Jacksonville Review – Dec 2024/Jan 2025

I HAVE COOL NEWS. There’s a new associate joining us at Jacksonville Chiropractic and Massage Clinic. His name is Justin Geyer. He graduated from North Medford High School, and he has deep family ties to Southern Oregon. He was a three-sport athlete and played college baseball prior to embarking on his chiropractic education. Many of you who have visited my office this year have had the chance to meet or be treated by Justin. He is smart and patient and kind. My wife, Jacque, and I feel thankful every day that he is joining us to start his career. We have had multiple Licensed Massage Therapist students obtain their clinical hours in our office, but Justin is the first Chiropractic Physician that has completed his education in our clinic. We now have a collaborative learning culture in our office and going to work this year has been a joy.

They say that if you really want to learn a subject to try teaching it. I haven’t had this much fun teaching since the heyday of the Jacksonville Elementary School art program! Honestly, I did feel an element of imposter syndrome in the beginning but that passed quickly. I have become very comfortable with the teaching and the learning flowing in two directions. Justin is better than me with dozens of orthopedic tests that have fallen out of my usual exam process… and his computer skills have given our paperwork a significant boost. We have had so much fun “nerding out” together developing differential diagnosis lists, interpreting imaging, and crafting impactful treatment plans. Many years as a solo practitioner have had me siloed into my own mind and this exposure to a passionate and motivated student has been invigorating.

I’ve been this town’s chiropractor for 25 years next April. A few others have come and gone but we put in the work to make it last. When I started in 2000, about half of my patients didn’t have any form of health insurance. I got pretty good at performing triage for serious health situations, since a trip to the ER could lead to financial ruin, but ignoring a cancer could lead to an even worse outcome. I always tried to be more than just someone that made joints pop!

Our clinic is like a historic diorama. Jacque works at the front desk and does the billing, and I am the physician and janitor. That type of practice used to be the norm but now it rarely exists. It has been our life’s work. There are families in town that I have seen for 4 generations. I take my responsibility seriously. I do not plan to retire soon but I do hope to take time off occasionally to travel and spend time with loved ones. Dr. Geyer is now well versed in how our business works and provides care in a way that is consistent with our high expectations. It has been a busy few years following the stress of the pandemic and the work of remodeling my clinic, and I will feel good knowing that individualized quality care is being provided even when I am spending time with my new grandbaby!