Jumana Jarrah’s mission to Nicaragua, where she provided chiropractic healthcare in the country’s schools, confirmed that she had chosen the right career path. “Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people out.”

While she was studying biological sciences at the University of Alberta, Jumana was in a motor vehicle accident that required chiropractic treatment. She became fascinated with the body’s ability to heal itself and by the possibility that she could help it along. She changed her career direction.

After eight years of post-secondary education, including studies completed in California, she considers herself a “nervous system doctor.” She explains that the ultimate goal of chiropractic adjustments is to help the nervous system flow correctly, bringing the entire body into balance. Jumana is still fascinated by the body, marveling “It’s incredible how we were created.” Her favorite area of study was anatomy, a subject she would like to teach someday.

The 29-year old opened the New Balance Clinic in January 2007 and has since taken on another chiropractor and a massage therapist. She plans to add a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist and receptionist to round out the wellness clinic.

Jumana—affectionately called “Dr. J”—is happiest when patients take a proactive approach to their own healthcare. As she is also a fitness instructor, she follows the same regimen of stretching, water intake, meditation and exercise that she prescribes for her patients. It saddens her when she sees people afflicted with illnesses that could have been prevented, and says, “If health doesn’t become a priority for you, then you don’t have anything else.”

She volunteers wherever she is needed, whether serving food in homeless shelters or working at the Underwear Affair event for cancers below the waist. Within the next few years, Jumana hopes to go on another mission similar to the ones she took to the Middle East and Nicaragua, to provide treatment to people who have no access to such services.

Here at home, Jumana is more focused on encouraging young people to achieve their potential. As a member of the Arab Business Association, she also takes time to mentor high school students, especially those in her own community. Jumana is proof that they can achieve anything—even childhood aspirations—if they stick to their goals.