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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 Nov 13, 2019
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks to a returning podcast guest, Dr. Alison Young from Queensland, Australia. Alison shares important lessons she learned from constantly attending seminars and committing herself to lifelong learning. These are principles you can implement in your practice and toward your personal development. Alison reflects on the core philosophy of who she is, what she believes in, and how her beliefs have shifted.
During this episode, you’ll hear about why paying attention to the business side of your practice will keep you and your practice healthier, the state of chiropractic in Australia and how the chiropractic community there came together, and the results of shifting into the vitality model.
Key Takeaways:
- Ali explains the changes she has made that have led to the massive growth of her practice and her personal development work. [2:22]
- Ali recommends pre-planning business expenses and performing a profit analysis that includes the cost per visit. [7:46]
- How Ali finds peace during her off hours and connects with her family. [12:14]
- Shifting to the life model allowed Ali to better relate to her practice members who are parents. [25:36]
- The Chiropractic Assistant (CA) in Ali’s office takes care of many aspects of the practice member’s visit leaving Ali more time to spend connecting with her practice members. [33:04]
- The current state of chiropractic in Australia. [36:35]
Learn More:
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
Wednesday Nov 06, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads over to merry old England to speak with a Danish chiropractor who moved countries to follow her calling to become a healer. After years of struggling with the purpose of the pain-based, mechanistic model, Dr. Jane Hvas knew chiropractic could provide so much more to her practice members. She embraces the Vitalistic model 100% and since she has shifted, it has given her and her practice new energy.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Hvas’ multi-national chiropractic education, what other coaches could and couldn’t do for her and her practice, and the advice she gives other chiropractors who haven’t yet shifted.
Key Takeaways:
● Jane knew she would one day become a healer but her mother’s chiropractic experience is what led her to chiropractic. [2:08]
● Jane was entrenched in fear and stuck in survival mode as there were no outlets for Vitalistic care. [6:04]
● Jane knew deep down that a chiropractor could offer more than pain relief and the impatient practice member that almost caused her to retire. [13:46]
● The benefits of coaching and attending the Vitality Shift. [20:19]
● Dealing with her burn-out was a major struggle and major accomplishment for Jane. [28:46]
● Jane’s advice for shifters and newbies, get clear about your chiropractic philosophy. [30:20]
Learn More:
Penkridge Chiropractic Clinic
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
Wednesday Oct 30, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks with the President of the London, Ontario Chiropractic Society, Dr. Michelle Campbell. Michelle, like many chiropractors, was an athlete who was introduced to chiropractic to heal her body from the punishment of being a competitive figure skater. In addition to the significant relief she felt after treatments, she had a moment of clarity and felt destined to pursue chiropractic as a profession. After graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), she worked as a Locum until an illness in the family led her to the place where she would open her practice.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Michelle’s experience at the Transformer’s Mastermind, her advice for newly graduated chiropractors, and how she dealt with significant life events while being a solo practitioner.
Key Takeaways:
Michelle shares how she was introduced to chiropractic and the moment when she knew it would be her career. [1:08]
- After graduating from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), Michelle worked as a Locum until she decided where she wanted to settle down and start her practice. [10:28]
- Michelle shares how she managed being a mother and starting a new practice, and the mistakes she made. [17:22]
- Michelle learned the hard way that the mind and body need time to recover after significant life events. [21:00]
- Michelle shares the highlights, insights, and breakthroughs she experienced as a result of attending the Transformation Mastermind. [27:25]
- Remove the worry from your life, slow down and enjoy the ride are Michelle’s words of wisdom for other chiropractors. [34:55]
Learn More:
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
Wednesday Oct 16, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald speaks with long-time friend, colleague, and Vitality Shifter, Dr. Dan Fisher. At the age of nine, Dan experienced a surprisingly painful growth spurt. A chiropractor who was treating Dan’s brother at the time started treating Dan as well. After a month of chiropractic care and the total alleviation of pain, Dan was hooked. The chiropractor recommended Dan dedicate his life to chiropractic. Dr. Dan is currently in his 29th year as a chiropractor. His practice in Vegreville, Alberta is thriving due to the lessons he learned along the way, including some powerful financial ones.
During this episode, you’ll hear about Dr. Dan’s time at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC), a partnership that turned sour, the seminars and coaching he has participated in, and how knowing his business led to hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.
