WHITTIER, Calif., Jan. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS) is proud to announce its participation in the first ever VA chiropractic residency training program. On December 6, 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unveiled its plan to initiate a pioneering chiropractic residency program beginning in July, 2014.

The focus of each VA residency program is Integrated Clinical Practice, with training that will emphasize the provision of chiropractic care as an important part of an integrated healthcare system. These hospital-based training programs will also expand each resident's ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals through interdisciplinary rotations. Residents will develop their knowledge of hospital practice, policies and procedures, and will be better prepared for future positions in VA, other healthcare systems, and/or academic settings.

After a highly competitive application process, only five VA medical centers and four academic affiliates were chosen nationwide to pilot this program. Several competing VA medical centers and academic institutions attempted to earn this distinction and as one of the four chosen academic affiliates, Southern California University is honored to partner with the well-known and well-respected VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS). 

"To our delight, today's healthcare environment continues to moves towards interdisciplinary practice and team care," said Dr. Melissa Nagare Kimura, Chief Clinical Officer and Associate Vice President for SCU Health System. "SCU prides itself in cultivating an environment of evidence-informed inter-professional education and practice, and this is just one reason why the university is thrilled to be a part of such an innovative program."

This new residency will provide advanced clinical training in complex case management, allowing recent chiropractic graduates to increase their scope and depth of clinical knowledge, experience and acumen. Residents will be mentored by senior VA chiropractors who are national leaders in integrated chiropractic practice. These clinicians will share their expertise in patient care, academics and research to provide a robust educational experience.

According to Dr. John Scaringe, President of Southern California University of Health Sciences, "This is not only exciting news for SCU, but also for chiropractic doctors and students nationwide. This opportunity, created by the Department of Veterans Affairs, shows that the VA embraces chiropractic as a specialty and should be viewed as a pioneering effort. Everyone at SCU could not be more pleased to be a part of this program launch and could not be more honored to be working as the academic affiliate for the distinguished VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System."

ABOUT VA CHIROPRACTIC RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
The programs will be administered nationally by VA's Office of Academic Affiliations and locally by each individual participating VA facility. Each VA facility partners with its affiliated Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited chiropractic school in conducting the program.

The partnerships are as follows:

Training will take place at individual VA facilities, and may also include other sites such as the chiropractic school or other affiliated locations.

Programs will be open to applicants who hold a DC degree from a CCE-accredited program. Applicants must have a current, full, active, and unrestricted chiropractic license in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, or be eligible for such licensure. Applicants must meet all VA employment requirements including United States citizenship, and Selective Service registration when applicable.

Selection is through a competitive process considering factors such as chiropractic college transcripts, additional professional experiences, letters of recommendation, telephone and/or on-site interviews.

Detailed application information will be provided by each program in January 2014.

ABOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
For over a century, SCU has trained men and women for successful and significant careers in patient care. SCU is located on a beautiful 25-acre campus located in Whittier, California, about 20 miles Southeast of Los Angeles and on the border of Orange County. Students enjoy a quiet suburban atmosphere and the advantages of being near a large city. The school offers a dual degree program in Chiropractic and Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and was one of the first to be accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and the only dual program accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). SCU offers a Diagnostic Imaging residency program, a Chiropractic Sports Medicine residency program, a Primary Spine Care Practitioner residency program, and is also the only school of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine to offer an on-campus anatomy lab, radiology lab and extensive hands-on experience. For information on the Southern California University of Health Sciences, please visit: http://www.scuhs.edu.

ABOUT VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
VAGLAHS is the largest, most complex healthcare system within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is one component of the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN22) offering services to veterans residing in Southern California and Southern Nevada. VAGLA consists of three ambulatory care centers, a tertiary care facility and 10 community based outpatient clinics. VAGLA serves veterans residing throughout five counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. There are currently 1.4 million Veterans in the VAGLA service area.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

VA Residency Academic Affiliate Contact
Robb Russell, D.C.
Director, Spine Care & Spine Care Residency Program 
Executive Director, Centers of Excellence
(562)-902-3315
VAResidency@scuhs.edu

SCUHS Media Contact
Jackie Silverman
Chief Public Affairs Officer
Southern California University of Health Sciences
(562)-902-3377
JackieSilverman@scuhs.edu

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Media Contact
Lina Satele
Office of External Communications
Public Affairs Office
(310) 268-3340
(310) 268-4196 Fax

SOURCE Southern California University of Health Sciences