Dr. Colleen Prendergast Member Spotlight – Championing Health and Community
Dr. Colleen Prendergast is a distinguished chiropractor with over 15 years of experience, beginning her journey in Paris, France, where she established her private practice after completing her studies at the Institut Franco Européen de Chiropratique. Bilingual in French and English, she combines her expertise in sports and chiropractic care, having represented Canada in track and field before becoming a certified sports chiropractor. Her commitment to holistic health extends to concussion management and nutrition. Since 2020, she has shared her insights as a columnist on CBC Radio Canada’s L’heure de Pointe, discussing health topics in French.
Dr. Prendergast has also faced challenges, particularly racism in the workplace, highlighting the persistent discrimination Black professionals often encounter. She shared her experience of being rejected by patients solely because of her race:
“There were times in France when patients didn’t want to see me because I’m Black. It was frustrating, but I focused on those who did support me. My colleague, who isn’t Black, was more disturbed by it than I was. I just kept going.”
For Dr. Prendergast, community plays a vital role in overcoming challenges and finding support. She emphasizes the importance of connections within the Black healthcare professional network:
“Being part of a community is absolutely important. BHPN has helped me connect with people and opened up new resources. Networking is key—you’re not on this journey alone.”
BHPN was the first community of Black healthcare professionals Dr. Prendergast encountered, and it has become an invaluable network for her. She first heard about BHPN through a friend and has since attended events and connected with other members.
When asked about her thoughts on pursuing an entrepreneurial journey alone, Dr. Prendergast highlights the need for community:
“No one can do it alone. Life is about community. Even if there are parts of the journey you must do on your own, you still need others for support, opportunities, and guidance. Networking is essential for me right now.”
Dr. Prendergast also recognizes the significance of representation in healthcare and the impact of having a healthcare directory for Black professionals in Canada:
“Having someone who understands your background is incredibly important. For instance, when I was in France, English-speaking patients were relieved to find someone who could communicate with them. Similarly, having another Black person who understands your cultural background, health concerns, and dietary habits makes a difference in patient care.”
As Dr. Prendergast looks toward the future, she is focused on expanding her practice and giving back to the community. She’s passionate about speaking opportunities and aims to empower others through her experiences. She also hopes to engage with the new medical school in Brampton, which resonates with her vision of embracing diversity in healthcare education.
Through her involvement with BHPN, Dr. Prendergast hopes to continue growing professionally and making a meaningful impact. She highlights how BHPN has supported her journey:
“BHPN is already doing so much, from social media visibility to networking events and business advisory meetings. One suggestion would be to offer more one-on-one mentoring, where members can seek guidance from specific individuals.”
Dr. Colleen Prendergast’s story is a testament to the power of community and resilience. At BHPN, we are committed to supporting professionals like Dr. Colleen by providing a network that fosters growth and connection. Join us to access networking events, professional development opportunities, and a platform to showcase your expertise. Together, we can make a significant impact on the healthcare landscape in Canada.
Dr. Colleen Prendergast Member Spotlight
