In a special celebration at its largest annual event, the Tennessee Chiropractic Association (TCA) has honored Dr. Donald Wegener of Powell, Tennessee, with its highest recognition, 2023 Conference Honoree.
“Dr. Wegener embodies the essence of exceptional leadership and is a true champion for chiropractic,” said Tiffany Stevens, executive director of the TCA. “A trusted chiropractor for his community for over 41 years and the pillar of his family, he’s boldly stepped forward time and again dedicating a lifetime of professional involvement which has made a profound impact for the betterment of others.”
Dr. Wegener welcomes each patient as family at his practice in Powell, where he and his team have steadily built a legacy of excellence. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he graduated with his doctorate of chiropractic in 1982 from Logan University.
His extensive post-graduate studies earned him numerous designations:
- Board eligible by the American Board of Chiropractic Neurology
- Diplomat of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners
- Tennessee’s first diplomat of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists in 1992 and
- Fellow of the Academy of Chiropractic Orthopedists in 1995.
Dr. Donald Wegener receives his award from TCA President Dr. Alison Davidson at the Southern Chiropractic Conference.
He has maintained long-standing memberships in both the TCA and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). He also served as TCA president from 1995-96 and for nearly 30 years as chair and now member of the TCA Insurance Committee, in addition to roles on the ACA’s Councils on Diagnostic Imaging and Chiropractic Orthopedics. Using his expertise and passion for helping others, he has been at the forefront representing chiropractic at the local, state and national level in critical conversations such as fair pay, access to care and inclusion in TN efforts to combat opioid addiction.
Dr. Wegener has been recognized by his peers, twice as TCA Chiropractor of the Year in 1996 and 2010 with his fellow past presidents, and as the 2012 James R. Cole Heritage Award recipient. For decades he has been a generous TCA PAC contributor and Eagle Society Member giving back to these critical chiropractic initiatives.
He and his wife, Cindy, are a perfect match. Over the years, she has dedicated her many strengths to the practice’s success, from playing a supportive role to being an integral part of the team. She and their daughter, Tracy; son-in-law, Sean; late son, Travis; and grandchildren Kennedi, Keelyn and Connor are his source of inspiration.
After experiencing the tragic loss of their son, to honor his life, the Travis Wegener Enhance Powell Fund was established by Dr. Wegener and the Powell Business and Professional Association. Combining Travis’ love of automotives and the outdoors, it is funded by an annual car show at Powell High School which draws 150 cars and over 4,000 visitors each year. Proceeds have directly changed the look of Powell through outdoor beautification projects, including a disc golf course and this year’s installation of exercise equipment along the Powell Greenway in conjunction with Knox County Parks & Recreation. He is proud that the positive enrichments made through the fund over the past nine years will continue to foster better health for their community.
Dr. Wegener was honored by his peers at the Southern Chiropractic Conference hosted by TCA held on August 26, 2023, at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Two other members of the Knoxville community were also recognized: Dr. John Self of Self Health and Wellness received the Keith D. Bailey Chiropractic Service Award and Advanced Chiropractic Associates’ team member Diana Mitchell, CTA, CXT, was named Chiropractic Assistant of the Year. Special video presentations of all the 2023 TCA award recipients are featured on the TCA’s YouTube channel (@TNChiroAssoc).
Amy Owsley at the Tennessee Chiroopractic Association contributed to this article.