As chiropractors, we have such an opportunity to make an impact on musculoskeletal pain in the elderly, and it often begins with education. Fall prevention, diet and nutrition, exercise and encouraging socialization are just a few ways in which we can make a difference. Fear can be crippling, and depression is not uncommon. Dr. Rachel (Mooers) Clark, a participant in the VA chiropractic residency program, recalls that learning to communicate effectively and motivate this population is one of the greatest things she gained from her experience in the geriatric clinic at the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center in Los Angeles. 

The saying goes: If you’ve seen one VA hospital, you’ve seen one VA hospital. Across the board, there are many similarities between the chiropractic residency sites. However, each has its own flavor – making them unique in their own way. As a New Jersey native, moving to the opposite side of the country wasn’t even a question when I discovered my acceptance to the VA chiropractic residency program in Los Angeles (although retiring my snow shovel for year-round sunshine made the decision quite acceptable, let me tell you…). The opportunity to treat our nation’s veterans in this setting was a dream come true, and almost four months in, I couldn’t be happier. 

VA chiropractic resident Stephanie Halloran, DC, frequently finds herself fielding questions about her day-to-day routine in the Veterans Administration (VA) from family, friends and colleagues. The Connecticut VA Healthcare System has two chiropractic sites located in West Haven and Newington. Dr. Halloran is primarily at the West Haven campus, but spends at least every other Tuesday in Newington. Collectively she works under the guidance of Drs. Anthony Lisi, Christopher Coulis, Lauren Austin-McClellan, Nathanial Majoris, and Todd Kawecki. Although each day can vary, Dr. Halloran offers this look into a typical VA resident schedule.