Dr. Hawk earned her PhD in the area of community-based interventions for injury control from the University of Iowa. She based her studies on surveys of farm families and focused on injuries in children. Dr. Hawk was surprised to learn that it is common for children under 12 years old to be operating farm equipment. After we determined how the injuries occurred, we began educating families on safety measures for prevention. In addition to helping farm families, Dr. Hawk sees the study as a step forward for chiropractic research.
Many chiropractors care for patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
This is an area in chiropractic where little research has been done. Since the Centers for Disease Control puts funding dollars into injury prevention, this is an important area for chiropractic. I believe we can make a significant contribution in research. Currently, Dr. Hawk is collaborating with the University of Iowa on an injury report system. Chiropractors, as well as other health care providers, see a high volume of patients with sprains, strains, and other injuries.