TCC Alumna Named New Admissions Director

On June 9, Sandra Hughes, DC, a 1994 graduate of Texas Chiropractic College (TCC), returned to the college as its new director of admissions.

Dr. Hughes graduated with a BS degree from Texas A & M University in 1991 and immediately began her chiropractic education at TCC. "I graduated from A & M on a Friday and began classes here the following Monday," she said.

According to Dr. Hughes, her interest in chiropractic blossomed after her mother sought chiropractic treatment for low back pain. "She went to several medical doctors, but they couldn't find a cause for it. They made her think that it was all in her head ... She went to see Dr. Dan LaFontaine, who was practicing in Orange [Texas] at the time, and soon her back pain disappeared."

Soon after, Dr. Hughes decided to pursue a career in chiropractic. Following her graduation from TCC, Dr. Hughes opened her own practice in El Paso, where she also taught high-school science classes.

Commenting on her new position, Dr. Hughes remarked: "At TCC, I will be able to share my love of chiropractic with potential and current students and, indirectly, with all of their future patients. I feel that this is a perfect way to utilize my background as a chiropractor, as well as a teacher."

California-based Landmark Healthcare, a chiropractic managed care network serving 5,200 doctors of chiropractic in 16 states, recently announced policy changes designed to enhance its pre-certification and payment services. The changes will help relieve administrative burdens and expedite payment to doctors of chiropractic rendering services within specific guidelines.

The proposed changes were announced May 22 during a meeting between Landmark Healthcare and American Chiropractic Association (ACA) officials, designed to troubleshoot managed-care issues faced by DCs and managed care networks.

"Landmark's participating doctors of chiropractic and their patients will benefit from these proactive initiatives," said Dr. John Gentile, chairman of ACA's Insurance and Managed Care Committee. "While there are other issues to tackle, this is a solid foundation to continue talks and work toward a place where chiropractic coverage is a core insurance benefit and one that is administered fairly in the marketplace."

"I am happy to support changes that can make sense from a clinical standpoint and that can streamline the doctor's time and effort," added Lawrence Jack, DC, vice president and chief clinical officer for Landmark.

The ACA said it will continue to work with other managed care networks to maximize their efficiency. For more information on this outreach program, contact the ACA at 800-986-4636.

The South Carolina Chiropractic Association (SCCA) announced its 2003-04 Board of Directors at its annual business meeting, held May 31 in Myrtle Beach. The new board officers are: President - Dr. Evan M. Cohen of Lexington; President Elect - Dr. W. Dean Banks of Florence; Secretary/Treasurer - Dr. Gary S. Weaver of Columbia; and Past President - Dr. Roger R. Roff of Dillon.

New district directors, installed for the term ending in 2005, are: Dr. Brad E. Fraum of Hilton Head (District 1); Dr. Ralph D. Roles of Charleston (District 3); Dr. Richard D. Ileavner of Florence (District 5); Dr. Norman E. Ouzts, Jr. of Greenwood (District 7); and Dr. Robert G. Ivey, Jr. of Spartanburg (District 9).

Dr. Rodney Arnold of Myrtle Beach (District 2) and Dr. Dennis J. Shay of Orangeburg (District 4) were installed to fulfill terms ending in 2004.

Current district directors who will continue to serve through 2004 are: Dr. Stanley N. Frost of Columbia (District 6); Dr. Mark G. Kimble of Rock Hill (District 8); and Dr. Daniel A. McCollum of Easley (District 10).

Dr. William H. Dallas, who retired from Western States Chiropractic College in June after 17 years as president, was presented with an honorary doctorate degree from the college during graduation ceremonies for the class of 2003.

A 1958 graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, Dr. Dallas spent many years in private practice and served in several professional capacities, including board appointments with the American Chiropractic Association, the Council on Chiropractic Education and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges.

During his presidency, Dr. Dallas, a strong supporter of research, spearheaded administrative and financial support that resulted in Western States becoming the first chiropractic college to receive a federally funded research grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Other accomplishments during his tenure included the college's establishment and publication of Conservative Care Pathways and Protocols for chiropractic procedures, and the construction of Hampton Hall, a state-of-the-art lecture hall designed to enhance student learning.

Parker College of Chiropractic recently announced the appointment of Mr. Victor Ballesteros as its new dean of student affairs. Mr. Ballesteros joins Parker from Dallas Baptist University, where he served previously as dean of students.

"It was very apparent in the interview that [Mr. Ballesteros] has a strong passion for helping students become the best they can be, not only while in school, but when they leave to pursue their life after graduation, as well," said Sandy Lockwood, Parker's director of human resources.

Mr. Ballesteros, who holds a bachelor's degree in religious education and a master's degree in education in higher education administration, assumed his position on July 14. As dean of student services, he will oversee all aspects of student life from matriculation through graduation, and manage the student affairs office, including counseling services; student activities; student development; student services; and conduct.

Mark Balderston, a doctor of chiropractic from Shawnee, Kansas, didn't plan on coaching softball long-term, but it seems to have worked out that way.

A stint coaching his daughter's softball team when she was 10 continued until she graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1999. Since then, his "second career" has progressed even more: Balderston was recently named the All-Sun Softball Coach of the Year.

In 1998 and 1999, Dr. Balderston worked with fellow coach Cindy Roach with the KC Blaze summer softball team, then joined her again in the spring of 2001 as the assistant softball coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. When Roach left the head coaching position, Dr. Balderston took the job. In two seasons, his teams have captured state championships with 23-2 records, giving him an impressive 46-4 career record at the school.

"I'm very blessed to have great kids," said Dr. Balderston. "They made my job a lot easier."

When Dr. Balderston isn't coaching, he treats chiropractic patients at his clinic in Shawnee. A 1978 graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College, he'll celebrate 25 years in practice this fall.