D.C. student, Student LIFEforce member

“Chiropractic Activated”

As a young boy growing up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Cristopher Martinez had a fascination with health and wellness. Most of his adult family members worked in some capacity within the medical field, so naturally, from when he was little, he would tell his mother he wanted to be a doctor. Yet, he has since resonated with what has become something of a cliché among chiropractors; however, clichés do often hold a kernel of truth.

“Many people say, ‘Chiropractic chose me,” Martinez explained.

As an adult, Martinez was working at a bank, waiting for an acceptance letter from several medical schools he had applied to. One of his college friends suggested exploring Chiropractic, which led Martinez to investigate Life University (Life U) and its Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program. He connected with considerate faculty and even students from Puerto Rico who could relate to his concerns about moving and transitioning into a whole new environment. The views of the campus were impressive to him, lush, green and inviting. He didn’t have much time to tour or deliberate, but he went with his gut and enrolled.

Now, as a 12th-quarter D.C. student, he hasn’t looked back and has explored various ways to engage and grow in his chiropractic education. One primary way he has done that is through his membership with Student LIFEforce. Student LIFEforce is one of the most active and vocal clubs on campus at Life U, centered and bonded by their guiding mission: “We will not stop until everyone on the planet has access to chiropractic care and a chiropractic education if they so choose.”

“It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I feel I’m more connected to the school, what’s the meaning, the purpose behind Chiropractic,” Martinez said of his involvement with Student LIFEforce.

He feels it has helped him branch out of his comfort zone and better prepare for his future as a chiropractor. Currently, he is considering his options for his PEAK student internship, excited to hone his skills and expand his knowledge in a real-world chiropractic practice setting. The plan is to double-PEAK in the winter during his 13th quarter, which requires 308 contact hours as opposed to the standard PEAK program’s 154 contact hours. This additional hands-on training under the supervision of a skilled PEAK doctor will only serve to grow his confidence as he plans his next steps. It’s unclear if he will stay in Georgia for his student internship or explore out-of-state options.

Which path he chooses may somewhat depend on the specialty he most wants to focus on. Full-spine adjustments are one area where he feels he has a solid grasp, but his “analysis and passion have always been Activator.” Activator technique is a chiropractic technique using the traditionally spring-loaded, handheld Activator tool to provide quick, low-force adjustments at specific points. Activator is becoming increasingly popular among chiropractors and future chiropractors for its ability to provide a targeted, quick and easily replicated force. Here at Life University, Martinez and his fellow D.C. students are exposed to a wide range of chiropractic techniques, both inside the classroom and through extracurricular clubs, creating a richer knowledge base that develops them into prepared and passionate chiropractors.