The New Chiropractor

Congratulations on graduating as a chiropractor and joining the largest drug-free health profession. During your student years you may have had an image in mind of how your clinic might look, the techniques you might use and the philosophy on which your practice would be based.

Interestingly, many chiropractic graduates wander a little aimlessly for a while, unsure of their choice of technique, a little rusty in their clinical exam procedures, seeking some guidance and unsure who to seek for mentorship.

The profession, of course, is not lacking for techniques, practice management seminars or coaches. It is often with a little luck that the graduate spends some time with an experienced chiropractor, whether as an associate or simply observing, before a plan is forged and future success is assured.

Those of us who have enjoyed many years of practice and experience love to share our knowledge with students and graduates. It is one of the hallmarks of our profession that we open our arms to our new graduates and share of our hard-learned wisdom.

My name is Dr Neil Davies, D.C. I am an Australian chiropractor and founder of Kiro Kids, a company with its roots deep in chiropractic education and five chiropractic clinics in a country area of Western Victoria.

I have taught at a Melbourne chiropractic college for over 20 years, at post-graduate level for the last 8 years, authored a text on Chiropractic Pediatrics and developed a Masters of Science in Chiropractic Pediatrics course.

The number of students, graduates and experienced practitioners I have been exposed to over this time would be extraordinary. I tell you this because I have experience and guidance I would like to offer....without any catches!

On an almost daily basis, this is an example of what I receive...

Numerous phone calls, emails and requests for meetings with chiropractic graduates who are directionless, shaky in their skills and mindset and unsure of their future.

Calls from doctors where a poor associate relationship or practice experience has left them demotivated and wavering in their choice of technique, philosophy and focus.

Chiropractors who missed a significant diagnosis and received a complaint from their association or insurer. They want to brush up on their act and revise their clinical skills.

Chiropractors who want to see more children, have a passion for family care but are lacking in the real clinical and adjusting skills needed to look after pediatric patients.

It fascinates me that we don't seem to learn from others mistakes and have to go (or grow) through our own mistakes and negative experiences. I have always thought it would be a great thing to help graduates achieve their 'dream practice' a little faster.

I don't necessarily mean this in term of patient numbers but in their confidence, competence, clinical skills and ability to help more people.

I know these attributes make a skilled chiropractor who patients flock to see, so patient numbers take care of themselves. I do not teach practice management, but I am interested that you become the chiropractor you dreamed about back at college.

I am offering you some insight into what I have shared with hundreds of other chiropractors, particularly at the beginning of your career, when I think it might make more of a difference. If I can have some positive impact on your learning, it would be my privilege.

8 Chiropractic Nuggets is entirely free. Enter your details below and you will receive my 8 email series.

A little easy reading, some pearls from my practice experience and some mistakes to avoid, free for the asking. I will let you know about a few of my teaching tools along the way and how these might assist you.