Returning to Serve: A Chiropractic Intern’s Journey of Growth with Purpose

IMU Chiropractic intern Thum Yu Zhe reflects on returning to the Philippines for the Hands for Vitality outreach mission, where renewed confidence and experience deepened his commitment to community care

Returning to the Philippines for community service this year felt completely different from my first mission last year. The place was familiar, the smiles were familiar, and even the setting up of our treatment stations brought back memories.

This time, however, I arrived not as a nervous student unsure of my hands and decisions, but as a more confident and grounded chiropractic intern who truly understood why I was there.

Last year, I remembered feeling overwhelmed. I was excited, yet anxious. I constantly questioned whether my assessments were accurate, whether my palpation was precise enough, and whether my adjustments would be both effective and safe.

I spent much of my time observing, double-checking myself, and relying heavily on supervision. That experience was incredibly valuable, but I now realise I was still developing my professional identity as a future chiropractor.

This year, something has shifted.

Walking back into the community, I felt an even stronger sense of responsibility. Instead of asking myself, “Am I good enough to treat this patient?” I found myself thinking, “How can I serve this person in the best way possible?”

That change in mindset made all the difference. I became more decisive during assessments, more confident when explaining conditions, and more present when communicating with patients. My hands felt steadier, my clinical reasoning clearer, and I trusted my training more.

One of the most meaningful moments was hearing how much the community remembered and appreciated the care from previous missions.

Some individuals shared that after last year’s treatment, they experienced relief that lasted for months.

Hearing this reminded me that chiropractic is not merely a technique. It is function restored. It is dignity regained.

Many of the people we serve live with daily physical strain, especially those involved in manual labour. For them, pain is not a minor inconvenience. It directly affects their livelihood and their ability to support their families.

This mission deepened my understanding that chiropractic care is about more than adjustments. It is about listening.

Many individuals wanted to share stories about their work, families, and daily struggles. Even across language differences, trust was clearly visible in their eyes. That human connection taught me lessons no textbook could fully convey.

The chiropractors who guided us continued to inspire me deeply.

Observing how they combined confidence with humility, and precision with compassion, showed me the kind of practitioner I aspire to become. They treated every individual with respect and patience, corrected us thoughtfully, and consistently reminded us that safety and ethics must always come first. Their mentorship shaped not only my clinical development but also my professional character.

Being in the Philippines again also deepened my appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the community.

Despite limited access to healthcare resources, the gratitude and positivity of the people were remarkable. Simple words of thanks, warm smiles, and brief conversations left a lasting emotional impact on me.

The experience was deeply humbling and reminded me how privileged I am to receive structured education and training.

On a personal level, this mission strengthened my confidence beyond technical skills. I became more comfortable communicating, more adaptable in unpredictable environments, and more aware of maintaining patient-centred focus even when physically tired.

Providing care continuously for hours requires not only stamina but also mental presence. This experience taught me how to remain grounded and attentive under pressure.

Looking back, I realise this second mission was not only about giving, but also about growth. I can now see tangible progress in myself.

I am no longer the student who hesitates at every step. I am becoming someone who trusts his preparation and understands his responsibility.

Most importantly, this journey reaffirmed why I chose chiropractic. It is not about titles or techniques alone. It is about restoring movement so someone can return to work.

It is about reducing pain so a parent can carry their child comfortably. It is about empowering communities that may otherwise have limited access to care.

Returning to serve the same community showed me that growth is often quiet but powerful.

Confidence does not come from knowing everything. It comes from experience, reflection, and the willingness to improve.

This mission will always remain a meaningful milestone in my journey, not only as a chiropractic intern, but as a person learning what it truly means to serve.

This article shares the experience of chiropractic intern Thum Yu Zhe during his second Hands for Vitality outreach mission in the Philippines. Returning to serve the same community allowed him to recognise his growth in confidence, clinical reasoning, and patient communication while deepening his understanding of the role chiropractic care plays in improving quality of life for underserved communities.