If you ask a Life University (Life U) D.C. student what sets us apart from any other chiropractic school out there, you will likely hear a variation on two major themes: Life U’s dedication to principled chiropractic philosophy and its unparalleled incorporation of hands-on learning. Today, let’s further unpack what hands-on at Life U truly looks like.

Clinical Education

Life U’s clinical stage of education encompasses a three-tiered, hands-on learning experience. While support and instruction remain constant throughout, students are given increased responsibility, and thus more independence and control of their experience, as they advance through the clinical process. At the end of this vital step, Life U’s D.C. students are prepared to embark further on their chiropractic journey.

  • Entry Into Clinic System (Level I)

Life U’s Level I Clinic experience encompasses students’ 8th and 9th quarters in the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Instruction takes place at the Campus Center for Health and Optimum Performance (CC-HOP). This is where clinical competencies are developed with close faculty supervision. This is also where students are introduced to the innovative Palpation Adjustment Trainer (PAT), an anatomically accurate, technology-based mannequin with the look, feel, size and weight of an average person. The mannequin features a 3D-printed or molded spine, pelvis and occiput surrounded by viscoelastic skin and soft tissue, simulating the actual experience of adjusting a human patient, including the amounts of force and speed along a specific vector (learn more about PAT).

  • Development of Clinical Skills (Level II)

Life U’s Level II Clinic experience encompasses students’ 10th, 11th and 12th quarters in the Doctor of Chiropractic program. Instruction takes place in the Center for Health and Optimum Performance (C-HOP), located near the Cobb Parkway entrance to Life U. Level II is where students will continue to develop clinical competency and critical thinking skills. Students will begin caring for a variety of patients with a wider range of conditions. In this setting, students will be mentored by faculty with significant patient management expertise. The Level II clinic includes a variety of specialties (i.e., radiology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, pediatrics, nutrition and sports, functional kinesiology, functional neurology, etc.).

  • Level III (PEAK Program

PEAK stands for Practice, Excellence, Art and Knowledge, which are key attributes to success in any venture. The PEAK Clinical program is a crown jewel of chiropractic education at Life U, designed to allow senior interns to complete their clinic requirements under the direction of an off-campus doctor. What sets this program apart from similar programs in other chiropractic schools is the fact that student interns are encouraged to perform supervised adjustments throughout the program, as opposed to some programs that do not allow or severely limit student clinicians’ adjustment opportunities.

The PEAK Program is for student interns in their 13th and 14th quarters of study who are in good academic standing and have passed the 12th quarter OSCE exam. Student interns work with PEAK doctors to provide patient care and fulfill other assignments given by their supervising PEAK Doctor. Students are participating team members of the clinic and valuable parts of the practice team. Interns perform history examinations, diagnoses and X-rays; provide chiropractic adjustments; and complete a Learning Objective Worksheet each week.

Qualifying Doctors of Chiropractic receive credentials through the PEAK application process and become Life University Extension Faculty members. PEAK doctors serve as mentors to help interns develop clinically and prepare to make the transition from school to practice. It’s not uncommon for PEAK student interns to later become PEAK doctors, continuing the tradition and passing down their knowledge. Dr. Sean Medlin of Clear Connections Chiropractic is one such student-turned-chiropractic mentor.

“I had two doctors that I was able to shadow [Dr. Bob Schumacher and Dr. Joe Esposito], and they impacted me pretty much for the rest of my life. It was very strong foundational learning,” said Dr. Medlin. “It’s really fun to be able to tie into the next generation of chiropractors and provide a foundation for them so that they don’t learn bad habits.”

In many programs, student interns mostly just observe a practice. This is clearly not the case with the Life U PEAK Program. Dr. Drew Rubin of Rubin Family Chiropractic has worked with PEAK since 2010 and recently had his 78th student intern go through the PEAK program at his office. Dr. Rubin comments on the “remarkable” opportunity that PEAK gives students to learn in a hands-on environment.

“[The student interns] are extensions of me. They’re adjusting. They really are [acting as doctors while working toward their license],” said Dr. Rubin.

This experience allows interns to gain valuable insights into the nuances of running a profitable practice and the rewards of providing quality chiropractic care. In many cases, the PEAK Doctor is not only a facilitator in the student intern’s development, but they also become a lifelong mentor.

Placement options in the PEAK Program are as unique as the individuals participating. Students can choose to work at a Life U-affiliated outreach clinic or at a private chiropractic office with a PEAK Doctor in Georgia or 29 other states. And for students with a strong desire to expand their global horizons, the International Clinic Program under PEAK offers opportunities for students to spread the benefits of Chiropractic worldwide. Currently, PEAK sends students to Sweden, New Zealand, Peru, Ghana and Argentina.

For more information regarding PEAK, International Clinic Programs or to find out how to qualify and apply to be a PEAK host doctor, please contact Dr. John Markham at John.Markham@life.edu.

Techniques and Variety

Life University teaches over 20 different vital chiropractic techniques in its required and elective courses. The University also offers over 90 student clubs and organizations to participate in, many of which are focused on chiropractic education, chiropractic specialties or networking opportunities.