This month marked a turning point of sorts in chiropractics in Merrill, as Dr. Gary Mueller hung up the white coat for the last time, after nearly four decades of private practice.
As Mueller prepared to exit to enjoy his retirement years, Dr. Julie Davis was preparing to move in and start the next chapter of her 22-year practice.
Davis was previously located at 1201 E. Third St., and is quite excited about her relocation to Mueller’s office at 706 S. Center Ave., as well as getting acquainted with Mueller’s patients.
“I am excited and a little nervous at the same time,” Davis adds. “Like any other doctor-patient relationship, patients get used to seeing the same practitioner over time and chiropractics is no different. With that being said, I can understand Dr. Gary’s patients may be nervous about the transition. Rest assured though, my technique will meet Gary’s patients’ needs.”
Both practitioners will be leaving the original locations of their respective practices.
Mueller, a Milwaukee native, opened his doors in 1978 after graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA.
The building was previously a drive-in diner known as “Plehn’s Drive-in.” The conversion from a drive-in diner to a chiropractic office took Mueller about six weeks.
“I wanted to move up north,” Mueller states of choosing Merrill to set up shop. “Merrill was my first choice. I didn’t like Rhinelander or Tomahawk,” Mueller jokes with a smile.
Davis also graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic, and opened her practice in 1991.
After practicing for two years with Dr. Dennis Abegglen, Davis entered into solo practice in 1993.
As part of the transition to Mueller’s office, Davis has some minor changes planned for the new office including updates such as painting and flooring as well as paperless record keeping. 
“Paperless record keeping will prove very important for Dr. Julie’s practice,” Mueller adds. 
“This will place Julie on the cutting edge of health records technology in chiropractics.”
In addition, Davis will be offering additional services at her office including nutritional education, adjunctive therapies as well as massage therapy services offered by colleague Keli Sarver.
Currently, Davis has office hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 8 a.m.-Noon on Thursdays with the possibility of Tuesday and weekend hours in the near future.
As for Dr. Gary, he too is excited about what the future holds.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family, especially my grandchildren,” the veteran chiropractor explains. “My wife Susan and I love to travel, especially to other countries. We have been to several countries already and we would like to visit a few more.”
Although excited to start his retirement, Mueller is very grateful for the experiences and people he has met during his time in practice.
“It’s been an honor to serve four generations of patients,” he said. “The fact they have entrusted me with their health for so long is humbling for me. It’s just been a true honor.”
In turn, Davis is excited about the next chapter of her career.
 “I look forward to continuing such a tradition of quality chiropractic health in this community,” she said.
Davis’ official first day of practice at her new location was on Wednesday, April 8.