Rosemary Zimmerman, DC, DACBSP, Dipl Med Ac (’84) has spent a lifetime reinventing herself, alongside her husband Mark Zimmerman, MD. As a way to give back to the chiropractic profession and to pave the way for those who will continue its advancement, Dr. Rosemary Zimmerman has committed to leave a provision for University of Western States in her estate plans.
As a new graduate from University of Western States (then Western States Chiropractic College), Dr. Zimmerman began her career focused on the care of athletes, only to expand her practice over time to providing full-scale clinical offerings, including acupuncture, physical therapy and stress management. Throughout it all, her dedication to providing the highest-quality whole-person chiropractic care—and to ensuring the continued advancement of the chiropractic profession—guided her path.
Dr. Zimmerman spent most of her career working in Alaska, first in Anchorage, then in Girdwood. As she grew her practice, Dr. Zimmerman also established a robust referral network between different kinds of medical providers.
“When I completed my diplomate with the Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, I established a satellite clinic in Alaska at a ski resort and the local hospital in an effort to network closer with other medical practitioners. Being married to a physician has helped me reach those goals by creating an open dialogue to recognize that there have been differences in our medical and chiropractic perspectives,” said Dr. Zimmerman. ”However, by listening to each other respectfully without judgment and offering mutual support, Mark and I have grown stronger together, thereby enabling us to give more generously to others.”
Dr. Zimmerman eventually moved from Alaska to Arizona, where she expanded her practice into animal chiropractic, with a special focus on horses.
“I really enjoy the diversity of working with animals and humans,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “I purchased a fifth wheel trailer and a one-ton pickup truck, so I am able to reach populations in the state that are underserved. It is very fulfilling and I feel appreciated and well supported.”
Throughout her career, Dr. Zimmerman has also served the profession as president of the Alaska Board of Chiropractic Examiners and as the state delegate to both the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, among many other leadership positions.
In addition to giving back to the chiropractic profession, Dr. Zimmerman has passionately given to a bevy of charitable organizations. While living in Alaska for 35 years, she helped with the establishment of a Scholarship Endowment Fund through the Alaska Community Foundation and served in leadership positions on the Alaska World Affairs Council, Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Agency of Alaska (Alzheimer’s Association of Alaska), the American Red Cross of Alaska and the Girwood Rotary, among many more.
“When I reflect on my 33-year career, I am most proud of my philanthropy,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “UWS is the leader in chiropractic education and was an obvious choice for my education. The quality education, expanding infrastructure and health care networking opportunities in Portland are unsurpassed by any other school. The progressive philosophy and long-term planning ensure that UWS will always be at the cutting edge for continued long-term growth. I’m proud to know my bequest will support that.”
Rosemary’s Guiding Principles
- Give patients more than they expect.
- Create enthusiasm and let your patients share their personal experiences as your advertising.
- Listen to your patient’s ideas and recommendations.
- Make it your priority to be available when patients need your help.
- Set realistic boundaries and be honest.
- Be involved in your community.
- Keep updated.
- Be open to new ideas but not so open that the wind blows through.
- Be positive, patient and persistent.
- Have fun and be true to yourself.