At Life University (Life U), the people behind the mission are what make our institution extraordinary. In this edition of Faces of Life U, we introduce you to Dr. Brian Healy, Director of Clinical Education in the Life U Clinic System, whose professional journey is one of resilience, reinvention and a deep dedication to healthcare education.
 
 Dr. Healy joined Life University in June 2023 and recently stepped into his new leadership role just a few weeks ago. Though new to the position, he’s far from new to health care or education. Raised in New York and educated in Pennsylvania, Dr. Healy brings a multi-disciplinary background to Life U that includes a bachelor of science, a master’s in physical therapy from the University of Scranton and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College in Florida.
 
His career journey has taken him from the Northeast to Florida to Chicago and finally to Georgia, where he and his family settled three years ago. “COVID was a big driver,” he shared, “but also my wife grew up in Marietta, and my family is in Florida, so it made sense geographically.” It was a basketball league connection that ultimately led him to Life U, when a fellow player and faculty member encouraged him to apply.
 
Dr. Healy’s interest in Chiropractic was deeply personal. After beginning his career as a physical therapist, a serious injury changed everything.
 
“I fractured my neck while in physical therapy school,” Dr. Healy said. “I went through a lot of therapy, but nothing seemed to fully help until a chiropractor treated me. That was the moment I realized how powerful chiropractic care could be. It helped me more than anything else.”
 
From that pivotal experience, he shifted his career focus and built a successful multidisciplinary practice in Chicago, employing chiropractors, PTs, massage therapists and personal trainers.
 
After a decade running what he called his “dream practice,” the pandemic forced Dr. Healy to reevaluate. “It got ripped out from underneath me,” he said. “So, we decided to embrace a new chapter.” That new chapter eventually brought him to Life U, where he says he found something special. “The students are incredible. The staff and faculty are amazing. It’s just a great place.”
 
Even now, he remains loosely involved with a local group practice, providing consulting support and staying clinically engaged — all while devoting his main energy to Life U and the next generation of chiropractors.
 
As Director of Clinical Education, Dr. Healy oversees a key phase of student development – the student’s clinical experience. “It’s where students begin to apply what they’ve learned in real clinical settings,” he explained. He also works closely with clinic staff, manages operations and supports both the on-campus student clinic and the outpatient clinic.
 
Perhaps most significantly, Dr. Healy leads Life U’s efforts to measure and improve student clinical competency. “We assess how well students evaluate, communicate, develop management plans and maintain professionalism,” he said. These competencies, tracked throughout their clinical education, are essential to ensuring that graduates are ready to serve their communities as capable, compassionate chiropractors.
 
“This process not only supports our students,” he adds, “but also strengthens our accreditation standards and, most importantly, helps us deliver the best possible chiropractors into the field.”
 
Dr. Healy credits Dr. Kimberly Bradford, who previously held the role, for creating a strong foundation. “She did an unbelievable job revamping the process. I’m fortunate to follow in her footsteps and continue improving it.”
 
Dr. Healy’s personal and professional life reflect the very essence of Life U’s foundational value of Lasting Purpose. He has lived through setbacks and pivots, emerging with renewed focus and passion. Now, he’s pouring that energy into students, ensuring they leave Life U with not only the technical skills but also the human insight needed to succeed in health care.
 
When asked about what keeps him motivated, Dr. Healy simply said, “I love what I do. I get to help shape the next generation of chiropractors, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”