Your Board Candidates Answer Three Townhall Questions
1. What do you think is currently the most important opportunity (or highest priority) for the chiropractic profession in Ontario and why?
I believe the most important priority for the Chiropractic profession in Ontario at this time is to work towards reducing fears and stigma associated with Chiropractic care among members of racialized and equity-deserving groups. I believe diversifying the Chiropractic workforce to be more reflective and representative of the diverse population in Ontario is crucial to work towards this goal. In reading a recent article on Diversity of the Chiropractic Profession in Canada, it comes as no surprise that, with respect to race, chiropractors from visible minority and equity-deserving groups remain underrepresented. I believe the lack of representation is a critical factor contributing to the under utilization of Chiropractic care among members of racialized and equity-deserving groups. If members of racialized and equity-deserving groups are able to see themselves represented within the Chiropractic workforce, they may feel increased safety and comfort, and be more likely to access Chiropractic care. Given that Chiropractic care is a vital component of overall healthcare, it is important that all people feel Chiropractic care is an option for them.
2. What do you think is the most important role OCA can play during the next three years?
I believe the most important role OCA can play during the next three years is to push for greater integration of Chiropractic care within the Ontario healthcare system. This would allow Chiropractic care to be seen more readily as primary health care, thereby improving utilization rates and access to Chiropractic service. Greater integration of Chiropractic care would also support the work OCA is already doing in helping to address the opioid crisis. In addition, greater integration would also help with reducing fears and stigmas related to accessing Chiropractic care, particularly among members of racialized and equity-deserving groups.
3. What key difference do you want to make during your tenure on the OCA Board of Directors (for 2024-2027)?
A key difference I want to make during my tenure on the OCA Board of Directors (for 2024-2027) is to invite the OCA and its members to engage in greater training, dialogue and action from an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) lens. This may look like the creation of an EDI advisory committee within the OCA, EDI and cultural competency resources, offerings and training for OCA members, and the creation of patient education materials and resources for the general public that are more representative, inclusive, and speak to all members of Ontario’s diverse population. A focus on EDI can add to the sense of safety and belonging across members of the OCA, thereby allowing more ideas and perspectives to be brought to the table, and for greater creativity, innovation and forward action within the OCA to occur.
Biographical Profile
Why did you become a chiropractor?
As an active participant in martial arts throughout high school and university, I was no stranger to sports-related injuries. As a competitive athlete, my top priority was to recover and return to participating in the sport as quickly and effectively as possible. While pain medication masked the pain, chiropractic care was able to diagnose and treat the source of pain, all while improving my muscle and joint functions to also enhance my performance. I was introduced to chiropractic care by my father, who at the time had been receiving care as well. Experiencing the benefits of chiropractic treatment is what led me down the path of becoming a chiropractor myself.
Where do you practise?
I currently practice in London, Ontario at East London Chiropractic and Health. I have been practicing at this clinic since 2022. Prior to practicing in London, I worked as part of multidisciplinary and rehab teams within various clinics across the GTA.
What is your motto or mantra?
My motto is Movement is Medicine. There are decades of research speaking to the benefits of movement on physical health, mental health and overall wellness. Participating in daily morning movements is something I place conscious effort in keeping consistent. As well, most, if not all, of my patients receive functional movement training as part of their treatment plans to help them better manage pain, improve joint function and increase their participation in activities of daily living.
Credentials and Designations
- Honours B.Sc. Kinesiology, University of Guelph, 2015
- Diploma, Health and Fitness Promotion, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, 2015
- DC, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), 2019
Leadership Engagement
What skills will you bring to the board?
As a chiropractor, I value building meaningful professional relationships with colleagues, engaging in on-going professional development, and providing patient-centered care. These values will allow me to bring strong interpersonal skills, up-to-date knowledge on best practices, and awareness of issues impacting patients and patient care to the board.
As a clinician, I strive to be thorough, detail-oriented and compassionate, which are additional skills I will bring to the board. As well, stepping into a clinic owner role last year, I have also demonstrated leadership skills, flexibility, creativity and the ability to navigate conflict effectively. Flexibility and creativity are skills I tapped into when having to pivot and navigate service delivery as over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Do you volunteer in your community generally and/or for the profession specifically?
I current serve as a volunteer with the Canadian Chiropractic Examination Board by participating in the examination process. I value the collaborative approach between examiners used to support decision making.
I volunteer my time with other chiropractors and health care professionals in the community to collaborate on ways to improve patient care. Patient centered care has always been one of my top priorities. I integrate a combination of clinical experiences, research and current Guidelines to ensure that my patients receive the care which they require.
I will also be volunteering in the future with a local youth hockey team to help the young athletes here in London.
