With her expectations for the future in place by her early twenties, Dr. Debra Robertson-Moore thought she had things all figured out. Then life threw her a curve ball. As a result, she modified her career plans and chose a new direction. She finished her undergraduate degree and went on to graduate from the College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC), where she later joined the faculty. Flash forward and we find Robertson-Moore has been at CUKC for 15 years. Her story is a reminder that everything happens for a reason.
Q. Why did you choose the chiropractic profession?
A. After I experienced pain relief with chiropractic care, I chose my profession because I wanted others to experience it. I also enjoy the daily, one-on-one interaction with people, and the ability to continue to grow professionally and personally.
Q. What moments directed you to where you are today?
A. Two items played a role in my career path. I broke off an engagement at 20 years old, and I was in a head-on automobile accident. I received chiropractic care for headaches, and my response to the care was phenomenal, prompting a change of majors from psychology to biology, and eventually attending chiropractic college.
Q. What does a typical workday look like?
A. My workday could include lecturing in class, or having one-on-one discussions about lab tests, pertaining to an individual’s symptomology. I also work on the University’s electronic health records software and walk for 30 minutes daily to support personal health.
Q. Reviewing your career so far, of what are you most proud? Why?
A. I am most proud of being able to help others alleviate physical pain throughout the years. Daily pain sucks; it wears a person down. To be able to ease or remove this for others is a most positive force in this world – it’s a natural high.
Q. What keeps you motivated?
A. The desire to continue learning and developing, both professionally and personally keeps me motivated. It seems like the more you learn, the less you realize you know, which drives continued growth.
Q. What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your career footsteps?
A. Before beginning your journey, be sure that a service-oriented field is for you. Job shadow in a couple of chiropractic offices. Cultivate the characteristics of focus, tenacity, patience (for oneself and others), empathy, attention to detail, become a listener and have a willingness to learn. These characteristics play a large part in working with others. Also, learn about the nuts and bolts of running a business. This knowledge will help to keep your business afloat and growing.
Watch the 3-minute interview with Dr. Debra Robertson-Moore below for more in her own words and follow #CUKCinsight on social media!
Ready for more personal stories? Catch Dr. Paul Barlett’s #CUKCinsight interview here. More stories are on the CUKC YouTube channel
