From Student to Teacher

I remember studying very hard in Chiropractic college.  Back in those days, I had no one else to worry about except myself.  I could come home from school, take a short break and hit the books.  I studied a lot and with that hard work brought me a lot of perceived success.  It means I did well in school and I was able to maintain that level of performance all the way to graduation.  I graduated top of my class in December of 1996 with a 4.0 grade point average. 

Do I tell you this story to impress you? No way!  I tell you this story, because there has never been a patient that has ever asked me how well I did in school.  When you eventually get into student clinic and then out into the field to work for a living, the patients are only going to care if you can help them feel better.  The patients want their pain to go away and you are the one they are looking to for help.

Does this mean getting good grades in school is meaningless? Of course not.  Work hard in school; learn your material, but keep your eye on the prize.  You need to arm yourself with as many tools for success as possible.  Sign up for technique electives when they are offered.  Go to technique and practice seminars to learn more information at great student prices (some seminars are even FREE for students—so take advantage!).  Go volunteer or observe with Chiropractors practicing nearby to see how offices are run. 

Grades are important but so is learning how to be a great Chiropractor.  Get your head out of the books every so often so you can look around and take advantage of all that you have access to as a student.

My name is Dr. Kevin M. Wong and I wanted to say hello to all of you who have chosen to read my blog, “From Student to Teacher.”  I also wanted to thank Amy Mitchell, Editor of Student DC.com, for asking me to be an online contributor.  Here is just a short bit about me and why I am here.

I am a 1996 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic West in
San Jose, CA.  After graduation, I practiced part time while also teaching in the classroom and the student clinics at PCCW. In 2000, I left PCCW and entered full time practice in my hometown of
Orinda, CA.  I began teaching technique courses to field Chiropractors and have been teaching ever since.  I have been an instructor for Foot Levelers’ seminar series for over 3 years now and my 12 hour seminar focuses on the feet and extremities.  I also teach courses for the International Chiropractic Association of California.

On a personal note, I have been married for 8 years to my wife (also a Chiropractor) and we have two children, a 5 year old son and a 2 year old daughter. 

I enjoyed my days as a student and an instructor at Palmer West.  I also love being in full time practice and teaching continuing education.  The experience and insights I have gained from over 11 years of practice and being an instructor form the basis for what I offer you in my blogs. I want to make sure that you as students make the transition to becoming a doctor as smooth as possible.  I will do my part to provide information useful to you as you move through your Chiropractic education and eventually leave the hallowed hallways of your school and go out in the field.

Thus I am relying on your feedback and questions to help me provide information that you want to hear about.  Please feel free to ask me questions on any school or practice related topic.  I am here for you and I am listening.  I look forward to talking to you.

Kevin M. Wong, D.C.