As I look back on my career both in and outside of chiropractic, mentors have been very important to my development and success.

Following graduation from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, I contemplated vocational opportunities. Knowing what I did and didn't know, I joined a doctor who had been in practice for a number of years. I learned a great deal about both clinical practice and the operations of a health care business. While I earned "meager" wages, I was appropriately compensated for my worth to the group at the time.

More important to me than dollars was the education and knowledge obtained which was a foundation for my future success. I was happy to have the opportunity to learn invaluable lessons which had not been taught in chiropractic school and which the senior doctor shared.

While becoming more involved in the profession and community, I've served several organizations and it's always interesting to identify individuals and leaders who possess "the special touch." Some call the characteristic "IT" but generally these people have the ability to lead, teach, share and inspire. Those who do possess "IT" have unique qualities and a great deal can be learned from their expertise and experiences. Whether it involves management skills, planning, team building, humility or patience... be it a new practitioner or a seasoned veteran, we all have much to learn.

Tiger Woods, Warren Buffett, Kobe Bryant and Celine Dion to name a few, all benefit from coaches and mentors and regardless of our knowledge base or skills we are well served by a trusted teacher, counselor, adviser, or whatever the term you prefer.

Do you have one? 

Happy Days!

We've all heard it before, and probably from multiple instructors during our educational path:  

"There are no dumb questions."  

I completely agree, and quite likely you are not the only curious one, so ask away!  However, I've noticed a trend from students I encounter and their questions seem a bit ... misguided to say the least.  

"What technique(s) do you practice?" 

All techniques work when done properly, and most patients don't know or care about the difference. They care about what's wrong, can you fix it, what will it cost, and how long will it take?

"How many patients do you see per day/week/month?" 

Those with successful practices don't have to brag about volume, and most lie about it anyway.

"How big is your office?" 

Small is the new "Big" when it comes to overhead, and in regards to the doctors personal office: If you're busy seeing patients you won't be in there enough to care.

"How many therapy units/adjusting tables/rooms/staff, etc. do you have? "

Anything more than one is an unnecessary expense for the new practitioner. Start small and add equipment, space & staff as your practice grows. 

 "Did you buy the new ____? (Fill in the blank with one of the many gizmo's for sale.)

Please remember that you graduate with everything you need in the palm of your hands ... literally.  Consider getting started in practice for awhile before you spend thousands of dollars on stuff you'll likely end up selling to some other new grad. 

 "Should I give 'free' stuff to the neighboring business, etc.? 

Something that costs nothing is usually worth ... nothing.  

There is so much chaos during that last year of school.  It's great to future-pace, but between the board exams, clinic requirements, and graduation - ponder things a little more relevant to you now: 

• Where am I going to practice ? (Have you done your demographic research?)
• How will I practice ? (Associate, Buy-out, or Start-up?)
• How will I pay for it?  What do banks require for a start-up loan? Will I qualify? For how much?

Last, but certainly not least: 

Do I have enough money saved up for the time in between that last loan check and that first paycheck or paying patient?

I respectfully close with this: 

Think ahead.  Plan for the future.  But please....don't get ahead of yourself !  

A petite 5'3" redhead who was a bundle of energy with all the ingredients that made her a successful chiropractor.  Dr. Audrey Hamilton was the go-to person when my family was in need of chiropractic services.

From my early days in chiropractic school through my first days in practice, we would meet and I would receive counsel and coaching as well as constant feedback. 

It became clear to me that not only was she a mentor but a role model for the kind of doctor I wanted to be.  Her interest in my success helped me avoid the pitfalls that a young doctor often faces.

If you are still in chiropractic school, seek out that special doctor who is known for their commitment to excellence and is willing to take you under their wing and share all of those spoken and unspoken ingredients that have made them a success. 

Meet with them in person or via today's technology.  Both you and your mentor will grow through the experience.

My professional life was highly influenced by my mentor.  Take an action step today in seeking out that person.  There are many D.C.s who are ready and willing to serve - all that is needed is for you to ask!

Everyone says you should find a mentor ... but that is easier said than done. 

What does a mentor look like?  Where do mentors live?  Where do mentors work?  Tough questions, but the real question is how do mentors live their life?  

If you are looking for someone to be a mentor - just ask and most people will truly take the time to help. 

The key is to find the right mentor. Look at where they devote their time, what organizations they support, their actions which should be consistent with your values. 

The key word in any mentor search is ETHICS.

The mentor should have:

• Empathy
• Talent
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Competence &
• Service to-others-mentality

If he or she has demonstrated these traits when no one is watching, you have the makings of a great mentor.

