Dr. Campbell: 'These are our people'

Out of 100,000 chiropractors in the world, Dr. Dennis Campbell of Campbell Chiropractic is one of only about 3,000 physicians that practice the unique specialty of upper cervical chiropractic.

Within that specialty, he practices the Blair technique, where he is one of 20 in the world at the highest skill level.

More than half of his practice is from people that come from Visalia, Fresno, Paso Robles and Bakersfield. "And a lot further because of the particular specialty I do. The next close specialty would be Los Angeles, the bay area and Sacramento. I am the only one in the Valley," Dr. Campbell said.

His wife, Melissa, born and raised in Wasco, commented, "People say, 'why are we not in any other place? You could make so much more money.' But I say this is where God planted us. These are our people."

"We have turned down some incredible opportunities elsewhere, but this is our home."

Dr. Campbell added, "We have had offers to move to Los Angeles or the Bay Area, where we would triple our income, but we just don't fit in the big city. It's not my style. I'm a small-town guy."

So much so that he enjoys riding his bike or walking to work.

Melissa shared, "The people that come into our office are like family. We believe in loving people well, which brings healing."

Though his main focus is his practice, he is an adjunct professor at Life West University as an advanced instructor. He travels throughout many countries to conventions to teach other doctors his specialty.

Originally from Oregon, Dr. Campbell attended Portland State University for his bachelor's degree and earned his doctorate from Western State Chiropractic University.

He first came to the area in 1995, where he helped Dr. Anderson in Shafter run his business. After six months of working with Dr. Anderson, he purchased his practice.

In 1997 he moved on to Wasco to assist Dr. Kallies with his practice, which was suffering. Dr. Kallies then gave Dr. Campbell the business. He now had two practices, including the one in Shafter.

He thought it didn't make sense to have two practices just seven miles apart and, in 2000, decided to combine them both and stay in Wasco.

Since 1999, he has worked with schools as a team doctor at football games. He has also been on the city's planning commission and served on the scholarship board.

"I've become a part of the community. It's what has put food on the table for the last 28 years."

Campbell Chiropractic, 620 E St., is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can find them on the web at denniscampbelldc.com. To schedule an appointment for an exam, call 661-758-5131.