Key Takeaways:
● The inspirational figure who encouraged Dr. Dan to become a chiropractor. [2:42]
● Dan describes his experience at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC). [9:19]
● A business lesson: Chiropractors are colleagues, not competitors. [15:28]
● Parker seminars, Total Solutions, and the difference of the Vitality Shift. [22:59]
● Dan’s advice for new chiropractors or those wanting to inject authenticity into their practice. [35:36]
● How Dr. Dan shifted his finances to lower the overhead of his practice. [40:37]
● How Dr. Dan utilizes the Vitality Shift in his Canadian practice. [49:39]
Learn More:
Vitality Shift Website
True Concept Seminars
Dr. Don MacDonald
@DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Fisher Chiropractic on Facebook
Wednesday Oct 09, 2019
Wednesday Oct 09, 2019
Host, Dr. Don MacDonald heads just South of Dublin Ireland to speak with a married couple who share a chiropractic practice. Since joining the Vitality Shift, Marie and John Osborne are taking a new approach to their practice and their lives. By overcoming their limiting beliefs and technique-driven practice member care they have flourished by focusing on their personal well-being so they can better serve their practice members. Even though they have minimized the number of offices they have, they have maximized their potential.
During this episode, you’ll hear how John overcame the all too common practice of self-sabotage to create a deeper connection with his practice members, the steps Marie has taken to nurture herself so she isn’t running on empty, and how they delegate tasks based on strengths to keep the office running smoothly.
Key Takeaways:
Chiropractic ignited something in Marie but she took the long road to becoming a chiropractor. [1:53]
John knew he wanted to be a chiropractor after his first adjustment, it was the philosophy that drew him in. [5:50]
With three chiropractic offices, John continuing his work as an apprentice, and new babies in the house, the couple knew something needed to shift. [10:23]
Marie explains the limiting beliefs that led to her identity crisis. [14:35]
John realizes self-sabotage and lack of connection with his patients was holding him back in his practice. [19:03]
John and Marie explain their lives and practices before and after Vitality Shift. [25:54]
Lessons learned and advice for chiropractors. [33:55]
Learn More:
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Welcome to the ‘new’ Vitality Shift podcast. This passion project was born out of our desire to assist chiropractors in making the necessary mindset shifts to achieve success and move to the next level. After over 100 episodes of the Breaking the Underdog Curse podcast, we decided to shift gears from focusing on the external factors that affect chiropractors and their practices and commence focusing on the internal elements that contribute to positive results and outcomes.
In this premiere episode, Dr. Don and Brandi expound on the content in the Transformers Mastermind including becoming aware of the past programming that could be keeping you stuck, the connection between your identity and beliefs, and achieving a state of ease.
Key Takeaways:
- ● Why Breaking the Underdog Curse is rebranded into the Vitality Shift for Chiropractors. [1:38]
- ● The Transformers Mastermind and the connection between your identity and your beliefs when moving to the next level. [7:26]
- ● Fray your limiting beliefs and generational patterns. [18:29]
- ● Become aware of your programming and then use your will to overpower it. [29:04]
- ● Surrender and achieving a state of ease. [32:36]
- ● The 3 levels of thinking. [36:14]
- Learn More:
- Vitality Shift Website
- True Concept Seminars
- Dr. Don MacDonald
- @DrDonMacDonald on Twitter
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
Wednesday Aug 07, 2019
If you are one of the many chiropractors who is ready to make a change in your practice, or you have implemented changes in your practice but are not yet realizing the results, perhaps you need to make a shift. If your practice is a direct reflection of you, what can you do to shift your mindset, shift your business practices, or shift your belief system?
In this final episode, Brandi shares a top ten list of the qualities and behaviors that chiropractors who blow up their practice embody. She gives specific examples of what works and why. If you are ready to make a shift in your life and your practice these tips can guide you through it.
Key Takeaways:
The top 10 traits of chiropractors who blow up their practice:
- They focus on more, not less. [15:58]
- They value action over analysis even when it feels uncomfortable. [21:02]
- They work on personal barriers including health, toxicity in relationships, staff dynamics, and emotional chaos. [23:17]
- They don’t own a number which owns their capacity. [30:39]
- Adaptation is their superpower. [35:40]
- They know marketing is a simple tool to serve more, not a creepy sales tactic. [38:23]
- They view their practice as game #7 sports all the time. [41:40]
- Each person that has succeeded has found a tribe, not just lip service. [42:51]
- They become consistently consistent, no matter how boring the grind is. [47:46]
- Comfortability is their nemesis. [51:21]
Learn More:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success
Wednesday Jul 31, 2019
Wednesday Jul 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
Wednesday Jul 10, 2019
Wednesday Jul 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
Wednesday Jul 03, 2019
Wednesday Jul 03, 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:
The Underdog Curse: The Cause, The Cure and The Road to Success