Featuring Neil Albert Salonen

Neil Albert Salonen has built a quality enrollment and a strong financial base for the University of Bridgeport since he assumed the office of university president in January 2000. Enrollments have risen 22 percent during President Salonen’s tenure. The university has also expanded its graduate programs, satellite campuses and online education programs significantly during his tenure.

Mr. Salonen was serving as chairman of the Board of Trustees when he was appointed the university’s ninth president on December 13, 1999. He was appointed president because of his strong managerial and financial abilities.

Q: What are UBCC’s areas of greatest strength for the chiropractic student and the profession?

A: The curriculum at the University of Bridgeport provides students with quality education in the basic and clinical sciences, as well as diverse patient populations in clinical services. The curriculum is delivered by a well-trained, credentialed faculty, who continually update their courses on the basis of the latest research information available.

Students are taught how to assess and integrate this information into their training. As the body of research continues to grow, chiropractic students will be aware of this information and be able to incorporate it into their practices. As such, the next generation of chiropractors will be better able to serve their patients with current information and expert skills.

Q: What are your plans for the future of the school with regard to chiropractic?

A: The UB College of Chiropractic is the youngest chiropractic program in the United States. To date, approximately 400 students have graduated from the program. As these individuals embark upon their professional careers, it is anticipated they will actively participate in the profession and will remain active alumni. As such, based upon their training and experience, they will have a potential impact on the continuing growth and development of both the chiropractic program at UB, and the profession.

Q: Where do you see the chiropractic profession headed?

A: Chiropractic provides a natural, non-surgical, drugless option for patients seeking aid amendable to chiropractic care.

• There is a growing body of literature which supports the efficacy of chiropractic.
• There is growing discontent in society regarding prescription drug use.
• The education and training of doctors of chiropractic is becoming more understood by academicians, the medical community and the public.
• The chiropractic profession continues to make gains through legislation. Now chiropractic services are offered though the Veteran’s Administration.

For all the reasons noted above, and more, I believe that chiropractic is emerging as a viable profession in the health care delivery system. I believe, as more becomes known about chiropractic over time, its role in the health care delivery system will expand.

Given the orientation of chiropractic practice, perhaps the time will come when patients will initially be evaluated for care by chiropractic physicians and then be referred (if necessary) for additional testing or more radical therapeutic measures. It seems the trends in society are moving in this direction and the chiropractic profession is positioned well to serve the needs of society.

Facts about University of Bridgeport Chiropractic College

President: Neil Albert Salonen
Dean: Frank A. Zolli
Established: 1991
Current enrollment: 196
DC Curriculum Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Other Programs: UB-College of Naturopathic Medicine, UB-Acupuncture Institute, UB-MS. Human Nutrition
Admissions: Michael B. Grandison, Director of Chiropractic Admissions
126 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604; (203) 579-4348
Continuing Education: Richard P. Saporito, Director of Chiropractic Continuing Education, (203) 576-4335; [email protected]
Alumni Association: (203) 576-4133; [email protected]

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