Total Credits: 1
This seminar provides an in-depth overview of spine-related disorders, emphasizing their global prevalence, the associated healthcare costs, and the resulting economic and societal impact. Participants will learn about the multifactorial, biopsychosocial nature of spine pain, exploring how psychological and sociological factors can exacerbate or mitigate its effects. Ultimately, the course highlights the need for a holistic approach to treatment and management that addresses both biological and non-biological determinants of health.
Dr. Schneider received his PhD in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008 and his DC degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1982. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and has been a Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on numerous NIH and PCORI-funded randomized clinical trials. He practiced chiropractic for over 25 years before transitioning into his current career as a fulltime academic researcher. Dr. Schneider is a Full Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was recently appointed as the inaugural Director of the Doctor of Chiropractic program at the University of Pittsburgh. This is the first DC program to be offered by a research-intensive public university in the U.S.
Dr. Joel Stevans serves as the Associate Director of Experiential Learning and a Visiting Associate Professor in the newly formed Doctor of Chiropractic Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Over his 30-year career as a chiropractor, he has distinguished himself as a clinician, educator, researcher, and healthcare executive. As a clinician, Dr. Stevans was an early adopter of interprofessional treatment models, collaborating with rehabilitation and medical specialists to provide comprehensive patient care. His research in health services and implementation science focuses on ensuring that patients receive the most effective, evidence-based care—while avoiding treatments proven ineffective.
Dr. Stevans also excels as an educator, emphasizing student engagement and dynamic, hands-on learning. In his executive roles, he led initiatives to expand the use of evidence-based treatments across acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic settings, improving both care quality and affordability. At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Stevans is committed to designing transformative experiential learning opportunities within academic medical centers, the Veterans Administration, community health organizations, and diverse chiropractic offices. These immersive, interprofessional experiences will help students deepen their clinical competence, build a strong professional identity, and learn to thrive in today’s collaborative, team-based healthcare environment.