In this episode of Beyond the Adjustment, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk sits down with longtime friend, former CMCC classmate, and CNAC New Brunswick board representative Dr. Jay Fortier.
Jay’s chiropractic journey began when he was just 12 or 13 years old after an injury led him to his first experience with chiropractic care. That experience left such an impression that he knew from an early age he wanted to become a chiropractor. Years later, after completing his undergraduate education at Western University and graduating from CMCC, Jay and his wife, Dr. Kelly Fortier, made their way to Fredericton, New Brunswick, where they have built their careers, their practice, and their family together.
Chad and Jay explore what separates a good chiropractor from a great one, including the importance of intention, presence, communication, technical skill, and continually working to improve.
They also have an open conversation about the value of lifelong learning and personal development. Jay shares some of the habits that help keep him grounded when life and practice become challenging, including exercise, spending time outdoors, learning from mentors, limiting outside noise, and deliberately focusing on the things within his control.
The conversation also turns to one of the ongoing challenges for many chiropractors: building a successful practice while being fully present for your family. As a father of three, Jay discusses why he has learned to think less about achieving perfect “balance” and more about being present wherever he is — whether that is with a patient, at the office, or at home with his wife and children.
Finally, Jay shares what it has been like building and operating a chiropractic practice alongside his wife, Dr. Kelly Fortier. He explains how their very different strengths complement one another, with Kelly bringing vision and energy while Jay helps create structure, consistency, and direction.
It’s a candid conversation between two longtime friends about chiropractic, family, personal growth, resilience, and the realities of building a meaningful life in practice.
In This Episode
- How a serious concussion unexpectedly changed the direction of his life
- Meeting his future wife, Dr. Kelly Fortier, at chiropractic college
- Moving to Fredericton and building a chiropractic career in New Brunswick
- What separates a good chiropractor from a great chiropractor
- Why communication can be just as important as technical skill
- The importance of lifelong learning and mentorship
- Managing outside noise, social media, and distraction
- Exercise, nature, routines, and habits that help Jay stay grounded
- Why being present may be more realistic — and more valuable — than trying to achieve perfect work-life balance
- Raising a family while growing a chiropractic practice
- Leading by example for your children
- The benefits and challenges of owning a practice with your spouse
- How Jay and Kelly use their different strengths to make their partnership work
Guest Bio:
Dr. Jay Fortier is a chiropractor, practice owner, husband, father, and longtime advocate for personal and professional growth within the chiropractic profession.
Originally from Welland, Ontario, Jay first experienced chiropractic care as a teenager following a back injury. That experience had a lasting impact and inspired him to pursue chiropractic as a career. After completing his undergraduate studies at Western University, he went on to attend the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, where he graduated in 2008.
It was also at CMCC that Jay met his future wife, Dr. Kelly Fortier. Following graduation, the couple moved to Fredericton, New Brunswick, where they have built their family, careers, and chiropractic practice together.
Today, Jay and Kelly own and operate Uptown Chiropractic in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Over the course of his career, Jay has experienced many different sides of practice, including working as an associate, practicing in multidisciplinary settings, building a practice from the ground up, mentoring team members, and operating a clinic alongside his spouse.
Jay is passionate about lifelong learning, mentorship, personal development, clinical excellence, and being fully present with the people he serves. He also serves as the New Brunswick board representative for the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic (CNAC).
https://uptownchiro.ca/
