NASHVILLE - Dr. Jeffrey McKinley of McMinnville has been honored with the 2022 James R. Cole Heritage Award by the Tennessee Chiropractic Association (TCA), the state’s largest professional organization for chiropractors.
“We are proud to recognize Dr. McKinley for his unparalleled commitment to excellence,” said TCA Executive Director Tiffany Stevens.
Born at Ft. Bragg, N.C., Dr. McKinley has lived in eight states and 11 cities in his life, including Nashville where he attended Lipscomb University and earned his degree in biology and chemistry. He graduated with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri in 1989.
He settled in McMinnville and began practicing with Dr. W. E. Vanatta in a location with a heritage all its own. Dr. Clyde Cope, the original practitioner, started the practice in 1922, and so the year 2022 not only marks Dr. McKinley’s 32nd year in practice, but also 100 years of the practice providing chiropractic care to the community.
McKinley holds numerous post-graduate certifications, including as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and Certified Posture Exercise Professional, and has served over 25 years on the Warren County High School sports medicine team. He was also selected for two rotations at the U.S. Olympic Training Center serving at Colorado Springs and Lake Placid.
Through his support of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the TCA, Dr. McKinley has held key leadership roles. Serving as Tennessee ACA assistant delegate and Medicare Committee representative, he has been a part of numerous National Chiropractic Legislative Conferences in Washington D.C. to address issues impacting patients and their access to care. He was elected to the TCA Board of Directors as District IV Director early in his career, and then became TCA President in 2004 and 2005. Dr. McKinley has further supported efforts for his profession for over two decades as an esteemed TCA Eagle Society Member and TCA PAC Contributor. His peers recognized him with the 2005 Chiropractor of the Year award, and he continues to serve on the TCA Insurance Committee as well as maintaining an active participation in TCA efforts.
He is a gifted educator and writer. He has contributed to the nationally recognized textbook, “Chiropractic Therapy Assistant: A Resource Guide” as well as national publications and is a popular presenter in his field, now serving on the Foot Levelers Speaker’s Bureau. Locally, he enjoys devoting time to educating students of other healthcare professions about chiropractic, lecturing at Vanderbilt Medical School and Lipscomb Pharmacy School.
His heritage in his community runs deep as well. He is a past president and district governor of the McMinnville Breakfast Rotary of which he’s been a member for 30 years and High School Interact Sponsor for over a decade. His service spans multiple area boards and community advisory committees, including over 20 years on the Board of the McMinnville Electric System, the past five of which he’s been Chairman.
Serving his church family at Westwood Church of Christ, he is an elder, song leader and Bible class teacher and participated in a medical mission to Camalu, Mexico caring for those in need.
Perhaps most of all, Dr. McKinley values his family and their rich traditions. He and his wife of 35 years, Lynette, have four daughters Kathryn, Laura Beth, Caroline and Abigail. He treasures time fulfilling their father-daughter bucket lists, memories of annual golf trips with his late father, and moments with his 1-year-old granddaughter, always keeping his faith and family first.
Dr. McKinley accepted the award during the Southern Chiropractic Conference hosted by TCA on Aug. 20 in Murfreesboro.
