Hours spent in the Clinic are at the heart of every Palmer College of Chiropractic student’s experience. “Clinical experience is formative,” says Dennis Marchiori, D.C., Ph.D. (`90), chancellor and CEO. “It’s where philosophy meets practice, and it’s where students begin delivering health care directly to the community. The clinic is where they become chiropractors.”
That’s why Palmer is now investing in major updates to both Main and Florida clinics.
In Port Orange, renovations will prioritize faculty offices, a student computer lab and the patient experience. “The clinic is the public face of Palmer,” says Heather Bowyer, D.C. (`06), dean of clinics at Palmer Florida. “For many people, a visit to our clinic as a patient is their first experience with Palmer, and we want that experience to be both welcoming and highly efficient.”
Patient experience will guide the remodeling of the Davenport clinic as well. The renovation of two floors in the Harold & Marie Bechtel Center will also include expanded classrooms and flexible spaces for the growth of rehabilitation therapies. “We’re designing with growth in mind,” says Tara Schulz, M.B.A., senior director of clinic operations on Palmer Main. “Student enrollment is at an all-time high, which means we have the opportunity to reach more patients than ever. This is the moment to invest in our clinics; it’s an investment in our students and the future of Palmer.”
While the two projects will be carried out independently by local designers, the spirit of collaboration between campus clinics is obvious. “You’re in a Palmer Clinic no matter where you are,” says Dr. Bowyer. “We’re all so passionate about the work and giving back to the greater good. That keeps us connected.”
Palmer’s world-class clinics wouldn’t be possible without the support of alumni and donors who generously support the College’s future. “The alumni I speak with want the very best for our students,” says Dr. Marchiori. “These upgrades are vital to our growth and the success of our students, and I know our supporters will want to get involved as we open this new chapter.”
Clinic Expansions
The Clinic updates are accompanied by long-term plans to expand outreach in Palmer’s local communities. In Florida, Palmer’s satellite clinic was closed following Hurricane Ian in 2022.
To fill that gap, Palmer is developing a business plan to create a clinic within the Deland YMCA. Located 30 minutes from campus, it will provide a whole new community and demographic access to Palmer clinical services.
“Offering services directly at the YMCA is a powerful opportunity,” says Schulz. “We’re looking at it as a model — when that goes well, we want to learn from it and find ways to implement the idea in Davenport. We’re asking, ‘How can we expand our footprint and reach the people that need us?’”
This article is part of the Palmer Nation Newsletter that is sent out to Palmer alumni donors. For more information on the Palmer Nation Newsletter, please contact the Alumni and Advancement Office at continuinged@palmer.edu.
