3 Things I Wish I Knew as a Chiropractic Student

In the latest episode of Million Dollar Chiro: The Podcast for Chiropractic Practice Owners, Dr. Duncan and Kelsey dive into the world of chiropractic students and share some key insights every aspiring chiropractor should know. With the holiday spirit in full swing, this episode is filled with practical advice to help chiropractic students set themselves up for success in the future. Dr. Duncan shares her personal experiences as a student at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida, offering valuable lessons she learned along the way. Let’s dive into the top takeaways from this episode that could help guide you toward becoming a successful practice owner!

Takeaway #1: Multitasking and Financial Planning Are Key

As a chiropractic student, it’s crucial to gain hands-on experience while balancing your studies. Dr. Duncan emphasizes the importance of working during chiropractic school. Not only will you build your capital for a future practice, but it’s also a great test to see if you can handle the multitasking required in owning a clinic.

Dr. Duncan recommends taking advantage of low-interest federal student loans, which can be used towards opening your own practice. These loans are an excellent opportunity to save money for your future clinic, but don’t waste them on personal expenses. Instead, focus on preparing financially for your long-term goals, like buying equipment or leasing a space.

Takeaway #2: The Importance of Working in a High-Volume Practice

If you're planning to take an associate chiropractor position, Dr. Duncan advises you to make sure the clinic you’re interviewing with is busy. A high-volume practice not only provides the opportunity to work with a large number of patients, but it also indicates that the clinic can afford to pay you. It’s important to know that while a clinic might offer a position, you don't want to be responsible for generating new business or attracting new patients—this is not the role you trained for in school.

The key takeaway here is to seek a clinic where the patient load is already established, and you’ll be able to focus on your chiropractic work rather than marketing and patient acquisition. The more you can learn in a high-volume setting, the more prepared you’ll be for your future practice.

Takeaway #3: Diagnoses Are Less Important Than the Ability to Provide Care

Another critical piece of advice Dr. Duncan shares is that as a chiropractic student, you’ll quickly realize that while diagnoses are important, the ability to provide effective care is what truly matters. In real-world practice, patients come in with various conditions, but the focus should always be on delivering the best care possible.

Being skilled at assessing and adjusting your patients, no matter what their condition, is what will set you apart as a successful chiropractor. This approach is especially important as you transition into owning your practice—your ability to deliver great care will help build lasting relationships with patients, which is key to your clinic’s success.

Bonus Tips for Chiropractic Students

• Prioritize Your Time: Balancing work, study, and clinical experience requires exceptional time management. Prioritize what’s most important to stay on track and avoid burnout.
• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with peers, mentors, and professionals who can offer support and guidance throughout your schooling. These connections can be invaluable as you move forward in your career.

Get Ready to Take Your Chiropractic Career to the Next Level

Whether you’re a chiropractic student or an established practice owner, Dr. Duncan’s insights can help you lay the foundation for future success. If you’re eager to learn more about building your practice, gaining ownership experience, or improving your current clinic, consider enrolling in Dr. Duncan’s Owning a Chiropractic Practice online course or applying for one-on-one coaching.

Ready to set yourself up for success? Schedule your coaching session or enroll in the course today!

By applying these essential tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead in your chiropractic career. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight—but with the right approach, a solid foundation, and the dedication to continuously learn, you can build a thriving chiropractic practice.