SCU Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tori Reccord Earns CCSP Certification, Expands Sports Medicine Expertise

Faculty at 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) continue to advance their expertise to better support student learning and patient care.

Dr. Tori Reccord, a faculty member in SCU鈥檚 Doctor of Chiropractic program, recently earned the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) credential鈥攁n advanced certification that recognizes specialized training in sports medicine, injury management, and performance optimization.

Her achievement reflects both a personal commitment to the field and SCU鈥檚 broader focus on preparing students for diverse, real-world clinical pathways.

In this Q&A, Dr. Reccord shares what inspired her journey, how sports medicine enhances chiropractic care, and why this specialty matters for the next generation of providers.

Q&A with Dr. Tori Reccord

What inspired you to pursue the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) credential?

Dr. Reccord:
From being an athlete, to a coach, and now a healthcare provider, I鈥檝e been involved in sports and athletics for most of my life. So many sports medicine doctors helped me continue my own athletic endeavors, and that had a lasting impact on me.

Whether it鈥檚 someone who wants to take long walks with their grandkids without pain or a competitive athlete trying to reach their full potential, I鈥檝e always wanted to provide that same level of care to others.

For those who may not be familiar, what is the CCSP certification and what does it take to earn it?

Dr. Reccord:
The CCSP庐 certification is awarded by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP鈩�) and recognizes a chiropractor鈥檚 expertise in sports medicine.

After completing 100 hours of specialized postgraduate coursework, candidates are eligible to sit for a comprehensive written examination. The exam covers topics such as sports injury prevention and management, as well as performance optimization.

How does sports medicine complement chiropractic care, particularly for athletes and active individuals?

Dr. Reccord:
One of the main pillars of chiropractic care is promoting the health and well-being of our patients. Specializing in sports medicine provides deeper insight into diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries that we commonly see in practice.

It also equips providers with the knowledge to enhance exercise and activity levels, which are essential components of overall health.

How will this certification influence your work with students in SCU鈥檚 Doctor of Chiropractic program?

Dr. Reccord:
Our role as faculty members may be to teach, but we never stop learning鈥攏ot only for ourselves, but for our students.

Completing this certification has strengthened my knowledge and skill set so I can provide the best care possible and pass that on to the next generation of healthcare providers. No matter what we achieve, it鈥檚 most meaningful when we use it to lift up those around us, and I strive to bring that mindset into the classroom each day.

Why is sports medicine an important area of specialization for future chiropractors?

Dr. Reccord:
People often think sports medicine is only for professional athletes or organized sports teams. But in reality, less than 1% of high school athletes go on to play professionally.

The truth is, all bodies move. People of all ages and activity levels engage in 鈥渁thletic鈥� movements every day. That means chiropractors have an important role in providing specialized care not just for athletes, but for the broader community.

What advice would you give students interested in pursuing a career in sports medicine?

Dr. Reccord:
We are very fortunate at SCU to have strong resources in sports medicine. I鈥檝e been lucky to work alongside incredible colleagues who have served as mentors throughout my journey.

I encourage students to connect with faculty鈥攐r chiropractors in their community鈥攚ho hold the certifications they鈥檙e interested in pursuing. These conversations can provide guidance and help shape their path.

SCU also offers a sports medicine clinic on campus. Even if students are not yet clinical interns, I recommend visiting as a patient. It鈥檚 a great opportunity to meet others with similar goals, interact with experienced doctors, and see firsthand what this specialty has to offer.

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to share?

Dr. Reccord:
The first step in any journey is to ask questions, and we鈥檙e always here to help.

For those interested in learning more, additional information about the CCSP庐 and DACBSP庐 certifications can be found at .

SCU President Dr. John Scaringe Delivers Commencement Message on Compassion to the Class of 2025

At 91性息港 of Health Sciences鈥� 2025 Commencement Ceremony, University President Dr. John Scaringe delivered a heartfelt and deeply personal address centered on one essential principle: compassion.

Speaking to graduates poised to enter the healthcare professions, Dr. Scaringe reminded the Class of 2025 that while clinical knowledge and technical expertise are critical, it is compassion 鈥� expressed through presence, dignity, and action 鈥� that ultimately defines meaningful leadership and healing.

Through personal stories drawn from his own life, Dr. Scaringe illustrated that compassion is not simply an abstract value or 鈥渟oft skill,鈥� but a courageous, active choice to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments. His message resonated strongly with SCU鈥檚 mission to educate healthcare leaders who care for the whole person 鈥� body, mind, and spirit.

Dr. Scaringe鈥檚 Commencement Speech

Today is truly a remarkable day for you, your families, your faculty, and let’s be honest, it’s also a remarkable day for anyone who no longer has to hear, 鈥淚 can’t, I have to study.鈥� You and your loved ones have waited a long time for this moment. Commencement ceremonies often invite big themes such as success, purpose, and, in our case, the future of healthcare.

