by Paul Liechty, D.C. (Main, ’76)
My chiropractic journey started with a visit to Roy Ottinger, D.C. (Main, ’50), when I was 10 years old. I suffered a lower-back injury while carrying milk cans on my dad’s farm in North Dakota. My mom, who’d been getting adjustments since childhood, knew a chiropractor could help.
Then in 1971, I rolled a car on a racetrack and ended up in a week-long coma with a fractured skull and loss of strength in my left arm. Six months after the accident, I paid another visit to Dr. Ottinger. Not only did he restore strength to my arm, but he also relieved the allergies and asthma attacks that I’d long suffered from. He explained to me that “subluxation in the upper neck impacts the immune system, which causes wheezing and asthma attacks.” After that, I knew I wanted to be a chiropractor.
My brother-in-law, Jim Syvrud, D.C. (Main, ’77), and my sister, Mary, encouraged me to come and visit the Palmer campus while Jim was in school. It didn’t take long for me to figure out Palmer was where I belonged. What impressed me most (and still does) about chiropractic was the philosophy. Galen Price, D.C. (Main, ’36), and Virgil Strang, D.C. (Main, ’51), had a profound impact on me. Sitting in Dr. Price’s philosophy class, learning about how the body functions and innate intelligence all made sense to me. It became my passion.
Why am I telling my story? My story — our story — is my reason for giving back. To give back means “to provide help or financial assistance to others in appreciation of one’s own success or good fortune.” I’m showing my appreciation for what Palmer College has done for me, for my family. I’ve spent 45 years in practice and have no plans to slow down. My wife, Sherri, plays a vital role in our practices. My son, Dr. Micah (Main, ’08), joined us after graduation before practicing in Colorado and ultimately opening his own practice in Wisconsin. My nephew, Jordan Jensen, D.C. (Main, ’18), is a successful practitioner in Alabama.
Palmer College is important to us. It’s part of our family. Palmer is truly the leading force in chiropractic in the world, and if Palmer doesn’t succeed in turning out quality chiropractors, the world will suffer.
Why do we give back? Because we believe in the mission of Palmer College. Do you?
