Estrogen is surging through chiropractic, and chiropractic loves it!

But first, after attending the 2003 WCA International Summit in Washington, D.C., I'd like to commend Dr. Terry Rondberg and the WCA Board of Directors for creating such an awesome event. I was surrounded by HAPPY, subluxation-based family chiropractors, chiropractors achieving success through collaboration rather than conflict (although everyone of them can win a fight).

Chiropractors by nature are independent, and one reason outstanding talent is attracted to the WCA is because the environment invites achievers, i.e., there is an abundance of support and encouragement to produce. It was so exciting to see the next generation of talent, in action and bonding through what we shared during this event. And, I'm especially happy to report that more and more women are emerging in leadership roles -- our very own "Chiropractic Amazons."

I'd like to first thank our uber-Amazon, Dr. Veronica Gutierrez, who had served on the White House Commission on Alternative and Complementary Medicine, and who graciously gave Dr. Leslie Bedell and me the opportunity to speak. Dr. Bedell gave a no-holds-barred presentation and inspired the audience.

I met Dr. Leona Fisher, who is serving on the Veterans Affairs Chiropractic Advisory Council. Dr. Fisher is dedicated to ensuring all our veterans, our nation's true heroes, are given the opportunity to receive subluxation correction, and looks forward to the great progress the Advisory Council can make. A graduate of Life University, she is also a wife and a mom, and launched a new practice in Chicago in May 2003! That's multi-tasking.

Another powerhouse I was excited to meet was Dr. Kristina Collins of MacLean, Va., who attended with her beautiful new baby, and who also returned to practice in May 2003. Dr. Collins is one of six new members appointed by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) to its National Advisory Council on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A Life University grad, Dr. Collins is a subluxation-based doctor who enjoys educating the public about the role of chiropractic in health and wellness, and about the benefits of chiropractic care for children.

One of the many international chiropractors attending was Dr. Caroline Lambert, who is making a big difference in France, as well as working with other chiropractic leadership in the European Union.

And then I met two great students: Sonja M. Parham, president of the WCA's student chapter (SWCA) at Life University, and Tyanne Sylvestre (also attending Life). Many students attended from other schools who I didn't get to meet this time, but hopefully will so soon. The WCA's Council on Women's Health (CWH) extends support and mentoring, especially to young women juggling issues such as school, boards, practicing and creating a family, so feel free to contact us.

I'd like to introduce Dr. Tammy Kaminski as the new Secretary/Treasurer of the CWH, succeeding Dr. Kristen Kidgell who retired to focus on her second pregnancy. Dr. Kaminski is originally from Pennsylvania, graduated from NYCC, and has been practicing in West Caldwell, N.J. for 17 years. She credits Total Solution with helping her to redefine herself and her practice. After attending in 1999, she shifted her focus to building a cash, family wellness business. Dr. Kaminski states, "I'm so honored to know and to be able to call the members of WCA my friends and colleagues. They ALL bring out the best in me."

And of course, It was wonderful to see many CWH members again. We had a wonderful meeting and look forward to keeping in touch throughout the year.

Currently more than 19% of chiropractors are women -- and the numbers are growing. When speaking at career day events, I always let students know what a great career this is for women and how important it is to for female voices to be heard.

It's disturbing that so many industries make oodles of money keeping women unhealthy and further trashing the self-esteem of the female collective. It's even more disturbing that women actually seek out and buy this stuff. Too many of them find out too late the often harmful flaws and expensive disappointments of much-touted products and services. If this world is truly going to be a better place to live, we need those making the daily choices about health care and family care -- WOMEN -- to wake up! Choice is our only real source of power ("Matrix Reloaded").

Are women different from men? Sure, but in a way that completes rather than separates humanity. It's important to see the number of women in chiropractic leadership roles growing. We have something to say and talents to contribute, and it speaks well of chiropractic's diversity, tolerance, and talent. Look forward to these and more Chiropractic Amazons making big differences for chiropractic!