Reflecting on my recent chiropractic mission to the Philippines, I realised how much I have changed by stepping away from the comfort of a typical clinical setting. Instead of a quiet, well-equipped environment, we were in the heart of the community — serving people in local government buildings, community centres, and even open-air spaces. This experience taught me something powerful: healthcare is truly about the people, not the physical setting. Helping those who have very little gave me a new perspective on what it means to be a chiropractor.
One of the most important lessons I learned was about maintaining patient safety in a challenging environment. Outside of a standard clinical setting, we did not always have access to our usual tools or complete medical histories. Many of the individuals we met had never seen a doctor before. This required me to be especially vigilant. I relied heavily on careful observation, thorough questioning, and sound clinical reasoning to screen for potential risks.
Through this experience, I learned that sometimes the kindest and most professional decision is to explain why an adjustment may not be safe for someone. My priority was always the patient’s long-term wellbeing, even when it meant doing less than I initially hoped. This mission reinforced my understanding that clinical judgement is the most important tool a chiropractor possesses.
Working in busy, loud, and crowded environments also strengthened my confidence significantly. Performing adjustments on portable tables and adapting to less-than-ideal conditions pushed my hands to become more versatile and responsive. I learned to stop searching for the perfect setup and instead focus fully on the person in front of me.
Equally transformative was the growth in my communication skills. Many community members had never heard of chiropractic care. Explaining our role often required simple language, hand gestures, or the help of translators. Through this, I discovered that a calm voice, respectful touch, and genuine presence can often communicate more effectively than lengthy explanations. I learned how to help people feel safe, heard, and respected, even in the busiest settings.
What made this mission truly special were the memories created with my fellow students. We were no longer just classmates — we became a team. We shared the heat, the long travel days, and the rewarding moments of seeing someone walk away with less pain. We supported one another through fatigue and celebrated small victories together. The friendships built during this journey became an invaluable support system that I will always treasure.
As I return to the final stages of my internship, I carry with me a bigger heart, stronger hands, and greater confidence. This experience reminded me that chiropractic care is a privilege and a responsibility. It is not only about adjusting the spine, but about connecting with communities and helping people live healthier, better lives.
I move forward with deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve and with renewed commitment to grow as a compassionate and competent future chiropractor.
Written by Tang Shiao Chun (Dwayne), IMU Chiropractic Student
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