Celebrating Canada’s First Chiropractor for Women's History Month: Exploring One Grandmother’s Global Ripple Effect
Almeda Jane Haldeman is recognized as the first chiropractor in Canada and is the grandmother of World Spine Care founder, Dr. Scott Haldeman.
There are many inspiring women throughout history whose actions have helped to establish a ripple effect in the communities that they have served and beyond. Dr. Scott Haldeman’s pioneering grandmother, Almeda Jane Haldeman (née Norman), is no exception to this sentiment.
Almeda served her family and home communities in Minnesota and Saskatchewan in many capacities, such as through offering chiropractic care. Historical records show she is recognized as Canada’s first chiropractor and, internationally, the third woman to practice chiropractic.
Outside of her early advances in chiropractic, she was no stranger to a spirit of perseverance. She was born prematurely on March 19th, 1877, as the fifth child in what would become a family of eight children. One of her first challenges in life was simply to survive her early days. Perhaps this foreshadowed a lifetime of determination within education and healthcare.
A newspaper clipping mentions an essay by Almeda Jane Haldeman, highlighting her early passion for promoting women’s education and work opportunities.
Inspired by the work ethic that her family impressed upon her, she convinced her somewhat hesitant father to let her attend high school, which she later graduated from in 1898 at Windom Institute. Before graduating, she was reported to have submitted an eloquently written essay appealing for enhanced educational opportunities for women to help realize their potential, allow them to advance in the workforce, and empower them with a greater level of self-sufficiency.
Her desire for continued education and her conviction to support her family’s health led her to achieve a diploma in chiropractic on January 20th, 1905, from E.W. Lynch, DC, of the Chiropractic School and Cure in Minnesota.
After receiving her diploma, she moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, with her husband, John Elon Haldeman, and their two children. Her husband had been diagnosed with diabetes and given a prognosis of 6 months to live. She cared for him until his passing years later due to complications from pneumonia. Later, she married Heseltine Wilson in 1915 and had two more children.
Her level of involvement in the chiropractic profession within Minnesota and Saskatchewan is unclear, but all of her children can recall receiving regular adjustments. She instilled in her children her dedication to chiropractic and appreciation for healthcare, including medical care. Not only was Almeda an example for her family but she was also a woman of principle and action. She was actively involved in her community through the women’s vote, the Temperance Movement, and church activities.
Heseltine and Alameda Jane (née Haldeman) Wilson. March 2, 1915. Recognized as the first chiropractor in Canada and one of the earliest women to be trained as a chiropractor, Alameda inspired multiple generations of chiropractors. Her grandson, Scott Haldeman, followed in her shoes.
Her lifetime of service to her family and community, her appreciation for higher education, and her regard for chiropractic and healthcare had a trickle-down effect on members of her family. The familial trend of pursuing a career in chiropractic and becoming a pioneer in the profession continued with her grandson, Scott, who first practiced as a chiropractor, went on to earn a Master’s and a PhD, and then pursued medical school, completing his residency in neurology. Amidst his many pursuits and achievements in the chiropractic profession, Scott Haldeman, DC, PhD, MD, founded World Spine Care and currently serves as President of the non-profit organization helping to expand access to spinal care in underserved communities globally.
Alameda Jane Haldeman’s diploma from the Chiropractic School & Cure in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her interest in nursing and healthcare was driven in part by her experience caring for her husband who was diagnosed with diabetes.
Unbeknownst to Almeda Jane Haldeman, her life of service in her home communities and as the first known chiropractor in Canada has created a global ripple effect in expanding access to spine care around the world. She propagated unprecedented change within the chiropractic profession through the family members and communities that she inspired.
In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we wanted to take a moment to honor Almeda’s connection with World Spine Care and the global advancement of chiropractic care and spinal health.
To the other women working towards enhancing the chiropractic profession and expanding access to spine care, we hope that Almeda’s story reinforces the fact that your actions in the field can inspire a world of difference and that you play a pivotal role in our greater community.
Reference
Phillips, R. B. (2009). The Journey of Scott Haldeman Spine Care Specialist and Researcher. National Chiropractic Mutual Holding Company.
