Javier Muñoz Laguna is someone with a passion for chiropractic, research, tennis, and helping others. His work has been recognized in the United States and in other countries. He also happens to be an alum of St. Thomas Aquinas College.
As a STAC student, Javier majored in Biology with a minor in Psychology. In addition to his studies, Javier played tennis at the College. He says that his involvement in this sport made his childhood unique. A native of Seville, Spain, Javier says that a tennis scholarship attracted him to STAC along with the College’s welcoming environment and proximity to New York City. Not only was tennis a hobby; his performance on the tennis courts won him multiple accolades as a student at STAC, such as All-Conference Player and Rookie of the Week with the East Coast Conference, Most Valuable Player and Captain of the STAC Men’s Tennis Team, and All-Academic Scholar-Athlete with the Intercollegiate College Association. Such dedication extended to Javier’s studies, leading to him graduating magna cum laude with an honors distinction in 2017.
Javier’s studies did not stop there. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose, California. Javier has earned multiple awards and forms of recognition, one of which includes “Best Student Presentation” for his presentation, Moving Forward, which was entered into the national competition, What is Forward Thinking Chiropractic through the Lens of a Student. Javier’s work has been recognized beyond the United States. For instance, in Spain, his manuscript, Physical Overexertion: A Musculoskeletal Key Factor in the Workplace, ranked in third place for the VII Queen María Cristina Research Award: Santander Bank, and in Chile, he delivered an award-winning presentation, Presentando Quiropráctica I Congreso Internacional de Estudiantes de Quiropráctica: Manejo de Dolor Crónico.
Javier currently works as a chiropractic clerk at the Palo Alto Health Care System’s U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in San Jose.
“Being able to rotate through an integrated setting with many healthcare providers while having the honor to treat those who served our country,” Javier says is his favorite part of the job.
Javier’s experiences, studies, and accomplishments indicate his affinity for helping others. To him, this passion and providing treatment for those with musculoskeletal disorders make up the most rewarding component of his career.
One of Javier’s professors, Dr. Ryan Wynne comments, “Javier was one of the kindest, hardest working students I had the pleasure to mentor at St. Thomas Aquinas College. From the first day of class to the day he graduated, it was a pure joy to see Javier grow as both a student and a scientist. To this day, I continue to be impressed with the work Javier is doing, and look forward to his continued success in chiropractic medicine.”
Javier has advice for current students who will soon graduate from STAC: “Get involved, and most importantly, show up!” Javier says.
While at STAC, Javier served as Secretary of the STAC Science Club. He was involved in the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society and Sigma Zeta National Science & Mathematics Honor Society. He even earned the St. Thomas Aquinas Class Gold Key Service Award. At Palmer College of Chiropractic-West, Javier’s involvement has only grown, he serves as the president of the Research Club and the Forward Thinking Chiropractic Alliance.