Dr. Brett Winchester was midway through chiropractic college when he first learned of Dr. Karel Lewit, an internationally-known neurologist who's referred to by many as the "founder of manual therapy".

One of the foremost authorities in the world on locomotor systems dysfunctions, Lewit, now 87, is revered for his all-inclusive approach to treating patients using techniques from all fields of manual medicine.

Like many students, Winchester had studied religiously from a textbook published by Lewit when he was in college. Winchester is so impressed with the neurologist that he keeps a copy of Lewit's textbook on hand at his clinic, Winchester Chiropractic located off Highway C in Moscow Mills.

Last month, Winchester was able to meet and study with the manual medicine mentor when he and about 20 other doctors from around the world traveled to Prague, Czech Republic.

From Oct. 2 through Oct. 12, the doctors participated in a therapy and rehabilitation program hosted through Charles University, where Lewit is a professor. Craig Liebenson, a chiropractor who practices in Santa Barbara, Calif. organized the trip.

Winchester says working with Lewit in person was an unbelievable experience.

Obviously, I've plowed through his book a number of times, but just watching him interact with patients with his ability and palpation skills was out of this world," Winchester said.

As opposed to traditional chiropractic therapy that focuses on adjusting and manipulating joints, Winchester says Lewit's approach differs because he also focuses on integrating muscle work and rehabilitation exercises to improve and treat the whole locomotor system.

Aside from working with Lewit on their trip, Winchester and other visiting doctors listened to presentations from eight other doctors and attended lectures and labs each day. Patients from a hospital in Prague participated in classes so that Lewit and other presenters could gave hands-on demonstrations.

After interacting with doctors in the Czech Republic, which is known for its highly competent physicians, Winchester says he has a greater respect for their work.

"They're not driven by money; there's no monetary benefit for them. Their motivation is being good clinicians; they're driven by patient results," Winchester said.

Winchester said he looks forward to implementing some of the things he learned from Lewit in Prague to better treat his clients in Lincoln County.

Winchester opened his chiropractic clinic a year ago.

He has a bachelor's degree in business and a minor in chemistry from the University of Missouri-Columbia, He obtained his doctorate of chiropractic science from Logan College in Chesterfield.