. Discuss the common conditions related to the care of female patients.
2. Correlate treatment options for associated conditions.
3. Identify the providers role in the care of female conditions.

Extension of Our Hands: Using Kinesiology Tape to Extend the Benefits of the Adjustment
Steven Capobianco, D.C., M.A., DACRB, CSCS
Clinical Credit

This workshop extends the plenary session’s theme of reconnection by introducing kinesiology tape as a sensory spotlight—a safe, novel tactile stimulus that helps patients reconnect to cortical “blind spots,” reduce threat perception, and improve their pain experience between adjustments.

Hour one explores the neuroscience of sensory smudging (Moseley/Butler) and how tape functions as an interoceptive tool. Hour two provides immediately applicable taping strategies using directional bias and patient preference, empowering both clinician and patient in the healing process.

Caring for Blue-Collar Workers and Farmers: Assessment, Management, and Communication Strategies for Physically Demanding Workers
Tanner Kleppe, D.C.
Clinical Credit

In this session, Dr. Kleppe will discuss practical, principle-based strategies for caring for blue-collar workers, farmers, and others with physically demanding jobs. These patients often face high daily workloads, delayed care, normalized pain, limited rest options, rural access barriers, and strong work-related identities.

Attendees will learn how to assess job demands, identify capacity gaps, and distinguish occupational activity from structured rehabilitation. The session will also cover aspects of patient education, chronic pain, load management, exercise progression, and communication strategies that improve trust, buy-in, and long-term adherence.

Built to Last: Muscle and Bone Strategies for the Menopausal Transition
Amberly Ferguson, D.C. & Karmen Hopkins, D.C.
Clinical Credit

Menopause presents a critical window for musculoskeletal decline, but also an opportunity for intervention. This course empowers chiropractors to confidently guide patients in building muscle, preserving bone, and maintaining function. Through a blend of current research and clinical application, participants will gain actionable strategies to support strength, stability, and long-term health in their menopausal patient population.

• Hour 1: Foundations of Menopausal Musculoskeletal Health
  The first hour examines the physiological changes associated with menopause and their effects on the musculoskeletal system. The impact of declining estrogen on muscle mass, bone density, connective tissue, and overall function will be discussed. Evidence-based principles of resistance training and mechanical loading will be introduced, with an emphasis on preserving lean muscle, improving strength, and supporting bone health in menopausal patients.
• Hour 2: Clinical Application and Patient Management
  The second hour focuses on translating research into practice. Chiropractors will explore nutritional and lifestyle strategies that support musculoskeletal health, including protein intake, calcium, vitamin D, sleep, and recovery. The course will also address chiropractic management, exercise counseling, interdisciplinary collaboration, and case-based decision-making to help practitioners confidently implement effective, patient-centered care for menopausal women.