Parker University Hosts Finals

“Parker University has been a catalyst in assisting with fostering growth initiatives for the competition,” said Dr. Erik Van Slooten, founder of Talk the TIC. “It’s great to have the outspoken support from leaders such as Drs. Fabrizio Mancini and Gilles Lamarche and the excitement they hold as an institution for this undertaking is remarkable. They have brought their time, talents, and resources to the table and assisted in fueling a vital interest in the cause.”

This year, nine institutions participated in the worldwide competition. Each institution selected a winner to advance to the finals at Parker. The nine competing finalists included Life Chiropractic College West student, Julia Pinkerton; Life University student, Mackenzie Hubert; New Zealand College of Chiropractic student, Caroline de Groot; Northwestern Health Sciences University, Megan Nelsen; Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida student, Lee Thomas; Palmer College of Chiropractic Iowa student, Magalie Lefevre; Parker University College of Chiropractic student, Derrell Pratt-Blackburn; Sherman College of Chiropractic student, Jonathan Orvis; and Southern California University of Health Sciences student, Jonathan Dawson.

The day began with the Semi-Finals Competition where the nine students battled for a spot in the final round. In the end, five students were selected as finalists to compete for the championship.

“Being able to communicate to the general public about what chiropractic is and how it benefits others is such an important skill for every chiropractor to possess,” said Dr. Fabrizio Mancini, president of Parker University. “It’s through practice like this competition that you can truly master your chiropractic message.”

Competing for the first, second, and third winning titles, the five finalists presented their chiropractic message to an audience of more than 300 people. The finalists included Julia Pinkerton, Caroline de Groot, Lee Thomas, Magalie Lefevre, and Derell Pratt-Blackburn.

The presentations were carefully watched by the Talk the TIC judges including Dr. Van Slooten, Matt Eiserloh, chief marketing officer of Parker University; Brian Flanagan, a professional speaker; Gary Gillespie, a distinguished Toastmaster; Joseph Scott, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Mary Warren, Dallas, Texas, chiropractor.

The third place title was awarded to Life Chiropractic College West student, Julia Pinkerton. She was also awarded a $500 check contributed by Parker and Dr. Gilles Lamarche, vice president of Parker Chiropractic Wellness Clinics, Parker Research Institute, Parker Continuing Education, and Parker Seminars.

“The nervous system is like a two-way highway with information flowing to and from and communicating to the vital parts of your body,” said Magalie Lefevre, student of Palmer College of Chiropractic Iowa.

The judges selected Magalie Lefevre, Palmer College of Chiropractic Iowa student, as the second place winner. She was presented with a $1,000 check contributed by Parker and Dr. Lamarche.

“All of these tremendously talented participants are a testament to the future of chiropractic, which is in great hands,” said Dr. Lamarche.

The judges declared Derrell Pratt-Blackburn, student of Parker University College of Chiropractic, as the 2011 Talk the TIC Champion. He was also awarded a $2,000 check contributed by Parker and Dr. Lamarche.

“Subluxations are traffic jams blocking the normal flow of nerves and information from your brain to your body,” said Pratt-Blackburn. “They’re caused by trauma, negative thoughts, and toxins. In order for your body to work as efficient as possible those subluxations must be removed through chiropractic care.”

In addition, the most prized possession of all—The Chiropractic Torch, was awarded to Pratt-Blackburn. His name will also be engraved on the Champion’s Society Plaque in Sid Square at Life Chiropractic College West, where the competition began in 2007.

“I have a strong passion for seeing students go into the profession prepared to communicate what chiropractic is to their patients,” said Dr. Van Slooten. “It’s important for us to empower our future generation in perfecting this.”

For more information about Talk the TIC, visit www.talkthetic.com

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About Parker University

Dallas-based Parker University, formerly known as Parker College of Chiropractic, is one of the world’s leading educators of health care professionals. Founded in 1982, this private, nonprofit, educational institution prepares men and women to become doctors of chiropractic. In addition, Parker University awards additional wellness-focused degrees including a bachelor of science in anatomy, a bachelor of science in health and wellness, massage therapy certificates, and continuing education specializations and certifications. Parker University also includes Parker Research Institute, which provides sound, scientific evidence supporting health and wellness; three chiropractic wellness clinics in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex; Parker Seminars, the largest chiropractic seminar organization in the world, and Parker SHARE Products that provide innovative, high quality products, and current information on chiropractic wellness. For additional information about Parker University, visit the website at www.parker.edu.