Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic
What is the Top 20 List?
Modeled after prestigious recognitions like Forbes 30 Under 30 and the Michelin Star Guide, the Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic celebrates the visionaries, educators, innovators, and leaders shaping the profession today. Whether through evidence-based care, social impact, mentorship, or entrepreneurial growth, these individuals are moving chiropractic forward and redefining its future.
This list isn’t about popularity; it’s about recognizing those who are actually making waves. Those who are elevating public trust, creating new standards, mentoring the next generation, and expanding what’s possible in practice and purpose.
Meet the 2025 Top 20 Winners
Heidi Haavik
Dr. Heidi Haavik is Vice President of Research and Dean of Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, holding a PhD in human neurophysiology from the University of Auckland. She is the founder of Haavik Research, author of the best-selling book The Reality Check*, and one of the most sought-after chiropractic speakers in the world. Dr. Haavik also founded Chiros Hub and Chiros Academy to educate chiropractors globally on the science of spinal care.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Russ Rosen
Dr. Russ Rosen is the founder and CEO of The Optimal Health Coaching System, on a mission to shift chiropractic from symptom-masking to lifelong optimal health through his signature "Care vs. Scare" model. With over 31,000 one-on-one coaching sessions and 60+ international speaking engagements, he teaches chiropractors how to build certainty, master the Neuroscience of Communication, and retain patients effortlessly. A recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from CWA and CLA, Dr. Rosen is recognized globally for elevating the profession through purpose-driven, highly profitable practice building.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Stephanie Wigner
Dr. Stephanie Wigner is the founder of multiple thriving chiropractic clinics specializing in high-impact, family-focused care for children and families. Beyond her practice, she has coached 250+ chiropractors to scale with purpose and step fully into their roles as CEOs. Dr. Wigner is known throughout the profession for leading with conviction and an unshakable commitment to raising the standard of chiropractic care and business.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Jeff Langmaid
Dr. Jeff Langmaid is the founder of The Smart Chiropractor, Patient Pilot, and The Evidence Based Chiropractor; businesses built to help chiropractors grow their practices, reconnect with patients, and create lasting community impact. A passionate advocate for the profession, he works at the intersection of chiropractic research and modern technology, bringing AI-driven tools into everyday practice. Dr. Langmaid's mission is straightforward: when chiropractors win, patients win.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Erik Kowalke
Dr. Erik Kowalke is the founder of Higher Health Chiropractic, voted #1 Pediatric Chiropractor for 10 consecutive years, and founder of SKED Inc., technology that simplifies and strengthens chiropractic offices, recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America for multiple years. A husband and father of six, he has a practice rooted in helping families and children unlock their potential through principled chiropractic care. Dr. Kowalke connects purpose with action, as an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and chiropractor inspiring a profession to dream bigger.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Gilles LaMarche
Dr. Gilles LaMarche graduated from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1979 and spent 25 years in clinical practice before becoming one of chiropractic's most respected educators and leaders. A speaker in over 20 countries, former Vice President at Parker University, and current Vice President of University Advancement at Life University, his career spans decades of institutional leadership and global outreach. An accomplished author of multiple books including The ART of Being Healthy*, which has reached hundreds of thousands of readers across 10+ countries, Dr. LaMarche's life mission is simple: love and service for the benefit of humanity.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Eric Berg
Dr. Eric Berg is a board-certified chiropractor and globally recognized health educator, known for pioneering Healthy Keto® and intermittent fasting strategies that have helped millions understand how the body works. A Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, he spent 30+ years in private practice serving over 40,000 patients — including senior government officials and medical professionals — before transitioning to public health education. His YouTube channel, launched in 2008, now reaches 30 million subscribers with 200 million views per month, making him one of the most widely followed health educators in the world.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Daniel Knowles
Dr. Daniel "Danny" Knowles is the founder of the internationally recognized Mile High Chiro Movement and Network Family Wellness Center in Boulder, CO, one of the leading NetworkSpinal offices in the world. A Sherman College graduate and 8-year Board of Trustees member, Distinguished Service Award recipient, and 2025 Chiropractor of the Year, he leads global NetworkSpinal trainings through EpiEnergetics and is published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. As host of the Mile High Podcast and founder of the Mile High event, Dr. Knowles has built a movement of purpose-driven chiropractors united around philosophy, service, and high standards.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Stephen Franson
Dr. Stephen Franson is the founder of The Remarkable Practice, a coaching and consulting company helping chiropractors build successful practices as part of a remarkable life, and co-founder of Chiro Match Makers, a specialized placement service for DCs. Known as "The Systems Guy," he brings 20+ years of clinical experience, including building Franson Family Chiropractic into one of the largest wellness clinics in the world. A bestselling author, international speaker, and previously named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Chiropractors in 2017, Dr. Franson teaches the full arc of chiropractic career success, from Launch to Exit.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Krista Burns
Dr. Krista Burns holds a PhD in Health Administration, a Doctor of Chiropractic, and is a Postural Neurologist with 1,000+ hours of advanced education in posture, neurology, and human physiology. She is the co-founder of the American Posture Institute, the world's leading resource in post-graduate online posture education, and author of the textbook The Principles of Posture. Her Certified Posture Expert and Certified Postural Neurologist programs have been implemented by thousands of healthcare professionals across 30+ countries worldwide.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Elise Rigney
