Dr Jen Barker is always up for a challenge, and the physical demands of chiropractic, and barriers faced by women, have driven her to improve and succeed. Having a baby has been a game-changer.
“Being in this industry, a contractor and having a baby I found it really tough mentally, physically and financially, particularly during Covid. Physically adjusting patients whilst 36 weeks pregnant with a face shield and mask on was definitely a challenging experience.”
“I am lucky enough to have a husband and parents who are very supportive and who understood just how vulnerable having a baby made me feel in relation to work. I was also very lucky to have a supportive workplace whereby I could start back at work at my own pace.”
Dr Yvette LcCerf was always interested in health, but her passion for chiropractics began playing netball.
“One day we were playing, and all of a sudden I became stiff, and I couldn’t throw the ball,” she said. A football player on her team helped her by making some adjustments. “He really kicked off my interest.”
“Working in a male dominated industry has its challenges. We have clients ask for male doctors, saying that they need someone ‘strong’ to fix them. They’re always assured that the female doctors are just as strong, and they’re always shocked when we give them results beyond what they thought possible.”
Dr Julia Bianco started in kinesiology before chiropractic, she’s taken five gap years, failed university, and still has two “expensive pieces of paper,” and a great career to show for it. Julia strongly believes, “If I’m not impressing myself, I’m not impressing anyone.”
Reflecting on high school, Julia sees how she wasn’t prepared for life after school, and most damagingly, how she pigeon-holed herself in the “I’m-not-a-smart-girl,” clique.
“I convinced myself that I wasn’t the smart girl, that I could only do general maths, not maths methods. That I can do creative subjects like visual arts, but not the sciences.”
“There’s so much pressure on young people to ‘get it right.’ Leave the messages at home and give things a go!”
Active Spine Centre’s main clinic is in Shepparton, near The Butter Factory complex on Wyndham Street. Contact them on 5831 2934 or visit their website to learn more www.activespinecentre.com.au.
