Raised in a chiropractic family and shaped by a lifelong passion for sport, Dr. Mikayla Schmolke is bringing a fresh perspective to the profession as she begins her career in Alberta. After graduating from Parker University and returning home to practice in Calgary, Dr. Schmolke is focused on patient education, collaborative care, and helping people take a proactive approach to their health.

A Family Legacy of Care

For Dr. Schmolke, chiropractic has been a lifelong part of her journey. With her father, Dr. Michael Schmolke, recently recognized with a 30 Years of Service Award, and several relatives also working in the profession, she grew up witnessing firsthand the positive impact chiropractic care can have on individuals, families, and communities. One of her strongest memories is seeing the relationships her father built over years of practice.

“Every single time we’d go travelling, we’d run into people who were his patients,” she recalls. “We always joked that we couldn’t take him anywhere.”

Those interactions showed her that chiropractic is about more than treating injuries; it is about building meaningful relationships, connections, and a healthy community.

From the Soccer Field to the Clinic

Beyond seeing the community impact her father had, Dr. Schmolke experienced the benefits of chiropractic care from a young age. As a lifelong soccer player who continues to compete in Calgary’s women’s premier division, chiropractic care supported her through training, competition, recovery, and injury prevention, helping shape the way she views patient care today.

Dr. Schmolke’s athletic background continues to influence her approach to care, particularly when working with active individuals looking to stay healthy, recover effectively, and perform their best.

The Passion Behind the Practice

When asked what Dr. Schmolke’s motivation was, the answer came easily: “My why is helping people help themselves.”

Early in her career, Dr. Schmolke has found a passion for patient education and promoting independence within her patients. She believes many long-term health challenges can be improved, or even prevented, through small yet substantial lifestyle changes and proactive habits.

“There’s always little changes people can make that can have a huge impact years down the road.”

For Dr. Schmolke, chiropractic care extends beyond what happens during an appointment. Her goal is to give patients the confidence, knowledge, and tools they need to take an active role in their own health.

Navigating the First Years of Practice

Currently, Dr. Schmolke is practicing in a busy multidisciplinary clinic in Calgary. Early in her career, she is gaining valuable experience while working alongside chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. She is grateful for her clinic team and deeply values the mentorship and collaboration experienced in her day-to-day practice.

One of the biggest lessons from Dr. Schmolke’s first year in practice has been how to navigate each patient’s motivations, expectations, and individual circumstances.

“School teaches textbook patients,” she says. “Real people have different goals, different challenges, and different reasons for seeking care.”

Joining the Conversation

After returning to Alberta to begin practicing, mentors and colleagues encouraged Dr. Schmolke to join the Chiropractic Association of Alberta (CAA). As a new graduate, she saw value in staying informed about professional standards, advocacy efforts at the provincial level, and the future of chiropractic in Alberta.

Dr. Schmolke noted that after attending her first member forum this past year, she gained a deeper appreciation for the work being done to represent and support chiropractors across Alberta.

Building What’s Next

Looking to the future of chiropractic care in Alberta, Dr. Schmolke hopes to see greater accessibility, continued investment in research, and the maintenance of strong professional standards.

Dr. Schmolke believes increased access to chiropractic care could help more Albertans get care earlier, before conditions become difficult to manage. At the same time, she notes research as a vital tool for strengthening professional recognition, supporting evidence-based practice, and fostering stronger interdisciplinary relationships.

Ultimately, Dr. Schmolke envisions a profession that reflects the same principle that motivates her every day:

“It’s not just about helping people when they’re in pain, it’s about helping them stay healthy and active.”

As she continues to build her career in Alberta, Dr. Schmolke is focused on empowering patients, strengthening community connections, and contributing to a profession dedicated to helping Albertans move well and age well.