College Grad, Ontario Chiropractor Urges Canadians to Pursue Northeast’s Science-Driven D.C. Program
Meet Stephen Connor.
Hometown: Oakville, Canada
Education: Bachelor of Science in anatomy and physiology, Western University, Ontario, Canada
Crossing an international border to attend college may not be a path students think about, but for Stephen Connor (D.C. ’99), it was the only decision that made sense.
“What really drew me to [Northeast] was how well it prepared its graduates to write the Canadian Board Exams,” said Connor, who moved back to Canada to open his practice after graduation.
Northeast College: Powerfully Preparing Students to Pass Chiropractic Exams & Practice in Canada
Of course, there were many factors contributing to Connor’s decision to move to the United States to attend Northeast College. Connor carefully researched many chiropractic schools to find an institution that offered both exceptional training for the Canadian Boards and a solid emphasis on science and anatomy. “There was a real push [at Northeast] on the science to help you understand why and how you were helping people,” he said.
Twenty-six years after his 1999 graduation, the sports and family chiropractor owns Connor Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, a thriving business in Oakville, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto --. Here he leads a team of medical professionals, including two other chiropractors, a physiotherapist, several massage therapists, a naturopathic doctor and a psychotherapist. “A lot is going on [at the Centre]. I still love it,” Connor said.
Embracing College Community Values: Collaboration & Lifelong Connections
Connor also coaches runners and triathletes with Connor’s Runners, a group he founded in 2003, which offers training and community to all runners. As a running coach, Connor has a wealth of experience, having competed as a varsity swimmer, Ironman triathlete and marathon runner.
Even with an active professional and personal life, Connor makes a point to stay connected to his alma mater. His advocacy for Northeast began as a student when he served as student government president. “That was a really cool experience,” he remembers. “It peeled back the curtain so I could see how the institution operated.” He was also a member of the Student Canadian Chiropractic Association (SCCA). The club provides opportunities for Canadian students to succeed in their studies and prepare for prosperous careers. SCCA is still active on campus today.
Following graduation, Connor began serving as an alumni ambassador. He would visit campus to speak to prospective graduates and answer questions about what it's like to practice in Ontario and the hurdles of getting Canadian board licensing.
You should go into any profession, any school, with ears wide open, eyes wide open. Be open to multiple types of techniques and office management styles and then decide how you want to proceed. But Northeast is the way to go — I tell all my patients that.
-Dr. Steve Connor
Quick Questions with Dr. Steve Connor (D.C. ’99).
What stands out from your studies at Northeast that was particularly influential to you?
One teacher who understood the benefit of the adjustment challenged us to think outside the box and look at what else we were helping with that you don’t immediately understand. Another professor had a technique class, and in every class, he would pick someone randomly and ask them to answer a question: what is an adjustment? what is a chiropractor? what is a subluxation? You are going to get asked these questions for the rest of your life.
Tell us about what stands out about living on the Northeast Seneca Falls Campus.
One of the things I loved about Northeast was the campus. Northeast has a true campus, and a true campus vibe. I remember playing football and basketball on campus and going to the gym or the pool. When you are living there and are immersed in it, it’s a really cool experience.