Sherman Shares - October 2011
Clair W. O'Dell,
D. C., Ph.C., D.C.H.
Legendary doctor of chiropractic and Sherman College supporter, Clair W. O’Dell, D.C., Ph.C., died on October 7. A 1936 graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, O’Dell practiced in Southgate, MI, for more than 70 years. According to his son Roger, O'Dell influenced more than 200 people to become doctors of chiropractic, including 39 members of his own family.
He is quoted on one of the walls at Palmer College: “The ingredients for success are ever present, and are of the spirit. The formula includes loyalty to cause, dedication to principle, and unselfish service beyond the call of duty.” His life reflects his words.
Dr. O’Dell was a charter member of the International Chiropractors Association. He was instrumental in the formation of the American Chiropractic Association and served as first president of the Straight Chiropractic Academic Standards Association. He was chairman of the committee that brought about the antitrust lawsuit against the American Medical Association in the 1970s and ’80s. He also assisted in getting chiropractic licensing laws passed in Massachusetts, New York and Oklahoma. He was the chairperson of the National Chiropractic Antitrust Committee (NCAC) and the fund raiser for the Wilk lawsuit, which he considered one of the greatest events in chiropractic.
In 2002 Sherman College presented O’Dell the honorary Doctor of Chiropractic Humanities (D.C.H.) degree in honor of his commitment to the chiropractic profession and to Sherman College. He has received numerous recognitions for his service to chiropractic, including being named a Fellow of the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic in 1967, Doctor of Humanities by Logan College of Chiropractic in 1972, Humanitarian of the Year by the World Chiropractic Alliance in 2000, and a lifetime service award from Parker Seminars in 2002. He has been named Chiropractor of the Year and Career Advisor of the Year by Sherman College. In addition, he was a member of the International Board of Governors of the World Chiropractic Alliance and the Sherman College Board of Regents.
“Dr. Clair has been such a big supporter of me, Sherman College and chiropractic,” said Sherman President Dr. Jon Schwartzbauer. “We should all attempt to take a little part of him with us in our life’s journey.”
Sherman College of Chiropractic
P.O. Box 1452,
Spartanburg, SC 29304
www.sherman.edu -
800-849-8771
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