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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Dr. Jon Petrick
By Callie Thomas
Some may ask, “What’s life without a little drama?” But for 89074 resident Dr. Jon Petrick, keepin’ it real is the way to go. Not that there hasn’t been a bit of drama in this Las Vegas chiropractor’s life. Having worked with the Toronto Blue Jays for the past twelve seasons and residing as the on air doctor for the hit FOX television show Ultimate Fighting Championship, he has his fair share. Still, it’s how he’s handled and learned from life’s experiences that make a difference.
In 1994, while residing in Phoenix, Arizona, Petrick was involved in a car accident from which he suffered neurological impairments in his right arm and leg. He had sixty percent weakness and a lot of dysfunction. The on-going pain and effects from the crash had gone on for nearly seven months until he was referred to a Dr. James Atkins, owner of Arizona Pain Treatment Centers. Petrick began a rehabilitation program that incorporated Active Release Techniques, which returned him to full function. While the accident caused severe trauma in Petrick’s life, it has led him down a lifelong path of reaching his career goals and a passion for helping others.
Since moving to Vegas in 1999, Dr. Petrick has been the Medical Director for the Las Vegas Pain Relief Center, a multidisciplinary facility that specializes in pain management, chiropractic and physical therapy. It offers esthetics, massage therapy and a full gym. But even before he opened his practice, Petrick was eager to get involved in the community and developed relationships with Special Olympics of Nevada, the City of Las Vegas Adaptive Recreation Program, Opportunity Village and others. His relationships with the organizations and those that have been influential in their success have come together to form a program called Keep It Simple Make It Fun (KIS-MIF), which provides disabled individuals an opportunity to experience leisure activities including camping, fishing, hiking and more. The doctor talks about creating the program and why he’s compelled to make changes for the better.
Tell us a bit about Keep It Simple Make It Fun.
“Well, as the name implies, the program is to keep things relaxed and fun for those in the program. I saw a need in the community as there were limited programs to assist disabled individuals. The whole basis of KIS-MIF is to get back to basics in life by enjoying the outdoors in a setting that is friendly, warm and relaxing.”
Are there any standout experiences you could share about KIS-MIF?
“When you’re around the group, you get to experience unconditional friendship and love. Our members don’t care what clothes you have on or the latest gadget you’ve just purchased. They care only about the most precious commodity we all have, which is time. When you engage with them, it’s the little things that are important. Whether we’re just sitting around a campfire, fishing, hiking or just spending quality time together without the distractions of everyday life… that’s what truly matters most to our KIS-MIF friends.”
What are you most proud to have accomplished with KIS-MIF?
“The program is a platform to help people for the sake of helping people. There’s no financial reward or medals or plaques; you just get a true sense of helping those who cannot help themselves.”
For a man that’s constantly on the go, how do you unwind after a busy day?
“I usually don’t have too much down time between my medical practice, the creation of KIS-MIF and being a single dad, and don’t actually like it when I have it. When I do, I try to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. My daughter and I go outdoors as much as possible. Just being around the ones I love is all the un-plugging I need.”
We hear that you also have another passion… painting?
[Smiles] “I’m no modern day Bob Ross but I have been told I am quite good. It’s a break for me.”
What do you think makes you successful?
“I’m not sure I consider myself successful, but to your point, I think it’s my absolute unwillingness to fail. I am compelled to make changes for the better.”
