BOARD WORK, A GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE

By: Dr. Sarah Williams (Class of '15)

I had no idea that the CMCC Board of Governors would become a part of my chiropractic journey. As a student I didn’t even know what they did. I know now that the Board of Governors is responsible for all matters of policy pertaining to the direction, operation and maintenance of corporate governance and professional, academic and ethical standards with regard to CMCC. It’s an important board, and serving on it has been a gratifying experience.

I am Dr. Sarah Williams (née Warren), a 2015 CMCC graduate from Niagara Falls, ON. I met my husband as a CMCC classmate, and after graduation we opened a new multidisciplinary clinic in his hometown of Fredericton, New Brunswick. Today we have two sons aged four years and one month; and a strong evidence-based clinical team of various professions in a newly-renovated building. A lot can change in seven years, but I have always been exceptionally passionate about CMCC and our profession.

I loved my time at CMCC – four incredible years of knowledge acquisition, mentorship, friendships and skills building. CMCC is the world leader in chiropractic education and I knew I wanted to stay connected and give back somehow.

After moving from Ontario to New Brunswick, I sought out the current CMCC Board member from our province at the NB AGM reception and said to her, “If you’re ever done with your job, I’d like to have it please.” Fast forward to October 2017 and I had been through the nomination process and was welcomed to the Board. It has been a meaningful five years seeing CMCC continue to advance in chiropractic education.

The Board meets in person three times per year and does committee work, virtually, throughout the year.

I look forward to the meetings and monthly updates and the projects that are completed. I am always impressed by the incredible amount of work done by President Dr. David Wickes and his team at CMCC. It’s moving to see their dedication to this organization that means so much to so many.

I joined the Board to stay connected to CMCC and donate my time as a way of saying thank you for the life being a CMCC graduate has given me. I enjoy contributing and bringing a different perspective as the youngest chiropractor currently on the Board. This is my way to contribute to the profession beyond my clinical practice.

Interested in getting involved?

You never know who you’ll inspire - your participation might help others see in what way they can contribute.

Why you?

As a chiropractor you have first hand experience in CMCC’s mission - to deliver world class chiropractic education, research, and patient care. You’ve had the education, participated in and use the research, and provide patient care. I learn something new with each meeting, so this is an excellent opportunity for a life-long learner. You can to step outside your dayto-day to participate in decisions that will impact the future of chiropractic.

My takeaway from participation is that governance is changing - for the better - and CMCC has a great functioning board that is abreast of these upcoming best practices.

You also work alongside an inspiring group of people from all over the country and beyond. They become your colleagues and friends. Together you do the work you are passionate about. I remember when Dr. Scott Haldeman sat next to me during the first meeting. I didn’t know if I could call him Scott and thought about having him sign my textbook, as its author!

Fundraising

The Board of Governors also has a fundraising role in Backs in Motion. It’s critical to our mission to continue to raise funds for education, research and patient care. The event is always fun, and I love to connect my current community with CMCC, which gave me so much support while I was in school and such a great life beyond school. I will be participating in a stroller run for Backs in Motion again this year, virtually, along the trail in Fredericton, with my sons, husband and our corgi named Stella.

If you are interested in giving back to CMCC and your chiropractic community reach out. Opportunities await!