Rose Olson is an assistant professor in the University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic program. Olson, who has been a chiropractor for eight years, is excited to usher in the first cohort of chiropractic students at Pitt.
Read on to learn more about Olson’s background and her passion for teaching chiropractic.
Tell us about your role in the Doctor of Chiropractic program.
I will be teaching the Spinal Anatomy, Gross Anatomy and Pathology courses. I am excited about helping students not only learn anatomy but also help them link basic science knowledge to clinical skills. We will be using the human cadaver lab where they will see prosected specimens along with some exciting technology that will enhance the learning experience. I also look forward to the other things I can teach them, like how to communicate with others and be successful chiropractors.
What would you like students to know about your teaching style?
I always focus on figuring out the most engaging way I can get students to learn what I am trying to teach them. I work to meet them where they are and take them where they need to go. I want students to take control of their studies while I help guide them. I use self-reflections to help students understand what works and doesn’t work for their learning process. Students in my classroom can expect many active learning opportunities that are collaborative among their peers. For example, I may have students make a video where they explain something, then they will watch another student’s video and give peer feedback. Teaching others is a great way to learn, and this assignment type reflects that.
How did you become interested in a chiropractic career?
Prior to chiropractic school, I received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and biology with a minor in chemistry from Purdue University at Indianapolis. I had a large gap between graduating college and starting chiropractic school, where I spent time as a business owner and in clothing retail management. I decided to become a chiropractor after I was training for my first marathon and sustained an injury. A chiropractor helped me, and I was able to see how she kept so many people running. I wanted to do that too. I completed my Doctor of Chiropractic in 2017 from Parker University.
I enjoy that as a chiropractor, I can help people continue to do the things they love to do. As an educator, I will get to help many students make a positive impact on their patients and improve the quality of life of the community. Additionally, I plan to see patients at the Pitt Community Engagement Center. This will help me with students because I will be able to stay relevant with evidence-based practice and will be able to see true patient outcomes that I can bring into the classroom.
Why did you want to teach chiropractic?
Very early in chiropractic school, I realized I wanted to go into teaching. I really liked how I could make my classmates understand basic science courses. When I got the opportunity to join Parker University as an adjunct while I was practicing, I took it. I am passionate about providing chiropractic students with the knowledge and skills they need to become great doctors of chiropractic. This will help to grow the profession and make chiropractic care available to more people.
What makes you excited to be part of the ground-breaking Pitt DC program?
This is the first public chiropractic program at a research-intensive university in the nation. I knew as soon as I learned about it that I wanted to be involved. Pitt has the opportunity to further research about chiropractic care and hopefully grow the chiropractic profession. I am very excited to see what we can do at Pitt.
What are you most looking forward to doing with the first cohort?
This first cohort is a historical group. Since we will only start one cohort a year, I will get the opportunity to really get to know all the students. I am looking forward to seeing them grow as professionals and eventually become the first cohort to graduate from the chiropractic program at Pitt.
What else would you like students to know about you?
- I have completed 21 marathons.
- I love being outdoors. I like rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking and backpacking.
- I am working to perfect my pizza making skills.
