Dr. Abbie (Fox) Ballard was born and raised on a farm in Shelbyville, Illinois. Knowing that she wanted to be a doctor, she decided to get a jump on her education and took her first classes through Lake Land College when she was just 15. She continued night classes and summer school through Lake Land before enrolling in the Pre-Medicine program at SIU-Carbondale in 2003. 

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While earning her first Bachelor of Science degree in Carbondale, she worked as a research assistant for Dr. Michael Collard and Dr. Jodi Huggenvik, studying cancer and gene mapping in their labs. She also worked as a pharmacy technician for Wal-Mart, dispensing medications to hundreds of people each day.

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It was through these experiences with medicine, and the science behind the medicine, that Dr. Ballard started to change her belief system about “healthcare” and traditional medicine. Prescribing and dispensing pills that address chronic symptoms without addressing the cause of disease and illness gave her pause. 

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Her search for better options to regain and maintain health and wellness lead Dr. Ballard to Logan College of Chiropractic where she earned a second Bachelor’s degree, as well as her Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.).  During her 3 years at Logan, Dr. Ballard completed additional internships in Radiology and Rehabilitation.  She also completed postgraduate certification programs in Acupuncture and as an Internal Health Specialist.

 

Since graduation Dr. Ballard has completed 200 hours in pediatrics to become a Certified Pediatric Chiropractor. Dr. Ballard also completed her certification in Functional Medicine, board eligible through the American Clnical Board of Nutrition, and pursuing additional education in Functional Immunology to better help patients with autoimmune disease.