Cheryl Burtle, DC (’99), RT (R) (BD) (ARRT), CCD® realized she wanted to become a chiropractor at the age of 12 when she accompanied her mother to a chiropractic appointment at the office of Lois Ward, DC (’63).
“There were cards in the reception area at Dr. Ward’s office that said, ‘If you are interested in chiropractic, send this to Logan University,’” Dr. Burtle said. “So, I did, and I started receiving the Tower. I knew chiropractic was my calling.”
After two years working as a radiologic technologist at Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington, Missouri, Dr. Burtle decided it was time to begin pursuing her dream. She started attending Logan’s Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program in 1996. As a student, she enjoyed serving as a teaching assistant for courses in radiography, physical diagnosis, and the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique. “I remember thinking, ‘I want to teach these courses at Logan one day,’” Dr. Burtle said.
After graduating from Logan, Dr. Burtle entered private practice. She also gained valuable experience as a radiography instructor and clinical coordinator in a radiologic technology program at a local college. Then in 2014, Dr. Burtle had the opportunity to teach at Logan University. “I jumped at the chance because Logan is where my heart is,” Dr. Burtle said. “It has always felt like the place where I truly belonged.”
Dr. Burtle is currently an associate professor and lead instructor for several courses, including Foundation of Diagnostic Imaging, Radiographic Positioning, and Activator II. As a student, these are the courses she dreamed of teaching at Logan. She also teaches Activator I and Clinical Methods courses.
“Teaching at Logan really is a dream come true,” Dr. Burtle said. “I love watching my students light up when they finally understand something they had found difficult. I enjoy how excited they get when they perform an adjustment and see the difference that they can make. I genuinely look forward to interacting with my students every day and hopefully, making a meaningful impact in their lives.”
Dr. Burtle recently earned her Bone Densitometry (BD) credential from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and her Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD) credential from the International Society of Clinical Densitometry. The BD credential signifies a competency in performing bone density scans, while the CCD credential recognizes those with the knowledge and skill to interpret bone density scans.
“My mother’s experience with osteoporosis sparked a deep interest in low bone density, leading to a desire to earn my BD and CCD credentials to perform and interpret DXA scans,” Dr. Burtle said. “With my background in radiology, I thought I could use DXA to make a positive contribution to patients in Logan’s Montgomery Health Center.”
DXA scans measure bone density by passing a high- and low-energy X-ray beam through the body. They are used to diagnose conditions like low bone density and osteoporosis.
The Montgomery Health Center offers DXA scans for just $15. With nearly one in five women and one in 20 men over the age of 50 affected by osteoporosis, Dr. Burtle believes it is critical for people at risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures due to low bone density to get scanned.
“For many, the affordability and convenience of Logan’s DXA scans are unmatched,” Dr. Burtle said.
In her free time, Dr. Burtle volunteers with the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA) in St. Peters, Missouri. With a passion for archery that began when her father taught her how to shoot, Dr. Burtle is currently a USA Archery level 2 instructor and the assistant coach for DASA’s archery team.
“When I first learned about the opportunity to become a volunteer several years ago, it felt like it would be a great fit for me,” Dr. Burtle said. “Once I met the athletes, I was hooked. They are all incredible people, and it feels like we’re a family.”