For Anna Papadopoulou, MChiro, DC, DACNB, FRCC, MSc, her career lies at the intersection of chiropractic care, neurology and pediatrics. She blends her clinical expertise and commitment to education as an instructor in the Master of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics (MS-CP) program at Logan University.
Specifically, Dr. Papadopoulou teaches Pediatric Neurology 560, a 15-week course that covers important points in the ever-evolving field of pediatric neurology. “I found this an exciting yet terrifying task,” she said. “This program is training new groups of chiropractors who are excited to continue learning and becoming experts in this field. This commitment comes with a lot of responsibility but saying ‘yes’ to this new challenge was a big honor.”
One reason this was significant for Dr. Papadopoulou is because she created the module for the course from scratch. “Chiropractic is so intertwined with neurology. Therefore, it’s our obligation as a profession to keep raising the understanding and our knowledge of neurology if we are to keep our role as experts in the neuro-musculoskeletal arena,” she said.
Her goal is for student clinicians to build off their preexisting knowledge and develop a more in-depth understanding of the journey from embryology to adolescence. One highlight of this course is that clinicians are able to take complicated neurological topics and implement them into patient care by the end.
Although an intimidating task initially, Dr. Papadopoulou is fit for the role, due to a diverse career path in chiropractic and pediatrics. She received her master’s in chiropractic from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) University College in 2014 and then worked at a family practice clinic in Northeast England. During her time at this practice, Dr. Papadopoulou took an interest in more complex chronic pain cases. “Having started my training in functional neurology, this practice helped keep my horizons broad,” she said. She continued her educational pursuits while working at the practice, opening the door for more career milestones.
Dr. Papadopoulou earned her Postgraduate Certificate in Chiropractic Professional Development from AECC University College the next year. Then, she joined the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Post-Registration Training program. “These two programs allowed me to become a member of the prestigious Royal College of Chiropractors in 2015,” Dr. Papadopoulou said. More opportunities arose for Dr. Papadopoulou in Southeast England in 2016. She joined a multidisciplinary group, Clacton Chiropractic Clinic, where she utilized her functional neurology training. Simultaneously, Dr. Papadopoulou stayed current in the domain of chiropractic care and neurology. She completed her three-year studies with the Carrick Institute, which led to her successful certification as a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board in 2017.
“I quickly realized that I needed to focus my attention on pregnancy and pediatric care to better serve my adult population. It is paramount to first understand how we develop from an embryological stage to the present and appreciate what changes to normal anatomy can result in,” she said.
Dr. Papadopoulou made her return to AECC University College to focus her studies on embryology and pediatric development, enrolling in the Masters of Musculoskeletal Health in Pediatrics. “I found that to be my missing puzzle piece,” she said. She completed the program in 2021 and in the same year was delighted to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Pregnancy & Pediatric faculty. “Over the years, I formed good bonds with several baby services and local midwives and lactation consultants. Being able to combine all these areas provided our patients with a comprehensive care plan.”
Alongside Dr. Papadopoulou’s involvement in Logan’s MS-CP program, she also runs a family practice in her hometown of Nicosia, Cyprus. She collaborates with Efstathios Papadopoulos, DC, former president of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) from 2008 to 2010. She is also a Clinical Associate with the University of Nicosia’s Medical School in the Anatomy Department. As someone who educates herself and others in chiropractic care and pediatric neurology, Dr. Papadopoulou is humbled to shape other great clinicians at Logan. “It is a big honor working alongside excellent clinicians and academics. I look forward to seeing our graduates expand their practice and better serve their communities and the chiropractic profession around the world.’’