Another fun and rewarding Career Day is in the books!

Recently, I, Dr. Sam Camarata, owner and chiropractor at Camarata Chiropractic, had the opportunity to return to my alma mater, Churchville-Chili Senior High School, alongside my 2007 classmate Dr. Jeremy Sajdak, Clinic Director of Lattimore Physical Therapy of North Chili, to speak with 10th and 11th grade students about careers in chiropractic and physical therapy.

As someone who graduated from Churchville-Chili and now owns a healthcare practice serving the same community that helped shape me, it is always special to come back and invest in the next generation.

Why Career Day Matters

Many high school students know they want to help people, work in healthcare, or pursue a meaningful career, but they often aren't sure what opportunities exist or what the path looks like.

Our goal wasn't just to talk about chiropractic and physical therapy.

Our goal was to help students start asking bigger questions:

• What motivates you?

• What type of career would be fulfilling?

• Do you enjoy science and anatomy?

• Do you like working with people?

• Would you enjoy helping individuals overcome pain, injuries, and limitations?

• What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself?

Career Day is about opening doors and exposing students to possibilities they may not have previously considered.

Exploring Careers in Chiropractic and Physical Therapy

Throughout the day, we discussed what it looks like to build a career in chiropractic or physical therapy and the many opportunities available within each profession.

Topics included:

Undergraduate Education Options

We discussed various college pathways students can pursue before applying to professional healthcare programs, including:

• Exercise Science

• Biology

• Health Sciences

• Kinesiology

• Athletic Training

• Nutrition

• Pre-Medical Studies

We emphasized that there is no single perfect route and that students should focus on developing strong study habits, work ethic, and a passion for learning.

Chiropractic School Opportunities

Students learned about:

• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) programs

• The curriculum involved

• Anatomy and physiology coursework

• Neurology and biomechanics

• Diagnostic imaging and radiology

• Clinical internships

• National Board examinations

• State licensure requirements

We also discussed the incredible versatility of chiropractic and how chiropractors can work with:

• Athletes

• Families

• Pediatric patients

• Pregnant mothers

• Seniors

• Weekend warriors

• Corporate professionals

• Individuals seeking wellness and preventative care

Physical Therapy School Opportunities

Dr. Jeremy shared insights into the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) pathway, including:

• Graduate school requirements

• Clinical rotations

• Orthopedic rehabilitation

• Sports medicine

• Neurological rehabilitation

• Post-surgical recovery

• Licensing examinations

Students gained a better understanding of the role physical therapists play in helping people restore movement, regain strength, and improve overall function.

Frequently Asked Questions from Students

One of the most enjoyable parts of the day was answering questions directly from students.

Some common questions included:

How long does it take to become a chiropractor or physical therapist?

We discussed the educational timeline from high school through undergraduate studies and professional school.

Is chiropractic or physical therapy difficult?

Both professions require dedication, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Healthcare is constantly evolving, and successful providers never stop learning.

What classes should I focus on now?

We encouraged students to pay attention to:

• Biology

• Anatomy

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Health sciences

• Psychology

• Communication skills

Just as importantly, we encouraged them to develop strong people skills.

The ability to connect with others is one of the most valuable assets any healthcare provider can possess.

What are National Boards?

Students were surprised to learn that both chiropractors and physical therapists must pass rigorous national board examinations before becoming licensed healthcare professionals.

These exams help ensure practitioners possess the knowledge and skills necessary to safely care for patients.

The Importance of Shadowing Opportunities

One of the biggest pieces of advice we shared was simple:

Go See It For Yourself

You can read about a profession.

You can watch videos.

You can talk to professionals.

But nothing replaces real-world observation.

We encouraged students interested in healthcare to seek shadowing opportunities in:

• Chiropractic offices

• Physical therapy clinics

• Hospitals

• Sports medicine facilities

• Athletic training settings

• Rehabilitation centers

Shadowing allows students to:

• Experience the environment firsthand

• Observe patient interactions

• Ask meaningful questions

• Understand daily responsibilities

• Determine whether the profession truly aligns with their interests

Sometimes shadowing confirms a career path.

Other times it helps students realize they want to explore something different.

Both outcomes are valuable.

Why We Love What We Do

One of the themes that resonated throughout the day was passion.

Dr. Jeremy and I genuinely love what we do.

Every day we have the opportunity to help people:

• Feel better

• Move better

• Function better

• Recover faster

• Perform at a higher level

• Improve their quality of life

No two days are exactly the same.

One hour you may be helping a high school athlete return to sports.

The next, you're helping a busy parent get through their workday without pain.

Then you may be helping a grandparent stay active with their grandchildren.

Or assisting a pregnant mother, pediatric patient, college student, golfer, runner, or weekend warrior achieve their health goals.

That variety and purpose make healthcare an incredibly rewarding profession.

Healthcare Collaboration Under One Roof

Another topic students found fascinating was the collaborative healthcare model we have right here in North Chili.

At our location, patients have access to multiple services designed to help them recover, heal, and perform at their best.

Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness

Our team provides:

• Chiropractic care

• Spinal and extremity adjustments

• Postural evaluations

• Digital X-rays

• Corrective care programs

• Wellness and preventative care

Lattimore Physical Therapy of North Chili

Physical therapy services include:

• Injury rehabilitation

• Post-surgical recovery

• Sports rehabilitation

• Strength and mobility restoration

• Functional movement training

Additional Services Available At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness

Patients also have access to:

• SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Therapy

• Full Body Red Light Therapy

• Massage Therapy on-site

• IASTM aka Fascia Release Therapy

• Food Inflammation Testing Consultations

• Whole Body Vibration Therapy

• Spinal Rehabilitation

• Extremity Rehabilitation

• Sports Recovery Programs

• Sports Performance Programs

• Golf Performance and Chiropractic Care

By combining these services under one roof, we can help patients access comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Advice for Students Considering Healthcare Careers

As we wrapped up Career Day, we left students with several key pieces of advice:

Stay Curious

Ask questions.

Lots of them.

The more you learn, the more informed your future decisions become.

Find Mentors

Connect with professionals who are already doing what interests you.

Learn from their experiences.

Shadow Early

Don't wait until college.

Start exploring now.

Focus on Relationships

Knowledge matters.

Skills matter.

But people remember how you make them feel.

Never Stop Learning

The best healthcare providers remain students forever.

Medicine, rehabilitation, movement science, nutrition, recovery, and performance are constantly evolving.

The willingness to keep learning creates opportunities for growth throughout your career.

Investing in the Future

Career Day serves as a reminder that the future of healthcare is sitting in today's classrooms.

Some of the students we spoke with may one day become chiropractors, physical therapists, physicians, nurses, athletic trainers, occupational therapists, researchers, or healthcare leaders.

If even one student left inspired to explore a career that allows them to help others live healthier, more active lives, then the day was a success.

Thank you to Elizabeth, Sue and Churchville-Chili Senior High School for inviting us back and providing the opportunity to connect with the next generation of healthcare professionals.

We look forward to seeing where their journeys take them.

---

Get a Hold of Us

Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness

📍 3237 Union Street, North Chili, NY 14514
📞 585-617-4145

Follow Us on Social Media

Facebook: Camarata Chiropractic Facebook Page
Instagram: @camarata_chiro

Interested in shadowing opportunities, healthcare careers, chiropractic care, physical therapy collaboration, sports performance, or recovery services? We'd love to connect and help you explore the possibilities.