Why am I a Chiropractor? Part 3: From CDC Scientist to Chiropractor - changing my definition of health
Did you know, I haven’t always been a chiropractor? I grew up loving science. My mom bought me my first microscope when I was 8, and I remember it so vividly. It was black with silver metal parts, and it came with a few prepared slides of items to look at such as a butterfly wing and leaves. I collected a few things on my own as well to look at and inspect in minute detail. Who would have thought that simple item would have sparked a life-long journey of science for me? From completing and winning several science fairs in high school, to earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of Georgia, to working at a microbiology laboratory upon graduation, and to eventually making it to my dream career as a scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, science has always been a part of my life.
My first position at the CDC was working as a fellow with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. I started working in the Newborn Screening and Molecular Biology Branch with the Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program. I worked in a laboratory and prepared quality control blood spot samples for public health laboratories to ensure accurate results. I was able to work on some research studies too and be published in the journal Clinical Biochemistry The stability of markers in dried-blood spots for recommended newborn screening disorders in the United States Come to find out, my picture is still on the website! NSQAP 😊 Yep – that’s me pipetting blood!! I eventually became a laboratory supervisor working on the National Birth Defects Prevention Study where my team analyzed DNA samples of newborns with birth defects. I spent six years there, and in that time, a lot of life happened including having my two boys.
As mentioned in Part 1 and Part 2 of my Why am I a Chiropractor series (which I suggest you make sure to read those previous blog posts too 😊) I mentioned how chiropractic care played a vital role in helping me prepare for the pregnancy, labor, and delivery that I wanted, and then it continued to play a vital role in my family’s health and wellbeing. When I started to bring my children in for chiropractic care, they no longer suffered from asthma and constipation. Seeing the health of my children flourish while under chiropractic care is what sparked my desire to quit my job and go back to school for my doctorate. Yes, that sounds crazy, to go back to school with a 9 month old and a 3 year old, and most people don’t necessarily quit their job for a new adventure just because their family feels better……..but I was beginning to realize that just because people and medial professionals were telling me that certain childhood conditions were common, doesn’t mean they’re normal. Remember that love of science I talked about? I knew that just studying and learning about the nervous system and physiology, anatomy, and chiropractic wasn’t going to be enough; I needed to immerse myself in it, and really grasp the principles of chiropractic.
So, when I tell people that I used to work at the CDC, the most common response I get is, “wow – that’s a big change”, I really don’t think it is. There’s a science, philosophy, and art to chiropractic however, I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t had the life experiences that brought me here. I am thankful for my time at the CDC which has given me a unique perspective on what it means to be healthy. I learned to question and analyze data. I learned to problem solve and how to work well with others. I was also constantly surrounded by people who were smarter than me, who had more experience than me, and whom I learned a great deal from. I’ve also learned that you are in charge of your own health and the health of your family. No one else will invest in it. It’s up to you to decide what it means to be healthy. In the book Diet Wise, Prof. Keith Scott-Mumby defines good health as more than the lack of disease. “Abundant energy, well-being, clarity of thinking and zest should be your lot”. “A positive sense of well-being with plenty of energy always ready for use is what should be regarded as normal health”.
Although my job duties at the CDC were fulfilling and beneficial to others, I switched careers in the hopes of being able to give back to others what I had been blessed with through chiropractic care. I now get to interact face to face with others, and really play a part in each patient’s health journey. My definition of health has progressed form just the mere lack of disease and symptoms to a life of optimal function and vitality free from subluxations and nervous system irritation. I am so grateful that my love of science has taken me along this journey!
When you come in for your adjustment, let me know what your definition of health is.
Dr. Shannon