Every month we feature an all star student doing incredible things in the world of chiropractic. This month we catch up with Brandon Thomas from Palmer’s San Jose Campus.
Brandon is a 13th Q student who is very active in the world of sports chiropractic. He is the current Palmer College of Chiropractic’s San Jose, Calif., campus Sports Council President, serves as a campus guide, is an active member of SACA and is involved in just about every club that Palmer has to offer.
We had a chance to sit down with Brandon and get some insights to his path within chiropractic.
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How or Why did you choose to study Chiropractic?
My search for the ideal profession has been a long and thoughtful journey. I have been in search of the career that would motivate and challenge me on all fronts. I grew up in Kentucky and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky majoring in Biology and Psychology. My upbringing surrounded me with a diverse medical background with my grandfather a M.D, my uncle an Oral Surgeon, my sister a Pharmacist, and my mother a Registered Nurse. Accepting my own path, I was finally introduced to a profession that I could genuinely devote myself to: Chiropractic. When I discovered that there would be a diverse patient base and a different challenge every day, I was instantly captivated. My calm determination, attention to detail, demonstration of leadership skills, and strong motivation has paid off with continuous personal growth and development. I have always been a person with a full agenda and I always strive to be productive. My variety of extracurricular activities shows that I surround myself with difficult tasks that I must work hard to accomplish. Chiropractic was the perfect fit for my personal beliefs with hands-on approach to healing.
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How did you choose your school?
I chose Palmer College of Chiropractic’s San Jose, California campus because it was the best school that fit my personality and healthcare beliefs. Plus, who can complain about the California sunshine?
After touring Palmer’s San Jose campus, the Sports Council is what really stood out for me. Palmer has the largest membership and most active Sports Council in the world. Gaining field clinical knowledge and treating athletes with Sports Chiropractic sets our education apart from any other school. I have been honored to have the opportunity to work events like Dew Tour, Sea Otter Classic, NorthFace Endurance Challenge, OTHG Motocross, Turkey Trot, and many others.
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What has been your most eye opening experience in Chiropractic college?
My most eye opening experience in chiropractic college has been experiencing the true benefits of chiropractic using my own two hands. Throughout my time in school, I anxiously awaited the opportunity to treat with various conditions and contribute to their physical improvement. I spent 9 quarters, over two years, learning anatomy, physiology, philosophy, techniques, biomechanics, exam procedures, orthopedic/neurologic tests, etc. Now, it is profoundly rewarding to finally apply this knowledge in the clinical setting. The diverse patients that I have treated in the Palmer clinic, and in local homeless shelters at our outreach clinics have inspired me to reach out and help. It is the most rewarding thing that I have ever been a part of. Spreading the message of chiropractic and its benefits through effective communication has been key to my progression in this remarkable profession.
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What would you tell someone who is interested in going to Chiropractic college?
As a campus guide and active member in a large number of clubs on campus, I have had a very diversified experience in chiropractic college. A leader requires one who can pursue a challenge, use their personal qualities, motivation, and goals to impact others. My inspiration and endeavors have taught me the importance of being happy in both my personal and professional life. Chiropractic is, without a doubt, been one of the most fulfilling professions I could be a part of; and this is just the beginning. Upon being introduced to chiropractic I was enthralled through shadowing numerous doctors, asking questions, and using the best available resources one has at their fingertips. I would recommend to anyone interested in pursuing a career in Chiropractic to get out, explore your options, and find what is the best fit for you! Every person is a new door to a different world.
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What are your plans immediately after graduation?
After I graduate in December 2014, I plan to travel/backpack to my last continent; Antarctica. It has been a dream of mine since I was a kid to travel to all seven continents and I made it a personal endeavor and reward for finishing a doctoral degree. After traveling I plan to work internationally for my first year in South America in either Chile or Peru to perfect my bilingual communication skills and use my hands to heal the world. After, practicing internationally I would like to return to the states to attain my ICCSP International Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and start my own international chiropractic wellness clinics in multiple countries. Education is never ending and everyday in this profession allows for new learning experiences. I plan to continue to expand my horizons globally. I also plan to return as a treating on field clinician with Palmer College with our Sports Council.
[quote_center]The Purpose of Life is to Live a Life on Purpose.[/quote_center]
Brandon’s List of Extracurricular Activities and Involvement at Palmer’s San Jose Campus:
Sports Council President 2013
Sports Council Senior Advisor 2014
Sports Council Vice President 2012
Sports Council Website Developer/Creator
Sports Council Assistant Events Coordinator
Palmer Campus Guide
Clinic Associate – Palmer Chiropractic Clinics
Active member of SACA
Active member of Philosophy Club
Animal Chiropractic Club
SPEAK Certified
Active member of PSAF
Soft Tissue Club
Functional Fitness Club
Integrative Medicine Club Speakers and Qigong/Acupuncture
