He graduated from high school in Seattle, Wash. He was married to Virginia Boynton in 1938, and she shared the interest and enthusiasm of his becoming a doctor. World War II stopped his medical school plans, and four years were spent in the United States Navy. In 1946, an automobile accident disturbed the spinal balance that the spine had made, to the fall years back, and after one medical failure after another, chiropractic succeeded in restoring his health again. The results obtained on both Dr. Virginia and Dr. Elton by chiropractic, brought about the decision to enter chiropractic college, and both enrolled in Palmer College. They graduated in February 1949, Virginia as class secretary, and Elton, as class president.
Their first practice was with Dr. Halstead in Cleburne, Texas and they opened their present office in Colorado City, Texas in June 1950.
Dr. Berkman joined the Texas Chiropractic Society, and during the five years, he was a member, served as a director, legislative director, and finally president in 1954. In 1955, he was awarded the Society’s Outstanding Chiropractor of the Year award.
During his term as president, realizing the need for one strong organization, talks were started with the leaders of the association to amalgamate. The following year, he headed the Society’s half of the amalgamation team, which resulted in one organization. Starting in 1951, he began working with the legislature, and had the privilege in 1953 of teaming up with Dr. Walter Fischer in securing chiropractic inclusion in the Workman’s Compensation Laws. In 1967 while teaming with Dr. Brassard, he saw chiropractors exempted from jury service, participation in Medicaid on a limited basis, an Insurance Law requiring Insurance Companies to specify doctors in policies, a Board of Examiners Bill to allow increases in renewal fees. During the eleven years in the TSCA, there has not been a year he hasn’t served on a committee. He was chairman of the Ethics Committee twice, and served as Chairman and co-chairman of public health. He served two years on the Board of Directors, and as secretary, vice president, and president of District 7. He has held offices of secretary, vice president and president of the Gavel Club.
On a national level, he has been an active member of the ICA for 20 years, and is a charter member of the ACA. He was a member of 100, who went to Chicago to help form the ACA policies. Dr. Berkman is a 32 degree Mason active in both the Scottish and York Rite, a member of the Suez Shrine, and officer in the local Shrine Club. He is a member of the V.F.W., and former Senior Vice Commander of his post, Lions Club member for ten years, and Chamber of Commerce for 17 years. He was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce. He was Chairman of the Chamber’s Aviation Committee for six years, securing a lighted and paved air port for his city.
Dr. Berkman is a member of the Baptist church, and spend a lot of time in counseling with young people. Hobbies, after chiropractic, are flying and hunting, when time has permitted.
Dr. Berkman received the Keeler Plaque in 1967.
