This week, McAuliffe Chiropractic in Columbia is celebrating 50 years, a milestone Dr. Kathy McAuliffe says is “remarkable.”

“The heart and soul of this is being passionate about what you do,” she said. “The rest of it falls into place.”

Dr. Kathy comes from a family of chiropractors.

Her grandfather, Dr. Arthur McAuliffe Sr., graduated from St. Louis Chiropractic College in 1923.

“My grandpa was a healer,” Dr. Kathy said. “People would come all the way from Murphysboro to go to him.”

His son, Dr. Arthur L. McAuliffe Jr. began his chiropractic career in 1953 after graduating from Missouri Chiropractic College. He reopened his father’s practice in St. Louis and later opened the office in Columbia in 1964.

Dr. Kathy said that by 1979, the practice had outgrown the lower level of their home on Main Street, and construction began on the current location at 109 Wedgewood Drive that same year.

In 1981, Dr. Kathy joined the practice.

“Technology has definitely advanced, but the science behind it has stayed the same,” she said.

Dr. Kathy has lived in Monroe County since she was 7 years old, and she said knowing the community is one of the most important things about running a successful practice.

“When you come here, I know you and your spine,” Dr. Kathy said. “You have to be part of your community.”

Her favorite part of her job is the people she’s met over the years.

“No two people are the same, and no two spines are the same,” she said. “Chiropractic is not cookie-cutter. Everyone is different.”

In celebration of 50 years this week, Dr. Kathy encourages everyone to stop by the office, including former patients.

They are giving away prizes all week to celebrate and thank the community for the continued support for McAuliffe Chiropractic.

“We want people to stop by so that we can be more grateful for the support we’ve gotten over the years,” she said.

Over the years, Dr. Kathy has helped countless patients with back pain, neck pain and sciatica.

“Chiropractic often works for people who have tried everything else with little or no improvement,” Dr. Kathy said.

She said many patients refer family and friends, leading to a growing network of patients.

“You develop a relationship with people and a rapport,” she said. “You become their go-to. Fifty years is a long time, and it’s really something to be proud of.”

Carrying on the McAuliffe legacy is Dr. Kathy’s daughter, Kara, who is currently attending Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and plans to join the practice in 2015.

In the future, Dr. Kathy hopes to continue to provide the same quality care Monroe County patients have come to know and respect.

“Our goals for this year and beyond are to continue to provide quality chiropractic care to our patients and to increase patients’ understanding and awareness of how to maintain a healthy body with regular chiropractic adjustments,” she said.