Perham Chiropractor Named Minnesota Chiropractor of the Year
Vincent Pankonin of Perham was named Minnesota Chiropractor of the Year on December 2, 2025, by the Minnesota Chiropractic Association in recognition of his service and contributions to the profession. The honor highlights expanded local access to advanced concussion care and musculoskeletal treatments and underscores his long standing role in the regional health community.
Vincent Pankonin, a longtime Perham practitioner, received the Minnesota Chiropractor of the Year award on December 2, 2025, in recognition of outstanding service to the chiropractic profession and contributions to patient care. The Minnesota Chiropractic Association selection committee chose Pankonin after a peer nomination, citing his leadership roles within the association and his commitment to advancing clinical options for patients.
Pankonin earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1992 and has layered additional training in sports medicine, concussion management and other advanced therapies. He operates local clinics under the names Dr. Big Brain and Dr. Big Pain Solutions, and has incorporated technologies and treatments such as spinal decompression, laser therapy and acoustic compression shock wave therapy to address a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports related injuries.
His practice also includes neurofeedback, for which he holds certification, and he applies neurofeedback in clinical work that includes concussion related care, sleep issues and anxiety. Those services expand options for residents seeking nonsurgical approaches to chronic pain, post concussion symptoms and athletic rehabilitation.
Pankonin has served on the Minnesota Chiropractic Association board and is a past president, roles that factored into the recognition as a service award tied to contributions to the chiropractic community at large. The award brings attention to Perham and the surrounding area as a place where local clinicians pursue continued education and adopt newer therapies.
For Otter Tail County residents, the distinction means enhanced visibility for locally available specialty care. Families, coaches and patients who deal with sports injuries or persistent joint and spine problems may find more options close to home, and the recognition may draw additional professional collaboration and resources to the region.
Pankonin said the honor reflects ongoing efforts to expand patient options and support the profession, and he continues to pursue additional training to bring new treatments to his Perham practices.
