Breaking The Underdog Curse for Chiropractors

Our individual communication style is an accumulation of a lifetime of personal experiences. But the language we use at home or with friends may not seamlessly integrate into our practices. The people we depend on to keep our offices running smoothly and efficiently need to feel valued for their contributions, They also need to be empowered to perform their duties with minimal direction. Today, Brandi MacDonald joins me to discuss tips on how chiropractors can successfully integrate the salutogenesis framework of care in a pathogenetically regulated environment. She also does a deep dive into interoffice communications based on her previous Chiropractic Assistant classes, and what attendees can expect from the Shift Immersion Program, the Shift Unplugged Seminar, and the Transformers Mastermind. Key Takeaways: ● For chiropractors, practicing the salutogenesis framework of care can be difficult in a pathogenetically regulated environment. [1:08] ● Could you be devaluing your Chiropractic Assistant (CA) without recognizing it? [14:06] ● Why a simple question is the best way to improve office communications. [23:26] ● What NOT to take away from this podcast and the importance of debriefing. [29:43] ● What can Chiropractors and CA’s expect from the Shift Immersion Program and Shift Unplugged? [32:36] ● The Transformers Mastermind is an intimate gathering for in-depth communications training. [37:28] Learn More:

How many of us stick with a plan even if it doesn’t seem to be working? How many of us are feeling run down and burnout but keep pushing ourselves to the limit beyond what is healthy? If you are doing either of these things, know that it is okay to re-work your plan, course correct, and be realistic with your expectations. Today, Amy Robinson joins Doctor Don to share how she continuously course corrects. She also discusses her journey into the field of chiropractic. Like many guests, Amy suffered a sports injury that other types of medical treatments couldn’t help her to heal. She was told she would have to stop running but it was an option she wouldn’t accept. After visiting a chiropractor who relieved her symptoms in just 6-months, Amy knew she would study and then practice chiropractic as her life’s passion.          During this episode, Amy discusses starting a new practice after selling her previous one, the mental fatigue that can accompany running a successful business, being a parent while running a practice, what she does to build her referral network, and how structure has given her freedom. Key Takeaways: A sports injury left Amy searching for a model of healing that worked with the body’s natural healing abilities. [2:27] Amy shares her chiropractic school experience and offers some advice to current chiropractic students. [7:24] Amy discusses the experience of opening her own practice, gaining confidence, selling a practice, and the importance of building relationships and community. [11:23] Amy created the ‘Dinner with the Doc’ event to help grow her new practice and build her referral network. [20:59] Dealing with mental fatigue and burnout as a chiropractor and parent. [28:47] The importance of structure in order to attain freedom. [36:24] Amy’s parting advice — Give yourself time to course correct and you are enough. [42:31]   Learn More:

Believe it or not, the entire country of Ireland only has approximately 100 Chiropractors. The professionals and the services they provide are unregulated and they just recently lost their ability to x-ray patients. In an atmosphere such as this, raising public awareness is key to helping chiropractic offices thrive. Today, Dr. Stuart Kelly joins the podcast to discuss the steps he is taking to bring international speakers to Ireland’s chiropractic stage and the early influences that led him to become a Chiropractor and a Life Coach. He shares the mindful practices that allow him to balance his life and practice, and help him avoid the dreaded burnout period.          During this episode, we discuss the importance of partnering with other countries to bring about regulation and growth, how seminars and other events can raise awareness of your purpose, and the benefits of finding the right mentor early in your career.   Key Takeaways: After having a back injury healed by a chiropractor, a 17-year-old Stuart decided to attend a program at ACC. [2:19] Stuart explains the limited chiropractic influences available to him during his studies. [8:07] After some soul searching and a few Demartini moments, Stuart was determined to build his practice based on his values. [14:17] Becoming certified as a Life Coach brought balance to Stuart’s life and practice. [23:03] Tips to reduce burnout and increase life satisfaction. [27:36] Stuart hopes this years ‘I Chiro’ event will raise chiropractic awareness in Ireland. [31:31]   Learn More:

  Understanding why you are doing something can be just as important as taking on the task itself, especially when running your own practice. As we become more seasoned in our profession we all evolve our techniques and strategies to better serve our clients. One area of a practice where early adoption can be essential for growing your practice is business management. Today, Dr. Paul Needham joins us from New Zealand to share his personal chiropractic late bloomer story and the knowledge he has gained along his journey. Paul bought an existing practice just four months after graduating from chiropractic college. All the facilities were in place but some essentials were missing. Mainly, a quality front office team and basic business management skills.          During this episode, we discuss the skills necessary for new chiropractic graduates, the importance of focusing on your core function in your practice, and the benefits of coaching, seminars, and knowing your purpose. Key Takeaways: Paul shares his origin story. [1:01] How Paul’s chiropractic technique has changed over the years. [10:13] After buying his practice just 4 months out of school, Paul knew the value of a chiropractic adjustment but needed to tweak other aspects of the business. [17:10] The importance of front office staff and creating a statement of purpose for the practice. [22:13] The biggest shift in Paul’s business was a procedural manual, figuring out the why, and coaching. [32:34] If Paul could go back and speak with his younger self he would recommend getting some coaching about running a business. [36:15] Solid advice for knowing who you are and what you stand for to help grow your practice. [50:54]   Learn More:

Summary The chiropractic profession seems to be under fire lately, all around the globe. Bad press, passionate politicians, and other medical practitioners have their own reasons for criticism. So, how we respond to the adversity will be what defines us. There are effective strategies for handling difficult conversations especially when they are emotionally charged. Let’s use these encounters as an opportunity for growth and connection with the people we serve. Today, Martin Harvey supplies us with communication strategies to change adverse, even unfavorable perceptions within moments. These tried and true, affirming practices go beyond logic and leave an emotional impression of understanding and trust. Both amiable and drivers will find benefit in these strategies. During this episode, Martin discusses examples of how to manage your emotions and react when approached with a difficult topic, how to create connection by asking permission before you share your beliefs, and a technique that can change people’s perceptions.  Key Takeaways: ● How to create opportunities when bad press brings you challenges. [1:50] ● Don’t go unhinged: Strategies for managing your emotions. [5:58] ● Establish credibility and connection before stating your case. [14:44] ● How to ask permission before offering your perspective. [23:10] ● Yes, and — Using your power to move a person toward a different perception. [31:23] ● Chiropractic has the potential to change the health of the world. [40:26] Learn More: