Women’s Chiropractic Caucus
Advocating for an environment where women chiropractors can thrive in the field while addressing women’s unique neuro-musculoskeletal health.
The Women’s Chiropractic Caucus (WCC), co-chaired by Dr. Kathryn Vardy (Newfoundland) and Dr. Natalie Carrington (Alberta), and supported by the Canadian Chiropractic Association, was established in 2024.
The WCC is a dedicated committee of Doctors of Chiropractic from coast to coast to coast advocating and supporting women chiropractors throughout their careers across Canada, while also amplifying their voices and contributions within the field. In addition, the WCC advocates on behalf of women’s unique neuro-musculoskeletal (NMSK) health issues to improve access to chiropractic care for women in Canada.
The inauguration of the WCC is a milestone in CCA’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chiropractic profession. The CCA acknowledges there is room for the profession to grow by providing a platform for women chiropractors to connect, collaborate, and advocate for change.
Objectives of the Women’s Chiropractic Caucus
- To provide women chiropractors access to relevant information and mentorship from diverse chiropractic practices, research centres and geographic regions across Canada.
- To foster meaningful dialogue between mentors and mentees, while affording the opportunity to gain valuable guidance and career advice including balancing competing demands of family and business.
- Being champions of improved access to chiropractic care to address female’s unique neuromusculoskeletal health issues for females throughout their lifecycle.
In recent years, the Canadian Chiropractic Research Database (an in-depth survey of the chiropractors in the CCA) has shown a remarkable increase in the number of women entering and excelling in the profession. The 2022 total base size of Canadian chiropractors was composed of 55 per cent men and 45 per cent women – a significant change from the 63 per cent male and 37 per cent female respondent base in 2016. Despite this progress, women chiropractors continue to face unique challenges and barriers to advancement. This caucus serves as a platform for women chiropractors to collaborate and empower one another, to help create and foster a more inclusive and equitable profession.
The need for the WCC is also emphasized by the lack of NMSK research focusing on female physiology.
“When it comes to healthcare research, we have to remember female anatomy and physiology is different than that of a male; but often treatment plans are created through this kind of lens due to the lack of research that is dedicated to female physiology,” shares co-chair Dr. Vardy. “For example, the female body experiences hormonal fluctuations through one’s life, whether that is during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Any of these single stages may result in critical changes in one’s body. Bone health, especially after menopause is also a health concern that significantly impacts a woman as she ages.”
When it comes to neuromusculoskeletal health, the list of different needs between males and females from a physiological and social perspective continues, explains Dr. Vardy. For example, it can become even more difficult to navigate NMSK healthcare when the condition is also layered with other personal situations such as increased mental load, balancing work/home life, as well as societal pressures.
The terms ‘women’ and ‘female’ may be used interchangeably as required to refer to all people who identify as women or as a female. While sex refers to the physical characteristics and biology determined at birth, gender may evolve greatly as a result of the human experience. Additionally, we recognize the umbrella of women’s health applies to everyone that needs it, inclusive and irrespective of anatomy, gender identity and expression as a spectrum, fertility, or intersectional disparity that may yield gendered subjugation.
“This caucus is not just about creating a space for networking and support; it’s about dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes, and driving real change within our profession across Canada. By coming together, we can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, provide mentorship opportunities to support career advancement, and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable profession for all.”
Dr. Carrington
Dr. Azad“This caucus is not just about creating a space for networking and support; it’s about dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes, and driving real change within our profession across Canada. By coming together, we can advocate for policies that promote gender equality, provide mentorship opportunities to support career advancement, and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable profession for all.”
Members of the Women’s Chiropractic Caucus
Dr. Janine Taylor, Ontario
Dr. Kimberly Castle, Manitoba
Dr. Chelsie Goulet, Alberta
Dr. Nardine Bekhit, Ontario
Dr. Joyce Fu, Ontario
Dr. Stephanie Bonn, British Columbia
Dr. Lauren Scott, Ontario
Dr. Katelyn Foster, Ontario
Dr. Virsika Yogeswaran, Ontario
Dr. Michelle Campbell, Ontario
Dr. Kyla Meadley, Ontario
Dr. Carol Ann Weis, Ontario
Dr. Patricia Tavares, Ontario
Dr. Raheema Kanji-Naran, Ontario
Dr. Rebecca Holman, Saskatchewan
Dr. Katherine Bergeron, Quebec
Dr. Heidi McLean, Nova Scotia
Dr. Julie McKenna, Prince Edward Island
Dr. Crystal Draper, CCA – Director of Professional Practice, Ontario