But before we discuss any of that, I want to begin somewhere a little simpler, somewhere human. Somewhere, far from the clinics, the classroom, or accreditation reports. I want to start in a high school locker room. When I was a senior in high school, at the end of a senior tournament, I wrestled my final match, and I lost.

Now, if you’ve ever been 17, you are absolutely certain that the entire universe is paying attention to your every move. You know exactly what that felt like. So, I walked into the locker room, and I sat by myself. I wasn’t angry. I wasn’t hurt. I was simply disappointed. The kind that feels enormous right at that age, because most disappointments do.

A few minutes later. My father walked in. He didn’t tell me to shake it off. He didn’t give me a pep talk. He didn’t offer a replay of the footage of what I should have done, what I didn’t do, and what I could have done. He didn’t even give me that classic dad line of, 鈥淪omeday you’ll laugh at this,鈥� because he knew I wasn’t going to be laughing anytime soon.

He sat down next to me. Quiet, present, and even though the disappointment didn’t go away, something else happened. I didn’t feel alone anymore. Years later, I realized what he offered that day. It wasn’t advice, it wasn’t encouragement. It wasn’t even problem-solving. It was compassion. The quiet kind that doesn’t just fix the moment.

He doesn’t try to fix that moment, but he chooses to be in that moment with you, and that simple act has stayed with me throughout my life. Compassion is often confused with empathy. They’re related, but they’re not exactly the same.

For example, empathy is seeing someone on the side of the road on a rainy day fixing their flat tire, and you say to yourself. Oh, that poor son of a gun, that must be awful. Compassion is stopping, getting out, and helping them fix that flat tire. Compassion is movement. In other words, empathy feels, compassion moves.

Empathy understands the moment, and compassion enters it. And in healthcare, that is all the difference. Your patients won’t just need your knowledge. They won’t just need your technical expertise. They will need your presence, your willingness to step in the moment with them. That shift from feeling to doing is where healing begins in your career.

You will meet people on some of their hardest days鈥攑eople who feel vulnerable, afraid, confused, and overwhelmed. Two patients may walk in with the same diagnosis but carry entirely different stories. Compassion is what helps you treat the story as much as the symptoms. It shows up in small and often unnoticed ways when you take a moment longer to listen.

When you ask a question that nobody else has thought to ask, and when you acknowledge a fear, rather than rush past it. When you offer dignity in a time when someone feels exposed, not because the moment was any less painful, but when your presence says simply, you matter. Compassion doesn’t require perfection. It requires presence.

Presence is often the most healing thing you can offer. Whether or not you see yourself as a leader today, compassion will make you a leader. Leadership isn’t about authority. Leadership is the courage to act, to care, to advocate for someone who has no voice, to slow down when the world tells you to speed up, and to speak out when something isn’t right.

There will be days when you’re tired and rushed and stretched so thin that the easiest path is not the compassionate one. Those are the moments that define a career, not the easy decisions, the meaningful ones. Compassion is not a soft skill. It is a courage in everyday form.

A few months ago, I delivered my mother’s eulogy. It was one of the hardest moments in my life, but when I finished speaking, I did feel something unexpected: comfort, not because it was any less painful, because believe me, it wasn’t. But, because compassion had surrounded her during her final years from my brothers who were with her nearby in New York, from her caretakers, and from other loved ones. All from people who treated her with dignity.

Dignity when she needed it the most. In that moment, I understood clearly that compassion doesn’t erase pain, it doesn’t fix everything, but it does connect us when we need it the very most, and that connection can be transformational. So, as you step off the stage today into your professional lives, here is my hope for you.

Let your empathy become passion. Let your compassion become action. Let your presence be part of the healing you provide. Show up for people, not perfectly, but fully. Listen with patience, advocate with courage. Lead with your heart. Compassion isn’t something you add to healthcare. Compassion is healthcare, and when you lead with it, you will not only transform the lives of others. You will transform on your own as well.

I often think back to that moment in the locker room with my dad. He didn’t take away my disappointment. He didn’t change the outcome. He showed up. That’s compassion. Not fixing everything, not having the perfect words, just choosing to be there.

As you enter your profession, you will have countless opportunities to show up in moments, big and small, seen and unseen. Do it with courage, do it with humanity. Do it with passion.

Congratulations, graduates. Good luck and Godspeed.

Watch the full 2025 Commencement Ceremony, including President Scaringe鈥檚 address:

91性息港 of Health Sciences graduates 517 new healthcare professionals in 2025

91性息港 of Health Sciences听(SCU) hosted its annual commencement ceremony on Monday, December 15, at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach conferring health science degrees to 517 graduates of the Class of 2025.

