Brittany Pase, a 13th quarter student at Palmer Florida, grew up in a military family and always wanted to serve those who served us. “I knew I wanted to be in health care but wasn’t sure in what capacity. While I was under chiropractic care, I quickly realized that my health care philosophy aligned with theirs and that I was passionate about conservative care.”
When she started at Palmer Florida, she quickly realized she wanted to take part in the Department of Defense / Veteran’s Affairs (DoD/VA) rotation. “I knew that the VA is a highly-integrated setting that would give me an opportunity to participate in clinical research and engage with other health professionals on a regular basis.”
Pase is one of two chiropractic students in the Integrative Wellness Center at the Lake Baldwin/Lake Nona VA Medical Center, which is a part of the Orlando VA Medical Center’s Whole Health Program. “I perform chiropractic consultations for patients within the VA system as part of the Integrated Wellness Center and deliver evidence-based chiropractic care to patients. I actively participate in research projects alongside clinicians and fellow students, and participate in relevant clinical rotations including physical therapy, physiatry and primary care.” All the patients are co-managed with other physicians, making it a multidisciplinary setting.
“The clinical experience is priceless, regardless of your aspirations after graduation. Seeing the large quantity of patients with many different complexities has assured me that I am ready for whatever walks through the door.”
“Working with the veteran population is highly rigorous, challenging and rewarding. It requires discipline and humility, patience and steadfastness, but it is one of the most rewarding programs.”
Once Pase graduates in December 2022, she’ll be heading off to Rapid City, South Dakota where she’ll be the sole chiropractor at the community-based outreach clinic within the Black Hills VA. Once there, she hopes to expand the research and education at that site and even serve as a preceptor for future students.
The VA/DoD rotation through Palmer College allows qualified students to obtain part of their clinical training by serving in one of more than 50 DoD/VA hospitals or clinics across the country. Through these rotations, students learn how Doctors of Chiropractic Work with medical professionals across disciplines for the benefit of the patient. Learn more about the DoD/VA student rotation program at www.palmer.edu/dod/.
