Alumni in Action Feature

Callie Harp – Doctor of Chiropractic

To kick-off our Alumni in Action feature, we caught up with Callie Harp Koehler from the class of 2010.  Callie is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and owner of Power Within Chiropractic in Elk River, Minnesota.

Callie, why did you choose CSB for your undergraduate experience?

I chose CSB for the strong science department as I knew it would prepare me well for a Pre-Health education. Studying abroad was also an experience important to me and I knew the study abroad program at the College was excellent. I had a terrific experience studying in Greece for a full semester!  Finally, I enjoyed that I had the opportunity to continue my athletic career with the golf team at St. Ben’s! Being a student-athlete really helped me with time management skills and allowed me to meet a lot of people I otherwise wouldn’t have.

How did your liberal arts education help prepare you for your current career?

While I work mainly in the health and science field, having a multi-disciplinary education has helped me to broaden my horizons and increase my ability to communicate with others. Following graduation, I attended Chiropractic school at Northwestern in Bloomington and from there have opened my own practice in Elk River. So, I am not only am a doctor but a business owner, and the skills from my liberal arts education are continuously applied daily. From treating patients to marketing, payroll to insurance, and communicating and interfacing with different providers, community members, etc. my liberal arts education has made me a more well-rounded individual with the skill sets to be able to thrive in any situation.   Also, having the opportunity to experience things I normally would be exposed to only helped me grow as a person and become a more compassionate doctor.

What was your favorite college course and why?

It is a tie :) I loved Anatomy and Physiology with Dr. Mani and my Exercise Physiology with Don Fischer. Both classes were rigorous and prepared me well for Chiropractic school. I felt extremely prepared when I arrived at grad school, but most importantly I remember having fun…fun with the course material, my classmates, and the instructors. That is how learning should be!

What is your favorite CSB+SJU Memory?

Studying abroad was one of my best and favorite memories of college. It was an experience that forever changed me, giving me a love of travel and love of the world.  But honestly, I truly loved getting to know different Bennies and Johnnies and establishing life-long connections. My memories from the football games, activities within the St. Joe community, and making life-long amazing friendships are memories that I will always cherish.

Any words of wisdom you would like to share with prospective students interested in studying Exercise and Health Sciences at CSB+SJU?

This field is versatile and applies to so many situations, jobs, and truly has endless opportunities.  I would say pay attention, especially in exercise physiology. The classes may seem hard or complex, but they truly give you such a strong foundation of knowledge and concept that prepares you very well to move into the Exercise and Health Science world with confidence. And don’t be afraid to take a class you think you “you may not need” because having knowledge in areas outside of your daily practice will help make you a more rounded individual. You never know where life is going to take you, so don’t say no to opportunities.  Most importantly, and I know this is cliché, but love what you do! Life is too short to not enjoy the work you do.