The commencement ceremony is available for on-demand viewing

The Class of 2025 represents the broad variety of SCU鈥檚 academic programs, with the Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Medical Sciences programs each having their first graduating class. SCU鈥檚 class of 2025 has the following numbers of graduates in each respective program:

• 153 Doctor of Chiropractic graduates
  鈥� 124 Master of Science in Medical Science graduates
  鈥� 48 Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 47 Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program graduates
  鈥� 36 Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduates
  鈥� 23 Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling graduates
  鈥� 22 Doctor of Occupational Therapy graduates
  鈥� 21 Ayurveda Health Counselor Certificate graduates
  鈥� 16 Ayurveda Practitioner Certificate graduates
  鈥� 14 Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine graduates
  鈥� 10 Doctor of Medical Sciences graduates
  鈥� 2 Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics graduates
  鈥� 1 Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine graduate

Dr. John Scaringe, President of 91性息港 of Health Sciences, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, challenging the graduates to lead with compassion as they step into their professional careers.

Drawing from personal experiences, Dr. Scaringe emphasized that compassion goes beyond simply understanding another person鈥檚 struggle, reminding graduates that 鈥渆mpathy feels, but compassion moves.鈥� He encouraged students to view compassion as an active choice. One that requires presence, courage, and a willingness to show up for others during moments of vulnerability.

Throughout his remarks, Dr. Scaringe highlighted the critical role compassion plays in healthcare, noting that while knowledge and technical expertise are essential, they are not enough on their own.

鈥淐ompassion doesn鈥檛 require perfection. It requires presence,鈥� he said, underscoring the importance of truly being there for patients and treating not just symptoms, but the person behind the diagnosis. He also reframed compassion as a form of leadership, describing it as 鈥渃ourage in everyday form,鈥� especially during moments when taking the compassionate path may be the most challenging.

As he concluded, Dr. Scaringe left graduates with a powerful reminder that compassion is not an optional trait in healthcare, but a foundational one. 鈥淐ompassion isn鈥檛 something you add to healthcare 鈥� compassion is healthcare,鈥� he said, encouraging graduates to carry that mindset forward as they begin their careers and work to transform the lives of others through whole-person, human-centered care.

The ceremony also featured a reflective and inspiring commencement address from Dr. Russell Greenfield, a nationally recognized physician leader in Whole Health who has spent his career advancing human-centered models of care across healthcare systems nationwide. Dr. Greenfield has served in senior leadership roles with the Veterans Health Administration, the Whole Health Institute, and Novant Health鈥檚 Weisiger Cancer Institute, and continues to work directly with patients while helping communities build whole-person approaches to care.

In his remarks, Dr. Greenfield framed the healing professions as a sacred calling rooted in service, humility, and presence. He reminded graduates that true healing begins not with fixing problems, but with honoring lives, stating, 鈥淵ou see people not as problems to be fixed, but as lives to be honored.鈥� Drawing from personal experience and long-standing traditions within the healing arts, he encouraged graduates to approach their work with gratitude and compassion, even in the smallest moments of care.

As he concluded, Dr. Greenfield offered the Class of 2025 a message of reassurance and purpose, emphasizing that meaningful impact does not require grand gestures. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not your responsibility to heal the world鈥� and yet, odds are very good that you will,鈥� he said.

His words reinforced SCU鈥檚 commitment to Whole Health and left graduates with a powerful reminder that through humility, service, and presence, they are uniquely prepared to help shape the future of healthcare.

Graduating Master of Science: Physician Assistant program student Jamie Gabriel was named the SCU Class of 2025 valedictorian. She delivered a powerful and personal address that reflected perseverance, balance, and service in healthcare.

A full-time captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and a nontraditional student, Gabriel shared how returning to school later in life was driven by a commitment to lifelong learning and setting an example for her family.

In her remarks, Gabriel emphasized the importance of whole-person care and the responsibility healthcare professionals have to see beyond diagnoses and data points. 鈥淥ur patients don鈥檛 come to us as symptoms or lab values. They come as people with stories, fears, hopes, and dreams,鈥� she said, underscoring the integrative approach that defines SCU鈥檚 educational philosophy. She also highlighted the need for balance鈥攏ot only in patient care but also in clinicians鈥� own lives鈥攔eminding graduates that personal well-being is essential to providing meaningful, compassionate care.

Gabriel closed by challenging the Class of 2025 to lead with accountability and service. 鈥淟eadership in healthcare is not about authority. It is about the responsibility of service to others,鈥� she said, encouraging graduates to step confidently into the roles they are prepared to fill and help shape the future of healthcare through humility, balance, and purpose.

