Vicki Anne Palmer
Why I support World Spine Care
As the fourth generation Palmer and past Chairman of Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees, I would like to share my thoughts as to why I support the World Spine Care mission. Let me start from the beginning.
My great grandfather, Dr. Daniel David Palmer discovered chiropractic in 1895. The educational opportunity to become a Doctor of Chiropractic began in 1897 when Palmer College of Chiropractic originated under my great grandfather, Dr. Daniel David, also known as D.D.
My grandfather, Dr. Bartlett James, also known as B.J. and my grandmother, Dr. Mabel Palmer, were also chiropractors. Following Dr. D.D. Palmer leadership, Dr. B.J. Palmer led Palmer College with Dr. Mabel Palmer as his valued advisor, lecturer, and teacher of Anatomy.
It was in the 1920s when my father, Dr. David Palmer, with his father, B.J., and mother, Mabel, began their journey around the world to lecture about this new health science, chiropractic.
When my father, Dr. David Palmer, became President of the College in 1961, he had a vision of following up on those earlier lectures by encouraging enrollment of international students. He also started a Palmer rugby team, which would emphasize sports chiropractic. Dr. Scott Haldeman was Captain of the first Palmer rugby team.
I have respected and admired Dr. Scott Haldeman for his many years of leadership and support of chiropractic, as well as his outstanding career in the healthcare profession. When I heard of Dr. Haldeman’s vision and mission to improve the lives of others in underserved communities throughout the world, providing these individuals access to the highest quality spine care through his newly created organization of World Spine Care, it aligned with my personal goal of increasing the utilization of chiropractic care to those who can benefit from conservative care. This is why I initially supported and continue to support World Spine Care.
I especially want to thank Dr. Trevor Ireland, Chairman of Palmer College Board of Trustees, and the late Mr. R. Richard Bittner, Trustee of the Bechtel Trust, for their additional support and seed funds to aid in the successful launch of World Spine Care, with its first clinic in Botswana in 2011.
Submitted by Ms. Vickie A. Palmer
Great Granddaughter of the Founder of Chiropractic
Secretary General , Palmer College of Chiropractic Board of Trustees
April 8, 2021
Vickie Anne Palmer, H.C.D. (Hon.), FPAC
The Refiner
Known as The Refiner of chiropractic, Vickie Anne Palmer, H.C.D. (Hon.), has built on her family’s heritage by continuing to lead and refine the chiropractic mission they began. Like her sisters, Bonnie Palmer McCloskey and Jenny Wren Palmer Sutton, H.C.D. (Hon.), Vickie Anne Palmer grew up on the Palmer campus, serving in a variety of positions within the College.
She joined the Palmer College Board of Trustees in 1978 and was elected chairman in 1987, serving in that role until 2008. She currently serves as secretary-general and as a member of the Executive Committee.
During her tenure as chairman of the Board, she was instrumental in developing the Palmer Chiropractic University System that includes three campuses. In 2005, the university appellation was dropped. The system is now referred to simply as Palmer College of Chiropractic – one College with three campuses. Her skills in business and in leadership have been a major factor in moving the College and chiropractic forward.
She’s a distinguished Fellow in the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic, and in 1987 she was granted an honorary Doctor of Chiropractic Humanities degree. Her tireless dedication to what her great-grandfather started, her grandfather developed and her father taught is evident in everything she does.
Palmer Rugby in 1963. World Spine Care President, Scott Haldeman, is pictured holding the ball.
A clipping shows a news article about Palmer Rugby team playing against Notre Dame in 1964. Dr. Scott Haldeman, president of World Spine Care, is pictured.
Palmer College of Chiropractic Rugby Team, 1964. Dr. Scott Haldeman (3rd from right) is the president of World Spine Care.