Chiro Spotlight: Dr. Meshia Miller (She/Her)
Instagram: @achiropractichub
Website: https://www.achirohub.com
Can you share your personal journey through chiropractic? How did you become interested and what motivated you to pursue it as a career?
From a young age, I always knew I wanted to become a doctor, but it wasn’t until after college that I realized chiropractic was the path for me. Growing up, I watched my grandparents struggle with heart issues, diabetes, and the side effects of medications. Their overall physical and mental well-being often took a backseat. Witnessing these battles, I felt a strong urge to find a new way—something different that could offer more holistic support. Chiropractic became the answer, aligning with my personal values, and from that moment, my journey in this field began.
How has your diverse perspective contributed to your journey in chiropractic? In what ways has your unique background influenced your approach to patient care, community engagement, or professional growth?
In many communities like mine, chiropractic care is often viewed as a reactive solution—something only sought after a personal injury. A significant part of my life’s work has been dedicated to educating people in my community that chiropractic care is also about being proactive. While it’s great to know chiropractic can provide immediate relief when needed, I’m passionate about showing people that chiropractic is just as much about prevention. Knowing that our profession can support overall health and wellness before issues arise makes me proud of what we do.
Could you elaborate on any hardships you have had to overcome in your chiropractic career? How did you navigate these difficulties and what lessons did you learn along the way?
Sharing hardships isn’t easy, but I believe it’s important because it can bring about two things: first, it helps us find the support we need, and second, it lets others know they’re not alone in their struggles. With that said, reaching out for help is something I’m still working on!
I recognize that many of the challenges I’ve faced are not unique to me—many others, particularly those from similar backgrounds, experience them as well. That realization drove me to focus on building a solution, not just for myself but for others too. Alongside a close friend and business partner, we co-created the first coworking space for chiropractors: a post-graduation turnkey toolkit designed to help doctors navigate the early stages of their practice successfully.
One of the things chiropractic school doesn’t stress enough is the importance of what I call your "graduation readiness kit." This kit involves aligning multiple aspects of your professional journey simultaneously, which is no easy feat. Here’s what I mean:
• You need to pass your classes, save money to pay for boards and pass boards (preferably before you graduate) .
• You need to maintain your commitment to being a lifelong learner, always improving your diagnostic skills and technique so that you don’t just become a good doctor but a great adjuster.
• Maintaining your creditworthiness is crucial if you plan on taking out a business loan, and writing a solid business plan is essential—not just as a school assignment but one that’s ready to present to a bank.
• If a loan isn’t an option, you’ll need to fund your practice with personal savings, which requires financial discipline throughout school.
• And finally, once you’ve navigated all these challenges, you need to find the right physical location for your practice.
This sums up most of the obstacles I faced after graduation, and each one taught me valuable lessons about persistence, preparation, and adaptability.
As a trailblazer in the field, what advice would you give to the next generation of chiropractors, especially those from diverse backgrounds, who are just beginning their journey? Are there any key principles or insights you have acquired that you would like to share?
It’s important to know that it doesn’t get "easier." The same level of intensity you used to show up to class and pass exams will still be necessary—it will just manifest in different ways. As an African American woman in chiropractic, I’m a minority in this field, but that’s okay. Life after chiropractic can be whatever you want it to be.
I believe strongly in finding your community, whether that’s based on shared experiences, interests, or goals. Building your life around the people and communities that resonate with you will make all the difference. Use the connections you already have to craft the life and career you desire.