David D. Markwardt, DC, LAC, MD

Dr. David D. Markwardt is a retired multi-disciplinary physician whose career reflects both academic excellence and deep personal resilience. He began his educational journey at St. Cloud State University, graduating with scholastic honors in 1977 with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and an Earth Science minor, followed by a Bachelor of Elective Studies in 1979. He continued his medical training at Northwestern Health Sciences University, earning both his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and acupuncture certification (LAc). Driven to broaden his clinical scope even further, he later earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from St. George’s University School of Medicine, graduating with strong academic standing and pursuing advanced specialization in radiology and interventional radiology.

Dr. Markwardt practiced for approximately a decade on the Central Oregon coast, where he established and built a chiropractic and acupuncture clinic that brought complementary and alternative medicine to a small-town community. After selling his successful practice, he was accepted into his first-choice radiology residency at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His ambitious goal was to become the first chiropractic medical interventional radiologist. However, lasting service-related health complications from his time stationed in Vietnam—including post-traumatic stress disorder, neurological effects linked to Agent Orange exposure, and injuries sustained during the Cam Ranh Bay ammunition depot explosion—ultimately prevented him from completing his residency. Despite these challenges, he was never subject to disciplinary action and retired from active practice around 1999–2000 after more than two decades in healthcare and environmental science.

Now residing on a hobby ranch outside of Terrebonne, Oregon, Dr. Markwardt enjoys a quieter life centered on travel, reading, and reflection. A lifelong traveler, he has visited all 50 states and lived in 10, and once skied on four continents before a severe ankle injury ended his downhill and cross-country skiing pursuits. His home overlooks the Cascade Mountains, including views of Mount Jefferson, and he spends much of his time reading scientific literature as part of his commitment to maintaining cognitive health while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout his life, he has also supported veterans’ causes, including a notable donation to the Disabled American Veterans chapter in Bend, Oregon.

• BA in Environmental Studies with Earth Science Minor, St. Cloud State University, 1977
• Bachelor of Elective Studies (BES), St. Cloud State University, 1979
• Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), Northwestern Health Sciences University | Acupuncture Certification (LAC)
• Northwestern Health Sciences University | Doctor of Medicine (MD)

• Scholastic Honors Graduate
• St. Cloud State University