Instructor: Simon Senzon, MA, DC
4 Credit Hours
Course Description & Objectives: The student will learn the relevant facts about the life of B.J. Palmer, the chiropractic pioneer. As the son of chiropractic’s founder, D.D. Palmer, B.J. Palmer’s career as a chiropractor spanned sixty years of the chiropractic professions early history. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Palmer’s life including his impact on the philosophy, science, art, and politics of chiropractic.
Format: Online learning with audio and PowerPoint presentations.
Approved Provinces: NL, ON, QC
Approved PACE States: AK, KS, ME, NV
Approved States: CO, CT, DE, DC, GA**, ID, IL, IA, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, RI, PA, SC, UT, VT, VA, VI, WA, WY
Approved Territory: PR
It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that the program is approved in the state to which they would like to receive credit.
*Approval of this course is not acknowledgment or ruling by the Board that the methods taught in this course are recognized and approved by the Board as the appropriate practice of chiropractic as defined in Section 331.010, RSMo.
**Georgia has approved a maximum of 3 credit hours under the category of philosophy.
“Postgraduate programs sponsored, co-sponsored or hosted by Sherman College of Chiropractic may not always reflect the views of the college or its employees.”
Chiropractic Principles 124:
B.J. Palmer's Early Years
This lecture describes the impact of B.J. Palmer’s childhood and early years on the future of chiropractic. The first decade of chiropractic in the early 1900s shaped the profession in important ways. Some of the pivotal events from this era stemmed included conflicts between B.J. Palmer and his father D.D. Palmer, founder of chiropractic. Important elements during these early years included the legal challenges of early chiropractors. The early legal battles shaped chiropractic theory. These events are still described in the literature because they are still relevant to understanding modern chiropractic practice. The early years of chiropractic peaked in the 1920s, which were known as chiropractic’s Golden Years.
Chiropractic Principles 125:
B.J. Palmer's Middle Years
B.J. Palmer pioneered instrumentation in chiropractic. His introduction of thermography was a turning point in the profession. Palmer also pioneered advertising in chiropractic in several ways. The most significant one was his use of radio. Many historians view this era of Palmer’s life as the peak of his leadership. Few historians have noted the importance of Palmer’s world travels and his research in the B.J. Palmer Research Clinic on the development of his theory. Many chiropractic practices and theories today have foundations in these aspects of Palmer’s work.
Chiropractic Principles 126:
B.J. Palmer’s Later Years
In B.J. Palmer’s final years he codified many of his previous theories on chiropractic and subluxation. He also developed some new philosophical approaches that would impact the profession in fascinating ways. Palmer’s ideas during this period pioneered concepts of human growth and human potential, ideas that would later become hallmarks of the wellness culture. Understanding his extensive final writings is important for all modern chiropractors as many of his ideas have yet to be systematically explored in the profession.
Chiropractic Principles 127:
B.J. Palmer on Growth and Success
B.J. Palmer’s writings on marketing and sales integrated his philosophy of chiropractic with his unique approach to selling chiropractic. His classic text called “Selling Yourself” helped to define many of his core ideas. Central to this approach is a unique and intuitive style to personal management and business promotion. By understanding these ideas modern chiropractors may better understand how Palmer’s ideas are applicable to the profession’s challenges.
