Wren Burton, D.C. (West, ’20) was recently selected as the first chiropractic research fellow at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This fellowship aims to advance chiropractic research through cultivating and mentoring in a three-year postdoctoral program that’s focused on the development of research skills to support a career as an independent researcher in clinical musculoskeletal health or pain-management research.
As the first in this role, Dr. Burton credits her alma mater in helping her prepare for this prestigious fellowship. “Palmer West was integral in a lot of the decisions that I have made as far as research and getting interested in it, which led me to apply.”
Being the first and only chiropractor to receive this designation is a milestone both for Dr. Burton and the chiropractic profession. And as this recent Palmer West graduate embarks on this new path, she reflects on the journey that brought her here: a love for science and a desire to help people.
“I received chiropractic care following a car accident in high school, so I experienced first-hand the impact that this type of care can have on an individual,” Dr. Burton says. “As I explored potential career paths, I knew I wanted to be happy, passionate about my work, and I wanted to help people. This was a clear choice.”
“I was drawn to Palmer West first because of the sports council, but as I learned more, I became impressed by the small class size and the evidence-based and up-to-date curriculum that Palmer College offers.”
Dr. Burton was very active on campus during her time at Palmer West, and this presented her with many opportunities. She participated in the Student California Chiropractic Association (SCCA), Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA), and earned a clerkship position with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs in the fall of 2020.
“My experience working in the V.A. allowed me to work with a unique patient population and gain clinical experience from mentors who really care and pushed me to be better.”
While her clerkship experience was a significant moment in her education, even bigger news was yet to come. The day after she graduated, she received a call from Christine Goertz, D.C., Ph.D. who offered Dr. Burton a chance to work on a project with her at Duke University on the implementation of best practices in spine care. She accepted the offer and is currently in Minneapolis working remotely as a research assistant/consultant.
When the summer arrives Dr. Burton will be taking her skills to the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Harvard School of Public Health as the first Chiropractor Research Fellow in clinical effectiveness.
“I will also be able to work with the other fellows, who are from all different disciplines and backgrounds and the faculty to design, conduct, present, and eventually publish original investigative research projects.”
Dr. Burton’s love for research and drive to help people has led her to places she never imagined – and this is only the beginning.
