Women have been involved in chiropractic from the early days of the profession. From chiropractic's beginning in 1895 through World War 1, there were more women in chiropractic than any other profession. At a time when they encountered barriers in entering the medical profession, they were able to enroll in the first chiropractic colleges and pursue a career in healthcare. The first graduating class of the Palmer School of Chiropractic, totaling seven students, included two women.
Between the two world wars the number of women fluctuated and then declined after WW2, until the 1970's. However, throughout chiropractic's history women have made significant contributions as practitioners and educators and played an important role in shaping the profession. This guide highlights some of the women who were pioneers, trailblazers and leaders in chiropractic.
Sources
Chiropractic: an Illustrated History. Dennis Peterson, Glenda Wiese, editors. Mosby, 1995.
Women of Distinction: Celebrating Women of Chirorpractic. Life University. Slice of Life Blog. https://living.life.edu/chiropractic/women-of-distinction-celebrating-women-in-chiropractic/
