260.6K
Downloads
180
Episodes
Dive into the vibrant world of chiropractic care through a Polyvagal Lens with ”The Informed Chiropractor.” Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, this illuminating series explores chiropractic’s vitalistic and salutogenic models through the insightful lens of the Polyvagal Theory. Each episode offers a blend of engaging interviews with industry experts and personal reflections on chiropractic’s foundational principles. Here, we unravel the keys to human health, wellness, and innate potential, bridging the time-tested truths of chiropractic practice with cutting-edge neuroscientific understanding of the Polyvagal Theory. Whether you’re a seasoned chiropractor seeking to refine your approach or a student eager to tap into the roots and future of chiropractic care, this podcast promises to enlighten, challenge, and inspire. Join us on a transformative journey as we explore the nuances, challenges, and triumphs of a practice dedicated to unlocking the body’s inherent vitality through the quest for Safety through a Polyvagal Lens.
Episodes
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
Dr. Don heads south and drops into New Zealand to speak with Dr. David Comely of Total Health Chiropractic in Wellington. Dr. Comely has been in practice for 13 years, has two practices with 7 chiropractors and is part of the Vitality Shift program. When he adds new associates — mostly new graduates — into his practice he prepares them for the mental, physical, and emotional stressors they may experience by working with them on their headspace. He wants to make sure they are clear on their why, their values, and their technique.
After listening to this episode, you will have a solid strategy for adding associates to your practice, what type of training to use with new associates, what to consider when contemplating adding new locations, and tips on how to avoid burnout associated with growing a practice.
Key Takeaways:
- David shares his experiences with chiropractic throughout his life and why he embraced chiropractic as a career. [2:39]
- At New Zealand Chiropractic College, David was able to get the perspective of many different teachers. [6:50]
- David started his chiropractic career as an associate but he had a vision for what he wanted his own practice in Wellington to look like. [12:09]
- How David built up his practice after starting from scratch in a new city. [17:51]
- When David was seeing 100 practice members a week and still running the business, he knew it was time to hire associates. [24:09]
- When hiring associates David uses these strategies to help them be their best. [29:10]
- Advice from David on how to avoid burnout. [40:10]
- Tips for chiropractors to stay happy and healthy in their Vitalistic practice. [46:55]
Learn More:
Total Health Wellington Chiropractic
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Most chiropractors don’t enter the profession with the idea of getting into ‘behind the practice’ politics. But, making your voice heard and supporting an organization who will support you can bring about positive changes for chiropractors everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Don speaks with Dr. Chad Mykietiuk, the president of the Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic, or CNAC. CNAC is an association that focuses on getting chiropractors together, promoting all forms of chiropractic, and to make members voices heard by gathering feedback. Dr. Mykietiuk shares the goals of the association and how it intends to move chiropractic forward in all the provinces of Canada.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of why chiropractors need to get involved in politics, the difference between a regulatory board and an association, and the benefits of having an association in your area.
Key Takeaways:
- Why chiropractors should get involved in professional politics. [3:35]
- What chiropractic can and can’t do: Dealing with false claims. [6:35]
- The Canadian National Alliance for Chiropractic (CNAC) was created by chiropractors for all flavours of chiropractic. [12:59]
- The importance of connecting chiropractors and making their voices heard. [25:42]
- Dr. Mykietiuk explains the difference between a regulatory board and an association. [29:55]
- Dr. Mykietiuk shares feedback from practitioners derived from a CNAC survey. [35:46]
- Support organizations that support you and connect with other chiropractic professionals. [43:26]
Learn More:
Wednesday Jan 08, 2020
Wednesday Jan 08, 2020
This week Dr. Don travels back across the pond to the oasis-like town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England to speak with Chiropractor Dr. Dean Rieder. Just three years ago, Dr. Rieder graduated from Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa. He moved to the UK to start his practice and during this episode shares the ups and downs of attracting practice members, the costs of starting anew, and his unique approach to a homemade commercial with a famous client. Dr. Rieder thirstily seeks out any and all seminars, including the Vitality Shift program, and podcasts about chiropractic care. He recommends taking action as opposed to overthinking. And, due to his recommendation, the next shift unplugged event will be held in Marlow in September.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the trials and tribulations new chiropractors face, the requirements for practicing abroad, and why it is important to get involved with a chiropractic community.
