2025 Member Recognition Day Wrap-Up Story
On November 29, 2025, the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) hosted its annual Member Recognition Day, which brings together dozens of chiropractors from across the province to celebrate excellence in the profession in Ontario. The day featured a full schedule including networking opportunities, a continuing education session, and the presentation of the annual OCA Awards.
For the second consecutive year, the event was held at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto. Throughout the day, over 130 guests had the chance to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and mingle with peers.
Dr. David Starmer, recipient of the 2025 Chiropractor of the Year Award, speaking with other attendees during a networking break.
Dr. Tony Tibbles attending the 2025 OCA Member Recognition Day.
Opening Remarks
The day began with an introduction from OCA’s CEO Caroline Brereton, who welcomed attendees and spoke about how the OCA has served as the strategic voice for the profession in Ontario over the past year. This includes the development of seven of OCA’s Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care (EBCC) scholarly papers and Aspire’s growth into the second-largest practice management software in Canada.
Afterwards, she introduced special guests Dr. Jay Shah, MD, and Dr. John Srbely, DC, PhD for the first kickoff event of the day, a CE presentation titled “Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Chiropractic Perspective.”
OCA CEO Caroline Brereton delivering the opening remarks at the 2025 OCA Member Recognition Day.
CE Presentation with Dr. Shah and Dr. Srbely
Dr. Shah, a physiatrist and clinical investigator at the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Srbely, an associate professor at the University of Guelph, led a three-hour presentation to an engaged audience eager to deepen their understanding of about myofascial pain syndrome and how chiropractic can help.
Their presentation guided guests through the role of spinal health, neurogenic inflammation, and central sensitization in myofascial pain syndrome; and finished with a hands-on demonstration of their techniques with a member of the audience.
Dr. Jay Shah and Dr. John Srbely perform a hands-on demonstration with Dr. Kyle Grice.
Lunch and AGM
After a networking break, members enjoyed an elegant, three-course lunch as Ms. Brereton, along with OCA Board Chair Dr. Janet D’Arcy, led the OCA’s Annual and Special Meeting of Members (AGM). Guests listened to key business updates, including audited financial statements and review of notable achievements made over the last year, including the launch of Chiro Cart, Career Transition Advisory Council, and Aspire Strategic Advisory Council.
Ms. Brereton also shared the success of the OCA’s recent scope expansion advocacy efforts.
“Our scope expansion campaign showed what happens when our profession, supported by our members, partners and educators, rallies around a shared vision,” said Ms. Brereton. “Together, we elevated your voice to government and demonstrated how expanded scope can better serve patients and strengthen Ontario’s health care system.”
During the AGM, six members were elected to the OCA board for the 2026-2029 term. Drs. Paolo De Ciantis, Anjelica Mazzella, and Carol Ann Weis returned to the board, while Drs. Sophia da Silva-Oolup, Brian Gleberzon and Jenna Macfarlane became its new additions. Click here a full recap of the 2025 AGM.
OCA Awards Presentation
Each year, the OCA celebrates excellence within Ontario’s chiropractic community through the OCA Awards, which recognize chiropractors that have made outstanding contributions in patient care, advocacy, research, and service to the profession. It also recognizes those who have achieved 25-, 40-, 50- and 60-years of membership with the OCA.
“Each of [these recipients] exemplify the values and vision that guide our organization, including excellence in patient care, leadership in research, collaboration across the health system, and commitment to advancing our profession,” said Dr. D’Arcy, as she opened the awards presentations. “Through their efforts, they not only improve the lives of patients every day but inspire all of us to raise the bar for what chiropractic care can achieve.”
Attendees at the 2025 OCA Member Recognition Day listen to OCA Board Chair Dr. Janet D'Arcy introduce the recipient of the Chiropractor of the Year Award.
Over the course of the afternoon, seven awards were presented. Each recipient accepted their award to rapturous applause and gave acceptance speeches that reflected their gratitude for everyone that has helped them succeed in their careers.
Here is the list of the 2025 OCA award recipients. Click on each video to hear their acceptance speeches:
Shelly Douglas, 2025 OCA Chiropractic Health Assistant (CHA) Award Recipient
Dr. Kyla Meadley, 2025 OCA Early Career Chiropractor of the Year Award Recipient
Dr. Brian Drew, 2025 OCA Health System Ally Award Recipient
Dr. Carol Cancelliere, 2025 OCA Research and Academic Award Recipient
Dr. Albert Scales, 2025 OCA Community Service Award Recipient
Dr. Crystal Draper, 2025 OCA Dr. Michael Brickman Heart & Hands Award Recipient