SCU鈥檚 听2025 Alumni of the Year Whole Health Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Valerie Johnson. Dr. Johnson embodies the spirit of this award through her pioneering leadership in integrative, whole-person healthcare. As one of the first chiropractors employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she has been instrumental in shaping the role of chiropractic in federal healthcare and advancing the VA Whole Health model.

Dr. Johnson鈥檚 commitment to inclusivity and diversity shines through the welcoming, collaborative environments she fosters for patients, colleagues, and learners. Through her compassion, advocacy, and clinical excellence, Dr. Johnson has redefined what integrative chiropractic can achieve.

The President鈥檚 Leadership Award was presented to Doctor of Chiropractic graduate George Zakhary for his leadership in contributing to the campus community, advocating for their chosen profession, and providing community service.

Photos and videos from the commencement ceremony can be viewed on SCU鈥檚 social media channels: , , and .

SCU Faculty Dr. Robb Russell Presents New Research at the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine 2025

91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) continued its commitment to advancing integrative health research as Dr. Robb Russell presented new study findings at the 3rd World Congress on Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Medicine 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The international congress brings together experts from around the world to share emerging evidence and collaborate on approaches that strengthen global health and patient care.

Dr. Russell attended alongside fellow SCU faculty members Dr. Anu Kizhakkeveettil, Dr. Steffany Moonaz, and Dr. Leah Grout. His presentation shared results from a recently completed SCU-led study that contributes new insights into how inflammatory back pain may present in chiropractic primary-care settings.

Expanding Understanding of Inflammatory Back Pain Through MRI Findings

At the congress, Dr. Russell presented findings from the study titled:
鈥淭he proportion of abnormal pelvis MRI findings in patients presenting for chiropractic care with possible inflammatory back pain.鈥�

Principal investigator Emmanual Katsaros, DO, from Western University of Health Sciences, senior investigator Michael Weisman, MD from Stanford University, and radiologist Xenofon Baraliakos, MD, from Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum,听Germany, collaborated with SCU co-authors Dr. Steffany Moonaz, Dr. Melissa Nagare, and Dr. Hector Rivera-Melo, in this project which examined how frequently MRI abnormalities appear among patients who visit chiropractic clinics with symptoms suggestive of inflammatory back pain 鈥� specifically, potential early indicators of axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpA).

Why the Research Matters

According to Dr. Russell, delayed diagnosis is common in axSpA, often because:

• Chronic back pain is widespread,
• Symptoms may appear early but are subtle,
• Non-rheumatology providers may be less familiar with the condition, and
• Radiographs can miss early-stage inflammatory changes.

The study aimed to determine how often sacroiliac joint MRIs show abnormalities in a primary-care chiropractic population where patients had experienced inflammatory back pain symptoms for more than three months.

Key Findings From the Study

Previous research suggested that roughly one-third of patients screened for inflammatory back pain show abnormal sacroiliac MRI findings 鈥� but those studies focused on pre-screened populations, not general primary-care environments.

SCU鈥檚 study found:

• 13.3% of patients had abnormal sacroiliac joint MRI findings suggestive of axSpA
• Over 90% of patients self-referred for chiropractic care, reducing pre-selection bias
• The prevalence likely reflects what may be found in other U.S. primary-care settings

These findings offer a more realistic picture of how common early inflammatory changes may be in everyday clinical practice.

Surprising MRI Patterns

Dr. Russell shared that their team did not observe the higher rates reported in previous studies, which confirms that earlier data may have reflected pre-selected, higher-risk groups.

Another unexpected finding was that 13% of subjects exhibited findings suggestive of inflammatory changes of the hips.

The SCU study instead provides a more generalizable understanding that can aid front-line clinicians.

Practical Takeaways for Providers

Dr. Russell emphasized a key message:

鈥淪acroiliac joint and hip MRI abnormalities were frequent in a youthful population screened for inflammatory back pain symptoms and could represent undiagnosed spondyloarthropathy.鈥�

Early identification of these findings may help reduce diagnostic delays, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and referral.

Future Directions: Continuing SCU鈥檚 Research Momentum

Dr. Russell shared that two follow-up projects are already underway:

1. Comparing MRI interpretations
   • The research team is analyzing differences between community radiologists and expert readers to better understand diagnostic consistency.
2. Following patients with abnormal MRI findings
   • Researchers will contact patients from the study to determine whether symptoms persist and whether formal diagnoses of spondyloarthropathy have been made.

He also noted that larger, future studies could explore the clinical significance of abnormal sacroiliac or hip MRI findings in young adults. Such work may require expanded screening 鈥� including both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals 鈥� and additional funding.

