Mabel Palmer, the first lady of chiropractic

Every year on June 5, we celebrate International Women’s Chiropractic Day to honor Mabel Palmer, a pioneer in chiropractic care who encouraged women’s involvement in the profession.

Mabel Palmer’s legacy inspires and empowers. Her determination and pioneering spirit opened the chiropractic field to countless women. She empowered women and advanced the profession with patient-focused and evidence-based practices. Chiropractors worldwide still follow her patient-centered care principles.

Mabel Palmer’s Education

Mabel Palmer, born in Milan, Illinois, was a prominent figure in the chiropractic field and a trailblazer for women in healthcare. Her journey began at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where she showcased her musical talent in the chorus. It was during her time as an apprentice organist that she met B.J. Palmer, D.C., whom she married in 1904.

In the next year, Mabel received her chiropractic doctorate and served as Palmer College’s treasurer and business manager. She went on to enhance her anatomy and dissection expertise at Rush Medical College, enriching her educational dedication.

Mabel Palmer’s Professional Life

Mabel Palmer revolutionized Palmer College’s chiropractic education, authoring its first anatomy textbook and teaching for over 35 years.

Known as “The First Lady of Chiropractic,” Mabel was a close adviser to her husband and a respected lecturer in the chiropractic community. She founded the Sigma Phi Chi professional sorority in 1911.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mabel was an influential civic leader. She was the international president of the Quota Club, advocating for gender equality and establishing its first Australian chapter. Mabel Palmer served on the board of Lend-A-Hand (now Center for Active Seniors, Inc.), aiding community welfare.

At Palmer College of Chiropractic, where Dr. Faith studied, Palmer actively shaped the curriculum and educational standards.

She played a key role in establishing chiropractic as a legitimate healthcare profession, emphasizing evidence-based practices and research. Mabel Palmer extensively promoted chiropractic, establishing associations and advocating for licensure and legal recognition. Her efforts greatly enhanced chiropractors’ professional standing and contributed to chiropractic care’s growing acceptance.

Everything about Mabel Palmer’s accomplishments in a male-dominated field inspires chiropractors worldwide. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering commitment to the profession, and advocacy for women’s rights have left a lasting legacy.

Mabel Palmer’s legacy continued after her death in 1949, with her posthumous recognition as a distinguished Fellow in the Palmer Academy of Chiropractic in 2006. Today we celebrate her as a trailblazer, showed how passion and perseverance can break barriers and foster change.