NUHS Grads Give New Meaning to Family Practice
When Danielle Potter-Bodenlos graduated from the National University
of Health Sciences (NUHS) Doctor of Chiropractic program, her dream
was to have her own practice. So, she sought the advice of her father,
Robert Potter, DC, who graduated 26 years earlier, when it was known
as National College of Chiropractic (NCC), and had built a successful
practice in Canton, Mich.
That conversation led to a formal interview for an associate position,
with the ultimate goal to one day buy the practice. “He interviewed me
the way he would interview anyone applying for the job,” explained Dr.
Danielle.
The arrangement worked well. NUHS graduate Sean Gregory, DC, joined
the practice when he was introduced to the Potters through his sister, who played ice hockey with Dr. Danielle’s sister,
Nicole, when they were growing up. When Nicole Brady, DC, graduated from National University in 2014, she also
applied, followed in 2018 by their cousin, NUHS graduate Jessie (Dr. J) Potter, DC.
Their stories tell the path to success for each of them and the Canton Center Chiropractic Clinic.
Robert E. Potter, DC
Robert Potter wanted to be a doctor, “But I didn’t know about chiropractic.” After earning a bachelor of science in medical
technology, he worked in a hospital, until a visit to a chiropractor became an “aha moment.”
“The (allopathic) doctor sat across the desk, asked me to raise my arm, and wrote me a script, and that was it,” he recalled.
That experience made him decide to give a chiropractor a try. “Before I left I had full range of motion in my shoulder. I
knew I wanted to be like him.” Although he looked at other schools, he felt that National was a better fit for him, and it
was recommended by his chiropractic physician, a National graduate.
He began his career providing vacation coverage for other chiropractic physicians, then was an associate in a practice
focused on personal injuries, and in 1989 bought an existing practice. He was a sole practitioner for 10 years before
bringing on his first associate.
“I didn’t realize the benefit (of attending National University) until after I graduated,” Dr. Potter said. “I was grateful to
have a year of nutrition study, which I’ve learned to use as a match-up to chiropractic care.” He also takes pride in the
diagnostic skills he learned. “National made me more well-rounded,” he said, “And, that made me more successful.”
Danielle Potter-Bodenlos, DC
Dr. Danielle was born shortly before her father graduated from NCC, and she dreamed of “doing what dad did, but for
animals.” But when veterinary school didn’t work out, she turned her focus to treating people. “I heard from him and his
friends how great the education (at National University) was,” she explained, adding that she thought it was “cool” that
he had such a strong bond with many lifelong friends from his NCC days.
“I appreciate that you are taught how to do a thorough exam,” she said, adding that her education made her very
competitive with other doctors. “I can talk to a patient just as well as they can, or send a patient to the ER when needed. It
makes me feel very confident in my diagnostic skills.”
She has developed a specialization in autism spectrum, learning disabilities and nutrition, and appreciates that others
within the practice are able to refer patients to her, and vice versa.
Nicole (Potter) Brady, DC
“I was an athlete growing up, so dad was able to put me back together, so I could continue to play,” laughed Dr. Brady.
While she initially planned to pursue a career in athletic training, she felt she could do more as a chiropractic physician.
When she became pregnant her last year in school, “My classmates had a chance to work on me!” That experience led her
to specialize in prenatal and postpartum care.
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