Sharing SCU Research Expertise Globally

During the congress, Dr. Russell was also invited to lecture chiropractic students at Centro Universit谩rio Gama e Souza (UNIGAMA) in Rio de Janeiro. The visit coincided with World Spine Day 2025 and offered an opportunity to engage with students eager to learn about integrative approaches to musculoskeletal care.

鈥淚t was a pleasure and an honor to spend part of World Spine Day with such delightful students and faculty members,鈥� said Russell.

SCU Researcher Dr. James Whedon Featured on Chiropractic Science Podcast to Discuss Medicare, Neck Pain, Costs, and Safety

91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) Senior Health Services Researcher Dr. James Whedon was recently featured on the Chiropractic Science podcast, where he joined colleague Dr. Brian Anderson (University of Pittsburgh) for an in-depth conversation about their multi-year Medicare research project examining the outcomes, costs, and safety of chiropractic care for older adults with neck pain.

Hosted by Dr. Dean Smith, the episode titled 鈥淣eck Pain, Medicare, Costs, Adverse Events鈥� explores the results of three peer-reviewed studies supported by an NIH R15 Research Enhancement Award. The research team analyzed patterns of care among nearly 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries with new episodes of neck pain, offering one of the most comprehensive looks to date at how initial provider choice influences patient outcomes in this population.

Listen to the episode:
鈥� Website:
鈥� YouTube:

Understanding the R15 Medicare Neck-Pain Research Project

During the interview, Dr. Whedon and Dr. Anderson describe how their research group examined Medicare claims data to compare three initial treatment pathways for new episodes of non-traumatic, non-pathological neck pain:

1. Chiropractic care (spinal manipulation)
2. Primary care without prescription analgesics
3. Primary care with prescription analgesics

Over a 24-month follow-up period, the researchers assessed:
– Rates of care escalation (specialist visits, imaging, injections, surgery, hospitalizations, ER visits)
– Total and neck pain鈥搑elated health care costs
– Safety outcomes and adverse events

Key Finding #1: Starting with Chiropractic Reduces Care Escalation

Patients who started with spinal manipulation experienced:
– 64% lower rate of total care escalation
– 93% lower rate of surgical procedures
– 78% lower rate of hospitalizations

Key Finding #2: Chiropractic Care Is Associated With Substantial Medicare Cost Savings

The research identified significant financial benefits with chiropractic as an initial strategy:
– $435 less per patient in total hospital spending over two years
– Lower outpatient and medication costs
– $43 million in estimated Medicare savings per 100,000 neck-pain episodes

Key Finding #3: Chiropractic Care Shows Favorable Safety Outcomes

Chiropractic patients demonstrated:
– 20% lower rate of any measured adverse event compared to patients who received prescription analgesics
– 14% lower rate compared to primary care without analgesics

Why These Findings Matter for Medicare Policy

These results support national discussions surrounding the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, which proposes expanding Medicare coverage to include the full range of services chiropractors are trained to provide.

A Conversation Rooted in Whole Health Principles

The episode aligns with SCU鈥檚 Whole Health philosophy, which emphasizes patient choice and integrative whole-person health care.

Back-to-Back: SCU Students Claim the 2025 CalChiro Quiz Bowl

91性息港 of Health Sciences students win the CalChiro Quiz Bowl for a second year in a row at the CalChiro Fall Conference, held August 28鈥�30, 2025, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.

The ballroom buzzed before the first question. Teams checked in, glanced at notes, and tried to read the room. When the round opened, SCU鈥檚 table leaned forward together. They stayed that way all afternoon.

By the final tally, 91性息港 of Health Sciences had won the CalChiro Quiz Bowl for the second straight year. For the students, the trophy mattered. The way they earned it mattered more: quick recall, steady hands, and a shared rhythm built in classrooms and labs across campus.

鈥淲e figured out the team a few minutes prior,鈥� said Jordan Jacobson of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He smiled at the chaos that came before the calm. 鈥淔eels good to know SCU is giving us the knowledge we need to succeed.鈥�

The turn that set the tone

There was a shoulder question that could have gone either way. The opposing team guessed the bursa. SCU answered 鈥渟upraspinatus tendon.鈥� That moment shifted the room. From there, the group managed pace and risk鈥攚hen to buzz, when to pass, when to huddle for a two-point follow-up.

鈥淲e were on a roll early,鈥� said Angelica Robles of Whittier, now in her tenth term. 鈥淭he format forced smart choices鈥攖ake the challenge or pass and let the other team take the chance. Winning back the trophy reassured the knowledge I鈥檝e worked for, and I felt proud for myself and my teammates, including two first-years.鈥�

What the questions asked鈥攁nd what the program teaches

The rounds leaned on functional anatomy, orthopedic exams, chiropractic history, and case-style questions. That overlap did not happen by accident.

