July 13, 2022
The 41st annual conference of the Association for the History of Chiropractic was held on June 18, 2022, at Cleveland University in Overland Park, Kansas. The recipients of the William S. Rehm Medal and the Gibbons-Wardwell Medal for excellence in history are both students at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
Both awards are given for an outstanding unpublished essay by a single author on any topic in the history of chiropractic. The essay must be the result of original research or show an unusual appreciation and understanding of problems in the history of chiropractic. The essay must demonstrate quality of writing, appropriate use of sources and ability to address themes of historical significance.
Chiropractic students throughout the world enrolled in an accredited chiropractic college or university at the time of submission are eligible for the William S. Rehm award. The award honors William S. Rehm, D.C. (1920-2002), the father of the Association for the History of Chiropractic.
This year’s recipient for the Rehm award was Kristen Haymond for her paper titled: David, Goliath, and Chiropractic: A Victory for the Small but Mighty.
Graduate and undergraduate students, especially in the field of history, from throughout the world were invited to enter the Gibbons-Wardwell medal essay contest. The medal honors Russell W. Gibbons, B.A., F.I.C.A., D.C. (hon.), Litt. D (hon.) and Walter I. Wardwell, Ph.D., two of the most prominent chiropractic observers and historians.
Robin Ostermeier was the recipient of the Wardwell Medal. Mr. Ostermeier was an undergraduate student at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Davenport Campus when he wrote his paper, La Quiropraxia Inka: Spinal Manipulation in the Ancient Civilization of Peru
“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” said Roger Hynes, D.C., executive director for the Association for Chiropractic History. “We look forward to your future displays of academic achievement.”
