Breaking the Underdog Curse for Chiropractors

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

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Brain-based Vitalistic Chiropractic Research with Dr. Heidi Haavik

July 31, 2019

The future of healing may be vitalistic chiropractic care but without additional research and funding the world may never realize the potential benefits. Vitalistic chiropractic is at a stage of growth and it is necessary for our community to band together to promote the scientific research that is at the core of our professional beliefs.

In this very special interview, we welcome renowned chiropractor, neurophysiologist and author, Dr. Heidi Haavik to the podcast. Dr. Haavik graduated from New Zealand Chiropractic College where she currently holds the position of Director of Research. Her award-winning research in vitalistic chiropractic is paving the way for a new generation of Ph.D. students and the study of the effect subluxation has on the brain.

During this podcast episode, we discuss how we as chiropractors can fund future research specifically focusing on the vitalistic model, how the vitalistic model compares to the mechanical model, and the effect subluxation has on the brain and central nervous system.

Key Takeaways:

● Dr. Haavik discusses her family history in medicine and the early days at New Zealand Chiropractic College. [1:25]
● Dr. Haavik discovered she had a natural gift for healing and research. [5:46]
● Early research in the vitalistic model deepened the understanding of the link between subluxation and the brain. [17:22]
● Why the mechanistic chiropractic model is so limited in scope. [22:34]
● Does Heidi ever feel like she is plagued by the Underdog Curse? [30:29]
● Dr. Haavik discusses the new studies and clinical trials that have her excited right now.[34:50]
● Learn more about the Adopt a Ph.D. Student Program. [41:27]
Learn More:
Dr. Heidi Haavik
Reality Check
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook

Vitalistic Chiropractic is Much More than MSK with Rob Scott, Ph.D., D.C.

July 10, 2019

The belief system behind vitalistic chiropractic is the anchor that keeps us steadfast. It drives our purpose. It is the reason we do what we do. It allows us to maintain our dignity and it ensures we provide high-quality care no other medical therapy is able to offer. But when leaders in our profession waver on the true purpose of our work it can muddy the waters of our mission. Dedicated vitalistic professionals who carry our voices into the political arena need our support.

To speak with someone who is on the front line of chiropractic innovation, we head down south to Marietta, Georgia USA to absorb the wisdom of Life University, President, Dr. Rob Scott. Dr. Scott is a Canadian who ventured to the U.S. to get a fresh start and open an existing practice. He furthered his education to expand and refresh his belief in the body’s ability to self-regulate and to heal itself. His deeper philosophical vision has sustained his position as one of the leaders in maintaining vitalistic standards in chiropractic.

During this podcast episode, we discuss how to best market vitalistic chiropractic care, the underlying philosophical conversations chiropractors should be having, how to beat burnout by immersing yourself in child’s play, and what it is like to shift from running a private practice to working for a chiropractic university.

Key Takeaways:

● Dr. Scott describes how he was introduced to chiropractic and the underlying philosophical conversation he engaged in. [2:56]
● The biggest challenges Dr. Scott faces working at Life University versus owning and running his private chiropractic practice. [13:41]
● To avoid burnout and rejuvenate his spirit, Dr. Scott participates in coaching youth sports. [16:52]
● The concept of vitalism and what Life University is doing to grow vitalistic chiropractic. [20:05]
● As President of Life University Dr. Scott keeps the conversation focused on the meaningful difference of chiropractic care. [27:30]
● How chiropractors can market subluxation and the scientific evidence of vitalistic healthcare. [33:06]
● Dr. Scott shares the different ways prospective students or mentors can become involved with Life University. [47:06]
Learn More:
Life University Website
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Dr. Don MacDonald on Facebook

Effective Chiropractic Care Isn’t A One Size Fits All Policy with Dr. Chad Mykietiuk

July 3, 2019

Why should you get organized and get involved with your local chiropractic association? Because in chiropractic care there is no single recipe for creating wellness in patients. Every person translates and deals with their pain differently. And, as chiropractors, we still have the benefit of being able to offer neurologically-based care while resisting absorption into the traditional medical system. This offers us the unique position of providing patients with a state of well-being beyond compare. This is the incentive to make our voices heard.