Jacobson said the content aligned with his work for Parts II鈥揑V board preparation. Robles pointed to class guides and her quick review with the club president. Christian Montoya, who grew up in South Pasadena, put it plainly: 鈥淎 lot of questions were orthopedic. The stuff we learned in courses like IPA, FABS, and GA showed up.鈥� He added a note for younger students: 鈥淲henever you begin to doubt yourself, remember that you know a lot more than you think you know.鈥�

Team chemistry in real time

The group formed fast but functioned like a unit. One student called an answer. Another filled in the follow-up. They traded roles without ego. They also enjoyed a new game segment that felt more like a crowd favorite than a pop quiz.

鈥淟oved the Family-Feud-style section,鈥� Robles said. 鈥淚t gave every student a fair shot and made teamwork matter.鈥�

Mentors, habits, and the quiet work behind the win

Students credited faculty who made the day possible: Dr. Daryl Capen and classroom instructors who stressed fundamentals and repetition. A reminder from Dr. Bui echoed in practice: know your material and trust it under pressure.

Not every path to the podium looked the same. Jacobson leaned on board prep. Robles blocked time in the days leading up to and did a quick pass on the day of. Montoya joined a team minutes before the event and still found the beats that swing a match鈥攁n early buzz, a clean answer, and the bonus that follows.

How SCU Prepares Students

Two titles in two years says something about the students. It also says something about the program. The win reflects a campus that prizes clear thinking, peer learning, and confidence under time pressure. It demonstrates how a curriculum designed for clinical practice simultaneously teaches recall and reasoning.

Robles chose SCU for that mix. She wanted a program close to family with faculty who 鈥渉ave been amazing mentors and extremely supportive.鈥� Jacobson鈥檚 bio reads the same way: he chose a school that trains students 鈥渢o be doctors first and chiropractors second.鈥�

Meet the Students

Jordan Jacobson 鈥� Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Board preparation aligned with Quiz Bowl content; key answer related to the supraspinatus tendon. Chose SCU for training that develops strong clinical thinkers.

Angelica Robles 鈥� Whittier, California. Tenth term. Prepped with short review sessions and club support. Praised the Family-Feud-style segment for rewarding teamwork.

Christian Montoya 鈥� South Pasadena, California. Joined the team minutes before the event. Noted pivotal early buzzes and clean bonus follow-ups.

Taylor Foster 鈥� Los Angeles County (San Diego and Riverside roots). Drew on early-term coursework and represented SCU鈥檚 science-first training.

What鈥檚 Next

The team plans to share study notes with peers and invite first-year students to open practice nights this fall. The goal is simple: keep building knowledge, speed, and trust鈥攐n campus and on stage.

SCU Study Finds Chiropractic Care Safer for Older Adults with Neck Pain

A new study led by Dr. James Whedon from 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) has found that chiropractic care may be a safer option than traditional medical care for older adults with new-onset neck pain.

The research, published this year and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), analyzed Medicare claims data from 291,604 beneficiaries aged 65鈥�99 who experienced a new episode of neck pain in 2019. Patients were grouped into three treatment approaches:

• Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT)
• Primary Medical Care with Prescription Drug Therapy
• Primary Medical Care Only (without chiropractic or prescription drugs)

Key Findings

• Patients who received chiropractic care had a 20% lower rate of adverse outcomes compared to those receiving prescription drug therapy.
• Chiropractic care was also linked to a 14% lower rate of complications than primary medical care without drugs.
• By contrast, patients treated with prescription drugs had a 6% higher risk of adverse events compared to primary medical care only.

The study specifically tracked outcomes such as adverse drug events, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and other complications over a 24-month period.

鈥淭hese results clearly indicate that for Medicare beneficiaries with new-onset neck pain, chiropractic care offers a significantly lower risk of adverse events compared to primary medical care with prescription drugs,鈥� said Dr. Whedon, lead researcher. 鈥淭his is particularly important as older adults are often more vulnerable to the side effects of medications.鈥�

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Why It Matters

Neck pain is common among older adults, and national clinical practice guidelines already recommend non-drug treatments as a first-line approach. The findings from this NIH-funded SCU study provide large-scale evidence that chiropractic care aligns with those guidelines and can reduce risks tied to prescription drug use.

The research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting non-pharmacological approaches such as chiropractic care, exercise, and patient education in managing musculoskeletal conditions. It also highlights SCU鈥檚 role in advancing safe, evidence-based alternatives to medication for pain management.

Learn More

Read the published study on .
Visit the SCU Clinical and Health Research webpage to learn more about current or completed research.

