Christine McFarland is the project assistant director for the new University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. McFarland has many years of experience in research and is very excited to welcome the Doctor of Chiropractic students.
Read on to learn more about McFarland’s experience and her excitement for the DC program.
Tell us about your role in the Doctor of Chiropractic program and what led you to this position.
As the project assistant director, I am responsible for business operations including human resources and finance. I have been working in clinical research for several years. I have a dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in psychology and business from the University of Pittsburgh. I began working as a student research assistant which led to a successful career in clinical research at the University of Pittsburgh. Over the past 30 years, I have worked as a clinical research coordinator in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Physical Therapy. For the last 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Drs. Mike Schneider and Joel Stevans on several randomized clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments for back pain.
I am excited about the opportunity to continue working with Drs. Schneider and Stevans in the new Doctor of Chiropractic program! Our longstanding collaboration has been characterized by a respectful and a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. I am eager to contribute to the program’s success and support the development of its students.
Research-wise, I am working on a study of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who experience leg pain that makes it difficult to walk. We are looking at the feasibility of treating these patients with a combination of manual therapy, exercise and/or electroacupuncture to increase their walking tolerance.
What else would you like students to know?
I look forward to welcoming the inaugural class to the City of Pittsburgh! I am a native Pittsburgher and self-described “foodie,” so I am particularly excited to share great places to eat around town. There are so many interesting things to do in Pittsburgh including cultural events, sports and entertainment.
As the first Doctor of Chiropractic program in the nation to be offered in a research-intensive public university, I have a sense of pride that I can be a part of educating the new generation of chiropractors!
The new deadline for Pitt’s Doctor of Chiropractic program for domestic students is August 1 (or until seats are filled), or May 1 for international applicants. Classes start in August 2025. Apply now!
