Kelly Morgensen , BS, DC Chiropractic physician, retired
Consultant to Healthcare Professions
Dr. Kelly Morgensen is a retired doctor of chiropractic. She attended the Southern California University of Health Sciences (Los Angeles) where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (1988) and Doctor of Chiropractic (1989). Upon retirement from chiropractic practice and teaching, she established a consulting practice: The Healing Arts Coach. She is currently pursuing her second doctorate in the field of naturopathic medicine.
Kelly Morgensen has dedicated her professional life to building a bridge between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and conventional medicine. Her focus is on the education of CAM practitioners regarding best practices for high quality patient care and empowering CAM providers to effectively communicate, collaborate and network with medical practitioners. In her consulting practice, she also provides advice to CAM professionals regarding healthcare operations and healthcare laws and policies related to billing, coding, documentation, information privacy and risk management. She provides one-on-one coaching for leadership development and physician practice management. Since 1999, Kelly Morgensen has been affiliated with Aspen Chiropractic Clinic (OR). She was instrumental in developing the Aspen brand and currently consults with clinic members in the role of Compliance Manager. She produces the clinic website aspenforhealth.com and publishes the clinic brochures and newsletter.
Kelly Morgensen is an accomplished academician. Since 1989, Kelly Morgensen has been awarded three academic appointments at WASC accredited colleges: Chairman, Department of Health Sciences, West Coast University (CA), Associate Professor of Health Sciences, West Coast University (CA) and Associate Professor of Clinical and Chiropractic Sciences, Western States Chiropractic College (OR). Kelly Morgensen has lectured throughout the U.S.A. as faculty in the Continuing Education and Postgraduate Studies Division for Cleveland Chiropractic College- Los Angeles (CA) and Western States Chiropractic College (OR). She was Life Sciences Instructor at SAMRA University of Oriental Medicine (CA) and Health and Safety Services Instructor for the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter (CA).
In the capacity of Chiropractic Physician, Kelly Morgensen served as Medical Coordinator for sports and philanthropic events in California: TAC Ultra Marathon (1990), GSGRA Regional Rodeo (1991), The City of Los Angeles Marathon (1992-1994), California AIDS Ride (1994). In 2004, Kelly Morgensen served as First Responder for running and cycling events in Oregon: Bridge to Bridge Run, Hood to Coast Relay, Race for the Roses, ADA Summit to Surf, TYR Women's Triathlon. She is a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
Kelly Morgensen is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives where she is recognized for her expertise in Complementary Medicine, Medical Ethics, and Mentoring/Executive Coaching. She is a member of the American Health Lawyers Association and Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs.
2006 VOL 1, NO 3
Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on widely advertised remedies for colds and flu, but research shows that conventional medicine does very little to effectively treat these viral illnesses. Meanwhile, a study done by the federal government suggested that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) remedies are gaining wide acceptance by Americans who are dissatisfied with conventional medicine.
Doctors of chiropractic and other licensed CAM providers routinely “prescribe” over-the-counter homeopathic drugs, herbs and vitamins for the full range of cold and flu symptoms. These remedies are safe and effective when taken in dosages prescribed by a doctor. Homeopathic drugs have few side effects and minor contraindications for use.
Research supports the routine use of CAM for common colds and flu, especially homeopathic remedies that outperform, or are comparable to, conventional medicine. Homeopathic drugs that were evaluated in studies shortened the duration of illness and reduced the severity of symptoms by 60% to 80%.
Conventional over-the-counter remedies suppress the signs of viral infection, but they do not speed recovery or prevent secondary infections, like bacterial sinusitis or pneumonia. The biggest disappointment is popular cough syrups that promise quick, often non-drowsy relief without a prescription. Cough syrups are generally ineffective, or contain drugs that are not proven to treat coughs. Many remedies have serious side effects. Antiviral medications are declining in effectiveness, according to new studies. Flu vaccines, currently in short supply, are of limited benefit.
While medical providers struggle to find effective treatments for common colds, flu and their complications, the US public’s use of CAM has increased substantially since the 1990’s. In 2002, about 62% of US adults used CAM, and roughly, 10% used CAM for head or chest colds. Doctors of chiropractic were consulted more often than other CAM providers, primarily as a complement to conventional medicine, not as an alternative.
In any given year, most children and adults will have 2 to 9 colds and recover in approximately 2 weeks without complications. In a moderate flu season, an average of 13% of the population will get the flu, and approximately 36,000 people will die from complications. With no cure on the immediate horizon and conventional medicine unable to keep pace, preventive measures and CAM treatments take center stage.
–K.A. Morgensen, DC