Last Sunday I was cutting/splitting firewood and to make a long story short, I had a little mishap with the chainsaw and cut my knee.  My training immediately had me check for muscle and/or nerve damage.  Fortunately all was intact but since I could see my patella, stitches were necessary.  So I put a rag soaked in peroxide on my knee and duct taped it for the ride to the hospital. 

Although still somewhat shook up, I was consoled with the knowledge that I had short and long-term disability insurance!

Although I am on staff at the local hospital, not everyone at the hospital knows me so I do not get nor expect any special treatment or considerations.  I don't know if every hospital has an "express care unit," but ours has one for cases such as mine which require little diagnostic challenge and simple stitching or attention. 

In fact, this route never allows the patient to see a "doctor" since PAs and nurses are the attendings.

The nurse was very friendly and after a short while asked if I was the chiropractor on staff.  Then the PA came in and was somewhat standoffish but in general, a very nice YOUNG man. She told all of those working that they were going to get adjustments since the chiropractor was here. 

I tried to downplay the whole adjusting everyone thing and instead began to ask them questionsas to how work was going, did they have many flu patients, healthcare reform, poor dietary habits of the community and difficult to treat cases such as fibromylagia...simple topics of conversation related to our chosen profession of health care. 

Most of the conversation was with the nurse but the PA started to take interest when I started talking about the deflame concept of Dr. Seaman and was discussing the biochemistry and using scientific terminology that he could relate to.  In short, he and I started to have a discussion and soon enough he was asking me about his low back pain.

I engaged in conversation instead of selling them somethingand through gaining their trust and respect, I not only gained two new patients but two more advocates in the hospital for chiropractic care.  Who do you think he will be sending ER patients to for musculoskeletal pain?

I would not recommend chainsawing your knee for a visit to the ER in order to network but take advantage of every opportunity to make new friends/contacts.

On a side note, they never checked for muscle or nerve damage and simply stitched me up.  Good thing I did my own triage!

Ugh, money. 

Everyone is talking about money and how difficult it is to borrow money when you get out of college. 

Well, one way to get a feel for the challenge is to pretend you are the BANK with the money.  Then pretend that YOU come in to YOU for a loan. 

Let me get this straight, you are a new graduate, you do not have an income, and you are $120,000-$150,000.00 in debt with school loans.  You have car payments, cell phone payments, insurance payments, food etc to make and you have no income. 

Would YOU LEND YOU money? 

Of course not, so what is the next step in the process.  First look around to parents, uncles, aunts, cousin Joe who is in business, anyone who may have the where-with-all to co-sign for you.

Remember, YOU the banker wanted collateral, security, proof of repayment potential ... and so will your co-signer.  However, your relatives who have the possibility to help you secure a loan also have the ability to provide some early mentoring to you. 

If you engage them you will assuage their fears.  Spend time going over your business plan, make it realistic, doable, achievable, reasonable, rational and practical. 

Let your co-signer know that you are ready to work to do what ever it takes to become successful, you need a break and they can help. 

It is not easy and the only thing that is required is TRUST. They need to trust that you are genuine, honest and dedicated and that you will not violate their TRUST in you by not planning your work and working your plan. 

Reward them not only monetarily but with a lifelong appreciation for their efforts.  You can do it with the right attitude.

One of the many lessons I've learned since opening my doors just over a year ago is that you have to get to know your community to get known in your community.  

There are many groups, clubs, chambers, and charities to choose from  to get to know people and businesses in the area that you are or will be practicing in. 

Starting out, I tried the approach of doing anything and everything. 

I joined every community organization, chamber of commerce, and charity that was looking for help.  Looking back, I found it was impossible to get to know the group members or contribute much of a positive influence when I was spread so thin.  

I also found myself dreading every event on the schedule when I wasn't that committed to the group.  People can see through your attempts to join a group for "marketing purposes" only, especially if you are new to the area in which you've set up shop. 

A focused approach, with emphasis on the groups and causes that are closest to me, would have been more beneficial.  I encourage you to commit to groups that you enjoy and feel strongly about their cause.  These engagements won't feel like a "have to" and you will get some joy out of going and giving time. 

Over time, Melissa and I have found community organizations that we really enjoy working with. I've met some great members of our community through the chamber of commerce, and Melissa enjoys working with the local Community Partnership Group. 

The great people we've met didn't become patients right away but we've found that with the patience required to get to know our community first, business opportunities have become apparent when the time is right.