Today we are heading East to Nova Scotia to speak with the President of the Nova Scotia Chiropractic Association and Co-founder of Wellness Media, Dr. Chad Mykietiuk. In 2008, Chad graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and almost immediately involved himself in chiropractic politics. His fascination with the body’s natural ability to self-regulate and self-heal has been the motivating factor in his quest to validate and invigorate wellness in the chiropractic community.

During this podcast episode, we discuss how chiropractic colleges can get caught up in the mechanistic aspects of care, the two major defining characteristics of chiropractic, and why every chiropractor who has something to say should get involved in local associations and always do what is right over what is convenient.

Key Takeaways:

Chad knew he was going to be in a health-related profession but it was an injury that led him to chiropractic. [2:12]
What Chad knew about chiropractic before and after attending Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). [6:03]
Starting their chiropractic practice turned out to be a long and bumpy road for Chad and Megan. [10:13]
A borrowed CD gave Chad a renewed sense of love for his profession so he shifted to wellness instead of chasing pain. [18:53]
Chad’s advice for chiropractors who wish to become involved in the politics of the profession. [24:49]
The two major defining characteristics of the chiropractic paradigm and the problem with making policies that create a standard. [31:32]
Chad created Wellness Media to provide resource materials for chiropractors and their offices. [49:53]
Get organized, get involved, and do what is right over what is convenient. [52:22]

Learn More:

Wellness Media Website

Village Wellness on Facebook

@DrChadWellness on Twitter

Vitality Shift Website

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

Changing Lives by Restoring the Curve with Dr. Michael Hall

Stay Healthy! Chiropractor Self-care Practices with Dr. Michael Hall and Brandi MacDonald

June 26, 2019

Healthy chiropractors have healthy practices full of healthy patients. If this is true, why have you been skipping your daily exercise program, eating a protein bar at your desk, and stressing out about your non-stop schedule? What training program do you engage in to make you the best chiropractor you can be? Are you practicing gender-specific physical activities that are designed to increase your overall well-being?

Today, Dr. Michael Hall and Brandi MacDonald join me to discuss the Top 2 downloaded Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast episodes of all time. Brandi is currently celebrating the success of her new book, Sipping Brandi. And our long-time mentor, Dr. Hall is enjoying sharing his Functional Neurology Series with audiences all over the world.

During this podcast episode, we discuss the different physical and mental requirements for male and female chiropractors, how to maintain a healthy practice, the role weight loss plays in overall health, how to get your energy back, and tips on how to make a mind-shift milestone and lifestyle change.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Hall describes the key to resolution for females chiropractors who internalize their stress. [4:34]
Brandi makes the point that connection to clients can be lost when a chiropractor is lost in their own survival mechanisms. [14:20]
Dr. Hall shares the connection between depression and exercise, the effect stress has on our neurological system, and how to handle adrenal fatigue. [18:36]
Looking at the different needs male chiropractors have. [32:02]
Creating a training program for chiropractors to help them reduce stress and be the best chiropractors they can be. [41:40]
Why just losing weight doesn’t make you healthier. [44:35]
Brandi describes the steps necessary to maintain a state of ease. [49:28]

Learn More:

BrainDC Website

Building Sustainable, Long-term, Healthy Relationships with Brandi MacDonald

Sipping Brandi: Facebook Wisdom for Extraordinary Chiropractors and Teams

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

Highlights and Shout Outs: Our Top Podcast Episodes with Dr. Don MacDonald

June 19, 2019

We, humans, have three majors drivers. Genetics gives us innate tendencies or instincts, social systems encourage us to adopt certain beliefs and ways of being, and our ego grants us our identity and self-acceptance. When all of these aspects are in alignment and we lift the veils we can truly become who we are as a person. If we take the extra step out of our comfort zone we are able to reach a state of flow. Chiropractors can achieve flow by being healthy, staying in their zone, and by increasing patient volume incrementally by 4%.

