Message from Dr. Scott Donaldson, Vice President of Clinical Operations
Dear Life West Community,
I want to thank everyone for taking the current COVID-19 situation and the processes we have put in place in the Health Center seriously. Hundreds of hours of work by the Health Center faculty, staff and administration during the past two weeks have allowed the Health Center to move forward in serving our community.
Dr. Lauren Clum and I had a conversation the other day, and she made a comment that is important to consider. She said, “Chiropractic is a vital part of our health care ecosystem. If you remove any vital part of the system, the system suffers.” I completely agree with her assessment. We serve many important functions. Those who choose to receive chiropractic care alleviate congestion in other vital health care facilities. We will continue to do our part in service to our community.
A lot of interns have questions about what is going on in the Health Center, and how they will complete their requirements on time. I want you to know that at every level, the president, the faculty, and the administration understand the pressure our interns are experiencing. We know the concerns about completing on time, potentially having to stay an additional quarter or quarters, and having to incur additional costs, along with the possibility of a delay in licensure. All of these things are important to us as well.
I wish we had all the answers and solutions completely worked out. I can let you know that we are in contact with the CCE and the state of California on a regular, if not daily, basis, to best coordinate on moving forward and helping our current students continue their timely progression. We worked closely as an administrative team this week to make sure that our interns who were ready to graduate, but could not complete requirements and check out due to the closure and changing circumstances, have been checked out of the clinic. We ensured that all students who checked out met competency requirements. Others who would have been ready to go out on preceptorships were treated similarly. Students in Student Clinic 2 during Winter 2020 were given similar consideration and will be entering Outpatient Care upon return.
We realize that the events happening now will have an effect on our interns for quite some time. Please know that we are in this with you and for you, and we will be working to get the Health Center back to full speed, ensuring your success along the way.
Do not hesitate to contact me, your mentor or anyone on the Health Center team directly. We are here, some literally and some virtually, to help you.
Yours in Health,
Scott Donaldson, DC, EdD
Vice President of Clinical Operations