Chiropractor grabs golden opportunity
She heads to Italy to take part in the 2006 Winter Olympics, where she'll treat athletes and promote her profession.
By MEGAN VOELLER
Published February 10, 2006
It feels like Sage Campione's entire life has led up to this experience.
Campione, a first-generation Sicilian-American and chiropractor, will treat athletes at the Winter Olympic Games, which open today in Turin, Italy.
The opportunity didn't just fall into her lap.
Networking was key.
Last August, Campione, 37, approached a colleague, who gave her a contact name at the International Sports Chiropractic Commission. She sent in her resume and hoped for the best.
In December, the organization invited her to be one of 15 American chiropractors representing the group at the Games.
For two weeks, she will work from noon to midnight with every fourth day off. In addition to treating athletes, she'll promote the chiropractic profession.
Becoming a chiropractor as a second career can keep athletes involved in sports after competition, Campione said.
Although she has traveled throughout Italy, this will be Campione's first visit to the northwestern city of Turin. She hopes the city's proximity to Milan will make it a good place to shop for her favorite Italian designers.
A native of Milwaukee, she grew up speaking Italian. As an only child, her extended clan and 14 first cousins gave Campione a strong sense of family.
She found a similar experience of brotherly love in her profession, she said. With chiropractic students coming from all over the world to study in the United States, the community of physicians feels close knit, Campione said.
After struggling to find her way around Atlanta while a student at Life University in Marietta, Ga., Campione decided to settle in a smaller city. Tampa and its waterfront skyline remind her of Milwaukee, she said, with warmer weather.
Seven years later, her family practice recently expanded into offices inside the new Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce building on Paul's Drive.
Campione leapt at the opportunity to share space with the chamber. Her business was the first to sign up, she said.