Key Takeaways:
● Dean studied at Durbin Chiropractic College in South Africa and then moved to England to start his practice. [2:14]
● How Dean discovered Vitalistic Chiropractic and the education he sought out after graduating. [8:00]
● What Dean did to get his name out there and gain practice members. [12:11]
● Dean visits the countryside and exercises as a form of self-care. [14:33]
● Dean shares his Vitality Shift experience and how his chiropractic care has changed over time. [19:31]
● Dean shares a story about the day Russell Brand came into his office and the video they made together. [24:27]
● Dean’s advice for chiropractors is to listen to chiropractic podcasts and to get involved with your community. [32:12]
● The next Shift Unplugged will be the first week of September in Marlow, UK. [35:18]
Learn More:
Wednesday Jan 01, 2020
Wednesday Jan 01, 2020
Chiropractic Assistants play a vital role in the daily activities, outreach, and success of a chiropractic practice. CA’s have unique strategies for empowering employees, offering Chiropractors the freedom to work with patients and keep the office running smoothly. To get the information directly from the source, Dr. Don heads south to North Aurora, Illinois to speak with, Natasha Rominski, the Chiropractic Assistant at Hanson Family Chiropractic and Shifter.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of the breadth of responsibility a chiropractic assistant embodies, how impeccable customer service can increase internal referrals, and hear some truly great nuggets of advice from a person who knows the ropes.
Key Takeaways:
- Natasha had experience running an office but traditional medical practices left her wanting a job more aligned with her values. [1:57]
- Tools that help Natasha train new employees and procedures that keep the office running smoothly. [8:59]
- Health talks for teens, establishing a brand, and other events Natasha participates in to draw people into the office. [13:19]
- Impeccable customer service drives internal referrals. [15:30]
- Setting the tone and culture in the office, how to handle office conflicts, and advice for chiropractors when hiring. [21:18]
- How to train a new employee in a chiropractic practice. [31:29]
- Natasha shares her personal development timeline, how she empowers herself, and the importance of being adjusted. [34:36]
- Natasha’s advice and words of wisdom. [43:14]
Learn More:
Wednesday Dec 25, 2019
Wednesday Dec 25, 2019
The purpose of this episode is to give chiropractors the tools to eradicate debt and to increase profitability. Dr. Don speaks with expert entrepreneur and author of seven financial guidebooks, Mike Michalowicz. Mike shares tips and strategies for chiropractors who want to gain stability and profitability in their practice. These proven principles, based on his book, Profit First, have been successfully implemented in over 300 thousand businesses.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to diminish your debt, including student loans, how to become profitable from day one, and which free resources and tools will make the most impact on your practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Mike shares his life purpose which is to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty. [2:55]
- How to reverse engineer profitability. [7:45]
- Mike explains how Parkinson’s Law affects businesses and how Profit First modifies behavior. [11:18]
- Debt reduction strategies that empower entrepreneurs. [23:21]
- Mike’s next book, Fix This First, helps entrepreneurs identify the changes that can make the most impact on their business. [28:59]
- Mike offers advice to chiropractors includes ‘Take action, don’t wallow’. [34:00]
Learn More:
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
Wednesday Dec 18, 2019
In this informative episode, Dr. Don travels to Brighton, England to speak with Dr. Richard McMinn. Dr. McMinn has 42 years of experience as a chiropractor who has studied and practiced in four different countries. As a graduate of Palmer University in 1977, Dr. McMinn has grandfathered access to practice in whichever country he chooses. He offers sage financial, life, and business advice to new and seasoned chiropractors.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of how to create certainty in your life and practice, how to keep your ledgers in the black, and the history of chiropractic from the 1970s to today.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. McMinn describes his journey to chiropractic and graduating from Palmer University. [3:22]
- Dr. McMinn says the other chiropractors he met while in New Zealand offered him guidance and insight which was vital for his growth. [12:23]
- After moving to Perth, Dr. McMinn was ‘filling in’ for other chiropractors before opening his own practice. [14:25]
- Money lessons from a chiropractor with 42 years of experience. [19:06]
- Dr. McMinn recounts the necessary credentials for practicing chiropractic in different countries. [20:41]
- The United Chiropractic Association was started in the UK to represent the vitality of chiropractic. [24:29]
- Nuggets and advice from a seasoned chiropractor who loves his profession. [28:50]
Learn More:
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
Wednesday Dec 11, 2019
In this co-hosted episode, Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald set out to help chiropractors increase their vitality, at home and in their practice. After working together for more than a decade, the duo has learned a thing or two about collaboration and planning. They both have distinct personality types that when used together propel them forward into an efficient and competent team. Their list of five things you should stop doing to be successful can be used as guidelines to make you and your practice happier, healthier, and wealthier.
