Name: Darryl Roundy, DC
Clinic name and location: Atlas Family Chiropractic, PS, Gig Harbor, WA
What made you want to be a chiropractor? I was raised by a holistic German mother who, without realizing it, was teaching me chiropractic philosophy from an early age.
Nutrition, movement, and the body’s innate ability to heal were part of daily life in our household, long before I knew what “innate intelligence” was (or how to spell it).
With that foundation, I originally planned to become a dentist and was completing my pre-med requirements when my life took an unexpected, and somewhat repetitive turn. I was rear-ended two days in a row by the exact same year, make, model, and color of vehicle. At that point, I felt the universe was trying to tell me something . . . though I was hoping it was “buy a lottery ticket,” not “change careers.”
Along with the typical post-accident aches, I developed debilitating headaches and brain fog that seriously affected my ability to function in school. An attorney referred me to an MD who recommended narcotics and, paradoxically, told me nothing was wrong with me, then walked out when I asked why he prescribed them. After physical therapy made things worse, I finally saw a chiropractor. The explanation made complete sense, and my first adjustment was transformative. On my second visit, I told the doctor I wanted to become a chiropractor. He pointed me to Palmer College, and the rest is history.
Soon after, I drove from California to Iowa and pledged Delta Sigma Chi Fraternity of Chiropractic. I still return to Davenport each year for Lyceum and stay actively involved in student mentorship.
How has being a member of the WSCA helped you? I’ve been a member of the WSCA since 1995. WSCA has been invaluable for continuing education, legislative updates, and staying connected with our profession. The seminars and Plexus magazine keep me informed and engaged, and it’s refreshing to see such passionate leadership from Jeff Curwen, Lori Grassi, and Shaka Forest.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? Never underestimate the power of a chiropractic adjustment. As B.J. Palmer said, “The power that made the body, heals the body.” After 31 years in practice, I’m still amazed by what patients recover from when vertebral subluxations are corrected.
What one piece of advice would you give to new DCs? Start as an associate. You’ll refine your clinical skills, learn how to run a practice, and figure out what you really want professionally. As an upper cervical practitioner, training under an experienced doctor was invaluable to my development.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself. Twenty-one years ago, I was diagnosed with a severely malformed mitral valve and underwent open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. I was told I had about ten years to live and would likely need lung transplants. I disagreed, politely. Today, I have near-normal lung function and have far exceeded that prognosis. After multiple cardiac ablations and a mitral valve replacement nine years ago, I learned firsthand the importance of great associates and the remarkable healing capacity of the human body when properly supported.
Every doctor I’ve encountered over the past 20+ years has called me an “enigma.” I truly believe that without chiropractic, I wouldn’t be here today.
“...I originally planned to become a dentist and was completing my pre-med requirements when my life took an unexpected, and somewhat repetitive turn.”
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