We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Anne Etonga a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Anne, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My mother did so many things right, and her strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in education have profoundly shaped my life and career. One of the most defining aspects of my upbringing was watching my mother overcome unimaginable challenges while ensuring that my brother and I never went without.
She was a single mother, raising two children while juggling long hours at work and nursing school. She worked tirelessly—coming home late, cooking, cleaning, helping us with homework, then staying up all night to study. I still remember seeing her exhausted yet determined, flipping through her nursing books at the kitchen table while we slept. She didn’t just tell us to never give up—she showed us.
Her sacrifices paid off when she graduated at the top of her class in nursing school and passed the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. That moment wasn’t just a victory for her; it was a lesson for me. She instilled in us the belief that no matter how tough things get, we put God first, we pray, and we keep going. She made sure my brother and I received the best education, sending us to college—my brother to Towson University and me to Penn State University. Her dedication to our future is a huge reason why I am a chiropractor today.
Because of my mother, I know what resilience looks like. I know that success doesn’t come easy, but it’s possible with perseverance and faith. Her work ethic, discipline, and ability to push through hardships inspire me every day—not just in my career, but in the way I approach life. She taught me to trust myself, to carry myself with manners and integrity, and to never give up, no matter how tough the road ahead may seem.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My Journey into Chiropractic Care
Becoming a chiropractor was not part of my original plan. Like many children of immigrants, I grew up with the expectation of pursuing a traditional profession such as medicine, law, or engineering. My parents worked tirelessly to provide me with opportunities, and I wanted to make them proud. Initially, I planned to become an orthopedic surgeon, earning my degree from The Pennsylvania State University and later completing a pre-medical post-baccalaureate program at Caldwell University. However, as I gained more experience in hospital settings, I realized that surgery and the high-pressure hospital environment were not the right fit for me.
Despite stepping away from the surgical path, my passion for healthcare and helping others remained strong. After discussions with my school counselor, I explored alternative medical careers. Chiropractic care stood out to me, though I knew little about it at the time. Trusting my instincts, I took a leap of faith and applied to Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose, California, despite never having visited the state before. Looking back, I truly believe this path was meant for me.
Earning my Doctorate in Chiropractic in 2020 was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The program tested my resilience, pushing me through long nights of study, intense coursework, and the added challenge of being the only Black student in my class. While I initially planned to establish my career in California, I quickly realized it was not the right environment for me. The lack of community and representation heightened my feelings of isolation and impostor syndrome. Moving to Atlanta changed everything. The diversity, the strong presence of Black business owners, and the sense of belonging provided the support and inspiration I needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
One Eighty Chiropractic: Services and Mission
Today, I am the proud owner of One Eighty Chiropractic, where I help individuals take control of their health through natural, non-invasive care. My mission is to provide effective, personalized treatment that allows my patients to move better, feel better, and live pain-free. My services include full spine adjustments to restore proper alignment and relieve pain, trigger point therapy and percussive soft tissue massage to release muscle tension, and cupping therapy and Graston soft tissue therapy to enhance circulation and break down scar tissue. Additionally, I offer CBD therapy and red light low-level laser therapy to promote healing and reduce inflammation, as well as electrical muscle stimulation to aid in muscle recovery. For added convenience, I provide on-site chiropractic care for corporate offices and events, as well as house calls for patients in the metro Atlanta area and beyond.
My practice serves individuals dealing with chronic pain, injuries, stress-related tension, and those simply looking to optimize their overall health. I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, focusing not only on immediate symptom relief but also on long-term wellness and prevention.
What Sets Me Apart
Chiropractic care is more than just adjustments; it is about empowering people to take control of their health. I am committed to providing care that is both effective and accessible, offering flexible scheduling, affordable pricing, and mobile services to accommodate the needs of my patients. Beyond treatment, I take the time to educate each patient about their condition, ensuring they understand how chiropractic care can support their health and well-being. My patients are not just numbers—they are individuals with unique needs, and I prioritize a personalized approach in every aspect of my practice.
My Greatest Accomplishments
One of my proudest achievements has been building One Eighty Chiropractic from the ground up while working full-time in the healthcare field. Providing care that genuinely improves people’s lives—whether it is helping an athlete recover, relieving a new mother’s back pain, or supporting someone through chronic pain—has been the most fulfilling aspect of my career.
I am also incredibly proud of my personal journey. The path to where I am today has not been easy, but it has been worth every challenge. My experiences have reinforced the importance of resilience, faith, and perseverance. I hope that my story inspires others to pursue their dreams, whether in health, business, or life, and to never settle for anything less than what fulfills them.
What I Want People to Know
For those in the Atlanta area seeking chiropractic care that is effective, compassionate, and tailored to their needs, I would love to help. Whether you are dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall health, One Eighty Chiropractic is here to support you on your wellness journey.
Learn more at: oneeightychiropractic.com
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Consistency in social media marketing, particularly on Instagram, played a significant role in building my reputation within the chiropractic field. Posting content every single day allowed me to showcase my expertise, educate my audience, and connect with potential patients on a personal level. From sharing informative posts about chiropractic care to behind-the-scenes glimpses of my practice, social media helped me establish credibility and stay top of mind for those seeking natural pain relief.
Running Instagram ads also made a huge impact. By strategically targeting my ideal audience, I was able to reach more people in my local area who were looking for chiropractic services. These ads not only increased brand awareness but also drove direct patient bookings, allowing me to grow my practice steadily.
Beyond social media, word of mouth has been invaluable. Providing excellent care and prioritizing patient education naturally led to referrals. When patients experience real results and feel genuinely cared for, they are more likely to share their positive experiences with friends and family. The combination of digital marketing and strong patient relationships has been the foundation of my success in this industry.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t good enough. As the only Black student in my class at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in San Jose, California, I often felt isolated. There were very few Black students at the school or even in the surrounding area, which only reinforced my imposter syndrome. I constantly questioned whether I truly belonged in the chiropractic field and whether I was capable of succeeding.
That self-doubt was further compounded when I struggled to pass my board exams, failing multiple times before finally achieving success. Each setback made me question my intelligence, my skills, and my ability to thrive in this profession. The pressure to excel—especially as one of the few Black students pursuing chiropractic—felt overwhelming. I convinced myself that because I didn’t pass on my first attempt, I wasn’t meant to be in this field.
It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta that my perspective shifted. For the first time, I was surrounded by successful Black chiropractors who were not only thriving but making a real impact in their communities. Seeing others who looked like me excel in this profession helped me realize that I wasn’t alone and that my presence in this field was both necessary and valuable. The more I worked with patients, the more I recognized that I wasn’t just capable—I was highly skilled. As my patient base grew and my social media following expanded, it became clear that I was making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Overcoming imposter syndrome was a process, but I ultimately learned that lack of representation does not equate to lack of ability. Just because I didn’t see many people who looked like me in this profession didn’t mean I didn’t belong. Just because I didn’t pass my boards on the first try didn’t mean I wasn’t meant for this career. I had to stop questioning my worth and instead embrace my expertise, passion, and commitment to my patients. Today, I use my platform to educate, inspire, and serve as the representation I once needed to see.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oneeightychiropractic.com/
- Instagram: @oneeightychiropractic, @thechirobae
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/One-Eighty-Chiropractic-LLC-61550923803586/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anneetonga
- Other: https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/anne-etonga-dc-350086
Image Credits
https://www.creativevanguardphotography.com/