After listening to this episode, you will have a better understanding of why it is important to change spaces when performing planning exercises, why making substantial decisions should be easy, and how to limit your non-intentional conversations to increase your productivity.
Key Takeaways:
- The 5 things you must stop in 2020 to increase your vitality as a chiropractor. [2:03]
- Indecisiveness [2:03]
- Self-doubt [21:50]
- Fear [26:32]
- Procrastinating [33:01]
- Non-intentional conversation [38:47]
- The process and intended results of a planning weekend. [45:49]
- An excerpt from Sipping Brandi read by Brandi. [49:35]
Learn More:
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Wednesday Dec 04, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads East to Winnipeg to speak with chiropractor and podcast host, Dr. Richard Ledda. Dr. Ledda explains the life events that led him to choose a career in chiropractic instead of ‘traditional’ medicine like some family members had done. He is a graduate of Northwestern Health Sciences University and the host of The Chiro Inspired Podcast. Rich shares poignant advice for recent graduates of chiropractic college and for those considering chiropractic as a profession.
During this episode, Rich shares the obesity and metabolic challenges he faced as a teen, how he deals with burnout, how he grew his practice, and his plans to grow his practice after reaching a plateau.
Key Takeaways:
- Rich grew up as an unhealthy, overweight kid but it wasn’t until his dad died that he made a change and decided chiropractic was his way forward. [2:43]
- Northwestern Health Sciences University provided Rich with a roundhouse of chiropractic philosophies and techniques. [8:10]
- Rich’s advice to students and new chiropractic graduates. [14:22]
- To grow his practice, Rich leaned into a relationship with his mentor, making the most of his systems and networks. [18:03]
- How Rich deals with burnout and maintains focus on his family when his practice feels overwhelming. [24:10]
- How the idea for The Chiro Inspired Podcast took root and what Rich has discovered by doing it. [27:56]
- If Rich could do it all over again he would tell himself to prepare for the worst but expect the best. [35:56]
Learn More:
Wednesday Nov 27, 2019
Wednesday Nov 27, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads to Boston Massachusetts to speak with Chiropractor and Educator, Dr. Martin Rosen. Dr. Rosen has led his local practice for 37-years. He has also toured, extensively teaching his unique version of a Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), his chiropractic philosophy, and about pediatric care. He has mastered his craft and has written several books about his experiences. He wholeheartedly believes chiropractors should receive adjustments as often as their patients and reminds them to speak their truth.
During this episode, Martin shares his chiropractic philosophy, how he manages the finances within his practice, and sage advice to chiropractors who have not yet found their footing.
Key Takeaways:
- When Martin discovered practicing law wasn’t for him he decided to practice chiropractic. [2:32]
- Why Martin chose to practice the Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT). [11:12]
- How Martin and his wife add practice members, get referrals and coordinate outreach programs. [18:20]
- Chiropractors should do unto others only if they do unto themselves. [24:00]
- How to handle the finances in your chiropractic practice. [34:23]
- Martin shares what drew him to become an educator and his favorite things to teach. [40:55]
- Martin’s advice for others based on his years of experience. [49:43]
Learn More:
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald goes back to the motherland to visit Dr. Destiny Krogsgaard in Kent, England. Destiny was called into chiropractic without ever having an adjustment. Her mother’s chiropractic experience was so transformative, Destiny knew from a young age that she wanted to help others heal themselves. Disillusionment crept in after her college experience and early associate positions only involved the mechanistic model. Then, at just the right time she attended a training that changed her focus and helped her regain purpose.
During this episode, Destiny shares her truths about being in a relationship with another chiropractor who didn’t share her views, the toll that working in a way that didn’t align with her took on her physically and emotionally, and her advice for other chiropractors who may be stewing in uncomfortability.
Key Takeaways:
- Destiny was called to chiropractic because of her mother’s experience. When she joined chiropractic college she had never been adjusted. [1:35]
- Several life events led Destiny back to an associate position but she knew there had to be something more. [7:09]
- After attending classes in neurologically-based Chiropractic training, things started coming together for Destiny but her husband, a chiropractor, wasn’t moving in the same direction. [11:48]
- With so many new options and ideas presenting themselves, Destiny was overwhelmed and exhausted. She decided to open her own practice. [19:40]
- Destiny’s advice is to find like-minded people you can connect with and learn from. [36:23]