The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) earlier this year awarded its prestigious Humanitarian of the Year Award to a remarkable and often underrecognized group, chiropractic military spouses. The award went not to a single individual but to an entire collective of healthcare professionals who, though often unseen by the broader public, navigate the complexities of military life while remaining deeply committed to their patients, their research, and one another.
At the heart of this movement is Katherine Phillips, DC, DACNB, whose leadership as a current administrator has connected a network of once-isolated professionals into a supportive and empowering community.
A Dual Mission: Country and Care
Chiropractic military spouses are exactly what they sound like: licensed doctors of chiropractic who are also committed to supporting their active-duty spouse’s military career. They navigate a unique path—balancing the demands of military life with the responsibilities of their healthcare profession. Many provide chiropractic care on or near military bases, serving active-duty service members. Others contribute to research that demonstrates the value and efficacy of chiropractic care within military healthcare settings, often partnering with advocacy organizations and educational institutions to advance the profession and highlight its clinical importance.
Their careers are frequently shaped by relocations, unpredictable schedules, and complex licensing requirements. Yet despite these challenges, they remain deeply committed to serving their communities and delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
Beyond their clinical responsibilities, many also volunteer for humanitarian initiatives at the request of their spouse’s command.
“There’s no doubt military life is demanding,” says Dr. Phillips. “But chiropractic military spouses are finding ways to do it all—with professionalism, adaptability, and purpose.”
How It Started: From Isolation to Inspiration
Before this group was formed, many chiropractic military spouses found themselves working in isolation. Frequent moves meant rebuilding their practices from scratch—often without resources, mentors, or even local recognition. Licensing hurdles, limited access to on-base clinical roles, and high spouse unemployment created a cycle of professional instability.
To counter this, a Facebook group was created by Brooke Herbert, DC, more than six years ago, offering chiropractic military spouses a way to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Today, the group includes nearly 80 members across all branches of the military and is active around the clock. They share referrals, navigate licensing transitions, and exchange advice on balancing practice with family life.
Dr. Phillips personally vets each member, often calling them directly. “It’s a safe space,” she says. “We’re in all time zones, at all hours, and it’s always open.”
Filling the Gaps in Military Health Care
On many U.S. military bases, chiropractic military spouses provide chiropractic care for active-duty personnel and their families—often from home-based businesses that are officially approved by military housing authorities. These clinics offer reduced-rate or volunteer care, helping to bridge the gap in a system where fewer than 75 official chiropractors exist within the Department of Defense (DoD).
Chiropractic care is not available to retirees, reservists or military family members through Tricare, and wait times for DoD-approved referrals can be extensive.
Only one known chiropractic military spouse has ever served within an official DoD chiropractic role. Yet many others have found ways to serve—often without recognition or compensation. One member currently works in a federally qualified health center, treating refugees from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. Others organize hygiene supply drives for deployed troops or provide healthcare-related volunteer work, including acting as crisis coordinators for military units.
“Humanitarian duties are ingrained in the fabric of the U.S. military,” says Dr. Phillips. “Chiropractic military spouses are uniquely positioned to step into those roles—not just as volunteers, but as trained healthcare professionals ready to serve.”
In Germany, chiropractic spouses organized clothing, blanket, and baby formula drives for incoming refugees at Ramstein Air Force Base. During global lockdowns, they became a vital supply chain for deployed military personnel. This dual role—healthcare provider and humanitarian—has become a defining characteristic of the group.
Leaders and Contributors in the Profession
Despite the challenges they face, chiropractic military spouses continue to lead and innovate within the profession. Among them are two diplomates of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB), the current president of the American Board of Chiropractic Specialties, and contributors to military-focused research projects. One spouse has held a contracted research role with the Navy, contributing to published studies on chiropractic in military contexts.
Their influence extends beyond their clinics. By engaging in research and advocacy, they are helping to document and elevate the role of chiropractic care in active-duty and veteran populations—and urging policymakers to address ongoing gaps in access, coverage, and continuity of care.
A Unique Community with a Patriotic Mission
This year’s Humanitarian of the Year Award is more than a title—it’s long-overdue recognition. It honors chiropractic military spouses who have uprooted their lives every few years, built practices from scratch, supported service members, and raised families along the way. It shines a light on a group few in the profession even knew existed—yet whose impact runs deep.
The paradox of being a chiropractic military spouse is profound. As one nomination letter put it, it’s “a role where one may carry a chiropractic bag in one hand and support the rifle in the other.” While their partners are deployed into danger, these chiropractors remain on the home front, delivering healing, stability, and care to those around them.
Recognizing the weight of this work, Dr. Phillips has made it her mission to ensure these stories are seen and heard. She continues to collaborate with advocacy groups and academic institutions to drive systemic change—so that the profession fully acknowledges the impact of this small but mighty community and their service.
For Dr. Phillips and the nearly 80 chiropractors in this group—most of them women—chiropractic isn’t just a career. It’s a calling. A lifeline. A form of service that blends healing with heart.
Their impact is undeniable. Their care is essential. Their service is humanitarian.
Amanda Donohue, MS, is a freelance contributor to the ACA blog. She has a background in nutrition and extensive experience in healthcare journalism. She is a partner at Blue Ridge Creative Marketing.
