Alumni Profile: Alnessa Hickmon

Alness Hickmon D.C.

With everything going on in the world right now, Sherman College’s vision of Adjusting the World for a Better Future is more relevant than ever. We would like to share another alumni profile to help encourage prospective, current, and past students to keep pushing forward because graduating and serving this profession as a doctor of chiropractic is so important. Today, we get to hear from alumna Alnessa Hickmon, D.C.

Dr. Hickmon graduated from Sherman College in 2018 and is here to share her experiences after graduating and the value of chiropractic during such a difficult time for many. We hope that hearing from Dr. Hickmon and other recent grads will renew your passion for chiropractic and remind you how life-changing this profession can be, whether this is a path you are considering or have already chosen.

Q: What are you currently doing with your degree/how are you doing in the field of chiropractic?

A: I am an associate doctor in Missouri at Overland Chiropractic and loving it! I work with great mentors, and I get the opportunity to serve a community that has embraced me from day one.

Q: How was your first year as a D.C.?

A: The first year provided a lot of growth. The failures I endured helped me develop into the chiropractor I am today, and I am looking forward to continued growth. 

Q: What made you want to become a chiropractor?

A: My advisor in undergrad encouraged me. I knew I wanted a career in the health field, but I did not know what I wanted to do specifically. My advisor is an alumnus of Sherman, and he told me about chiropractic. He explained that this would be an excellent career path for me because of my interest in helping people in a natural way.

Q: Did you have an “a-ha” moment in chiropractic college that confirmed you were on the right path and if so, what was it?

A: It was through my first experience of chiropractic care as a first quarter student. I learned a lot from my intern and my classes, especially palpation and philosophy, regarding the connection of chiropractic and overall health.

Q: How would you describe the value of your chiropractic degree?

A: My degree has created avenues to educate and help communities that I did not consider before now. The education I gained helped me be a part of changing the education realm about health and helping it evolve.

Q: Why should someone still enroll in chiropractic school when our country is in a time of panic and economic distress?

A: This current situation is not constant; change is constant. Everything is constantly changing and progressing, so this is a time to adapt and persevere. I would say learn from this situation and utilize it to help accomplish your goals.

Q: What advice would you give to current students?

A: I would say focus on one quarter at a time. Be responsible your with time and start off strong and try to end strong with every class. Also, take advantage of as many seminars and workshops that you can, especially the free ones! Lastly, stay focused and maintain a positive and prosperous mindset throughout your journey.

Q: What advice would you give to prospective students?

A: If you are still in undergrad, be sure to keep your goal in mind. Take the initiative to start the work to pursue your education; stay focused and make sure you complete your goal(s). Also, if you have not experienced chiropractic care for yourself, you definitely should find a D.C. and ask questions that could help you make a decision about becoming a chiropractor.

Q: What were the best and worst parts about chiropractic college? What do you miss the most about Sherman?

A: One of the best parts of school were the relationships I built with classmates, patients, and mentors and the additional education I gained from seminars. As far as worst parts; I would say the workload as far as studying and exams was overwhelming at times.

Q: What is something you wish you knew about entering the chiropractic field before graduating?

A: I wish I gained more knowledge about the business aspect of chiropractic. I think it is essential to know the tools that creates a business that is successful and efficient.

Q: How has the chiropractic profession changed your life?

A: I am able to help our practice members improve and achieve their health and wellness goals. Chiropractic has given me opportunities and abilities that can help people in a way that changes their lives for the better, and for that I am grateful!