Positively Powerful: Andrea (’00) and Andrew (’00) Williamson

Drs. Andrea and Andrew Williamson’s journeys brought them from humble beginnings, to NYCC, to a prosperous joint family wellness practice in Mt. Airy, Maryland — all thanks to a dynamic, compelling philosophy that emphasizes positivity and provides a sense of meaning and mission in their lives.

The Path

Andrea was set to become a biomedical engineer when her own poor health set her on a different track. Diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, Andrea saw many doctors before getting under chiropractic care and experiencing alleviation of her symptoms. That experience was transformational. Andrea graduated with an undergraduate degree in physics and her sights set firmly on a chiropractic career. Andrew graduated from University of Maryland in kinesiological sciences. He knew he was going to go into health care but wasn't sure of the exact path, but when he shadowed a chiropractor, Andrew felt that chiropractic would be a great fit.

The Practice

Andrea, from Canada, and Andrew, from Maryland, chose Maryland as a place to set up practice, in part because of the demographic map in the Center for Career Development and Professional Success that showed both population and chiropractor density. They decided against accepting medical insurance, preferring not to be constrained by the dictates of insurance companies, such as how much to charge for each service, no treating children, and only treating patients for the exact complaint they came in for. In fact, Andrea believes that medical insurance should be called “sick care,” since it does not cover the preventative, wellness-based treatments the Williamsons favor. An insurance-free model allows them to focus on adjustments and care for the whole patient, as well as the whole family.

The Williamsons initially solicited clients by connecting with local residents through membership in — and leadership of — numerous local organizations, as well as a door-to-door survey that Andrea conducted mostly as a way to meet the community. Their multi-pronged outreach campaign paid off: Their practice now sees babies, children, weekend warriors, senior citizens, pregnant moms, and everyone in between.

The Philosophy

The core of the Williamsons’ life view is gratitude. “Be thankful for what you have while you are working for what you want,” Andrea says. Andrew adds that self-talk is powerful: “Thoughts become things,” he says. Their practice starts every day with a positive affirmation, and Andrew and Andrea believe that the concentric circles of BE-DO-HAVE mean that who you “be” affects what you “do” which in turn, impacts what you “have.” Filling the “reservoir of good will” for the Williamsons means serving their community on boards and in local organizations, as well as extending kindness whenever possible. Andrea and Andrew encourage people to find their sweet spot, the place where “What I am great at,” “What brings me joy,” and “What people will pay me (enough) to do” intersect. “Give, love, serve, from your abundance, without any expectation of return,” Andrea says. The Williamsons believe that “if your ‘why’ is big enough, the ‘hows’ will take care of themselves” — in other words, a strong sense of purpose in life helps everything else fall into place the way it should.

The Sweet Spot Today

Andrea sees patients in the Williamsons’ practice part-time as she focuses on raising their 12-year-old daughter and 14-year-old son; Andrew continues to practice full time. “I am successful,” Andrew says. “I want my next goal to be that I am significant.”