Hi Christopher. Can you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to study Chiropractic at AECC University College?
Firstly, I would like to say thank you for inviting me to be part of this edition, it’s a privilege to be here. Everyone has a different story to tell as to what sparked their interest in chiropractic, and that’s what make this profession so diverse. While my story is not your generic ACL injury, it did spark my passion for chiropractic and its integration as a multidisciplinary team. 19 years ago, a member of my family visited the GP for what was deemed to be simple mechanical low back pain. 6 months later they were referred to the AECC. Sadly, they were referred with suspicion of renal cancer which had metastasised to bone. This first-hand experience highlighted that chiropractors play a wider role within the primary healthcare sector than some may think. Some people often try and be sympathetic towards my story, as you would. However, I view this story as a negative experience with a positive outcome, a story that has driven me to help so many people within my placement at the AECC and continues to fuel my passion for chiropractic.
Outside chiropractic I am an avid sporting person, enjoying time in the gym, running, and engaging in equestrian pursuits. I am currently undertaking the IAVC course and look forward to integrating this into my practice.
You are now in your final, clinic year at AECC UC. How does this experience bridge the gap between university and the working world of a chiropractor?
The AECC clinical experience is personal. I was guided by a good friend and a fellow new graduate, who is now practicing in Norway, to spend as much time in clinic as I can, so that I did. Upon entering clinic, I generated a busy patient base purely from self-referrals, which became very full on very quickly, but through the support of the AECC’s clinical staff, I can confidently say I grew quickly because of it.
Over the past year, I have worked closely with three clinic tutors. I cannot thank them enough for their input into my development as a clinician. During my first few weeks, I had a patient with Cauda Equina Syndrome. They had been visiting the GP for months waiting for a referral, but nothing came to fruition. It was at this point I reflected and realised again that chiropractic has a wider role in healthcare than meets the eye. Without all this experience, my confidence in my transition into practice would be a whole different story.
In 2024, the BCA is focusing on building understanding and recognition of the value and expertise chiropractors bring to their local patient communities. How do student clinics and student chiropractors make a mark in their local communities and contribute towards a better MSK health in our society?
My view on the student clinic before entering was very one-dimensional. I thought of it merely as a chance to practice skills, see a few patients and find a job. However, now that I have a grasp of the full picture, not only from the extent of my patient base but also from the rest of my cohort, the student clinic is an opportunity to provide effective triage and MSK healthcare in a large volume which, unfortunately, is lacking in many communities.
While the wait time for non-urgent care according to the NHS could be up to 18 weeks from the point of referral, this is not the case at the AECC where people are usually seen within the week. Ultimately, the service provided has boosted the number of people that can be helped, especially for mechanical low back pain – the leading course of disability in the UK. The AECC rehabilitation suite is a fantastic development and something I am forever grateful to experience. It is truly heart-warming to see the elderly engaging in exercise classes and rehabilitation programs that otherwise would not be accessible to them if it was not for the AECC and the student clinic.
“Upon entering clinic, I generated a busy patient base purely from self-referrals, which became very full on very quickly, but through the support of the AECC’s clinical staff, I can confidently say I grew quickly because of it.”
Do you have an example from your undergraduate career on how you’ve made a difference in your community?
As I have touched on previously, during my first couple of weeks I had a life changing presentation of Cauda Equina Syndrome in a patient I had taken over from a previous intern. At a routine appointment I asked them how things had been, but at this point I knew this was beyond chiropractic… or was it? - I asked myself. Quickly I informed the patient of my suspicion, which was rather difficult as they are registered blind.
However, through careful navigation and comprehensive communication we referred them for an urgent MRI. I can now confirm they have had full spinal decompressive surgery and are back walking their dogs 3 miles a day - a story that could have been very different.
This reiterated the story that led to my path into chiropractic and the role of chiropractors in the broader aspect of healthcare. While chiropractic may not have been able to help this patient for their presentation of CES, the presence of a student chiropractor in the local community undoubtably did, something I am proud to put my name to.
How, from your perspective, can we ensure that more people know about these fantastic cases of chiropractors’ key role in the UK healthcare system?
Chiropractic and continuing professional development are something we are all familiar with. As part of that development this year I set out to write an evidence-based case report (EBCR) on cauda equina, alongside the watchful eyes of two clinic tutors. The aim of this report was to confirm the referral process of cauda equina at the different stages of its presentation. For people to learn from the vast bank of experience not only in our profession, but from other primary health providers, we, as students and professionals, need access to EBCRs.
When writing this EBCR I began to research the journal I wanted to publish with, however this is where I began to encounter complications. It was either extremely costly or not an appropriate publication for that journal. Since this time, I have found an appropriate journal, however, this has highlighted that the profession would benefit from an easier route to publish articles as an undergraduate with the guidance of a mentor. I really am excited for clinical practice, but I am also excited to document and integrate myself into the research and literature aspect of healthcare, ensuring more people know about these poignant cases in chiropractic clinical care. Subsequently, I am currently seeking an opportunity to complete an MRes, which I hope will be the first stepping stone in this journey.
And finally, what are your plans and aspirations for the future after you graduate? How would you like to see your career progressing moving forward?
After graduation I am excited to integrate into a family run chiropractic clinic where I am looking forward to working alongside two other chiropractors and other health professionals. I hope to build on my knowledge of alternative approaches to chiropractic, including acupuncture, shockwave, and cupping – just to name a few. I am currently pursuing the international veterinary chiropractic course and am looking forward to getting fully immersed in that over the summer months. With sports being my passion, and particularly equestrian sports, I am going to form a close-knit synergy between the two athletes, both horse and rider when I complete the course in September. Moving and thinking toward the future, I can confidently say I am not finished learning; weather this is my personal learning or assisting the learning of others. I am extremely excited to begin thinking about a part-time MRes, which I hope to begin in the next couple of years. As Tony Robbins says, ‘Setting goals is the first step in turning invisible into visible’.
We’d like to wish Christopher and all chiropractic students best of luck in their chiropractic careers. The BCA is proud to support all students and always looks forward to learning from their experiences. We would also like to record our praise for the chiropractic universities for doing a brilliant job by providing a great level of competency.