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As Their Numbers and Opportunities Increase, Female DCs Search for Ways to Balance Family, Practice and More Participation in Chiropractic Leadership
By Angela Kargus, Communications and Public Relations Manager
The chiropractic profession has long been noted for the number of women in its ranks, including both doctors of chiropractic and chiropractic assistants. From pioneers in chiropractic science such as Mabel Heath Palmer, DC, to modern-day educators and researchers, women have played some of the most influential roles throughout the history and development of the profession.
While recent surveys indicate that the number of female chiropractors hovers around 18 percent—a 5-percent increase from just 10 years earlier—chiropractic colleges report rising numbers of female students entering the classroom, with some schools touting female enrollment percentages as high as 49 percent.
If the trend continues, women chiropractors may have an even greater impact on the future of the profession. Still, striking a balance between career and family remains a challenge for most women—chiropractors or not—as they strive to make their mark.
Female Leaders
As women already in the field attest, there’s no doubt that opportunities for achievement in the profession are greater than ever before for female chiropractors. And while some in the profession may question whether or not chiropractic leadership represents the diversity that exists in the field, when it comes to women, statistics say the chiropractic profession is par for the course.
According to a review conducted by ACA staff of several national chiropractic organizations—including ACA, FCER, FCLB, CCE and COCSA—approximately 17 percent of all board members combined are women—a higher percentage than most Fortune 500 companies. According to a 2005 report by Catalyst, an advisory organization working to advance women in business, only 14.7 percent of Fortune 500 board seats are held by women.
“Historically, chiropractic has been a male-dominated profession in terms of leadership roles,” says Kate Rufolo, DC, a board member of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) and the first woman president of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA). “However, we’re starting to see a change in the trend, with more women holding leadership positions on boards and committees.”
Alana K. Callender, director of the Palmer Foundation for Chiropractic History and an author on chiropractic history, shares similar sentiments, “In the past, women may not have been on as many boards, held as many offices, or been given due recognition by their fellow doctors, but chiropractic…has never closed the door on women.”
While both women are happy to see the increased involvement of women in local, state and national leadership positions, they agree that an even greater increase in participation by women could only benefit the profession.
“You need the female perspective,” Dr. Rufolo says. “There’s a different breadth of perspective and expertise—just by being female—that one brings to a board of directors or other leadership position.”
Canadian research shows that boards of directors work differently when diverse perspectives are brought to the boardroom table. In particular, researchers found a distinct difference in governance patterns, especially in setting an organization’s mission and vision, and in planning and policy-making. Having more women and people from diverse backgrounds means that companies represent—and better understand—the customers they want to attract, leading to improved competitiveness and productivity.
Another recent American study shows that companies with the highest representation of women on their top management teams performed much better financially than those without—a 35 percent higher return on equity and a 34 percent higher total return to shareholders.
Dr. Rufolo admits that in the beginning her position as the first woman president of PCA was daunting. “I set the bar higher and looked at myself with more scrutiny than any of my male peers. From my experience, the good ol’ boys club that everyone throws around isn’t actually there. If anything, from years of hearing about it we simply think it exists,” she says.
Other women agree, including Cynthia Vaughn, DC, from Austin , Texas
Work, Family Balance
Undoubtedly, women today have more opportunities than ever before. Whether as entrepreneurs in their own practices or managers in large corporations, female business leaders are succeeding at an unprecedented pace. The percentage of women-owned businesses is increasing at rates exceeding the national average as more and more women entrepreneurs find access to capital and markets for their goods and ideas.
But with this success comes the challenge of striking a balance between professional aspirations and personal responsibilities. Women tend to play tug-of-war between business needs and spending time with their family, according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com. Although the majority of working mothers say they spend three or more hours with their children after work, 44 percent admit they become preoccupied with work while at home. One-in-four say they bring home work at least one day a week.
“The No. 1 issue for women in practice is balance. How do I have both a great practice and a strong family?” says Janice Hughes, DC, a consultant with The Masters Circle. In 2003, Dr. Hughes collaborated with fellow
“The most important thing—for anyone, including moms—is finding what motivates them. You need to understand your goals, needs and expectations, both at home and at the office,” says Dr. Hughes, explaining that women face intense pressure when trying to balance a high-powered career, marriage and children. “While some women would love more involvement in chiropractic beyond their office, they may realize that taking on an additional professional role isn't a major priority for them at this point in their life."
To achieve a workable balance, many women are blending work and raising kids. Dr. Vaughn recalls the days when her 8-month-old daughter accompanied her to the office and soon became the clinic mascot. “The key to making home and work balance is different for every family, but it’s not impossible. One of the greatest advantages to owning your own practice is the flexibility,” she says.
Finding Support
For some women, the way to achieve a sense of balance is through membership in a women-specific business networking group, because often the camaraderie goes beyond discussing workplace issues. Women say the appeal to women-only groups is the ability to ask colleagues questions without feeling embarrassed or stupid, and to learn how other women handled difficult situations. Networking also tends to be easier, as women often have things in common already, such as balancing work and family responsibilities.
Sharon Harady, executive director of the Center for Women’s Business Research, a nonprofit group based in Washington , D.C.
“They are looking for other women with whom they can share experiences and what they’ve learned in a low-risk environment,” Harady said. “That’s the main thing these organizations do. They give you a chance to be with women who have gone through experiences and can help you deal with them, learn from each other and provide connections.”
Aspiring Leaders
For women—or men—who aspire to be leaders in the chiropractic profession, the Women’s Equality Unit, which works to support economic opportunities for women, offers the following suggestions:
· Seize every opportunity to network. Join professional chiropractic organizations such as the ACA or your respective state association. Attend trade shows and professional conferences. These are excellent learning tools and have the added bonus of enabling you to meet new people.
· Have the right skills. Make sure you have as many of the core competencies that boards look for as possible: financial literacy, communications skills, strategic planning, and experience in the decision-making process.
· Talk about your career aspirations. Let people know what positions or assignments would be of interest to you and why you would be a good match for them.
· Raise your profile. Write articles in industry publications, participate in corporate activities and, where possible, attend industry functions.
· Take on leadership positions. You know the saying: “Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” If the chance arises, volunteer to sit on a task force or other industry-related board. You gain useful experience as well as the reputation of someone who gets things done. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
· Identify opportunities. Find out which boards are already looking for women to join them; that way you’ll be pushing at an open door when you put in your application.
· Believe in yourself. If you can see it, you can have it. Picture yourself in the role to which you aspire. You must have confidence to get to where you want to go.
· Persevere. We are likely to stumble at first. It’s part of the learning process. You may not achieve what you want immediately, but don’t give up. Keep acquiring the skills that will one day take you into that leadership role where you know you belong.
Readers, send us your comments about this article or suggestions for future articles. E-mail the ACA News editor at acanews@acatoday.org.
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