For Zoe Anderson, chiropractic is deeply personal.
Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) at just 10 years old, third-trimester Palmer Florida student, Zoe, spent much of her childhood navigating health care while searching for ways to manage chronic pain. That experience ultimately shaped not only her perspective as a patient but also her vision for the kind of doctor she hopes to become.
“Ultimately, I want to be the kind of doctor that I needed when I was younger.”
After her CRPS diagnosis, she explored many different areas of health care while looking for ways to manage her condition. As a child, she often felt that medication was the primary option presented to her. Discovering chiropractic introduced her to another approach and showed her how chiropractic care could play a meaningful role in improving her quality of life.
That journey sparked a desire to help others, particularly people living with chronic pain who may feel frustrated or discouraged by their healthcare journey.
“I chose chiropractic because it changed my life,” Zoe says. “Living with CRPS gave me a unique perspective as a patient, and chiropractic became an important part of helping me manage my pain and improve my quality of life. To me, chiropractic represents hope, healing, and empowerment,” she says. “It means helping people regain control over their lives through conservative, patient-centered care.”
Zoe carried that perspective into her undergraduate education at the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science. She also became a board-certified phlebotomist, gaining real-life experience working with patients and learning the importance of compassionate healthcare.
Why Palmer?
When Zoe began looking for a chiropractic program, Palmer stood out for its reputation for excellence, evidence-informed education, and exceptional hands-on clinical training.
Palmer Florida also offered an environment that supported Zoe personally. Living with CRPS has made staying active, spending time outdoors, and maintaining her overall well-being important parts of her life. The Florida campus’ warm climate and proximity to the beach were added benefits.
“Palmer Florida offered not only an outstanding chiropractic education but also an environment where I knew I could thrive both personally and academically,” she says.
That commitment to academic and clinical excellence has shaped Zoe’s experience from her first trimester.
“My experience at Palmer has been both challenging and rewarding,” she says. “The curriculum pushes me to think critically, develop my clinical skills, and continuously grow as a future health care provider. Every trimester has reinforced that I made the right decision in choosing chiropractic at Palmer.”
Caring for Patients by Listening
As a chiropractic student and someone who has spent years navigating health care as a patient, Zoe has developed a particularly strong appreciation for the human side of patient care.
“I’ve experienced first-hand how important it is to truly listen to people and believe their experiences,” she says. “Chiropractic school has strengthened both my clinical knowledge and my empathy.”
That perspective is becoming an important part of her professional development at Palmer, where classroom learning, hands-on technique instruction, and clinical experiences work together to prepare students for practice.
Balancing Chiropractic School With Personal Wellness
A typical day for Zoe begins with a workout before classes, followed by a full day of coursework from 7:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. She makes a point of staying active between classes by walking around campus before heading home to make dinner and study.
Living with CRPS has made balance especially important.
“Staying organized, listening to my body, and making recovery a priority help me stay healthy while keeping up with the demands of chiropractic school,” she says.
Her advice to other students is simple: Don’t lose sight of your own health while preparing to care for others.
“Taking care of yourself isn’t a distraction from becoming a great doctor of chiropractic; it is part of becoming one.”
Soon, Zoe will have the tools to become the type of doctor she once needed.
