Dr Cornelius Botha

Dr. Cornelius is a proud Colleague of the Ireland Clinic of Chiropractic, LLC, one of the most prestigious and respected Chiropractic facilities in Alaska for over 50 years. Dr. Cornelius is certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is also certified in Physical Therapy. He holds an active Alaska Chiropractic License.

In 2021, Dr. Cornelius graduated cum laude from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, the founding College of Chiropractic, located in Davenport, Iowa. While receiving his extensive professional education he was named to the Dean’s List, served as Vice President of the Palmer College Student Council and Palmer Sports Chiropractic Club, and earned a Palmer Merit Certificate for his services to the College. He completed his residency with the Sports Injury and Rehabilitation Clinic at Palmer, while also pursuing certifications in The McKenzie Method of Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), and Advanced Soft Tissues Therapy. 

Dr. Cornelius was born and raised in South Africa until the age of 8, when his family relocated to Brisbane, Australia. In high school he played high level rugby, as well as cricket, Aussie Rules, and volleyball. In his senior year, he was elected as a School Prefect; a student leader who helps support and develop other student leaders, and represents the school and student body. He went on to graduation with a selection in Pre-Med. He graduated with his first Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Queensland, Australia. While in college, he decided to switch from rugby to American football. He would go on to be selected for the Australian National Gridiron Team, helping him earn a football scholarship to the University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. There he graduated as an Academic All-American with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. 

Dr. Cornelius then returned to his home in Australia, where he worked as an Exercise Scientist and rehabilitation Specialist, while also playing one professional season of football overseas in the Central European American Football League for the Novi Sad GAT Dukes of Serbia. He was offered the opportunity to study at the oldest founding and most prestigious Chiropractic College in the world, Palmer College of Chiropractic. Upon the recommendation of esteemed health professionals, he decided to pursue the opportunity to gain an understanding of Chiropractic care, something he did not know the depth and breadth of. 

Rugby has been an important part of Dr. Cornelius’ life journey, having brought him to Palmer College, and facilitating several lifelong friendships and connections, such as bringing Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Trevor Ireland together, which was the start of a great colleagueship. He continues to play rugby for the Bird Creek Barbarians and travels to compete in tournaments around the country. He is also the current Head Coach for the Alaska Youth Girls Rugby team, and enjoys coaching the younger generation with the Alaska Youth Rugby Club. 

Dr. Cornelius and his wife, Hannah welcomed their first son, Hendrik in December of 2023 and are enjoying every minute of parenthood! They are also proud owners of a flat-faced Persian cat, named MJ. They are both avid nature-lovers and have an appreciation for our amazing scenery and environment. He aims to “live life to the fullest”, as well as help his patients reach that same goal by providing functional, holistic, non-invasive, and conservative professional care. He is dedicated to seeing patients reclaim their life, health, and wellness by obtaining pain free functionality and achieving their optimal potential.