Canadian Alumna Travels South to Earn an Evidence-Informed Chiropractic Degree
Meet Brittany Ellis (D.C. '20)
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Undergrad degree: bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa
A native of Nova Scotia, Dr. Brittany Ellis (D.C. '20) knew her chiropractic education was important enough that it may require some travel to find the best school for her needs. Northeast College's evidence-informed curriculum appealed to her, even though it meant leaving home. But for the Canadian doctor, it was well worth it.
"I chose Northeast because of its proximity to the border, and because I knew chiropractors who valued the hands-on education and experience it offered," she says. "The trimester set-up also contributed to my decision because it allowed me to obtain a doctoral degree in less time than some other schools."
Following her graduation from Northeast College in 2020, Ellis moved back to Ottawa, where she earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry, and now practices at two institutions: Hunt Club Chiropractic and The Body Garage. "Hunt Club is a formal family-based clinical setting," she said. "[The Body Garage] is a clinic in a CrossFit gym with a more athletic focus. [Northeast College] exposed me to many different working environments that provided me with the knowledge to be able to properly treat this range of patients."
Northeast taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. This has helped me build confidence as a health care professional by driving me to think critically and make decisions of value.
For Ellis, traveling to the U.S. to receive her doctor of chiropractic degree was an easy decision. "I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare and science world but I didn't know where," she says. Once she "fell in love with the chiropractic profession," however, Northeast College was clearly a choice that was worth the trip.
Quick Questions with Chiropractor Brittany Ellis
What were the highlights of attending Northeast?
The main highlight of attending Northeast is the lifelong friends I made along the way. I worked with people of different backgrounds from all over the world. Having supportive people around while going through such an intensive educational experience creates bonds and relationships that are incomparable.
What accomplishment are you most proud of at Northeast College?
I am most proud of the fact that I was able to help other students. I did a lot of tutoring and peer mentoring and worked with a lot of students. I created a board-exam review that continues today, as well as study guides and other resources for students. I am happy that I was able to help better students' College experience.
Did you have any favorite teachers and why?
My favorite teacher at Northeast is Dr. [Chad D.] Warshel, professor and director of the master of science in diagnostic imaging program. His course was challenging, but instilled discipline and taught students the importance of developing a strong, independent work ethic. He treats his students like adults, is honest about his course, and is overall a very nice guy. He is a rigorous teacher, which I greatly respect because Northeast trains doctors who require discipline and professionalism.