Today, I am not speaking with a chiropractor from an exotic location. As we reach 100 shows, I am in my office reflecting on some of my favorite podcast episodes and the episodes with the most downloads.

During this podcast episode, I review lessons from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s books Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, and The Evolving Self. I share our top six downloaded podcast episodes and highlights from episodes that contained vital information for keeping our group of dedicated vitalistic chiropractors healthy, happy, and in the know with regards to topics that affect our practices.

Need some inspiration for your next staff meeting? Brandi MacDonald’s new book, Sipping Brandi: Facebook Wisdom for Extraordinary Chiropractors and Teams is now available on Amazon or your favorite bookseller.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Don shares feedback and thank you’s from the planners and speakers from Shift Unplugged Australia. [1:10]
Lessons from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's books Flow and The Evolving Self. [5:00]
The Three Veils are the genetic, social, and ego. [14:43]
Dr. Don reviews the Top 6 Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast episodes from this past year. [27:14]
Highlights of our favorite conversations from the past 99 podcast episodes. [35:07]

Learn More:

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

Creating Congruence with Your Practice with Dr. Nimrod Weiner

A Chiropractor’s Healing Power Goes Beyond Physical Adjustments with Dr. Nimrod Weiner

June 12, 2019

Our bustling daily schedules may make us lose sight of the fact that we are healers. Chiropractors have the ability to elevate human consciousness by adjusting subluxations which allows the body and mind to function at their highest level. Unleashing the body’s innate abilities is a gift we must protect. To best protect our practices, we must unite to ensure the current political atmosphere remains in the best interests of our patients.

Today we travel to Sydney, Australia to speak again with Dr. Nimrod Weiner, who writes a blog worthy of reading twice and sharing repeatedly. Through his writing, he tackles deep-rooted, vitalistic subject matter and offers courses of action designed to bring chiropractors together to present a united front.

During this podcast episode, Dr. Weiner reveals his three most popular blog posts and adds his personal, inspirational thoughts about each, he solidifies his position as a true believer and broadcaster of the philosophy of chiropractic, and offers advice to chiropractors who feel they don’t have a say in the political ties that bind them.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Weiner’s blog is a politically-charged outlet empowering chiropractors to make their own decisions about their future. [1:33]
The burgeoning grassroots efforts and ‘Rally 5’ local groups that unite chiropractors. [9:28]
How Australian chiropractors work together to change policies and assist each other in becoming successful. [10:21]
Dr. Weiner explores three of his most popular posts, On Experiencing Magnificence, Chiropractic’s: 3 Chains of Logic, and Passively Watching its Demise... [12:47]
From a global perspective, the chiropractic philosophy, paradigm, and principles can help elevate humanity. [34:50]
Words of inspiration from Dr. Weiner for chiropractors about the role they play in caring for humanity. [38:53]

Nimrod Weiner Blog

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

Hanson Family Chiropractic

How Subluxation Scans, Proper Rest, and Community Support Leads to Success with Dr. Dave Hanson

June 4, 2019

There are numerous aspects to running a chiropractic practice. In addition to patient care, a chiropractor must keep abreast of the latest technology, keep the office running smoothly, make sure the ledger is in the black, and maintain a healthy balance in their personal and professional life. The latter is imperative because if burnout sets it, it can be the most difficult to rectify. A healthy chiropractor is an essential part of having a healthy practice.

Today we travel to just outside of Chicago to Batavia, Illinois to speak with Dr. Dave Hanson who is the primary chiropractor of Hanson Family Chiropractic. An injury led him to a chiropractor who relieved 90% of his pain after a single visit. Shortly after, he decided to leave the sales job he despised, sell his house, and become a student at the National University of Health Sciences.

During this podcast episode, Dr. Dave shares his transition from tech sales to chiropractic care, the turmoil he endured when the adjustments he gave his wife didn’t assist in healing her from a degenerative disease, and how subluxation scans have improved his conversations and wellness plans for patients.

