Sherman Faculty Awarded Schwager Memorial Grant for Groundbreaking Breastfeeding Study
Originally published: 2025-08-23
ATLANTA, Georgia – 2025
The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation (FVS) is proud to announce that Dr. Sarah Hock and Dr. Shannon Joy, faculty members at Sherman College of Chiropractic, have been selected as the recipients of the Dr. Scott Schwager Memorial Grant for their innovative research proposal titled: “Pilot Study: Impact of Chiropractic Care on Breastfeeding Success in the First 6 Weeks Postpartum”
This $2,000 grant was established in memory of Dr. Scott Schwager, a dedicated chiropractor, advocate, and leader in the profession whose life was marked by a profound commitment to principled chiropractic and public service. The Schwager Memorial Grant was created to support members of the Sherman College community who are advancing research and scholarship that aligns with the core values of vertebral subluxation-centered care.
“Drs. Hock and Joy exemplify the passion for clinical excellence and scholarly rigor that this grant was designed to honor,” said Dr. Anquonette Stiles, Executive Director of the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation. “Their pilot study addresses a critical area of maternal and infant health and has the potential to make a significant impact on how chiropractic care is integrated into postpartum wellness strategies.”
The awarded project will examine how chiropractic adjustments may influence breastfeeding success rates in the first six weeks postpartum, a formative period for maternal-infant bonding and health outcomes. The research aligns closely with Sherman College’s mission to advance the detection, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxation while contributing to the broader public health dialogue.
Funding for the Schwager Memorial Grant was made possible by Dr. Schwager’s close friends and family, who chose to support Sherman College because of its dedication to the principles that defined Scott’s life and practice. Although he was not a Sherman graduate, Dr. Schwager believed deeply in its mission and its role in shaping the future of chiropractic.
The Foundation and Sherman College extend their heartfelt congratulations to Drs. Hock and Joy and look forward to the results of their important work. This grant not only honors the legacy of a cherished leader but also supports the next generation of scholars committed to principled chiropractic care.
The Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation is dedicated to advancing the founding principles and tenets of the chiropractic profession through research, education, policy, and service.
For more information about the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation and its initiatives, visit: https://vertebralsubluxation.org/
