West alum heading to 2018 Winter Games as Canadian Olympic-team chiropractor

Mike Caione, D.C., (West, ’12) was recently appointed as one of the chiropractors to provide care for members of the Canadian team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, Feb. 9-25, 2018.

Dr. Caione maintains his practice at Back and Body Health in Calgary. He was nominated for consideration as a member of the Canadian medical team based on the care that he’s provided the past two years as chiropractor for the Canadian men’s curling team (which won the World Men’s Championship in 2016).

The news of his official appointment ignited a wave of varying emotions.

“First, I was in shock; quickly followed by excitement; and then an overwhelming sense of pride,” said Dr. Caione, who also is a member of the Canadian Pro Rodeo Sports Medicine Team.

Following eight years as an athletic therapist, and six years in practice as a D.C., earning an Olympic appointment ranks as the proudest moment of Dr. Caione’s professional career.

“It’s the Olympics, the biggest show on earth, and I honestly don’t know what to expect,” he said.

“I’m just going to try to take it all in, represent Canada, and do what I can to help the team win a medal. From a professional aspect, I’ll be working alongside some of the best therapists and doctors in Canada. I’m really looking forward to getting a chance to represent the chiropractic profession, while also learning a few things from my medical-team colleagues.”

After several years working as an athletic therapist, Dr. Caione decided to enter the chiropractic profession after working with several D.C.’s, and seeing how expanding his collective set of skills could better serve his clients/patients.

When it came to choosing which college to attend, he said it was an easy decision.

“Anyone who is considering a career in the chiropractic profession, and has an interest in working with athletes, has to place Palmer West at the top of their list of schools,” said the former Sports Council executive officer.

“The West program is evidence-based; they are open to other forms of therapy; and there’s a strong, respected Sports Council program. These are the things that set Palmer West above the other schools I was considering. The fact the campus is located in California didn’t hurt, either!”

Dr. Caione is proud to become the latest West alumnus appointed to provide care for members of the Canadian teams at an Olympic games – a distinguished list that includes Richard Robinson, D.C. (West ’96), who has provided care at four Olympics, and Gregory Uchacz, D.C. (West ’92), who has provided care at three.

“Earning an appointment to provide care at a major sporting event – professional, collegiate, Olympics – starts with the education,” he added.

“The fact that multiple West alumni have earned these types of appointments, around the world, proves the quality of the education that Palmer provides.”