FEATURED STORY
CONTINUED LEARNING COULD HELP SHAPE COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDIC
Katie Johnson , DC , LAc
When students graduate and begin practice , learning doesn ’ t end there . In fact , their career paths can often evolve into new specialties and sometimes whole fields altogether . For Katie Johnson , DC , LAc , her practice specializing in functional medicine and acupuncture all started with her interest in chiropractic medicine .
“ Working with a naturopathic doctor really formed the way I practiced early on ,” said Dr . Johnson . Early in her career , she also took additional training in acupuncture , infertility , hormonal imbalances and internal disorders .
Even after graduation , continued learning opportunities like those available at National University ’ s Lincoln College of Postprofessional , Graduate and Continuing Education often lead to the discovery of these new interests .
“ The college is always adding on unique course offerings , many of which can help inspire our students ,” said Jenna Glenn , DC , ND , MS Dean , Lincoln College of Postprofessional , Graduate and Continuing Education .
Like graduates , the curriculum at the college is frequently evolving to include new topics and instructors . Its emphasis on integrative medicine also helps expose students to other health disciplines out there .
The college isn ’ t just for graduates , either . Current students have the ability to take classes , as well . Dr . Johnson said taking a class is a great way to get a taste of a certain subject matter and see if it ’ s something you want to pursue further .
“ There ’ s always something new to be learned ,” she said .
As an instructor of the Acupuncture 100 course , Dr . Johnson is constantly sharpening her own knowledge base and skills in practice .
“ I gain something from each class ,” she said . “ Whether it ’ s a new point or just becoming more comfortable performing a certain point .”
She is particularly passionate about acupuncture and its accessibility to others .
“ It ’ s almost like teaching a different language ,” she said . “ I like to make connections when I can and share as much as I can about what I experience in my own practice .
Some of Dr . Johnson ’ s early inspiration came from her father , Terry Elder , DC , a longtime National University of Health Sciences ’ instructor who retired last year .
“ I grew up around chiropractic medicine ,” she said . “ When I saw my dad help someone close to me get out of pain , I knew I wanted to help people in that way too .”
14 ALUMNEWS / SUMMER 2024