Smith announces departure from Nicolai Chiropractic

On December 31, the Nicolai Chiropractic Center, P.C. will lose one of its seasoned chiropractors.

Dr. Zachary Smith, who's been practicing chiropractic medicine in New Rockford since January of 2013, announced his departure from Nicolai Chiropractic on Nov. 29. The news led to multiple messages of support on Facebook and questions about what comes next.

Dr. Smith told the Transcript that following his time at Nicolai Chiropractic he'll begin working at the Spirit Lake Health Center (SLHC) in Fort Totten, which serves enrolled tribal members on the Spirit Lake Reservation.

"When the opportunity to practice at the Spirit Lake Health Center came up, I jumped at the opportunity," Smith said. "I have always been interested in a practice embedded within a health system. I think it will only be getting more common to see chiropractors embedded in settings like that in the future, as it streamlines care delivery, and generally makes for better outcomes, as care is often able to be accessed more quickly."

As for what comes next at Nicolai Chiropractic, Dr. Michael Nicolai has said that he's still weighing his options about whether or not to begin searching for a new chiropractor. In the meantime, Dr. Smith's patients will have the option of remaining with Nicolai Chiropractic and working with Dr. Nicolai, but most won't be able to continue seeing Dr. Smith once he begins working at the SLHC.

"The people!" said Smith about what he'll miss the most about Nicolai Chiropractic. "The hardest part about me leaving is that I won't be able to continue to see the bulk of my current patients, as the Spirit Lake Health Center only serves enrolled tribal members."

When asked what he'd like to say to his current patients, Smith responded, "I would just like to take this time to thank each and every one of my patients for trusting me with their care. You've all had a part in making me into the chiropractor I am today, and I'm grateful for the experience. I've been humbled by just how many people have been reaching out to me since word has gotten out that I was leaving the clinic."

Smith is looking forward to commuting to the SLHC every day and having a standing lunch date with his wife, who already works at the health center in Fort Totten.

Nicolai Chiropractic will be hosting a farewell open house for Dr. Smith on Friday, Dec. 17 from 9-10:30 a.m. Stop by to say goodbye and to wish Dr. Smith the best of luck as he embarks on the next chapter of his career.