Molly Hamilton, a 2010 graduate of South Hamilton High School, opened the doors of Hamilton Chiropractic a few months ago after an extensive remodel of the building at 608 Main Street that has housed several restaurants over the years.

While it is unusual for a newly minted chiropractor to go into an individual practice, “this just fell into place,” Hamilton commented from her desk in front of a large window that looks out on other Main Street businesses along Highway 69. “Not many start practice right out of school, but I had feedback from several docs that I should go ahead with this. I had help from JADE (Jewell Area Development Enterprise), and then my family is here, too.

“Besides, I like small-town life,” continued Hamilton about why she chose Jewell – where she moved with her family in 1997 – to set up her practice. The recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award when she graduated from Palmer Chiropractic last May, Hamilton also graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in animal science in 2014 and then spent a year doing swine research before deciding to enroll at Palmer.

“I think it’s really neat to provide care for people I’ve known all my life,” stated the young chiropractor. “Chiropractic isn’t just for pain relief any more.”

Hamilton said she has been pleasantly surprised at how busy she’s been since opening her Jewell office, where she’s treated patients ranging from babies to 89 years old.

When she’s not involved with her patients and getting reacquainted around Jewell, Hamilton takes her horses with her to compete in barrel racing events at rodeos around Iowa, Missouri, Illinois and South Dakota. It’s a hobby that started for her as a high school student in FFA at South Hamilton. Hamilton has qualified for the World Show eight times. She and her husband have been married four years.

“I like being able to help people,” Hamilton summed up why she decided to become a chiropractor.

Hamilton Chiropractic hours:

Mondays: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tuesdays: 12-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fridays & Saturdays by appointment