We Are the Doctor of the Future

AN EXCLUSIVE TAC Tic Talk Featuring Dr. Stephan Ediss — Chiropractor, Educator, Consultant for Nutri-West

HEALTH CARE AS WE KNOW IT IS RAPIDLY TRANSFORMING. The public is shifting its focus from “sickness management” to true “health care,” demanding solutions that emphasize prevention, wellness, and patient empowerment. For decades, doctors of chiropractic have trained for this very moment when Thomas Edison’s famous quote finally rings true: “The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

In this special episode of TAC Tic Talk, hosts Dr. Joe Busch and Jaclyn Busch (TAC) sit down with Dr. Stephan Ediss (Dr. Ediss), a chiropractor, educator, applied kinesiologist, and longtime consultant and speaker for Nutri-West, to explore the evolving paradigm of wholistic health care. This episode, titled “We Are the Doctor of the Future, ” dives into the power of chiropractic, the role of nutritional supplementation, the value of clinical intuition, and the importance of continuous learning in elevating practitioner skill sets.

Dr. Ediss brings decades of clinical wisdom, personal stories, and practical advice to the table, with the conversation covering everything from foundational patient care philosophy to the science behind the supplements practitioners use every day. Whether you’re a seasoned chiropractor or a student of health, this episode offers a timely reminder of the essential role chiropractors play in shaping the future of health car e.

Let’s dive in.

TAC: Let’s start from the beginning. What led you to become a chiropractor?

Dr. Ediss: I grew up in a healthcare family. My dad was a dentist, but he also practiced homeopathy. So we weren’t exactly conventional. We used home remedies, supplements, and natural health care; chiropractic was just another piece of the puzzle. Then, two of my older brothers became chiropractors, and I saw how meaningful their work was. It inspired me to pursue it as well. Later, a cousin and my nephew joined the profession, too. You could say chiropractic runs in our DNA.

TAC: You’ve been in practice since the early ’90s. Did you always know you’d integrate techniques like applied kinesiology and acupuncture?

Dr. Ediss: Pretty early on, yes. While I was still in school, I started taking applied kinesiology (AK) classes. I learned from Dr. Bob Blaich and earned my certification through the International College of Applied Kinesiology. That training changed eveiything for me; it gave me a broader understanding of the body as an integrated system. Later, I added acupuncture to the mix through Dr. John Amaro’s program and became a Fellow at the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture. My approach has always been to collect tools; when you have more tools, you have more ways to help people.

TAC: Speaking of tools, your affiliation with Nutri-West has been a big part of your journey. Can you share that story?

Dr. Ediss: Absolutely. It started serendipitously. I was working for a chiropractor in Phoenix who double-booked himself for a seminar in Las Vegas and asked me to cover for him. That’s where I met Michele, Dr. Paul White’s daughter and now my wife. We hit it off, and what started in Vegas eventually led me to Wyoming. We’ve been married for 26 years.

TAC: That’s a great story. And Michele is now the president of Nutri-West?

Dr. Ediss: She is. Michele purchased the company and now runs it entirely. She’s not just a figurehead; she’s deeply involved. She oversees eveiything from formulation decisions to customer service to managing our educational events. She’s incredibly hands-on and committed to the doctors we serve. She works harder than anyone I know.

TAC: That family spirit really comes through at your seminars, too. You’re not just selling products; you’re building a community.

Dr. Ediss: That’s how we see it. We believe in supporting doctors not just with supplements, but with education, mentorship, and accessibility. Every year, we host a Winter Symposium. In 2026, it’s happening in Scottsdale, Arizona, from January 30 to February 1. We have incredible speakers, and one evening, we open our home to attendees. We feed everyone, hang out, and answer questions. That kind of connection is rare in this industry.

TAC: It really is. Now, let’s talk about your clinical process. What sets your practice apart?

Dr. Ediss: For me, it’s about thoroughness and intention. Every initial visit starts with a comprehensive history and exam. Even if a case looks straightforward, I never assume. Patients often say, “No one’s ever asked me those questions before.” That’s because I need the full picture to understand what’s really going on.

From there, I evaluate neurological organization — left-right brain integration, proprioception, reflexive response integrity. I look at the nervous system like a computer. The brain and spinal cord are your hard drive, and sensory inputs — touch, temperature, joint position — are your software. If there’s a faulty “file,” the whole system can misfire. That’s what I call a “factory reset.” Once the system is integrated properly, I proceed with adjustments and soft tissue work. It’s all about restoring communication.

TAC: That’s an insightful analogy. How does nutrition factor into your clinical approach?

Dr. Ediss: It’s essential. I use AK to identify nutritional needs, and sometimes lab work to confirm. I don’t just hand out bottles of supplements. I test to find out exactly what the patient needs and, just as importantly, what they don’t. It’s about precision.

And that’s where Nutri-West really shines. Their products are high quality, rigorously formulated, and only available through practitioners. We want to ensure there’s professional oversight, especially since some nutrients can interact with medications or be inappropriate for certain conditions.

TAC: We hear you’re also involved in educating doctors on lab interpretation.