Dr. Elise Rigney is the founder of Impact Chiropractic, a multi-location practice built on mission-minded leadership and mentorship across Colorado. Committed to proving that chiropractic excellence and family life are not in competition, she has built her career around coaching chiropractors to grow their certainty, confidence, and community impact. Dr. Rigney's philosophy is simple: the goal is not to climb higher than everyone else; it is to build a bigger table and bring everyone up with you.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Josh Axe
Dr. Josh Axe holds a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. He is the co-founder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition, founder of DrAxe.com and The Health Institute, and a bestselling author of four books, including Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. His businesses have ranked on the Inc. 500 fastest-growing companies list, and he regularly teaches entrepreneurs on leadership, mindset, and self-development.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Joseph Cipriano
Dr. Joseph Cipriano, widely known as the "Y Strap Doc," specializes in life-changing chiropractic adjustments that have captivated millions worldwide. His educational content reaches 100 million+ views monthly across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, making him one of the most widely followed chiropractors in the world. Dr. Cipriano's mission is to educate, inspire, and help people achieve better health through expert chiropractic care.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Miles Bodzin
Dr. Miles Bodzin is the founder and CEO of Cash Practice Systems, a technology platform that has processed over $500 million annually for thousands of chiropractors worldwide and earned placement on the Inc. 5000 list twice. Originally trained as an engineer, he pioneered one of San Diego's first wellness-focused chiropractic practices before building tools like The Wellness Score, Care Plan Calculator, and Drip-Education System to help chiropractors improve patient retention and practice profitability. Featured in the Wall Street Journal and named one of San Diego Business Journal's Most Admired CEOs, Dr. Bodzin's mission is to equip chiropractors to build thriving, patient-focused practices.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Guy Riekeman
Dr. Guy Riekeman is a second-generation chiropractor, Palmer College graduate (1972), and the fourth President of Life University, where he has guided the institution to become the largest chiropractic college in the world. A former Chancellor of Palmer College and successful chiropractic entrepreneur, he has spent 30 years championing vitalism and the shift from symptom-based sickness care to a partnership approach to health and wellness. Through thousands of personal presentations and educational programs, Dr. Riekeman challenges everyone he reaches to make their life extraordinary.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Jack Bourla
Dr. Jack Bourla is the sixth President of Sherman College of Chiropractic, a role he assumed in December 2022 after 25 years in private practice at Providence Chiropractic Center in Redwood City, California. A first-generation U.S. citizen bilingual in English and French, he has served in leadership roles including Dean of Clinics at Life West Chiropractic College and President of the International Federation of Chiropractors and Organizations. A California Chiropractic Association Doctor of the Year and Sherman College Service to the Profession Award recipient, Dr. Bourla is committed to ensuring the mission of Sherman College thrives for generations to come.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
B.J. Hardick
Dr. B.J. Hardick is a 2001 Life University graduate and 2024 Life University Chiropractor of the Year, currently leading the London, Ontario practice founded by his father in 1971. Over 35 years in and around the profession, he has mentored chiropractors in philosophy, business, and nutrition, authored health books reaching 500,000+ readers, and led continuing education certification for over 500 doctors in clinical nutrition. A former President of the Life University Alumni Association and 2025 appointee to its Board of Trustees, Dr. Hardick believes chiropractic is not only a healing art but a calling that must be protected, elevated, and passed on with purpose.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Joseph Clarino
Dr. Joseph Clarino is a co-owner of Thryv Medical Longevity and Anti-Aging Centers, the AlignLife Franchise, and Exclusive Nerve and Disc Centers, bringing nearly three decades of experience building practices, companies, and teams across the chiropractic profession. Based in Sugar Hill, Georgia, he has coached hundreds of interns and chiropractors to build thriving, values-driven practices. Life University recognizes him for his principled leadership and high-impact communication. Dr. Clarino's message is consistent: purpose over ego, people over numbers, and legacy over hype.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Brad Glowaki
Dr. Brad Glowaki is the founder of Champion Chiropractic in Seal Beach, California and a world-renowned chiropractic educator who has delivered continuing education lectures in all 50 U.S. states and multiple countries. A Dean's List graduate of Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and former Division I lacrosse captain at the University of Delaware, he brings the same competitive focus to practice growth and purpose-driven care. A triple honoree as California Chiropractor of the Year, Parker Seminars Chiropractor of the Year, and International Chiropractor of the Year, Dr. Glowaki is one of the most decorated educators in the profession.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Monique Andrews
Dr. Monique Andrews, known globally as "Dr. Mo," is an internationally acclaimed expert in Chiropractic Neuroscience who began her career as a research neuroscientist publishing in psychoneuroimmunology and the neurobiology of stress and reward. With advanced degrees in neuroscience and two decades of teaching experience, she bridges cutting-edge brain science with the art and philosophy of chiropractic, specializing in neuroregulation and applied polyvagal theory. As founder of Dr. Mo Knows and The PRANA Foundation, she leads Chiropractic Neuroscience Training Programs and mentors a global community of chiropractors committed to embodied leadership and clinical excellence.
Named to the UAC Top 20 Most Influential People in Chiropractic, 2025
Who We Are
The Ultimate Achievers Club (UAC) is a high-level mastermind for elite chiropractors committed to expansion: in life, leadership, and business. UAC is where the top 1% of the profession gathers to connect, collaborate, and grow through meaningful conversation, transformative live events, and accountability that actually drives results.
If you’re looking for a place where your drive is matched, your vision is sharpened, and your potential is multiplied… you’ll find it here.
