Dr. Sophia da Silva-Oolup
Dr. Sophia da Silva-Oolup

Biographical Profile

Why did you become a chiropractor?

Growing up, my high school had a strong athletics program, and I was consistently involved in sports like soccer, volleyball and rugby, just to name a few. Through that, I was first introduced to chiropractic care. I had a great experience working with my chiropractor and really valued the time I spent with them. They didn’t just treat my injuries; they took the time to understand what mattered to me as a patient.
That experience stuck with me. I knew I wanted to be in health care, and chiropractic felt like a natural fit. It blended my passion for education, my desire to spend meaningful time with patients, and my commitment to helping people prioritize their health in a way that made sense for them.

Where do you practise?

I am the owner and clinical director of the Kew Gardens Health Group in the east end of Toronto. I focus on providing services to a variety of patients, but focuses include pregnancy care, amateur athletes and Concussion management. Over the last ten years, our team has grown to include practitioners from many health disciplines, and we’ve built a reputation for being an integrated, patient-centered clinic known for collaborative care and personalized treatment plans.
I am also proud to be an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) with the Rapid Access Clinic for Low Back Pain Program (RAC-LBP).

What is your motto or mantra?

“Empowering through education and healing through evidence.”

Credentials and Designations

  • Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, McMaster University (2010)
  • Doctor of Chiropractic, CMCC (2014)
  • Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Certification, McMaster University (2014)
  • Clinical Sciences Graduate Program, CMCC (2016)
  • Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sciences Canada (2017)
  • GLA:D Certification (2021)

Leadership Engagement

What skills will you bring to the Board?

I’ve served on the board of the College of Chiropractic Sciences since 2017 and have held the role of president since 2019. There, I’ve developed strong skills in collaboration within a board setting. I’ve been actively involved in running annual general meetings, managing board packages, and leading key initiatives. I also took the lead in establishing a professional website and successfully organized two conferences. These experiences have given me a solid foundation in governance, strategic planning, and cross-disciplinary teamwork, skills I’m excited to bring to the OCA.

Community Programs and Initiatives

I’m actively involved in my community, particularly through volunteering at my children’s school, where I help organize and run various community events that operate out of the school.

Research Initiatives and Achievements

I am actively engaged in research focused on pregnancy, diagnostic skills, simulation education and the clinical assessment and management of Musculoskeletal conditions.
 https://www.cmcc.ca/research/researchers/sophia-da-silva-oolup
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-4676
https://jce.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/ched/36/2/article-p172.xml

Dr. Sophia da Silva-Oolup Answers Four OCA Townhall Questions

1. What do you think is currently the most important opportunity (or highest priority) for the chiropractic profession in Ontario and why?

In my opinion the most important opportunity for the chiropractic profession in Ontario currently, is the integration of chiropractic care more fully into Ontario’s healthcare system. With increasing demand for non-pharmacological pain management, musculoskeletal health, and preventative care, chiropractors are uniquely positioned to contribute to collaborative models of care. Prioritizing this integration will enhance patient outcomes, reduce system strain, and elevate the profession’s visibility and value within the broader healthcare landscape.

2. What do you think is the most important role OCA Board can play during the next three years?

I believe the most important role the OCA board can play during the next three years is to act as a strategic catalyst for system-level change within Ontario’s healthcare system. By doing so, the board can ensure the profession remains relevant, resilient, and responsive to evolving healthcare needs.
This role should include components such as:
– Advocating for expanded scope and access to chiropractic services.
– Supporting member success through innovation and education.
– Strengthening partnerships with government, insurers, and other health professions.
– Supporting members through tools that enhance practice efficiency and patient outcomes.

3. What key difference do you want the Board to make during your tenure on the OCA Board of Directors (for 2026-2029)?

The key difference I would aim to make should I be elected to the OCA Board of Directors would be to position chiropractic care and OCA members as a first-line option for musculoskeletal healthcare across Ontario. 

4. In what way can data, such as Aspire data, and the incorporation of tools like Artificial Intelligence be used to advance the profession, support research and enhance advocacy?

Aspire data and the incorporation of AI tools can be used to advance the profession, support research and enhance advocacy by being leveraged to:
– Identify care trends and gaps to inform targeted interventions and education.
– Support clinical decision-making through predictive analytics and personalized care models.
– Demonstrate impact by quantifying outcomes and cost-effectiveness for interested parties.
– Enhance advocacy by providing compelling, data-driven reports.
Harnessing these tools can be used to modernize practice and strengthen the profession’s credibility and influence through data-driven decision making.