A Passion for Leadership Fuels Doctor of Chiropractic Student Abigail Werner’s Choices
Meet Abigail Werner.
Hometown: Lima, N.Y.
Education: associate degree in business administration, Finger Lakes Community College
Sometimes, a professional journey does not constitute a straight line. Just ask Abigail Werner (D.C. '23) who began her journey to becoming a healthcare professional with an associate of applied science degree in business administration.
"Looking back," she says, "earning that degree is one of the best choices I have made. Because I was unsure of what career I wanted, I chose a degree which would be useful not only in building my professional skills but would also give me a solid foundation in business and office management."
Now a student in Northeast College of Health Sciences' Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program, Werner also just finished her Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) program at the College. Through the BPS program, she is adding more skills to her toolbox alongside her understanding of business, organizational management and interprofessional collaboration.
"Once I was in the D.C. program and learned that some states require chiropractors to hold a bachelor's degree, I signed up for the BPS program, which I completed during my fourth trimester at Northeast," Werner says. "I was able to easily balance the workload of my fourth trimester courses with the BPS program course."
Werner also looked for leadership opportunities while learning, and at Northeast she has found her chance to excel. In addition to her BPS studies and chiropractic coursework, she just completed a term as the 2021 executive secretary and treasurer of the Student Government Association (SGA).
"Originally I ran for office because I wanted to be more involved at the school and use my professional experiences and knowledge to help benefit the student body," Werner says. "As SGA secretary/treasurer, I was able to serve on additional committees, which opened my eyes to the 'behind the-scenes' aspects of the College."
Werner is also a trained birth doula who hopes to become certified after she graduates from Northeast. She sees herself in a position where she's able to help families with prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care. "One of my goals is to educate and empower expecting mothers as they prepare for birth, and I would like to incorporate that passion into my future practice," she says.
Quick Questions for Doctor of Chiropractic Student Abigail Werner.
Why did you choose Northeast over other healthcare colleges?
One of the main reasons I began to look into Northeast was because the school came highly recommended to me by several alumni. After some research, which revealed this school to be one of the most academically rigorous chiropractic colleges, I began the application process and was further impressed by the warmth and knowledge of the admissions staff.
Why is it important to take on leadership roles like your work with the SGA, and what do you gain from doing so?
In my experience, those who are willing to be deeply involved are those who have the most rewarding journeys. I am not the kind of person who sits back; I want to be involved and help bring about beneficial change.
Do you hope to integrate chiropractic with your other interests?
It would be my dream to come alongside an expectant mother and not only care for her, but also care for her child as they grow into adulthood. As I plan to have a very family-based practice, I imagine that my passion not only for prenatal care but also for excellent elder care will lead to a very diverse clientele.
