Dr. Bethany VanKirk was born and raised in Murrysville, PA. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science. She then went on to earn her doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic graduating magna cum laude. While at Palmer, Dr. Bethany became heavily involved in learning and teaching the Gonstead technique through the Troxell Intern Program run by Dr. Josh Lawlor. Dr. Bethany was also privileged to train under one of Charleston, South Carolina’s finest Gonstead chiropractors, Dr. Robert Stubblefield of Charleston Physicians Healthcare.
Dr. Bethany found her passion and purpose in life when she began working as a chiropractic assistant during her senior year at IUP. She quickly learned that chiropractic is built upon the understanding that the nervous system is the master control system of the human body. When there is not any interference in your nervous system (that is housed and protected by your spine) then your body is able to be self-healing and self-regulating just as it was miraculously designed to do.
Dr. Bethany makes it her mission to touch the lives of as many people as she can with the benefits of chiropractic. During her last year of chiropractic school, Dr. Bethany traveled to Hyderabad, India where she and a team provided chiropractic care to school aged children and adults in the community that had limited access to healthcare. She looks forward to traveling again on another outreach trip to volunteer and serve those in need.
Today, Dr. Bethany feels privileged to serve the people of Westmoreland County and is excited to help you and your family reach your health goals. While out of the office, Dr. Bethany spends her time teaching and studying the Gonstead technique as well as studying and researching the latest in pediatric care. She also enjoys reading, cooking, exercising and spending time with her family and friends.
The natural force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.
Professional Accomplishments and Associations
- Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic-Davenport, Iowa
- Magna Cum Laude
- Palmer College of Chiropractic Academic Excellence award recipient
- Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Magna Cum Laude
- Served in the Palmer College of Chiropractic Clinic Abroad Program-Hyderabad, India
- Recipient of 100 Hours plaque for study in the most advanced work in the Gonstead System-Gonstead Methodology Institute
- Over 1,000 hours of study in the Gonstead System of Chiropractic-Troxell Intern Program
- Recipient of 100 hours certificate of advanced Gonstead study through Gonstead Clinical Studies Society with Dr. Herb Wood’s seminar series.
- International Chiropractic Association Member
- International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Member
- Gonstead Clinical Studies Society Member
- Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association Member
- South Carolina Chiropractic Association Member
Why I am a Doctor of Chiropractic:
Because I honor the inborn potential of everyone to be truly healthy. Because I desire to help the newborn, the aged, and those without hope. Because I choose to care for the patient with the disease, not the disease. Because I wish to assist rather than intrude; to free rather than control. Because I seek to correct the cause, not its effect. Because I know doctors do not heal, only the body can heal itself. Because I have been called to serve others. Because I want to make a difference. Because everyday I get to witness miracles. Because I know it is right.