Life University is on the cusp of a revolutionary shift in the landscape of complementary health care research with the establishment of the Complementary Healthcare Advanced Research and Leadership Institute (CHARLI). This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Research and Director of the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research, her team and Dr. Gilles LaMarche, Vice President of University Advancement, aim to centralize and elevate the university’s research endeavors, fostering a collaborative environment that promises to significantly advance health outcomes research.
Stephanie Sullivan, D.C., Ph.D., Associate Vice President of Research and Director of the Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research
The Genesis of CHARLI
The inception of CHARLI began with an ambitious vision to secure substantial funding for the Human Performance and Research Center. Dr. LaMarche, alongside colleagues including Dr. Cathy Faust, embarked on this journey with a series of strategic discussions and brainstorming sessions. The aim was clear: to create a compelling narrative and infrastructure that would resonate with funding bodies and stakeholders alike.
“I was initially reaching out for a white paper to support our funding request. We wanted to ask for 10 to 15 million dollars to establish a robust research center,” Dr. Sullivan recalls. The theme for this initiative centered around health outcomes research, a field poised to make significant contributions to
complementary health care.
The Power of Complementary Health Care
The term ‘complementary health care’ emerged as a unifying banner that could open doors and forge new
partnerships. “I realized that presenting our initiative under the broader umbrella of complementary health care rather than just chiropractic care would be more inclusive and appealing,” Dr. Sullivan explains. Statistics show that chiropractic care, a core component of complementary health care, is mainstream, with one in four individuals experiencing it over their lifetime.
This broader approach facilitated dialogues with a wider audience, garnering interest and support that might not have been possible otherwise. The creation of CHARLI as an acronym for the Complementary Healthcare Advanced Research and Leadership Institute encapsulates this inclusive vision.
Building the Infrastructure
One of the critical steps in bringing CHARLI to life was establishing a centralized research infrastructure at Life University. This involved engaging with research leaders across the University to understand their needs and how best to support them. The goal was to break down silos and foster a collaborative environment where researchers could share ideas, resources and momentum.
“CHARLI has become the backbone of our research infrastructure,” says Dr. Sullivan.
“It supports our College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (CGUS); online education; the Center for Compassion, Integrity, and Secular Ethics (CCISE); College of Chiropractic (COC); NeuroLIFE Institute (NLI); and other research centers within the University.”
Core Objectives and Future Directions
CHARLI’s objectives are clear and ambitious:
1. Establish a Robust Research Infrastructure:
To provide a centralized platform that supports research activities across Life University.
2. Conduct Complementary Healthcare Research:
To advance studies that explore the efficacy and impact of various complementary health care modalities.
3. Develop Future Investigators:
To build capacity through fellowship programs, training, and mentorship.
4. Foster Community Dialogue:
To ensure that research findings are translated into practice through active engagement with clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders.
The initial phase of CHARLI’s development, including setting up the infrastructure and launching the website, is complete. The next phase focuses on information gathering and stakeholder engagement. This includes surveys and dialogues with faculty, staff and students to identify needs and interests, paving the way for collaborative research projects and
grant applications.
“We are now entering the information gathering stage,” notes Dr. Sullivan. “We’re engaging with our university community to understand their needs and interests better. This will help us tailor our support and foster meaningful dialogues that drive our research forward.”
Looking Ahead
As CHARLI evolves, it promises to position Life University at the forefront of complementary health care research. Upcoming initiatives include the launch of significant projects like the XPRIZE Law Health Stand Study and continued efforts to secure funding and resources.
CHARLI represents a transformative step for Life University, bringing together expertise, resources and a shared vision to advance the field of complementary health care. As the institute grows, it will undoubtedly become a beacon of innovation and leadership in health outcomes research.
For more information about CHARLI and its initiatives, please visit CHARLI.life.edu or contact the research office directly. Together, we can make strides in complementary health care and improve health outcomes for all.
This article was originally published in Your Extraordinary Life (YEL), Life University‘s Alumni and Friends Magazine, 2024- Volume 17. YEL started in 2009 as a twice-per-year publication before moving to three issues per year from 2010-2017. In 2018, University leadership made the decision to publish a larger, more elegant version of the magazine just once per year that our alumni and friends could be proud of. YEL features an in-depth look at all things Life University, from alumni and student human interest stories to recaps and previews of the University’s biggest events. If you are a proud Life University alumni, friend or supporter, this publication is one you can’t miss!
Read the latest issue and past issues at this link or pick up a print copy on campus.
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