Amber Smith recounts her journey to earning a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University
Before Dr. Amber Smith of Clinton, Mississippi discovered her true calling, she aspired to become a medical doctor while attending Alcorn State University. During her senior year as a chemistry/pre-medicine major, she visited different hospitals in an attempt to gain a feel for the profession. It wasn’t how she imagined it.
“I started pursuing my bachelor’s degree with the intention of becoming a medical doctor,” said Smith, who graduated from Alcorn in 2012. “However, while visiting medical schools during my final two semesters, I was unimpressed. I didn’t like the feel of hospitals. I didn’t like the gloom associated with going to the hospital.”
Realizing that being a medical doctor wasn’t for her prompted Amber to seek other options in the medical field. While on her quest for a different path, she found the field of chiropractic, a system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints. The profession seemed to be a perfect fit for her.
“I did my research on healthcare professions and almost instantly came across the field of chiropractic. I was sold by the philosophy of allowing the body to heal itself form inside out. I was amazed at the instant relief most patients experienced after a single chiropractic adjustment. I was overjoyed by the success stories of deaf individuals being able to hear again after being treated by a doctor of chiropractic. At that moment, I knew that was what I wanted to do.”
After a ton of research into the field, Smith started her journey to becoming a chiropractor. She enrolled in Parker University’s Doctor of Chiropractic Program in Dallas, Texas. On Saturday, Aug. 13, all of the hard work she put in paid off when she walked across the stage to receive her Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
“It feels amazing to reach such a major accomplishment in life. It still feels a little surreal being able to call myself Dr. Smith. Knowing that I will be providing the best available option for preventative health and wellness care is a dream come true.”
Now that the grind of being on a 10-trimester curriculum schedule and what seemed to be endless hours of studying is over for Smith, she is thankful that her dedication paid off. Even though things got rough at times, her will to assist others is the motivation she used to keep going.
“It has always been a goal of mine to strive for excellence in everything I do. Completing the program alone at Parker University proves not to be an easy task. There were sleepless nights up preparing for tests, finishing research papers and memorizing neurological pathways, but it was all worth it. When I focused on my love for people and seeing them live healthier, stronger and longer lives because of my future contribution to their healthcare, it didn’t matter what had to be done. That drive and hunger to help others was all I needed to get the job done.”
Smith’s success has led to a number of job interviews. She said that she is carefully weighing her options so that she can make the right choice. She plans to work as an associate chiropractor before opening her first practice in Dallas.