SCU Anatomy Lab Tours Inspire Future Healthcare Students

Two large charter buses pulled up to the 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) campus early on a Wednesday morning, delivering a group of curious students ready to explore the world of health sciences. The students, participating in the Whittier College Tech Trek program, were about to embark on an unforgettable journey into the human body, guided by SCU鈥檚 faculty and anatomy lab facilities.

SCU recently relaunched its Anatomy Lab Tours, a unique opportunity for local high school and college students to get hands-on experience in a university-level cadaver lab. This immersive program, now back in full swing after a pandemic hiatus, is a vital part of SCU鈥檚 commitment to community engagement, health education, and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

An Engaging, Hands-On Experience

On this tour day, 85 students arrived in two sessions, each receiving a guided experience through SCU鈥檚 innovative anatomy lab. The tours began with students donning white lab coats and splitting into groups. One group entered the cadaver lab with Dr. Erenie Shenouda, a faculty member and SCU Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program graduate, while the other explored the SynDaver lab with an SCU graduate and faculty member.

The SynDavers, lifelike silicone anatomical models, gave students a chance to identify organs, learn their functions, and interact with realistic representations of human anatomy. Nearby, models of skeletal bones and the human heart supported deeper learning, sparking curiosity and thoughtful questions. The cadaver lab experience, meanwhile, offered a rare and respectful introduction to real human anatomy, guided with care and professionalism by Dr. Shenouda.

As each group rotated between lab experiences, students gained valuable insight into both human biology and the academic paths available to pursue careers in health and medicine. The tours concluded with a presentation from SCU Admissions representatives, who shared program information, prerequisites, and answered questions about higher education opportunities at SCU.

Creating Lasting Impact

These tours aren鈥檛 just educational, they’re transformative. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a win-win,鈥� said Dr. Jory Basso, Assistant Dean for SCU鈥檚 Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. 鈥淚t provides great exposure to our programs, offers service hours and community engagement for our faculty, creates memorable experiences for students, and generates revenue that helps us upgrade and improve anatomy resources.鈥�

With tours typically scheduled on Wednesdays, SCU is proud to offer these impactful workshops to area schools, cultivating early interest in science, healthcare, and whole health wellness. Some students who first encounter SCU through these tours may one day return as future healthcare leaders, ready to make a difference.

Learn More

Schools or educators interested in scheduling a tour can contact the SCU Anatomy Lab Tours team at anatomylabseminar@scuhs.edu for more information on availability, pricing, and scheduling.

SCU鈥檚 Summer IPE Week Brings Together Over 200 Students from Eight Different Academic Programs

A record-breaking week of immersive, team-based learning prepares future healthcare professionals to lead in integrative, whole-person care.

From July 28, 2025, to August 1, 2025, the SCU Center for Interprofessional Education hosted Summer IPE Week on campus. The week brought together more than 200 students for hands-on learning that strengthened teamwork, communication, and whole-person care across health disciplines.

Students from eight programs worked side by side:

• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
• Chiropractic
• Occupational Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Accelerated Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Master of Science in Medical Science

Faculty designed activities that mirrored real clinical settings, so students could practice skills they will use with patients and teams.

鈥淚PE at SCU is where integrative, whole health comes to life,鈥� said Karina Madrigal, EdD, MA, Dean of Interprofessional Education. 鈥淥ur model is bold, inclusive, and transformative鈥攂ringing together students from both complementary and conventional medicine.鈥� She noted that interprofessional education is an institutionalized system embedded across more than 15 academic programs. Students learn with, from, and about one another, and they graduate ready to practice in team-based care settings. SCU鈥檚 model blends Eastern and Western care traditions to match how modern health systems operate and to prepare graduates to lead in integrative care.

Students rotated through team scenarios that required clear roles, shared decision-making, and direct communication with patients and caregivers. Sessions focused on three high-impact skills:

• Identifying system failures and contributing to a culture of safety and continuous quality improvement
• Handing off patients in a structured way to support safe care transitions
• Speaking with patients, families, and the care team in plain language to align on goals

These scenarios matched the pace and pressure of real practice, so teams could learn, adjust, and improve in the moment. Among the highlights was SCU鈥檚 signature care coordination simulation, which brought multiple disciplines together to co-manage complex cases in real time.

Pre- and post-assessments showed gains across IPEC core competencies: Values and Ethics, Roles and Responsibilities, Interprofessional Communication, and Teams/Teamwork. The results also aligned with SCU鈥檚 鈥淟earning in Action鈥� measure, which tracks applied skills. 鈥淭he data confirm that our model not only changes what students know鈥攊t changes how they think and work,鈥� said Madrigal.

