Breaking The Underdog Curse for Chiropractors

Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads East to Winnipeg to speak with chiropractor and podcast host, Dr. Richard Ledda. Dr. Ledda explains the life events that led him to choose a career in chiropractic instead of ‘traditional’ medicine like some family members had done. He is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University and the host of The Chiro Inspired Podcast. Rich shares poignant advice for recent graduates of chiropractic college and for those considering chiropractic as a profession. During this episode, Rich shares the obesity and metabolic challenges he faced as a teen, how he deals with burnout, how he grew his practice, and his plans to grow his practice after reaching a plateau.    Key Takeaways: Rich grew up as an unhealthy, overweight kid but it wasn’t until his dad died that he made a change and decided chiropractic was his way forward. [2:43] Northwestern Health Sciences University provided Rich with a roundhouse of chiropractic philosophies and techniques. [8:10]  Rich’s advice to students and new chiropractic graduates. [14:22]  To grow his practice, Rich leaned into a relationship with his mentor, making the most of his systems and networks. [18:03] How Rich deals with burnout and maintains focus on his family when his practice feels overwhelming. [24:10] How the idea for The Chiro Inspired Podcast took root and what Rich has discovered by doing it. [27:56] If Rich could do it all over again he would tell himself to prepare for the worst but expect the best. [35:56]    Learn More:

Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads to Boston Massachusetts to speak with Chiropractor and Educator, Dr. Martin Rosen. Dr. Rosen has led his local practice for 37-years. He has also toured, extensively teaching his unique version of a Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), his chiropractic philosophy, and about pediatric care. He has mastered his craft and has written several books about his experiences. He wholeheartedly believes chiropractors should receive adjustments as often as their patients and reminds them to speak their truth. During this episode, Martin shares his chiropractic philosophy, how he manages the finances within his practice, and sage advice to chiropractors who have not yet found their footing.   Key Takeaways: When Martin discovered practicing law wasn’t for him he decided to practice chiropractic. [2:32]  Why Martin chose to practice the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT). [11:12] How Martin and his wife add practice members, get referrals and coordinate outreach programs. [18:20] Chiropractors should do unto others only if they do unto themselves. [24:00] How to handle the finances in your chiropractic practice. [34:23] Martin shares what drew him to become an educator and his favorite things to teach. [40:55] Martin’s advice for others based on his years of experience. [49:43]    Learn More:

Host, Dr. Don MacDonald goes back to the motherland to visit Dr. Destiny Krogsgaard in Kent, England. Destiny was called into chiropractic without ever having an adjustment. Her mother’s chiropractic experience was so transformative, Destiny knew from a young age that she wanted to help others heal themselves. Disillusionment crept in after her college experience and early associate positions only involved the mechanistic model. Then, at just the right time she attended a training that changed her focus and helped her regain purpose.    During this episode, Destiny shares her truths about being in a relationship with another chiropractor who didn’t share her views, the toll that working in a way that didn’t align with her took on her physically and emotionally, and her advice for other chiropractors who may be stewing in uncomfortability.     Key Takeaways: Destiny was called to chiropractic because of her mother’s experience. When she joined chiropractic college she had never been adjusted. [1:35] Several life events led Destiny back to an associate position but she knew there had to be something more. [7:09] After attending classes in neurologically-based Chiropractic training, things started coming together for Destiny but her husband, a chiropractor, wasn’t moving in the same direction. [11:48] With so many new options and ideas presenting themselves, Destiny was overwhelmed and exhausted. She decided to open her own practice. [19:40] Destiny’s advice is to find like-minded people you can connect with and learn from. [36:23]   Learn More:

Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks to a returning podcast guest, Dr. Alison Young from Queensland, Australia. Alison shares important lessons she learned from constantly attending seminars and committing herself to lifelong learning. These are principles you can implement in your practice and toward your personal development. Alison reflects on the core philosophy of who she is, what she believes in, and how her beliefs have shifted.     During this episode, you’ll hear about why paying attention to the business side of your practice will keep you and your practice healthier, the state of chiropractic in Australia and how the chiropractic community there came together, and the results of shifting into the vitality model.   Key Takeaways: Ali explains the changes she has made that have led to the massive growth of her practice and her personal development work. [2:22] Ali recommends pre-planning business expenses and performing a profit analysis that includes the cost per visit. [7:46] How Ali finds peace during her off hours and connects with her family. [12:14] Shifting to the life model allowed Ali to better relate to her practice members who are parents. [25:36] The Chiropractic Assistant (CA) in Ali’s office takes care of many aspects of the practice member’s visit leaving Ali more time to spend connecting with her practice members. [33:04] The current state of chiropractic in Australia. [36:35] Learn More:

Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads over to merry old England to speak with a Danish chiropractor who moved countries to follow her calling to become a healer. After years of struggling with the purpose of the pain-based, mechanistic model, Dr. Jane Hvas knew chiropractic could provide so much more to her practice members. She embraces the Vitalistic model 100% and since she has shifted, it has given her and her practice new energy. During this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Hvas’ multi-national chiropractic education, what other coaches could and couldn’t do for her and her practice, and the advice she gives other chiropractors who haven’t yet shifted. Key Takeaways: ● Jane knew she would one day become a healer but her mother’s chiropractic experience is what led her to chiropractic. [2:08] ● Jane was entrenched in fear and stuck in survival mode as there were no outlets for Vitalistic care. [6:04] ● Jane knew deep down that a chiropractor could offer more than pain relief and the impatient practice member that almost caused her to retire. [13:46] ● The benefits of coaching and attending the Vitality Shift. [20:19] ● Dealing with her burn-out was a major struggle and major accomplishment for Jane. [28:46] ● Jane’s advice for shifters and newbies, get clear about your chiropractic philosophy. [30:20] Learn More: Penkridge Chiropractic Clinic Vitality Shift Website True Concept Seminars Dr. Don MacDonald @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter