Meet Our Practitioners
Dr. Susan A. Gillis
B.Sc., D.C., Certified Level II in NET, Level 1 in Team CBT
Dr. Susan Gillis has been providing chiropractic care in Ontario for more than four decades, bringing extensive clinical experience and a thoughtful, individualized approach to her work. She believes that each person is unique, and that effective care begins with taking the time to listen, understand a patient's concerns and consider the many factors that can influence health and wellbeing.
Dr. Gillis completed her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Western Ontario, graduating on the Dean's Honour List. She went on to graduate cum laude from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 1983, receiving several awards of distinction. She has continued to pursue education throughout her career, developing a broad range of knowledge and techniques that she can incorporate into individualized patient care.
A particular area of interest throughout Dr. Gillis's career has been the relationship between chiropractic care and a broader, holistic view of health. She completed a fellowship with the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture and has pursued postgraduate education in acupuncture, nutrition, musculoskeletal care, sports-related topics and other complementary approaches. Her continuing education has included courses in sacro-occipital technique, temporomandibular joint care, low back pain, sports medicine, nutrition and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
In her practice, Dr. Gillis draws upon a variety of approaches depending on the individual patient. Her areas of practice include chiropractic adjustments, modalities, laser acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Neuro Emotional Technique (NET). Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she considers the individual in front of her and adapts her care to their needs, circumstances and goals.
Dr. Gillis also has experience beyond the traditional clinical setting. She has been involved with MaxAbilitation Inc., the Canadian Whiplash Rehabilitation Institute, where she has contributed to patient management and rehabilitation protocols. The organization's rehabilitation programs have operated through Variety Village and the Markham Centennial Community Centre. Her work in this area reflects her longstanding interest in helping people achieve their greatest potential.
Throughout her career, Dr. Gillis has remained committed to professional education and involvement within the chiropractic community. She has been a member of the Ontario Chiropractic Association and Canadian Chiropractic Association and has participated in a number of professional and educational organizations.
At the heart of Dr. Gillis's approach is a desire to empower people to take an active role in their health. She has a particular interest in whole-person wellness and finding balance between professional, family and personal life. Her philosophy is grounded in looking at the individual as a whole and helping patients understand the different ways they can support their health and wellbeing.
With more than 40 years of experience in chiropractic practice, Dr. Gillis brings knowledge, compassion and a broad perspective to each patient she works with. Her goal is to provide personalized care in a supportive environment while helping patients move toward greater health, function and quality of life.
How Dr. Gillis Can Help
Dr. Gillis works with individuals experiencing a wide range of pain, musculoskeletal, movement and whole-person health concerns. Her approach is individualized to each person's history, needs and goals.
Pain, Spine & Musculoskeletal Concerns
Mind-Body & Emotional Factors
Dr. Gillis commonly works with patients experiencing:
Neck pain
Back pain
Low back pain
Sciatica
Headaches and tension-related headaches
Shoulder pain
Hip pain
Knee pain
Other joint pain
Muscle and soft-tissue pain
Spinal and postural concerns
Joint and movement dysfunction
Repetitive strain and overuse injuries
Sports, work and activity-related injuries
Stiffness and reduced mobility
Physical dysfunction
Dr. Gillis also recognizes that physical symptoms can sometimes be influenced by stress, emotions and life circumstances.
She may work with individuals experiencing:
Stress and its impact on health and function
Emotional factors that may contribute to or amplify physical pain
Physical symptoms that may have emotional or stress-related components
Relationship and life challenges
Low energy and diminished motivation
Persistent and complex pain — including individuals living with conditions such as fibromyalgia, where an individualized assessment may help determine an appropriate approach.
Approaches That May Be Part of Your Care:
Chiropractic care | Laser Acupuncture | Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)
Dr. Gordon E. Lawson
MSc, DC, FRCCSS, DHN, DACBN, FCCO, FACO, FICC, Assistant Professor at CMCC, Diplomate Canadian Academy of Pain Management
Dr. Gordon Lawson has spent more than four decades working in healthcare, education and the broader field of health and wellness.
