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Todd Stranahan, DC, attended Parker University where he graduated at the top of his class, Summa Cum Laude. Dr. Stranahan has a significant background in health care, with bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry, Health and Wellness, and Human Anatomy. He owns and operates Touch of Life Chiropractic in Austin. Prior to becoming a chiropractor, he worked for 10 years as a firefighter at the Lake Travis Fire Department, where he was recognized as Firefighter of the Year. Chiropractic is a family tradition for Dr. Stranahan, with his brother, Tim Stranahan, DC, and wife, Ashley Stranahan, DC, practicing in Spicewood and Cedar Park, respectively. Dr. Stranahan is a leader in his profession with the Texas Chiropractic Association. He serves as Treasurer for TCA District 8, which represents Austin and the surrounding area, and he chairs TCA’s State Affairs Committee. Aside from chiropractic, Dr. Stranahan was a nationally ranked collegiate water skier and enjoyed many outdoor sports from racing mountain bikes and motocross, to fly fishing with his family. He spends most of his free time with his wife and his son, Case. How long have you been a TCA member and why did you join TCA? I have been a TCA member on and off for about 10 years. I initially joined because I believe it is important for chiropractors to have a strong organization representing and protecting our profession. Over time, I have come to appreciate just how important that representation is, especially when it comes to legislative and regulatory issues that can directly affect how we practice and care for our patients. What is your favorite thing about being a TCA member? Without question, it is the relationships. TCA has given me the opportunity to meet and become friends with some incredible chiropractors from across Texas. There is something valuable about being around other doctors who understand the challenges of running a practice, taking care of patients, and protecting the future of our profession. The friendships and professional relationships I have developed through TCA have become one of the biggest benefits of being involved. Why did you accept the role as TCA’s State Affairs Committee Chair and what do you hope to achieve? I accepted the State Affairs Committee Chair position because I realized that if we want things to improve in our profession, we can’t always wait for somebody else to do the work. We have to be willing to get involved. I want to help make sure Texas chiropractors have a strong voice when decisions are being made that affect our profession. I also want to improve communication between our doctors, TCA leadership, legislators, and our regulatory board. Why did you get involved in TCA District 8 leadership and why should other chiropractors come to district events? I got involved with District 8 because I wanted to build stronger relationships within our local chiropractic community. Too often, we get busy running our own practices and don’t take the time to connect with the doctors around us. District events give us a chance to get out of our individual offices, share ideas, learn from each other, and actually get to know one another. I would encourage chiropractors to come even if they haven’t been involved with TCA before. You don’t have to volunteer for a committee or take on a leadership position. Just show up, meet some other doctors, and become part of the community. Our profession is stronger when we know and support one another. What is the No. 1 lesson you have learned so far as a chiropractor? Listen to your patients. Early in practice, it is easy to become focused on the diagnosis, the examination, the X-rays, or what treatment you think the patient needs. Over the years, I have learned that sometimes the most important thing you can do is slow down and really listen. Patients will often tell you exactly what is wrong, what they are afraid of, and what they need from you if you give them the opportunity. Treat every patient the way you would want someone to treat a member of your own family. That philosophy has probably influenced the way I practice more than anything else. Who has been the key influence in your chiropractic career? I have been fortunate to have friendships with people who have been deeply involved in TCA leadership, including a former TCA President. Those relationships helped me better understand that being a chiropractor isn’t only about what happens inside your own four walls. We also have a responsibility to help protect and strengthen the profession for the doctors who come after us. What’s something about you—a fun fact—that not many people know? I actually have a few. I was a competitive collegiate water skier and was nationally ranked. Before becoming a chiropractor, I spent nearly 10 years as a firefighter. And probably the most unexpected one: I’m also a certified bartender. So, depending on the situation, I can adjust your back, put out the fire, or make you a drink.