The 43rd annual conference of the Association for the History of Chiropractic was held on June 15, 2024, at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida. During the conference, two students from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa received the William S. Rehm Medal and the Gibbons-Wardwell Medal for excellence in history.
Both awards are given for an outstanding unpublished essay by a single author on any topic in the history of chiropractic.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 founder of the Association for the History of Chiropractic.
This year’s recipient of the Rehm award was Lisa Horton for her paper titled: Influences on Pediatric Chiropractic: Maxine McMullen, D.C.
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., FICA, D.C. (hon.), Litt. D (hon.) and Walter I. Wardwell, Ph.D., two of the most prominent chiropractic observers and historians.
Hannah Schoenberger was the recipient of the Wardwell Medal for her paper, “Adjusting Misconceptions: A Historical Analysis of The Great Debate of 1979.”
“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.”
In addition to the students who were recognized at this event, two prominent Doctors of Chiropractic were recognized for their achievements.
Michael Chance, D.C., received the Dr. William Holmberg Best Presentation award for his presentation on the history of the Chance family. And Louis Sportelli, D.C., received the Lee-Homewood Lifetime Achievement Award.
