Western Forum

Western States Chiropractic College News

By Editorial Staff

WSCC Assembly Features ACA and ICA Reps

Representatives from both the ACA and ICA addressed a WSCC campus assembly on issues including national health care reform and student loan reauthorization.

Michael Hogan, assistant director of government relations for the ACA, explained the organization's lobbying efforts and outlined an initiative targeted toward the ACA-drafted HEAL loan reauthorization bill. Sharon Mellott, D.C., DACR, president of the ICA's California chapter, spoke on the Mercy Center Conference and the philosophical positions of the ICA. She encouraged students to participate in the political process by joining a national organization.

ICA Vice President Speaks at WSCC Campus

Dr. Gary Street, vice president of the International Chiropractors Association discussed the art, science and philosophy of chiropractic at a meeting sponsored by the student ICA on the Western State Chiropractic College (WSCC) campus December 3. Dr. Street also spoke on the Mercy Center Guidelines and national health care reform. The presentation was organized by student ICA president Troy Dreiling, who is in his ninth quarter at WSCC. He said, "I think it's very valuable for the campus community to hear perspectives that challenge us to think and that broaden our viewpoint. We appreciated Dr. Street's willingness to share some ICA stances with us."

WSCC Faculty Member Presents Research at APS Meeting

Richard Gillette, M.S., WSCC, assistant professor of physiology, presented his recent research findings at a symposium titled "Low Back Pain: Fundamental Issues of Sensory Mechanism," at the American Pain Society (APS)'s annual meeting.

Dr. Gillette discussed his findings in studies on the functional organization of the somatosensory systems serving the lumbar region in cats, and elaborated on the clinical implications.

Mr. Gillette, who is working towards his doctorate in neuroscience at OHSU, said the session was well received by a crowd of more than 300. "This work brought together for the first time leading experts in the area of neurobiology of the lumbar spine," he said. "The symposium effort has already produced plans for collaborative research between the co-presenters and others."

WSCC Graduates 39 New DCs

On December 12th, WSCC held commencement ceremonies for 39 new doctors of chiropractic. WSCC President William H. Dallas served as master of ceremonies; Janet Fabricius, D.C., chair of the WSCC board of trustees, conferred the degrees; Carl Swarts was valedictorian; and WSCC alumnus Edward Rothman, D.C. presented the class challenge. The honors graduates were: summa cum laude -- Lori Ramos, M.A., and Carl Swarts; cum laude -- Tyler Burbank, Elizabeth Del Plato, B.A., Roy Evans, B.S., Richard Lambert, B.A., Mario Larouche, and Nina Sessler, B.A.