One of Us

Dr. Erika Hamer

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Can you please tell me about your background and the services offered?

I’m from Daytona Beach. I went to chiropractic school at Life University in Atlanta and had an additional 3 years of post-graduate education in chiropractic neurology through New York Chiropractic College. I have been in practice for 18 years as a chiropractor. I opened Ponte Vedra Wellness Center at the corner of A1A and Palm Valley Road 16 years ago and in 2016 I opened another location in Nocatee.

What type of services are offered at Ponte Vedra Wellness Center?

In addition to standard chiropractic care, my specialty is chiropractic neurology so we also have services geared towards that. We also offer massage therapy, spinal decompression, cold laser treatments, and physiotherapy.

What made you decide to become a chiropractor?

I decided to become a chiropractor because I really enjoy the hands-on approach to healthcare. It is so rewarding for me to help my patients become healthier and see them get better. I like that I have the opportunity to treat my patients in a way that is holistic. I decided to start my own practice after working for another practice for a few years because I wanted to be able to provide my patients with the best treatment and customize their care. I also wanted to be able to implement my knowledge and experience in chiropractic neurology.

What are some of the challenges you face in your role?

The 2020 challenge in itself is a big one. This year we have faced a lot of new obstacles and we’re forced to adapt in these challenging times. We’ve had to learn how to continue providing hands-on care to our patients but in a way that is safe for everyone. We’ve adopted new practices and have started practice telemedicine when possible. As a small business, you always have to be prepared to learn new things and adapt to changes, but these 2020 times are definitely very challenging — but we are doing well.

What do you enjoy most about living and working in the Ponte Vedra/Beaches community?

I have lived in the beaches area for the past 16 years. I love it - everybody has such a great sense of community out here. Everybody you meet feels like family, it’s a great group of people. It feels that way both inside and outside of my office. Inside of my practice, I’ve really been able to build a wonderful referral-based business where it feels like its own community within the community, in a way.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work, I really love spending time with my family and my children. We do a lot of outdoor activities like going to the beach and paddle-boarding.

Do you have any goals or upcoming plans for the future?

We just celebrated 16 years of business with the Ponte Vedra Wellness Center and we look forward to continuing to serve the community. I will also soon be stepping into the role of chair of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce which is something I’m really looking forward to!