Breaking The Underdog Curse for Chiropractors

Dr. Don digs deep into the archives to find this important podcast previously published as What Does Money Have To Do With It? . This 50th episode in the Breaking the Underdog Curse series is co-hosted by Brandi MacDonald. It is imperative to revisit the necessary topic of money and finances several times throughout the year because once you get your money in order it makes everything in your practice easier. If you are stressed about your finances it can be difficult to give ideal recommendations. And, if you get your money under control, objections become less of an issue. After listening to this episode, you will hear how two very different upbringings impact a person’s financial future and how to change your mindset around the value of money. Key Takeaways: Examples of the many ways money controls our lives. [9:09] Dr. Don and Brandi share their personal financial histories and how it affected their betrothment. [12:15] The income to debt ratio and how it affects chiropractors. [24:27] Learn More:

Dr. Don heads south and drops into New Zealand to speak with Dr. David Comely of Total Health Chiropractic in Wellington. Dr. Comely has been in practice for 13 years, has two practices with 7 chiropractors and is part of the Vitality Shift program. When he adds new associates — mostly new graduates — into his practice he prepares them for the mental, physical, and emotional stressors they may experience by working with them on their headspace. He wants to make sure they are clear on their why, their values, and their technique.  After listening to this episode, you will have a solid strategy for adding associates to your practice, what type of training to use with new associates, what to consider when contemplating adding new locations, and tips on how to avoid burnout associated with growing a practice.  Key Takeaways: David shares his experiences with chiropractic throughout his life and why he embraced chiropractic as a career. [2:39] At New Zealand Chiropractic College, David was able to get the perspective of many different teachers. [6:50] David started his chiropractic career as an associate but he had a vision for what he wanted his own practice in Wellington to look like. [12:09] How David built up his practice after starting from scratch in a new city. [17:51] When David was seeing 100 practice members a week and still running the business, he knew it was time to hire associates. [24:09] When hiring associates David uses these strategies to help them be their best. [29:10] Advice from David on how to avoid burnout. [40:10] Tips for chiropractors to stay happy and healthy in their Vitalistic practice. [46:55]   Learn More:

Most chiropractors don’t enter the profession with the idea of getting into ‘behind the practice’ politics. But, making your voice heard and supporting an organization who will support you can bring about positive changes for chiropractors everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Don speaks with Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, the president of the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic, or CNAC. CNAC is an association that focuses on getting chiropractors together, promoting all forms of chiropractic, and to make members voices heard by gathering feedback. Dr. Mykietiuk shares the goals of the association and how it intends to move chiropractic forward in all the provinces of Canada.  After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of why chiropractors need to get involved in politics, the difference between a regulatory board and an association, and the benefits of having an association in your area.  Key Takeaways: Why chiropractors should get involved in professional politics. [3:35] What chiropractic can and can’t do: Dealing with false claims. [6:35] The Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic (CNAC) was created by chiropractors for all flavours of chiropractic. [12:59] The importance of connecting chiropractors and making their voices heard. [25:42]  Dr. Mykietiuk explains the difference between a regulatory board and an association. [29:55] Dr. Mykietiuk shares feedback from practitioners derived from a CNAC survey. [35:46] Support organizations that support you and connect with other chiropractic professionals. [43:26]   Learn More:

This week Dr. Don travels back across the pond to the oasis-like town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England to speak with Chiropractor Dr. Dean Rieder. Just three years ago, Dr. Rieder graduated from Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa. He moved to the UK to start his practice and during this episode shares the ups and downs of attracting practice members, the costs of starting anew, and his unique approach to a homemade commercial with a famous client. Dr. Rieder thirstily seeks out any and all seminars, including the Vitality Shift program, and podcasts about chiropractic care. He recommends taking action as opposed to overthinking. And, due to his recommendation, the next shift unplugged event will be held in Marlow in September. After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the trials and tribulations new chiropractors face, the requirements for practicing abroad, and why it is important to get involved with a chiropractic community. Key Takeaways: ● Dean studied at Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa and then moved to England to start his practice. [2:14] ● How Dean discovered Vitalistic Chiropractic and the education he sought out after graduating. [8:00] ● What Dean did to get his name out there and gain practice members. [12:11] ● Dean visits the countryside and exercises as a form of self-care. [14:33] ● Dean shares his Vitality Shift experience and how his chiropractic care has changed over time. [19:31] ● Dean shares a story about the day Russell Brand came into his office and the video they made together. [24:27] ● Dean’s advice for chiropractors is to listen to chiropractic podcasts and to get involved with your community. [32:12] ● The next Shift Unplugged will be the first week of September in Marlow, UK. [35:18]   Learn More:

Chiropractic Assistants play a vital role in the daily activities, outreach, and success of a chiropractic practice. CA’s have unique strategies for empowering employees, offering Chiropractors the freedom to work with patients and keep the office running smoothly. To get the information directly from the source, Dr. Don heads south to North Aurora, Illinois to speak with, Natasha Rominski, the Chiropractic Assistant at Hanson Family Chiropractic and Shifter.  After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the breadth of responsibility a chiropractic assistant embodies, how impeccable customer service can increase internal referrals, and hear some truly great nuggets of advice from a person who knows the ropes.    Key Takeaways: Natasha had experience running an office but traditional medical practices left her wanting a job more aligned with her values. [1:57]  Tools that help Natasha train new employees and procedures that keep the office running smoothly. [8:59]  Health talks for teens, establishing a brand, and other events Natasha participates in to draw people into the office. [13:19]  Impeccable customer service drives internal referrals. [15:30]  Setting the tone and culture in the office, how to handle office conflicts, and advice for chiropractors when hiring.  [21:18] How to train a new employee in a chiropractic practice. [31:29] Natasha shares her personal development timeline, how she empowers herself, and the importance of being adjusted. [34:36] Natasha’s advice and words of wisdom. [43:14]    Learn More: