We got in touch with Paul Zemba, a student at Palmer Main’s campus in Davenport, Iowa to learn more about why he chose Palmer and what it’s like to be a student. Check out his Q&A!
Q: What, or who, inspired you to be a chiropractor?
A: I was raised on chiropractic care thanks to my dad. I’ve been an athlete my whole life (cross country, track, wrestling, martial arts) and was simultaneously getting adjusted my entire life. I’ve lived injury-free thanks to my regular chiropractic care from an early age. My brother and cousin also went on to be chiropractors so I guess you could say that it runs in the family!
We grew up in western rural Kentucky. I remember hearing my dad’s patients telling me the wonderful things he was able to give them more of – more mobility, more pain-free days. I often heard, “If not for your dad, I wouldn’t be able to walk.”
My dad passed away when I was young, so seeing my brother and cousin continue to practice that dream of making people feel better and live less restricted lifestyles solidified my dream. I wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and continue his legacy. I knew I wanted to give other people the same opportunity I had to be free from pain and injury.
Q: What you like to do in your free time?
A: There are a couple of classes hitting me pretty hard so I typically relieve stress by working out or doing mindless activities, such as streaming Netflix and surfing the web for workouts. Palmer has one of the nicest gyms I’ve ever worked out in! I also like to hit the local bike paths when it’s nice out.
Q: I understand you were involved with the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research even before you were accepted to Palmer. How did that come to be and what made you want to get involved in chiropractic research?
A: I wanted to explore the field of research during my undergraduate schooling to see whether I liked it. I also knew that I wanted to attend Palmer (since my dad graduated from there) so it made sense to reach out and see if there were any opportunities. At the end of my junior year at Cornell College, I emailed the Dean of Research and, to my surprise, she offered me a summer position.
I enjoyed my summer there doing lab research with Dr. Onifer and Dr. Shannon. We studied pain management and the absence of pain.
Q: What clubs are you involved in, if any?
I just started with the Knee and Chest Club three weeks ago! They’re focused on the upper cervical area, adjusting only C1 and C2. It’s interesting because upper cervical patients get adjusted in a completely different position and only in that one area.
Practicing technique breaks up my academic work. Not only that, I get to interact with both peers and upperclassmen and extrapolate from their experiences.
Q: What’s your favorite part of living in the Quad Cities?
A: It’s definitely bigger than anywhere else I’ve lived! Coming from the country, it’s awesome to be half a mile from grocery stores and restaurants. I’m loving the bike trails and local parks, too.
Q: What has been your favorite Palmer experience so far?
A: The Knee and Chest Club is my favorite so far. I love being around other, like-minded people with similar philosophies. There are probably 15-20 members and a handful of them are also first trimester students. It’s not often that a first-tri student gets actual patient interaction!
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is considering applying to Palmer?
A: My advice for any incoming students is to keep the throttle on. It may be tempting to rest coming out of your undergraduate program but just keep going. It won’t be easy and you need that time to prepare for the trials and tribulations of Palmer’s top-notch chiropractic program. Don’t underestimate the course load, even as a first-trimester student! Get involved with your admissions counselor on the way in, too, as they make everything super easy. It may feel like it, but you aren’t alone!
Q: Do you have a favorite epigram?
A: “There is no effect without a cause. Chiropractors adjust causes. Others treat effects.” – BJ Palmer
Q: What do you hope to do after graduation?
A: I look forward to either joining the family practice and/or starting one of my own someday. I’d really love to work with athletes since I’ve been one my entire life and know the power of chiropractic care. My girlfriend is from out west near the mountains, so I could see starting my own practice out there one day.
Q: Any last thoughts for new students?
A: You’re not alone! The classes are designed to be tough but you have peers going through the same exact struggles. Talk to your classmates, and you’ll realize it’s tough for everyone and that you’re not doing so bad after all. That was huge for me and took a big weight off my shoulders!
Palmer College of Chiropractic is the first and largest chiropractic college. More chiropractors have graduated from Palmer than any other chiropractic institution. Interested in learning more about attending Palmer College? Visit palmer.edu.