Skills from IPE Week translate directly to clinics and community sites. Students practiced structured handovers that reduce errors. They clarified the scope and responsibility so teams can respond faster. They used shared care plans that keep the patient and family at the center. As a result, students left not only with greater confidence, but with a strengthened ability to work across disciplines 鈥� ready to lead and collaborate as part of interprofessional teams united by a shared goal: advancing integrative, whole-person health and improving outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.

Collaboration starts early at SCU. Students experience interprofessional learning from their first year, so teamwork becomes second nature. By the time they enter clinical placements, they already know how to listen across disciplines and keep care plans aligned with patient goals.

This year鈥檚 Summer IPE Week set a new bar for participation and impact. It showed how SCU鈥檚 interprofessional model helps students grow as clinicians and as teammates. It also showed how a campus community can come together around a shared aim: to deliver whole-person care for every patient in every setting.

Learn more about Interprofessional Education at SCU and how our programs prepare students for team-based practice.

SCU’s SABCA Chapter Makes History as First-Ever ABCA Chapter of the Year

The 91性息港 of Health Sciences (SCU) Student American Black Chiropractic Association (SABCA) chapter is rewriting history and building a powerful legacy in the process.

At the 44th annual American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA) National Convention in Dallas, SCU’s SABCA chapter was named the first-ever Chapter of the Year, an award that honors excellence, leadership, and service. Adding to the historic moment, David Awolowo, who served as chapter president until the 2025 Summer Term, was individually awarded the ABCA Student Chiropractor of the Year for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions.

Both David and the current chapter president, Nia Helaire, see this milestone as more than just an accolade. It’s a testament to resilience, representation, and a shared commitment to uplifting others.

A Vision Restored

When David Awolowo arrived at SCU, the SABCA chapter had been inactive for more than a decade. Reviving it wasn’t just a personal mission. It became a responsibility to create space where Black chiropractic students could feel seen, supported, and inspired.

“When we brought the chapter back after over a decade of being inactive, we knew we were destined for greatness,鈥� David said. “We didn’t want to be just another club. We wanted to be a force. This recognition feels incredibly validating, especially knowing how far we’ve come.鈥�

That vision became reality thanks to an ambitious year of events and initiatives, including SCU’s first-ever student-led chiropractic conference, mental health forums for minority students, community outreach for fire victims and the unhoused, and workshops that prioritized both clinical skill and cultural empowerment.

As David explained, “We weren’t chasing recognition, we were building something meaningful. SABCA isn’t just about chiropractic. It’s about leadership, legacy, and leaving things better than we found them.鈥�

Keeping the Momentum

With David now serving as the ABCA Western Student Representative, leadership of the chapter has transitioned this past May to Nia Helaire, who continues to drive the mission forward.

“We were thrilled and honestly a little speechless when we heard the announcement,鈥� Nia shared about the moment SCU’s name was called at the national convention. “This recognition is bigger than just our chapter. It reflects a collective movement toward empowerment and representation. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and excited to keep the momentum going.鈥�

Under Nia’s leadership, the chapter has expanded its reach through collaborations, clothing drives, Juneteenth service projects, and hosting the prestigious Western Regional Conference this past February, which was coordinated by David and the most meaningful and ambitious work he has done as a student.
“Our consistency, commitment to community, and emphasis on collaboration truly set us apart,鈥� Nia added.

Beyond the Awards

For both leaders, SABCA has been transformative, not just for the community it serves, but for themselves as aspiring doctors.

“SABCA taught me that chiropractic isn’t just about adjustments and clinical outcomes, it’s about impact,鈥� David reflected. “It didn’t just make me a better student; it made me a more intentional future doctor, a bridge-builder, and a servant leader.鈥�

For Nia, the experience has instilled confidence and purpose. “SABCA has provided me with a sense of community and purpose, especially as a student of color navigating a rigorous program,鈥� she said. “It’s been central to my journey, giving me the leadership and advocacy skills that will carry over into my future practice.鈥�

Gratitude and a Call to Action

Both David and Nia credit their success to a long list of supporters, starting with club advisor Dr. Simone Jordan, who they say was instrumental in reviving the chapter and guiding its growth. They also thanked SCU faculty, collaborating student organizations, and the ABCA for providing a platform to amplify their voices.

“To my SABCA team, thank you for trusting me to lead,鈥� David added.

Looking ahead, Nia hopes more students join the chapter and carry its mission forward. “SABCA is more than just a club; it’s a space for growth, support, and empowerment,鈥� she said. “You don’t have to wait until you’re fully confident or settled. 听SABCA is a great place to grow into that version of yourself.鈥�

For David, the journey comes back to vision and resilience: “Not everyone will believe in your vision, and that’s okay. Keep dreaming, keep building, keep showing up. If your heart is in the right place and your mission is rooted in love and service, you’ll always be aligned with something greater than yourself.鈥