Meet the Doctor

Dr. Dan has served on the Contact For Health physician staff since October, 1995.

Dr. Dan was born on August 8, 1970 to Dr. James C. Spencer Sr. and Beverly (Halpin) Spencer in Adrian, Michigan.  He is named after Dr. Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic.  He attended Hudson Area High School and graduated as valedictorian in 1988. While in high school, Dan participated in a variety of activities, including:  football, baseball, debate, computer team, National Honor Society, #1 Club, and marching and concert band.  Dr. Dan was also active in Boy Scout Troop 602 in Hudson, Michigan.  In 1987, he attained the rank of 'Eagle Scout.'  He has since served one year as scoutmaster of the troop and as commissioner for the troop.

He attended Adrian College (MI) on an M&S Manufacturing Co. Scholarship and an Adrian College Presidential Scholarship.  He participated in intramural sports, the Biology Club, and was inducted into Beta Beta Beta Biological Honorary Society.  Dr. Dan joined the Alpha Tau Omega undergraduate fraternity during his freshman year, and twice served as secretary for the organization.  In 1991, the chapter was re-installed at Adrian College, and Dr. Dan was initiated as one of the 're-founding fathers.'  He also served as Chairman of the chapter's Board of Trustees from 1999-2001.  Throughout his Adrian College Career, he worked for the Lenawee (County) Intermediate School District as county debate and forensics league coordinator.  Dr. Dan was named to the Adrian College Dean's List four times, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology on April 26, 1992.

Dr. Dan entered Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in July of 1992.  He pledged the Pi Kappa Chi professional fraternity in his first semester, joining his father, Dr. Jim Sr. as a member of the organization.  Serving as secretary of Pi Kappa Chi for two years and participating in intramural sports, among other activities, Dr. Dan was quite active with the group.  He also served as a Boy Scout troop commissioner with the Illowa Council, and Advisor of the Chiropractic Explorer Post at Palmer. This group helps high-school students learn about the requirements of becoming a doctor of chiropractic, and the details of having a career in this field.  Dr. Dan also helped re-form the 'Michigan Club' at Palmer, and served as president of the group for two semesters.   This particular club helps Palmer students learn about chiropractic issues within the state of Michigan. Guest speakers from the state are invited to speak to the club (which Dr. Dan has done several times), and the club often travels to conventions and seminars within the state of Michigan.  Dr. Dan served as a module assistant at the East Hall student clinic during his final semester at Palmer.  He was named to Palmer's Dean's List five times, and graduated on October 13, 1995 as part of the 'Chiropractic Centennial' class.  In addition, he successfully completed the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, Parts I, II and III.

While attending Palmer, Dr. Dan earned certification in the Cox Flexion-Distraction Technique.  Approximately 800 doctors worldwide have this certification. The technique itself is an effective treatment for several types of low back and cervical (neck) problems.  It has proven to be the treatment of choice in cases of intervertebral disc herniation.  Dr. Dan assisted the technique's founder and developer, Dr. James Cox of Fort Wayne, Indiana, in teaching a seminar on this technique (Chicago, November '95).