From 17 to 30 August 2025, 29 chiropractic students and three faculty members from IMU University embarked on a two-week Hands for Vitality mission trip to the Philippines. Joined by peers from the Australian Chiropractic College, the team travelled across 11 sites including Antipolo, Caloocan, CamSur, DSWD, Navotas, Pasig, QC Bagumbayan, QC Pansol, QC Socorro, and QMMC.
Together, the volunteers provided chiropractic care to 7,973 patients, ranging from children below 17 years old to elderly patients over 80 years old. The most common conditions treated were lower back pain (2,339 cases), upper back pain (1,938 cases), and shoulder complaints (1,283 cases), alongside neck, knee, hip, and wellness-related concerns.
Two-week Hands for Vitality Mission
7,973 patients, ranging from children below 17 years old to elderly patients over 80 years old
Most Common Conditions Treated
Lower Back Pain
(2,339 cases)
Upper Back Pain
(1,938 cases)
Shoulder Complaints
(1,283 cases)
Neck, Knee, Hip, and Wellness-related Concerns.
A Life-Changing Experience for Students
For many students, the mission was a profound reminder of why they chose the chiropractic profession.
- Jeremy Shak Guo Zheng described his experience simply as “Giving back to the community.”
- Audrey Lim Ruo Xian reflected, “I am grateful for this opportunity to contribute to this community, help people in need and this helps me to improve personally and professionally.”
- Avelin Wong Ee Lin called the experience “Unforgettable,” while Ng Joshua summed it up in one word: “Grateful.”
Others emphasised how the mission reshaped their understanding of chiropractic. Chong Wan Ni shared, “I learnt that chiropractic is beyond adjustment. Communication and connecting with patients is the key to differentiating an adjuster and a healthcare professional. It exposed me to humanity, passion, empathy, and responsibility.”
Similarly, Chong Hong You described it as “an excellent and remarkable experience… not only boosting my confidence and skills, but also changing my perspective of what chiropractic can mean in people’s lives.”
The trip also allowed students to connect with Filipino culture. Chee Yong Xen enthusiastically recalled, “MASARAP!!!!! Maraming Salamat Pilipinas.” Benjamin Tan Shang Yee added, “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to use my skills to help improve the community, and one of my favourite phrases to use in Tagalog when I visit the Philippines is ‘Wala’.”
For Tan Yen Qi, returning as an alumna was particularly meaningful:
“When I first came last year, I had not yet begun my clinical internship. Coming back now, I can truly see how much I’ve grown—not just in technical skills, but also in my confidence, speed, and ability to connect with patients. This experience reminded me that learning never stops, and serving the community here has given me a deeper appreciation for the privilege of being able to use my profession to make a difference.”
Other Reflections Captured the Spirit of Service:
- Lee Shi Ling: “Serving the community has been a deeply rewarding experience… This journey not only strengthened my chiropractic skills but also nurtured my ability to connect with patients on a deeper level.”
- Lim Shi Ting: “This community service experience has been invaluable to me. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to get extensive hands-on practice and to connect with so many people along the way.”
- Chew Jin Min: “Listen to the patient and do the best I can to relieve their pain.”
- Wong Shuh En added with humour: “Feeling tired but still enjoying at the same time. And also really, really miss the crosta pizza and el born burnt cheesecake.”
Faculty Reflections
IMU faculty members also highlighted the importance of the mission.
Dr Sofiah Hanis Binti Ahmad Hisham said, “I am grateful when the hand that can help others is given through us, to be able to meet the needs of those around us. It is so fulfilling—something we need to protect and pursue, so that its benefits can flow through the rivers of time.”
Min Jahyeon (extreme left in the left photo), who joined for the second time, reflected: “Immersed in a challenging environment, I witnessed how the students supported one another and rose to the occasion to serve the community. It was truly inspiring to see their dedication and willingness to contribute in any way they could. This experience reaffirmed the importance of teamwork, personal growth, and the value of giving back to society.”
Natalie Chin Ziqing (extreme left in the right photo), also on her second mission, shared: “It has been a pleasure to be back serving the Philippine community and it warms my heart to see the treatment we provide is able to make a difference in the patients’ lives.”
Grateful Partnerships
The mission was made possible through close collaboration with local partners. Dr Apple de Luna, Coordinator of Hands for Vitality and the Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Deeply grateful to our IMU partners—leaders, faculty, and students—for bringing healing hands and generous hearts to the Philippines through your volunteer work.”
Looking Ahead
This mission trip reinforced IMU’s commitment to producing healthcare professionals who are not only skilled but also compassionate and socially responsible. Students returned with sharpened clinical expertise, cultural understanding, and above all, a renewed sense of purpose.
Wong Yi Kai, IMU Chiropractic Mobility Coordinator, concluded: “This mission is a powerful example of how global mobility initiatives create impact both ways. Our students gain invaluable clinical and cultural experience, while communities in need benefit from much-needed care. We are proud of our students and faculty for embodying IMU’s spirit of service and professionalism, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership with our colleagues in the Philippines.”
Thoughts Shared