Dr. Ediss: Yes. Nutri-West offers a powerful tool called FHEval, developed by Dr. Lynn Toohey. It takes lab data and interprets it from a functional perspective — not just “normal” versus “abnormal,” but what’s optimal for that individual. You input vitals, labs, and demographics, and the software gives you system priorities, explanations, and nutritional recommendations. It’s a great tool for getting deeper insights without relying solely on symptom-based models, and patients love the report that is generated.

“The gut is the epicenter of health. It produces over 90% of serotonin and houses around half the immune system.”

TAC: Let’s talk about your seminars. What topics are you currently teaching?

Dr. Ediss: This year, I’m focusing on the vagus nerve, neurodegenerative conditions, gut-brain axis, infl annuation, and postural correction. I often co-teach with Dr. Dan Murphy; he’s a genius when it comes to peer-reviewed research. He lays out the science, and I translate it into clinical tools. We also have hands-on demonstrations so attendees can immediately apply what they leani on Monday morning.

TAC: One thing we’ve heard is that Nutri-West events feel personal, not corporate.

Dr. Ediss: That’s intentional. Michele and I make it a point to be present, available, and approachable. Doctors can come up and ask anything. We believe education should be practical and engaging. There’s nothing worse than a seminar where the speaker is just reading slides and trying to push product. We’re here to elevate the profession.

TAC: Let’s dig into gut health. Why is this such a central focus for you?

Dr. Ediss: The gut is the epicenter of health. It produces over 90% of serotonin and houses around half the immune system. If it’s inflamed or dysfunctional, the whole body suffers. I teach a lot about the ileocecal valve, which is often overlooked but has a huge impact on digestion and systemic inflammation. You can’t fix the adrenals, brain, or even musculoskeletal issues if the gut is inflamed.

TAC: Do you believe whole-food supplements help bridge the gap?

Dr. Ediss: Absolutely. We use products like Total Green and Phyto Renew that contain powdered greens and antioxidants. They’re great for patients who aren’t getting enough nutrients from food, which is a lot of people these days. Soil depletion, processed foods, and stress all contribute to nutrient loss. Supplements should support the body’s systems, not overwhelm them.

“Supplements should support the body’s systems, not overwhelm them.”

TAC: With all your experience, what’s your message to younger chiropractors?

Dr. Ediss: Don’t wait to learn the “extras.” Take the seminars. Leani AK. Get familiar with functional neurology. These are not luxury tools; they’re essentials. The sooner you leani them, the sooner you’ll stand out and make a difference. Chiropractic is more than just adjusting; it’s about being a complete physician.

TAC: Do you find fewer students are learning AK these days?

Dr. Ediss: Yes, unfortunately. I think some are intimidated because it’s hands on and skill based. But I always tell them it’s like learning to play an instrument. At first, it feels clunky, but with practice, it becomes second nature. And it’s fun. You’re solving puzzles, and helping people in real time. It’s incredibly rewarding.

TAC: Final thoughts?

Dr. Ediss: Just this — your results are your reputation. When a patient walks out of your office, that’s your work leaving the building. Make sure it’s solid. Be present. Be thorough. If you treat every patient like they’re your own family, your practice will grow, and your patients will do the marketing for you.

To learn more about Dr. Ediss or to attend a Nutri-West seminar visit www.nutriwest.com and www. nutriwest.com/seminars

For lab support contact Dr. Lynn Toohey at drtooheynutriwest^gmail. com. Customer Support email infoffnutriwest. com or call 1-800-443-3333

Dr. Ediss’ articles appear regularly in “The American Chiropractor”. Visit digital, theamericanchiropractor. com and search “Ediss” or “Nutri-West” for archived content.

TAC Tool Kit

To give you a clear idea of what an amazing chiropractor uses to run his practice, we’ve asked to share with us some specific products and equipment that you use to reach your practice’s goal of bringing health into your community.

• Tables: 2 - Lloyd Galaxy 900 H.S.

• Diagnostic equipment: FHEval.

• Rehabilitation equipment: Lumix Fisiolive IR Laser. - Erchonia Derma Laser.

• Nutritional supplements: Nutri-West Product Live.

• Computer software: Micro-4 Practice Studio

• X-ray equipment: HCM I.

• Other companies I love: Arthrostim Manipulator by Impac. - Vibracussor by Impac.

• Married to: Michele White Ediss.

• Kids: ALL grown and out of the house. 4 grandkids.

• Recreation and leisure activities: Golf, ATVs, motorcycle riding, and cooking.

• Professional affiliations: ICAK.

• Practice particulars: ALL of the below are optional. Our goal is simply to illustrate a successful chiropractor.

• Practice hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 - 12:00,1:30 - 5:00.

• Techniques: AK, diversified, activator.

• Staff: Kim - Office manager and CA, since the practice opened in 1998 (over 27 years).

• What type of practice do you have? Diverse, whole family, holistic healthcare, personal injury, sports, workers’ comp, Medicare. From 1 day old to the end.

• Clinic size/name/location/web address: Ediss Chiropractic 1330 East Richards Street Douglas,WY 82633 edisschiropractic.com

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