Maranda Kleppe, D.C., (’22), is taking the next step in her career as a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar at Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research (PCCR), the most highly-funded chiropractic research effort in the nation.

After graduating from Palmer Main as valedictorian, Dr. Kleppe ventured into private practice, where she honed her clinical skills. However, her passion for learning and academia soon called her back to a more scholarly path.

“While clinical practice was fulfilling, I found myself missing the educational aspect,” Dr. Kleppe said. This realization led her to a significant career pivot—entering the world of chiropractic research as a Post-Doctoral Research Scholar under the mentorship of Robert Vining, D.C., D.H.Sc., associate dean of clinical research with the PCCR.

Dr. Kleppe noted, “Palmer College’s curriculum provided me with courses and assignments that built a good knowledge base for my current position. Courses such as Foundations of Evidence-Based Clinical Practice equipped me with the basic skills needed to interpret and understand research, laying the groundwork for my current and future projects.”

In her current role, which began just eight months ago, Dr. Kleppe is immersed in a rigorous program designed to train and prepare chiropractic graduates for research careers. Her days are a blend of attending conferences and trainings, engaging in study team meetings for NIH-funded clinical trials, developing evidence summaries of scientific publications, and completing various tasks for her current research projects. This position, she noted, is pivotal for her growth, allowing her to collaborate with colleagues and participate in programs like the RAND REACH Research Methods Bootcamp.

“I was also selected to participate as a RAND REACH Scholar, a program designed to support emerging clinician scientists to build research proficiency and expand their research network. This two-year program requires an institutional commitment of 20% of my time and effort dedicated to formal coursework on research design, biostatistics, and dissemination and implementation science. The combination of experience, knowledge, and mentorship gained through research roles is invaluable,” Dr. Kleppe said.

Looking ahead, she aims to continue her academic journey, possibly through a Ph.D. program, aspiring to become an independent investigator and a leader in chiropractic research.

Dr. Kleppe’s research involvement includes validating quality indicators for chiropractic care and exploring patient safety culture within the profession. These projects contribute to the field’s body of knowledge and align with her goal of elevating chiropractic practice through evidence-based data.

In-progress works:

1. Validating Quality Indicators for Chiropractic Care:
   A Delphi Consensus Panel
   Principal Investigator: Robert Vining, D.C., D.H.Sc.,
   ongoing
   Role: Co-Investigator
2. Essential Quality Indicators for Chiropractic Care: A national survey of U.S. chiropractors
   Co-Principal Investigator: Robert Vining, D.C., D.H.Sc.,
   ongoing
   Role: Co-Principal Investigator
3. Patient Safety Culture Research within the
   Chiropractic Profession: a Scoping Review
   Principal Investigator: Katherine Pohlman, D.C., M.S., Ph.D.,
   ongoing
   Role: Co-Investigator