Casey Rogers, a member of the first graduating class of Keiser University’s College of Chiropractic Medicine, hopes to assist South Florida veterans thanks to the hands-on experience he’s gained in an educational clerkship. Rogers and his seven classmates will be awarded their Doctor of Chiropractic degrees on Saturday, January 18^th beginning at 11:00 am at Keiser University’s Statewide Graduation Ceremony to be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center located at 650 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

Initially drawn to the chiropractic profession because of its ‘non-pharmaceutical and physical rehabilitative methodology’ Rogers chose Keiser University’s Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum due to the university’s evidence-based approach to healthcare implementation. As part of the program, he participated in a clinical training opportunity at The Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center located in Miami’s Health District, which includes Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami Hospital and Clinics.

“Along with the satisfaction and honor of providing chiropractic services to the men and women who have served in our armed forces, the experience strengthened my desire to one day return to the multidisciplinary and team-based setting of a VA hospital,” said Rogers. “Having first-hand experience treating the veteran population and seeing their regression of pain symptoms has had a major impact on my decision to choose a career in this setting. “I’ve observed patients who can now lift their children, work consistent hours and return to regular civilian activities with reduced pain. It was a life-changing experience for me, propelling me to pursue integrative care in the VA system.”

The rigorous Keiser University Doctor of Chiropractic program consists of ten semesters of study which are completed over 40 months.  It combines traditional lectures with small group learning opportunities, weekly conferences and seminars, laboratory and experiential sessions, and clinical training opportunities at a number of sites.  All coursework includes case-based relevancy for chiropractic practice as a portal-of-entry profession dedicated to excellence in spine care.

“We are extremely grateful to have affiliations with two veteran’s administration medical centers where our students are able to gain a rich clinical educational experience preparing them for careers in interprofessional healthcare settings,” said Dr. Mike Wiles, Dean of the College of Chiropractic Medicine. “I am incredibly proud of our first cohort of graduates, our first alumni. They will represent us well and I look forward to following their careers,” he added.

When asked what he’d recommend to those contemplating a career in chiropractic medicine, Rogers said, “Leaders find a way to inspire others and are successful when adapting to change. The more you challenge yourself, the better you will become. Never be complacent with where you are,” he smiled.

The Keiser University Statewide Commencement ceremony will celebrate over 350 graduates from Keiser University’s 21 Florida campuses.