April 2007

One voice, one power

by Dr. Ron Oberstein

Throughout the history of our profession, there has been a line drawn with two or more groups on opposite sides. Maybe its politics, technique, philosophy or just plain ignorance that keeps them apart. But, whatever it is, this division has created a weakness when it comes to unifying the profession for common issues, and ultimately having one voice that carries with it much power.

Personally, I feel that having Democrats and Republicans is a good thing, just as having different national and state associations are good things. Each group allows different voices to be heard, and being heard is important. Where it gets sticky is when there is an issue that arises that has nothing to do with politics, technique or philosophy, and we as a profession cannot come together because of the polarity that has been bred into our chiropractic culture. This type of behavior can prove to be dangerous because at times we are too busy fighting each other rather than those who are attacking us.

Put politics aside, technique and philosophy aside, and look at the chiropractor down the street who you may have not talked to for quite some time. Could it be that he or she has just as deep a conviction about chiropractic as you do? That he or she loves waking up in the morning and can't wait to get to the office to start serving patients as you do? When you boil it down to the core, other DCs are really no different than you and I. While they may practice differently or belong to a different political party, differences fall way short of the likeness. Yet, most of us never get a chance to see that. After all, hatred is like blindness; we can't stand to see what we don't like. Isn't it time we put aside our dislikes, and began to see what it is we all like ‑‑ chiropractic?!

Have you ever tried to get every chiropractor together, under one banner, strictly for the sake of chiropractic? I have, and let me tell you, it has been quite an interesting process. From the "is that group belonging" to the "if my neighbor is a member, count me out" to anywhere in between, chiropractors would rather bleed to death than ask their neighbor for a bandage.

Some call it principle, others call it protective...but I call it plain stupid. We are not talking about changing laws, changing nomenclature or changing our philosophy. All we are talking about is helping every chiropractor save money. But, those who love to fight don't trust anything or anybody, and just can't see the forest for the trees. Oh, they will come around once they see everyone else benefiting, but until then, they would rather stand guard with their armor and sword in case they need to attack.

If you have the chance, get your hands on the book, "The Knight in Shining Armor." It is literally a 25‑minute read, but the lessons from it last a lifetime.

The book's main character is a knight, who comes home from a hard day of slaying dragons and rescuing damsels in distress. When the knight gets home, he finds he cannot get his armor off, and the chinks in his suit have gotten larger and deeper. Besides having a difficult time breathing with the armor on, he also realizes he cannot hug his child or wife, nor sit at the kitchen table with his family. He finally sees what his suit of armor really is to him.

You see, his whole life has been about slaying dragons and rescuing damsels in distress. In fact, he lives for it! As crazy at it may sound, his whole identity is wrapped up in that suit of armor, along with his self worth. What would happen if there were no dragons or distressed damsels? He would have no reason to exist...compounded by the fact his kids don't know him anymore and his wife barley sees him. With this scenario, it's all too common for the knight to create his dragons and distressed damsels, thus justifying his existence. Can you see the metaphor as it relates to our profession?

I am of the belief that the majority of those who choose to become chiropractors really want to make a difference in the world. They got into the profession for nobler reasons than just money. And if my belief is correct, it would be true to say that our profession has a large majority of high level thinkers, who understand right from wrong. These people know to stay away from that which can take them off their course. If you identify yourself as one of these people, does the fighting and bickering within our ranks really help you help the world? Isn't it time we seek out those people and groups that want to help us make a difference in this world?

I know for me, I will not rest easy until every chiropractor is treated fairly and has what he or she deserves...including increased savings and lowered overheads. If it takes dealing with the same issues and stupid comments, I will put up with it because it will only help chiropractic. I will continue to support the state and national associations, because they help chiropractic. And I will continue to support all chiropractors... because they are CHIROPRACTIC!

(Dr. Ron Oberstein, has been lecturing and coaching chiropractors for 20 of his 25 years as a DC. In 1994, he founded The Power Zone, a chiropractic company that teaches doctors and their team members how to unlock their hidden potential so they can become the best they can be. Ten years later, Dr. Oberstein founded the Chiropractors Buying Group, designed to offer chiropractors the finest products, latest technology, lowest prices, and greater choices in purchases for the chiropractic office. As the profession's sole chiropractic buying group, CBG sets the standard for lowering costs while providing the best products and services available. To start saving ‑‑ up to 67% or more ‑‑ on products used daily in the chiropractic practice, join 4,000+ CBG members by going to www.cbgsave.com. Or, call 800‑649‑0899 for FREE membership.)