Hello everyone,
My name is Ben Buckner, and I am excited to be the new chiropractic student and start my preceptorship here at Valley Spine & Sport. I’d like to take this opportunity to officially introduce myself and share a bit about my journey leading up to this point.
I’m originally from the Valley area and graduated from Kimberly High School in 2017. After high school, I went on to study Kinesiology with an emphasis in Strength and Conditioning at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. During my undergraduate years, I earned my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, which sparked my interest in pursuing a career that combines movement, rehabilitation, and overall wellness.
Upon graduation in 2021, I moved to Davenport, Iowa, to begin my chiropractic studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. After two and a half intense years of coursework, exams, and hands-on training, I entered the next phase of my education—my student clinical rotations.
This past July, I had the incredible opportunity to complete a three-month student clinical rotation at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, working in the chiropractic department under Dr. Gargus. My time at the VA was pivotal in my growth as a clinician, and I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained under his mentorship.
The Impact of My Time at the VA
Working at the VA was a transformative experience. I had the privilege of working with the great men and women who have served our country—and learning from them as much as I hoped to teach them. Many of the patients I saw had been dealing with chronic pain for years, some even for decades. From chronic low back pain to long-standing neck and arm pain originating during active duty, the cases I encountered were some of the most complex I’ve faced so far.
One of the most important lessons I learned at the VA was the value of a thorough history and physical exam. Dr. Gargus instilled in me the importance of truly understanding a patient's symptoms, identifying their specific needs, and ensuring they received the appropriate care. The clinical skills I developed in assessing complex cases will stay with me throughout my career, and I’m confident that this will only continue to improve as I apply these techniques here at Valley Spine & Sport.
Rehab, Active Care, and the Power of Education
Given the complexity of the patients we worked with at the VA, it was essential for me to expand my knowledge and proficiency in rehabilitation and active care techniques alongside traditional chiropractic care. Many of our patients had long-standing conditions that required not only chiropractic adjustments but also a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, including exercise, mobility training, and postural correction.
By implementing rehab and active care alongside chiropractic care, we saw incredible progress in many patients. More importantly, we were able to educate them on how to take ownership of their health and manage their symptoms at home. Early in my time at the VA, I struggled with patient education, but with continued practice, experience and some guidance, I became more confident and effective in explaining diagnoses, treatment plans, and self-care strategies. The ability to empower patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their own health was, and continues to be, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a clinician.
Looking Ahead
My time in Alabama was an essential chapter in my development as both a person and a clinician. The experience I gained under Dr. Gargus, working with veterans, has shaped my approach to patient care and reinforced the importance of thorough assessments, rehabilitation, and patient education. I am excited to bring these lessons with me as I begin my preceptorship here at Valley Spine & Sport.
As I continue to learn and grow, I am eager to apply what I’ve learned about rehabilitation, active care, and comprehensive patient care in a new setting. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with patients, improving my clinical skills, and contributing to the team here. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this incredible practice. I can’t wait to meet everyone and see what the future holds.
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