Community
CH I RO PRAC TORS GETTING E NGAGE D
T
he OCA recently conducted an extensive member survey. We wanted to find
out more about our membership in order to develop tools and services that will
support the full breadth of the profession in Ontario. One of the things we learned is
that community engagement is a consistent indicator of success in practice.
The benefits of chiropractors
getting engaged in their communities
are numerous. First and foremost,
the community is served. Everyday
chiropractors across Ontario are dedicating
time to helping out their neighbours, to
educating the public about chiropractic,
to supporting other entrepreneurs and
to remaking the health care system with
patients in mind.
Secondly, the chiropractors
benefit. Recent research has proven that
volunteerism has a positive effect on mental
and physical health. It can even help us live
longer. Community engagement is also a
solid strategy to help build patient rosters.
The chiropractors profiled in this story have
each felt both the personal and professional
benefits of their community work.
Finally, community engagement
benefits the profession. When chiropractors
work to give back to their communities the
reputation and credibility of chiropractic is
enhanced.
D
r. Sasha Hamid is a big believer
in the aggregate benefit of
chiropractors getting engaged
with their neighbours. Dr. Hamid moved
to Ottawa in 2006 to begin her practice
after graduating from the CMCC. Finding
herself in a new community, Dr. Hamid set
out to find friends and colleagues. Along
the way, in 2009, she also discovered the
Women’s Business Network of Ottawa
(WBN).
The WBN is a networking group for
women to which Dr. Hamid now donates
her time as a member of its Board of
Directors. The purpose of this group is to
create connections between professional
women in Ottawa who are looking to share
their experiences, inspire one another and
build their businesses.
“Being a part of WBN deepens
the understanding and credibility of
the profession in the community,” Dr.
Hamid said. This is accomplished through
Left: Dr. Sasha Hamid addresses a
meeting of the Ottawa Women's Business
Network. Above: Dr. David Dorion sits for
a photo with members of the Australian
National U23 Kayak Team.
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FALL 2013