Honoring Dr. Christopher Woodrow: A Life of Service and Dedication to Chiropractic Care
The Illinois Chiropractic Society is deeply saddened to report the recent passing of Dr. Christopher Woodrow, a valued chiropractic leader and compassionate caregiver. A respected physician, educator, and advocate, Dr. Woodrow leaves behind a legacy of service that has touched countless lives in Illinois and beyond.
Dr. Woodrow began his journey in healthcare after graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1989, launching a career spanning more than three decades, centered in Mt. Zion, Illinois. Together with his wife Dr. Sheila Woodrow, he established Mt. Zion Chiropractic Center in 1990, where he provided drug-free, patient-centered care to hundreds of individuals seeking relief from pain and better overall health. His work extended into multidisciplinary environments as well, including a role from 2003 to 2006 as staff chiropractic physician at the Decatur Memorial Hospital Wellness Center, underscoring his belief in integrated, collaborative care.
Known for his commitment to public service, Dr. Woodrow held leadership roles within the Illinois Chiropractic Society and beyond. Dr. Woodrow served as Central District President and Director at Large on the ICS Board of Directors. His participation in chiropractic lobbying initiatives helped shape policy and strengthen the voice of chiropractic professionals throughout the state. As further evidence of his highly respected status, Dr. Woodrow was appointed for many years as the trusted ICS election teller whose job was to oversee the integrity and accuracy of ICS voting and to report election results.
Following his ICS service, in 2020, the Illinois Chiropractic Society proudly recommended Dr. Woodrow for appointment to the State Board of Health, citing his values, multilingual communication skills, and extensive health care experience as vital assets—particularly amid the ongoing opioid crisis. His insight as a physician treating patients without the use of prescription drugs or surgery exemplified the kind of innovative, preventative thinking sorely needed in public health leadership. He was an exemplary representative of chiropractic who no doubt elevated the appreciation of chiropractic among other State Board of Health members.
Beyond clinical and organizational leadership, Dr. Woodrow was also a scholar and educator. A former university lecturer, he taught courses on global communication, editing technical documents, and even introductory French. His love of language and his fluency in French, along with conversational proficiency in Spanish and Italian, reflected a deep curiosity and an ability to connect across cultures.
Dr. Woodrow remained engaged in national chiropractic advocacy efforts as well, including his participation in the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference (NCLC) in Washington, D.C., where he joined colleagues from Illinois in advocating for Medicare parity and expanded chiropractic access for veterans.
He was not only a gifted clinician but also a man of diverse talents—an accomplished writer, editor, and researcher—who used his wide-ranging skills to enrich the profession and improve access to care for the people of Illinois.
Dr. Chris Woodrow’s work has made a lasting impact on the chiropractic community, his patients, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered not only for his many professional contributions, but for his humility, warmth, and enduring commitment to the greater good.
The ICS extends deepest condolences to Dr. Sheila Woodrow and the entire Woodrow family.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 7th, from 3-7 PM at Passion Community Church, Decatur, IL. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 8th at 10:00 am, also at Passion Community Church.
