Jonathan Verderame is currently a student at Palmer College of Chiropractic and a budding Upper Cervical Chiropractor. I wanted to interview him because he has made a couple impressive videos that I have featured. I wanted to get another student’s perspective on life in chiropractic school, seeing as how I’ve been out of it for so long (yeah right… since last August).
I’m grateful Jonathan could take time out of his busy school schedule to answer some questions for The Atlas of Life.
Dr. Harshe: What made you decide to become a chiropractor?
Jonathan: “My father was in a debilitating car accident resulting in vertigo/migraines, and the only relief he obtained was through a chiropractor.
Ironically, my personal testimony is relief from low back pain and depression.
I now understand that low back pain is correlated with a SHRINKAGE of the BRAIN according to researcher A. Vania Apkarian from the Nov. 23, 2004 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
The more questions I asked the more I fell in love with chiropractic. Nonetheless it was in the quality of the question that I asked about myself and the universe that attracted me to Palmer. So rather than take the path of least resistance I started 1st trimester at 21 years old.”
Dr. Harshe: How has it been since you started at Palmer?
Jonathan: “At times, Palmer has been slightly better than a JAB in the eye with a sharp stick.
If it wasn’t for subsequent information obtained outside of Palmer, I may be just as confused as my class mates about what chiropractic is and consequently following the herd to the SLAUGHTER HOUSE rather than the open field.
In addition, the utter lack of respect from my family for the intensity of the program is also remarkable. I simply quote the following about the comparison of CHIROPRACTIC AND MEDICAL EDUCATION and they begin to understand:
“Regarding the basic sciences, these programs are more similar than dissimilar, both in the types of subjects offered and in the time allotted to each subject. The programs also share some common areas in the clinical sciences1.”
With the heavy load aside, I also keep busy guarding the sacred trust of BJ Palmer as the book manager of www.dscbooks.com. Here Delta Sigma Chi has copy rights to reprint some of BJ Palmer’s green books, which we sell all over the world. This is evidence that chiropractors are thirsty for something different, and Upper Cervical Chiropractic is the answer.”
Dr. Harshe: What led you to upper cervical and what technique interests you most?
Jonathan: “I came to Palmer with the idea that Gonstead was chiropractic.
I had no idea what upper cervical care was until I joined Delta Sigma Chi, wherein my pledge brothers as well as the members enlightened me. I am continuously blessed to be surrounded by some of the most emanate docs in North America, who understand specific Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
A current member of the fraternity is performing the follow up NUCCA Hypertension study at Palmer; just two examples of the countless leaders of the profession who have made a huge impact in my life.
The final truth about the magnitude and importance of performing only specific upper cervical care arrived last November when I discovered a mom had died following an adjustment:
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/local_news/091123-mom-dies-after-a-chiropractic-adjustment
Technique:
I have a deep respect for NUCCA, yet Blair resonates with me the most. I also want to learn more about adjusting toggle with a solid head piece, and of course what BJ Palmer was performing in his Research clinic.”
Dr. Harshe: You have created several well made videos on chiropractic. What prompted you to do so?
Jonathan: “’Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise.’
I understand the importance of marketing my self as early as possible. Additionally, I have found no videos that can articulate Upper Cervical better or more entertaining than what I am working on. (aside from The Power of Upper Cervical!)”
Dr. Harshe: What kind of response have you gotten from the videos you have created?
Jonathan: “Positive and positive. Both on facebook, youtube and on campus. One individual from Greece has contacted me expressing his gratitude.”
Dr. Harshe: What are your future plans?
Jonathan: “’For you have in your possession a sacred trust, guard it well.’ – BJ Palmer
I will continue to guard and expand chiropractic, and hopefully connect with some medical doctors back in Rochester MN at the Mayo Clinic and reignite the connection that was once there with BJ Palmer. A lot can happen in the next 2 years so I may decide to practice somewhere warmer to first gain experience and age.
Dr. Harshe: What do you envision for the future of Upper Cervical Chiropractic?
Jonathan: “I see the Atlas Subluxation Complex as a household word.
The public is ready for a change. We are literally the sickest species on the planet according to our fertility rates, longevity rates, and infant mortality rates and we are nearly on the endangered species list according Dr. Chestnut.
Aside from toxicity and deficiency (which is in the scope of chiropractic if you trust Stephenson’s definition: “philosophy science and art of things natural…”), the third and most important is reversing the damage that is a result of cervical trauma. No other health professional is qualified to correct the atlas like us!
Thus chiropractors will become the most respected Doctors on earth as long as we unite to remove interference, promote the innate intelligence of the body, and conduct ourselves with thoughtfulness and integrity.”
1. Altern. Ther. Health Med.”A comparative study of chiropractic and medical education.” 1998 Sep;4(5):64-75
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great up and coming doc to add to the ranks. Reminds me a bit of myself while in school in terms of his view of some of the various Upper Cervical techniques. Great interview Jonathan and Brandon!
Good interview, and good to see that at least within the student population that upper cervical care is still strong at the Fountainhead of chiropractic.
I’m looking forward to having you in the field with us, Jonathan!
Nice interview guys!
Great interview – I’d love to know what Jonathan believes was done in the BJPCC?
Yes! Great Interview! And 21 years old? That is just awesome. Keep up the videos Jonathan. They are great and only going to get better!
Thank you for the kind remarks, I need some inspiration to get me through this medical….I mean chiropractic education.
Brandon~ Keep it up bro.
Nice interview. We should interview some of the bloggers on here also
Thank You