Key Takeaways:

After a chiropractor alleviated Dr. Dave’s pain, he decided to leave a job he hated to pursue chiropractic. [3:19]
Dr. Dave was on a quest to clarity before opening his practice which led him to a profound mindset shift. [8:49]
To build his practice Dr. Dave relied upon family and friends to make referrals because he was apprehensive about doing screenings. [12:27]
To cope with fatigue and burnout, Dr. Dave brought a friend and fellow chiropractor in as an associate. [18:41]
Dr. Dave questioned his abilities after the adjustments he was giving his wife weren't offering her relief. [25:38]
Subluxation scans offer objective measures to even out the responsibility line between a chiropractor and patient. [32:26]
Common questions patients have about scan data. [41:48]
Give yourself a break and let yourself breathe is Dr. Dave’s advice. [48:43]

Learn More:

INSIGHT CLA Scan

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

Life Potential Chiropractic

Breaking Through Challenges to Find Truth with Emily Miller

May 29, 2019

Summary

The people you surround yourself with can have a major impact on your life, work, and attitude. Finding your tribe might just be the most important thing you can do to help yourself see the world, and your practice in a new, inspirational light. Working with others who have tried and tested office processes, patient services, and community involvement can lessen the time it takes to achieve your goals and build a thriving practice.

Today we travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to speak with Emily Miller an integral part of the team who provides high-level care and psychological comfort to children at Life Potential Chiropractic. Emily and her husband, Dr. Tony Miller attended our Vitality Shift seminar and the Transformers Mastermind.

During this podcast episode, Emily shares how she overcame Crohn's disease, her journey to chiropractic, how she and Tony built their practice by partnering with teachers and schools, and how she overcame her challenges to find her personal truth.

Join our next Transformers Mastermind in Toronto, September 6th & 7th.

Key Takeaways:

Emily explains her first and second introduction to chiropractic care, [2:19]
After working with children in a local hospital, Emily left her job to open a practice with her husband. [8:56]
Building a patient roster was Emily’s primary goal when first opening the practice. [12:02]
Emily’s thirst for additional knowledge about chiropractic led her to attend a Vitality Shift Seminar. [16:48]
Emily has the opportunity to provide psychological comfort when speaking with parents about a child’s diagnosis. [20:40]
Emily shares the ups and downs of being a married couple in the same office. [27:30]
Emily describes the board breaking and goal writing exercises from the Transformers Mastermind. [31:00]
Parting words of wisdom from Emily about finding herself while obtaining her goals. [48:50]

Learn More:

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success

New Zealand College of Chiropractic

Great Leaders Collaborate to Nurture the Chiropractic Community with Dr. Phil McMaster

May 22, 2019

Meeting face-to-face with other chiropractors in the community can build beneficial bonds and lead to exciting new ventures. Working together strengthens our local practices as well as the international chiropractic community as a whole. Graduating students of chiropractic can gain knowledge from the lessons and research of veteran practitioners. Connecting with each other on a human level is how we will move forward.

Today we drop into New Zealand, to speak with a man who has been instrumental in building the chiropractic community there, Dr. Phil McMaster. He is the President and one of the original Founders of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. He also served as the Chairman of the New Zealand Chiropractic Education Trust Board.

During this podcast episode, we discuss the early days of attending a chiropractic college and how it’s changed, the importance of useful research to the chiropractic community, leadership, tolerance, and how when we work together we all win.

The next Vitality Shift Immersion Day is in Montreal, Canada on November 2, 2019. Register to attend here.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. McMaster attended a chiropractic career seminar and made the decision to become a chiropractor but had never had an adjustment before. [2:00]
To build his new practice, Dr. McMaster moved to a place he loved and made connections through his love of rugby, his kids, and by sponsoring local events. [8:18]
Chiropractic is a lifestyle so even when taking breaks, Dr. McMaster was hanging out with other chiropractors. [12:59]
The Chiropractic First New Zealand Limited group was formed by friends who then created the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. [14:37]
Dr. McMaster describes the closely linked network of chiropractors in New Zealand and how they work together to resolve issues. [22:02]
The research agenda at the college is nurtured by collaborating with outside organizations and led by the college’s pioneer students. [33:56]
Dr. McMaster’s advice for new or chiropractors who want to connect with others. [43:43]

Learn More:

The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success