He began his studies at York University before graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in 1976. His interest in nutrition developed early in his career, leading him to pursue a Diploma in Human Nutrition from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine at the University of London. He subsequently completed a Master of Science degree from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, continuing to build his education and professional qualifications in nutrition, orthopaedics, sports medicine, rehabilitation and pain management.
Following his studies in human nutrition, Dr. Lawson worked as a Nutritional Consultant with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, including work in Rome and Central America. His interest in education also became an important part of his career. He has taught at York University and CMCC, as well as at universities internationally, and has continued his involvement with CMCC as an undergraduate lecturer.
Over the course of his clinical career, Dr. Lawson developed broad experience in chiropractic care, nutrition, sports medicine, orthopaedics, rehabilitation and pain management. His clinical interests have included nutrition, chronic pain, spinal and musculoskeletal concerns, orthopaedic and sports injuries, movement and lifestyle medicine.
His work in sports medicine and rehabilitation has been an important part of his professional career. He has served at two Olympic Games Athens in 2004 and Vancouver in 2010 and has held leadership roles within the chiropractic sports medicine community. His postgraduate education has included extensive study in orthopaedics, sports injuries and the management of musculoskeletal conditions. He also taught the Graston Technique for many years and was involved in introducing the technique to Olympic settings.
Dr. Lawson's work in chronic pain and rehabilitation has included both clinical practice and multidisciplinary care. Through MAXabilitation Inc., he has worked alongside professionals from a variety of disciplines, including physiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, occupational therapists and kinesiologists. He has also served as an Advanced Practice Practitioner with the Inter-Professional Spine Assessment and Education Clinic at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lawson has remained committed to education and professional development. He has lectured extensively and contributed to peer-reviewed publications in areas related to musculoskeletal health and pain. His professional contributions have been recognized by the chiropractic and broader healthcare communities, including being named the 2021 Chiropractor of the Year by the Ontario Chiropractic Association.
Today, Dr. Lawson brings this broad experience together through an approach centred on whole-life health, prevention and Lifestyle Medicine. His philosophy is that health is multifaceted and that the choices people make every day including food, exercise, sleep, stress and relationships can play an important role in their health and well-being.
His approach is practical and collaborative. In nutrition, he emphasizes a food-first philosophy and sustainable changes rather than unnecessarily complicated supplement programs. More broadly, he focuses on helping people understand the factors that may be affecting their health, identify meaningful opportunities for improvement and develop practical strategies that can become part of everyday life.
At Whole Life Pillars Health Centre, Dr. Lawson's goal is to come alongside patients as they make healthy, sustainable choices. His approach recognizes the importance of looking at the whole person — body, lifestyle, nutrition, movement and overall well-being — while working collaboratively with patients and other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
How Dr. Lawson Can Help
Persistent Pain & Physical Function
Dr. Lawson also works with patients experiencing persistent pain and physical limitations, particularly where movement, lifestyle, rehabilitation, nutrition or other factors may be relevant to the person's overall health and function.
Chronic/persistent pain
Functional limitations
Mobility concerns
Sports/activity-related concerns
Rehabilitation needs
Lifestyle, Nutrition & Health
Nutrition and dietary health
Lifestyle-related health concerns
Healthy lifestyle change
Energy and vitality
Healthy aging
Health optimization
Preventive health strategies
Sustainable health habits
Movement, Function & Rehabilitation
Movement limitations
Reduced physical function
Mobility concerns
Exercise and activity guidance
Sports-related concerns
Rehabilitation and recovery
Physical conditioning
Maintaining function as we age
Dr. Lawson’s approach to Lifestyle Medicine focuses not only on living longer, but on maintaining health, function and independence throughout life.
Through nutrition, movement and sustainable lifestyle changes, the goal is to help you stay active, preserve physical function and support a better quality of life as you age. Rather than focusing only on treating a problem when it appears, Lifestyle Medicine looks at the habits and factors that can influence how you feel, function and live over the long term.
The goal is healthspan — not just lifespan: helping you remain capable, active and engaged in the life you want to live.
Healthspan, Not Just Lifespan
Not Sure Which Practitioner Is Right for You?
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