We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Lisa Palmer, DC, MS a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lisa, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an anecdote or story from your schooling/training that you feel illustrates what the overall experience was like?

I went to the University of Western States (UWS) in Portland, Oregon for my graduate program. Other than being immersed in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, it was the place where I created a foundation for my chiropractic career and future business. My program was the equivalent of a four-year program, but was done in three years because we went year round (without taking summer’s off). One of the reasons I was drawn to UWS had to do with it being evidence-based. I knew I would get a well-rounded education and the differential diagnosis skills that would help me support my patients the best.

One thing that I like to share is that I completed both my Doctorate and Master’s degree while at UWS. This made for some really late nights and long weekends, but I wouldn’t trade it. Because of that, I am able to help my patients by implementing other techniques that I learned while completing my sports medicine master’s degree. Another thing that many don’t know is that while in school I completed a nine month cadaver dissection lab for my anatomy & physiology courses. This really fueled my love for anatomy on a deeper level. Be prepared to get some level of education using my digital anatomy atlas in your visits with me!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

One of the things that I am most proud of is that I have created a space where my patients can come and feel seen, safe, and heard. I am proud that I have created a concierge-style practice where all of my appointments are one-on-one with me. I have been told by some patients that it is something that sets me apart from other offices.

Something I would want others to know about what makes my office different is that I am your healthcare teammate. I have always believed that in conservative care you should have a teammate in your corner. Someone that will help support you in a chiropractic setting, but also by being a resource and making referrals as needed for other alternative therapies that may be a better fit.

I think that something that shaped me in my childhood was the characteristic of honesty. Maybe it was the fact that I grew up with a police officer for a father… But I am incredibly passionate about honesty and ethics. I don’t try to sell people on long term treatment plans. In fact, I have patients that have returned after years of not working with me because they had been doing better but come back because that trust has been established.

How did I become interested in working on the human body? Well, I have always been a hands on learner. I remember being immediately captivated the first time I sat through an anatomy lecture. Everything just made sense to me. If I could envision it happening in my own body from a biomechanic standpoint, then I could visualize how that could impact a patient in my office. It could be something as simple as a muscle tear or something as complex as stenosis causing radicular symptoms.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think that having experiences as a collegiate athlete has helped shape my success in my field. I am able to relate to a lot of my patients going through something really hard having had my own fair share of injuries and aches/pains. Aside from the empathy I provide, I know what works and what doesn’t. And if I don’t know the answer, I am incredibly motivated to find it on your behalf because I am a solutions-oriented provider. I also understand that aside from the physical component there is usually a mental component, as well. I am able to have really difficult conversations and give grace or tough love where it is needed.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The biggest occurrence in recent years that has tested my resiliency was that I was diagnosed with three blood clots in my leg. I went to the emergency room after developing calf pain, swelling, redness, and limited ankle range of motion which caused me to limp. I was placed on blood thinners and established care with a hematologist, a cardiologist, and a high-risk obstetrician.

This is something that shook the ground where I stood. As a young healthcare professional who focuses on trying to live a healthy lifestyle between diet and exercise, it was a somber experience that led me to realize that I am only human. That I could be doing everything I believe is right and bad things can still happen.

This experience highlighted that it was my turn to create a healthcare team for myself, just like I encourage my patients to do. It taught me how to advocate for my health and ask other providers tough questions. It allowed me firsthand experience to improve my differential diagnosis skills for my own patients.

It taught me that it’s not about what happens to you, but it’s about how you respond. Bad things will happen and all you can do it try your best to learn from it and channel it into something positive. I have done that by trying to help spread awareness when/how I can. And I ended up channeling that mindset into running my first half marathon 14 months after my diagnosis.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.peakandvalleychiro.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr_luhluhluhlisa/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/peakandvalleychiropractic
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/peakandvalleychiro/

Image Credits
Photographer- Stephanie Tassone Creative