Breaking The Underdog Curse for Chiropractors

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 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:

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:

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:

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: