Climbing the chiropractic mountain: The first seven year of practice

Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Oct 1999

Specializations

To expand your services, advanced education may be required. According to Dr. Justice, the direction of chiropractic services and diplomate programs will be fueled by need and niche. Current trends include pediatric and geriatric specialties. Nutrition and botanical specialties are growing. And experts agree that continuing education and diplomate programs will prove essential in the managed care environment. "Down the line, managed care programs are going to start taking the cream of the crop, doctors who have or are pursuing diplomate status and degrees," Dr. Hodges says. "And why shouldn't they? In many cases, the supply is much greater than the demand. Many new doctors think once they get the diploma, their education ends, but it just starts. Ongoing education makes a better doctor. It's that simple."

Support

During the early years, a support system is essential. Call on state and national associations or the state licensing board regarding practice management, legalities, and ethics. Subscribe to support journals, stay atop trends, check out services offered by management companies and consultants, and, most important, look to fellow chiropractors. "Doctors will help each other," Dr. Hodges says. "Sure, there are those out there who are so insecure that they won't, but most will. New doctors need to put their hats in their hands and say, 'Look, I don't know about this."'

To avoid concerns over competition, Perusich suggests finding someone in a similar situation in another town. "My husband and I will soon open a practice in a small town in Missouri, and we have very good friends who are in a small town in Kansas. We trade ideas back and forth. They have become our mentors. In larger cities, new doctors have formed support groups to talk about what's working, what's not, and the frustrations they have. They brainstorm, try new things, and come back to share what they have learned. Because they are in a more densely populated area, they don't feel they are competing."

Often, new doctors just need someone to talk to. "Most of the time they know what they need to be doing, but they want someone to tell them they're doing the right thing and they're going to be okay," adds Ms. Schmitt. "It's important that they don't feel alone out there. New doctors should remember that there are going to be hard times, but they should keep going back to why they became chiropractors. Forget the one patient who gave you a hard time and focus on the 10 who appreciate you."