3 (More) Things We Didn't Learn in Chiropractic School
Mary Frances Duncan
Doctor of Chiropractic | Podcast Host of ‘Million Dollar Chiro: The Podcast for Chiropractic Practice Owners’ | Business Coach | Entrepreneur
In chiropractic school, we were taught the fundamentals of patient care, the intricacies of anatomy, and the clinical skills necessary to be effective chiropractors. However, there’s a significant gap between what we learn in the classroom and what we face in the real world of running a chiropractic practice. As chiropractors, we're often left to navigate the complexities of business ownership and practice management on our own. Here are three more crucial aspects of running a chiropractic practice that we weren’t taught in school, and how you can bridge these gaps.
1) How to Do Marketing and Personal Branding
When we graduate from chiropractic school, most of us are excited to start helping patients, but quickly realize that in order to do so, we need to attract them first. Unfortunately, marketing and personal branding are not typically covered in our education, leaving many new chiropractors feeling lost when it comes to promoting their practice.
The Problem: We aren’t taught the fundamentals of marketing, how to create a personal brand, or how to use social media to attract new patients. This lack of knowledge can lead to poor visibility and slow growth for your practice, making it challenging to reach potential patients who could benefit from your services.
The Solution: In the beginning days of your practice, you might have to wear many hats, including that of a marketer. Learning the basics of marketing and personal branding can help you get started. My online course, Owning a Chiropractic Practice , offers a comprehensive checklist of marketing strategies and a basic social media plan designed specifically for chiropractors. We also discuss the different types of marketing that you need to be doing for your practice.
As your practice grows and you have the resources, I strongly recommend outsourcing your marketing to professionals who can take your brand to the next level. I dive into this topic deeper in my podcast episode, Marketing Mistakes to STOP Making , where I discuss common pitfalls and how to avoid them, helping you maximize your marketing efforts from day one.
2) How to Expand a Practice by Hiring an Associate Chiropractor
Expanding your practice is an exciting step, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to hiring. Many chiropractors struggle with the hiring process, especially when it involves bringing on an associate chiropractor who will represent their practice and care for their patients.
The Problem: We aren’t taught the nuances of expanding a practice by hiring an associate chiropractor. This can lead to high staff turnover, dissatisfaction among patients, and a poorly run clinic. Finding the right fit for your team is crucial for maintaining the integrity and quality of care that your practice offers.
The Solution: Over nearly a decade of practicing, I’ve had the opportunity to hire many associate chiropractors and understand the complexities involved in the process. My free downloadable chiropractic hiring funnel and podcast episodes cover these topics in depth, providing you with practical advice and strategies to help you hire effectively. I also offer coaching and assistance for hiring associate chiropractors, helping you avoid common pitfalls and find the right candidate who will help your practice grow.
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3) How to Open a Chiropractic Practice
One of the biggest leaps a chiropractor can take is deciding to open their own practice. While the idea is thrilling, the actual process can be daunting, especially if you’re not equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the business side of things.
The Problem: If we choose to open a chiropractic practice, we aren’t taught the steps needed to make it happen. This includes everything from finding the right location and setting up financial systems, to hiring staff and implementing effective practice management systems. Without proper guidance, the process can be overwhelming and fraught with costly mistakes.
The Solution: In my podcast episode, 5 Vendors Every Practice Owner Should Have , I outline the essential vendors you need to get your practice started on the right foot. These include professionals like a reliable accountant, legal advisor, and marketing expert, who can help you build a solid foundation for your practice. Additionally, my step-by-step guide on opening a chiropractic practice walks you through the entire process, from conception to grand opening, ensuring you have the systems in place to get your practice running smoothly and successfully.
Running a chiropractic practice is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that requires more than just clinical expertise. By addressing these gaps in your education, you can set yourself up for success and build a thriving practice that not only helps your patients but also supports your personal and professional growth.
Want to get started? Here are ways you can work with me:
Absolutely, Mary! It's intriguing how the practical aspects of running a practice often remain unaddressed in school. What do you think is the most crucial bookkeeping skill for new practice owners to develop?