National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) welcomed back alumni last weekend during Homecoming 2023. This year’s theme was “Welcome Home.”
“The theme encompasses that nostalgia and reminiscing moment for our alums,” said Katrina Rieger, Assistant Director of Alumni and Development. “This is where their journey began.”
Alumni enjoyed two days filled with guest speakers, networking and reminiscing with past classmates. Alumni also gained continuing education hours in the fields of chiropractic, naturopathic, acupuncture and herbal medicine professions.
The speakers included Lauren Teisser, ND, and Jill Crista, ND, both well-known for their expertise on health issues involving mold. Robert G. Silverman, DC, MS, DABCN, DCBCN, a functional nutrition expert, provided 3 lectures along with a book signing for his latest book. About 30 different vendors participated in the exhibitor hall.
On Friday, NUHS researchers presented updates on their latest research accomplishments. Presenters included NUHS faculty members Drs. Claire Johnson, DC, MSEd, PhD, DACBSP, FICC, Brett Martin, DC, MSAc, Andrew Serlin, DC, and Gregory D. Cramer, DC, Ph.D.
Dr. Cramer, NUHS Dean of Research, discussed studies on Zygapophyseal Joint Crepitus, or joint sounds. The latest study, funded by the NCMIC Foundation, tested an automated method of assessment of crepitus on human subjects and whether it could be as reliable as human observers. In the last 18 months, NUHS researchers performed various testing on 12 human subjects.
“We found substantial relatability between the human observers and the automated method,” Dr. Cramer said. “The automated method was up to 52 times faster than the human observers.”
The next step is to conduct a machine learning project to train the automated method to identify more subtle forms of crepitus that humans can identify.
“This would take a larger population and we’d like to combine this with diagnostic ultrasound,” Dr. Cramer said. “This would allow us to continue to study crepitus as a biomarker for z-joint function. One potential use of this would be to identify high responders of various types of spinal manipulation.”
At the President’s Luncheon, NUHS President Joseph Stiefel, MS, EdD, DC, discussed the achievements of the university. He shared some of the upcoming campus improvements involving new signage and various projects in Janse Hall, the Whole Health Center, Lincoln Hall, etc.
Dr. Stiefel also handed out several awards to the university’s many outstanding alumni.
“People are what make this university great for so many years and you all coming back and participating in Homecoming is part of that long legacy,” he said.
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