IMU Chiropractic Students Provide Essential Care to Underserved Filipino Communities via Hands for Vitality Outreach
A team of 29 chiropractic students from the International Medical University (IMU), accompanied by three faculty members and one alumna, engaged in the Hands for Vitality program from February 23 to March 8, 2025. This international outreach initiative, conducted in collaboration with Intercare and the Camara Institute for Chiropractic Sciences (CICS), aimed to provide chiropractic care to underserved communities in the Philippines. The program offered participants an opportunity to enhance their clinical skills while delivering essential healthcare services.
Integration of Academic Learning and Practical Experience
IMU places a strong emphasis on integrating academic learning with practical experience, thereby enhancing students’ competencies in managing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. The Hands for Vitality mission aligns with this educational approach, allowing students to work directly with diverse patient populations.
Impact and Reach of the Program
During this year’s program, the team treated a total of 2,395 patients and addressed 5,114 conditions across various regions, including Manila, Pampanga, and Camarines Sur. Notably, 15 participants had previously taken part in the outreach, highlighting the program’s long-term impact on its volunteers.
Community Education and Support
In addition to providing chiropractic services, the mission also focused on community education regarding essential health topics, such as proper posture and ergonomics—key information for populations engaged in manual labor. Support from local government units was instrumental in coordinating logistics and mobilizing patients for care.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, IMU intends to sustain initiatives like Hands for Vitality, with potential plans for future outreach missions to the Philippines and other nations.
(Source: IMU News)
