NUHS Florida alum starts “Drivers Health Clinic” specialized to the trucking industry and occupational safety
Tuesday, April 14, 2020

When Bethany Dixon, DC, RD, LDN, CME, graduated from the NUHS
Florida-site in 2014, she was able to take advantage of a new
federal law that eventually helped her launch a whole new business
venture.
The new law required U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT)-mandated physicals to be performed only by physicians who
completed examinations certified and registered by the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
"I was excited that chiropractors were approved to gain this
certification," she said.
Because her father was a commercial truck driver and crane
operator, she grew up with people in the industry and had a number
of contacts. All she needed to do was complete the course and
examination requirement.
"During this time, I called my contacts in the industry and
offered onsite DOT exams and that is how Drivers
Health Clinic began," she said.
The clinic has been steadily growing ever since. After opening
two Florida clinics in Wildwood and Reddick in the last four years,
Dr. Dixon is set to open her third Florida clinic in south
Jacksonville in May. She's also in talks with doctors to open more
Drivers Health Clinics locations throughout the country.
Right from the start, Dr. Dixon was able to recognize just how
valuable chiropractic care is for truck drivers. The most common
ailments she treats include low back pain, neck pain and shoulder
pain. Although drivers sit all day, they can have repetitive motion
injuries, as well.
"The nature of their job puts their body under constant physical
stress and we are the perfect pairing for them," Dr. Dixon
said.
Since truck drivers are generally unable to take pain killers
for back pain, chiropractic medicine is an effective more natural
alternative. In addition to performing physicals and adjustments,
Dr. Dixon also counsels her patients on diet and nutrition. Before
becoming a DC, she spent several years as a registered dietitian
for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, Dr. Dixon was
eager to do something different that was more niche. Like veterans,
Dr. Dixon said truck drivers are a unique patient population who
also sacrifice time with their families to provide the country with
everything they need. Because the trucking industry is so
large, she's never been worried about having too small a patient
base.
"Chiropractic is very popular with the drivers," she said.
"Having somewhere to go for them to be taken care of is very much
appreciated by this population. They often feel forgotten and
they become very loyal to you as a provider once they know you
care."
Dr. Dixon credits National University for giving her the tools
she needed to compete with other doctors in the industry. "National
University gave me the confidence and the edge that allowed me to
branch out into this field," she said.
As she continues to grow the Drivers Health Clinic, she
encourages students interested in this kind of specialized work to
reach out to her via the website for possible opportunities.
"Occupation health is also preventative health care," she said.
"Helping people change and prevent injury and disease is the
goal."
Those interested in becoming a DOT-certified medical examiner
can complete the online course and exam available through National
University's Postgraduate Department. For more information, visit
the NUHS website.