Bio – Kaylee-Shaye Peters completed her bachelor’s degree at MacEwan University and University of Alberta in her hometown of Edmonton, AB, Canada. After completing a kinesiology preceptorship at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, she worked for a year as a kinesiologist doing injury rehab at a chiropractic clinic, working with chronic pain patients as part of a return-to-work program. A year later, she moved to Portland to begin her chiropractic education. Outside of school, Kaylee loves to participate in physical activity – she was a competitive swimmer and soccer player, and enjoys snowboarding, hiking, camping, fitness and all water sports. Additionally, she loves to travel and has a special place in her heart for Asia.
Why did you choose UWS?
I had the opportunity to work with some fantastic docs back home and 85 percent of them were UWS graduates. I thought they had exceptional attention to detail and provided effective and diversified care all while building relationships with their patients, so I looked for this focus in curriculum when applying to chiro schools. Ultimately, I chose Portland and UWS, because of the integrative, evidence-based curriculum and all of the incredible opportunities the area has to offer – food, coffee, craft beer and outdoor adventure!
Why did you choose your program/concentration?
I’ve always enjoyed working in customer service and I knew I wanted to help people. I thought about medicine for a short while, but my heart was never truly in it. I was injured playing soccer my junior year of high school and ended up in a chiropractic office. After two appointments, I had made up my mind – I wanted to be a chiropractor too! I thought it was the coolest job in the whole world with the perfect balance of medical knowledge, patient relationships, and wellness promotion .
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
That is such a tough question. I absolutely love the clinical science classes – pathology, microbiology, head and neck, spinal disorders. At UWS, you are challenged to learn, critically think, and apply your knowledge and it was the first time in the program where I started to feel like a real doctor.
What is your favorite part about attending UWS as a student?
The opportunities. I joined the associated student body (ASB) in my first quarter, which got me more involved with UWS and the administration. I attended the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC) with the UWS Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) chapter in my first year, which got me involved in launching the student arm of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (SCCA), where I now hold a position on the national board of directors. I’ve also attended a number of speaker presentations and conferences. Because of these experiences, I have gotten to network with students and docs all over North America. I am also lucky to be surrounded by many kind, intelligent, motivated and talented people at UWS. In short (or long…), don’t be afraid to jump head first into a new opportunity – I’ve grown so much since I started the program.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I plan to move back to Canada and join a practice as an associate. I’m always hungry to learn and plan on continuing to do so after school. I would love to start working with a mentor in an integrative practice – I believe there is so much benefit in the multidisciplinary approach to medicine. I would also like to continue working with the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Outside of work, I plan to continue traveling the world and eventually start a family.
Favorite way to relieve stress from school?
I am a firm believer in living a balanced lifestyle. In my leisure time, you can find me curled up with coffee and a book (recently I’ve taken on the Lord of the Rings series), outside enjoying the beautiful Oregon trails or beaches, exercising, out for dinner chowing down on tacos and margaritas, or checking a movie off my extensive “to watch” list. One thing I learned early on is that you cannot focus on school 24/7, nor do you have to. It is so easy to get caught up in the intensity of this program but you must remember to take some personal time too!
