A strong back cannot cure a sore heart. While the former can utilize various therapies to increase its nimble character, the latter requires specific care; a practice in improving the soul of the patient. Dr. Andrew Isaksen, the Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter, practices this with his patients every day; it is his livelihood.
Dr. Isaksen was born and raised in the Willamette Valley. While growing up, he participated in sports, scouts, shop, and many other community activities. As he soon molded in to a young adult, he chose to serve a two-year long mission for the church of the Latter-Day Saints in South Korea.
Later, Dr. Isaksen attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, the first school of chiropractic in the world. While attending school, he found much joy in treating children that came to the school’s clinic, witnessing first-hand the benefits chiropractic therapy can have on people of all ages, backgrounds, and conditions.
At Palmer College, Dr. Isaksen had the opportunity to learn numerous adjusting techniques giving him the ability to treat each patient as an individual, custom tailoring the treatment to the patient. Dr. Isaksen has worked as an instructor at Linn-Benton Community College where he taught Anatomy and Physiology and currently teaches at the University of Phoenix in a variety of health and science classes. While garnering a wide range of accomplishments throughout his field, Dr. Isaksen believes his greatest achievement is being the proud father of six young children and husband to his wife Michelle.
Dr. Isaksen has been a chamber ambassador for the past three years, becoming chair in 2019.
“Dr. Isaksen brings a strategic approach to his volunteer work within the Salem Chamber,” states Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert. “As Greeters Chair, he was instrumental in bringing new company representatives into the networking environment. Now serving as our Ambassador’s Chair, Andrew’s servant heart inspires fellow volunteers to create a welcoming atmosphere within the Salem Chamber organization. I’m very proud of his work and commitment to bringing more people into the Chamber family.”
Serving as an ambassador at the Salem Chamber can have its many benefits. One that strikes Dr. Isaksen as particularly favorable has been the annual assembling and delivering of food boxes to the needy during the holiday times.
“To see their faces light up with excitement and gratitude when they open the door and see us with boxes of food and gifts for the kids,” explains Dr. Isaksen, “was heart touching and humbling.”
Having traveled far and wide to come back home, he is pleased to be back in the Willamette Valley and able to offer his services to Salem area residents.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunities to serve others that have come through my chamber membership and role as an Ambassador,” says Dr. Isaksen.
Although Dr. Isaksen may be grateful for his ability to serve as a chamber ambassador, the Salem Chamber is even more grateful to walk alongside someone so caring, patient-focused, and welcoming on our path to progress. Congratulations, Dr. Isaksen!