Whiplash: A true story

The immense forces transmitted through vehicles during a crash do not discern adults from children. One of my younger patients who has recently been suffering from crash related injuries brought me a very special present - a book about her journey to recovery:


Title page about child injured in crash
Child injured in crash page 2
Whiplash injury in children Portland OR
Whiplash injuries in children successfully treated

If you or your children have whiplash from a crash, don't delay your treatment. Call us today.

Do I need a DOT Medical Card?

A common question is:

When do I need a DOT Medical Card? or Who needs a DOT Medical Card?
The obvious answer is for people who have and maintain a commercial driver's license (CDL). But there are other situations where a DOT medical card is required, even when a CDL is not.

DOT Medical Card at Manual Medicine Portland

From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
Medical certification in accordance with FMCSA physical qualification standards is required when the driver is operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce that:
  • Has a combined gross vehicle weight or weight rating of 10,0001 lbs. or more.
  • Is designed or used to transport 9-15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
  • Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) whether for compensation or not.
  • Transports hazardous materials in quantities that require placarding under the hazardous materials regulations.
  • When a driver returns from an illness or injury that interferes with driving ability, the driver must undergo a medical examination even if the medical examiner's certificate has not expired.
The medical examiner is responsible for certifying only drivers who meet the physical qualification standards. Certification cannot exceed 2 years, and at the discretion of the FMCSA medical examiner, may be less than 2 years. The Federal Vision and Diabetes Exemption Programs require annual medical certification.

The medical examiner's certificate expires at midnight of the day, month, and year written on the certificate. There is no grace period on the expiration. The driver must be re-examined and recertified to continue to drive legally.

Other DOT medical card (CDL physical exam) requirements are posted as follows:
Need a DOT Medical Card in Portland? Call us at (503) 774-3778 to schedule your physical exam.  We're often able to accommodate walk-ins.