Journey to becoming a chiropractor
Watching my father help patients eliminate pain, improve their quality of life, and build long-lasting relationships inspired me to become a chiropractor. I grew up understanding and appreciating the chiropractic profession.
Helping people and making a difference matters to me. I enjoy meeting and spending time with patients and caring for them across their continuum of life. Chiropractic and managing a multidisciplinary clinic allows my entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for motivating people to work together to flourish.
I love being in a profession that lets me help others achieve and maintain health naturally. The diversity of the chiropractic profession allows us to work individually or in group settings, use modalities or just our hands, to teach and do research. Collectively, chiropractors achieve the common goal of improving people’s quality of life.
Region of practice and clinical work
I practice in Guelph at Central Health Care, serving the city and surrounding Wellington County. In my clinic, I lead an interprofessional team, which includes chiropractors, physiotherapists, massage therapists, a traditional medicine acupuncturist, and chiropodist.
OCA initiatives and achievements
During my tenure on the OCA Board of Directors, I’ve participated on the OCA’s Governance Committee, which is a cornerstone for ensuring up-to-date bylaws and successful succession of the CEO.
I’m also a part of the OCA’s Nominating Committee. I take my role on this committee seriously because it’s important to choose the right people to promote and advocate for our profession. I also continue to advocate for our profession with elected politicians, local hospital officials, and medical professionals whenever possible.
In addition, I think the work done by OCA staff, Board of Directors and Return to Practice Working Group at the height of COVID-19 was tremendous. During this stressful time with a lot of unknowns, the OCA executed exemplary communications and advice to chiropractors throughout the province. As a Board member, I am proud the OCA helped ensure Ontario chiropractors could continue to practice safely and effectively during the pandemic.
Community and volunteer work
My focus has always been on my patients and doing everything I can to ensure they receive the best possible care. The volume and variety of patient experiences allow me to be an active participant in the community through referrals, sharing of information, and problem solving. I recently participated in the Hike for Hospice Palliative Care fundraising event.
Other contributions to the chiropractic profession
I continue to teach and serve as an examiner at McMaster University’s Medical Acupuncture Program to help chiropractors hone skills to add to their repertoire of techniques. I’ve been with this program since 2006.
I believe that apathy is a serious modern problem. Our profession means a great deal to me, and I feel obligated to do my part to ensure chiropractic remains a strong partner in our health care system to address this issue. For example, I have many students shadow me in clinic, and continually work to maintain strong working relationships with other health care professionals in the community.
My motto
“Begin each day each with gratitude.” Our world can seem dark at times. It’s important to focus on the positives and opportunities in our lives.
Credentials and designations
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist in 2018
- GLA:D (Good Living with Osteo Arthritis, Denmark) Canada certification in 2017
- Certificate of Medical Acupuncture Level 1 & 2 from McMaster University Health Sciences in 2004 & 2008
- Doctor of Chiropractic in 2002
- Master of Science in Chiropractic from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in 2002
- B.Sc. Honours in Chiropractic Science from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in 2001
- B.Sc. from the University of Western Ontario in 1998