August 2007

Magic

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

One thing I've noticed that's abundantly clear, is that many doctors are still looking for that magic bullet, that amazing gizmo, that better mousetrap, that phenomenal closing phrase, that magical procedure, which will somehow transform mere mortal earthlings into model lifetime chiropractic patients who refer everyone they meet, don't miss their appointments, pay on time, and sing your praises! Wow!

And at the risk of bursting THAT bubble, I have to tell you there is no such thing! There is no magical wizardry, no magic powder, no amazing phrases, and no voodoo to create your dream practice.

Now that you're disappointed, let me assure you there is a certain magic that will help, and it comes from you... from your heart. It bubbles up from that inner well that all of you have inside but rarely display.

It comes from caring, from loving, from a warmth that you carry with you. It's written all over your face. In fact, it's in the crevasses and dimples of your smile.

It's in your touch when you hold hands with an elderly patient. It drips from your fingers as you gently palpate a baby. It's in your thumbs as they gently wipe a tear from a mother's eyes, and in your palms as you hold the face of a patient in your hands. It's in your touch every time you gently caress a spine. And it's in your laughter and antics as you have fun with your patients day‑to‑day.

It isn't hidden in orthotics. It doesn't live under the rehab machine, or inside the traction unit.

You see, there is no magic.

It's YOU.

Your patients love the person you are. They love your commitment, your dedication, your passion and your warmth.

And here's a concept, all you need to do is be you! You need to be that wonderful and amazing person who looks at you from

the mirror each morning, that fabulous individual locked inside the doctor, that fun spirit just waiting to be free ‑‑ if you let it.

You see, your patients don't refer their friends and family to you because of the way you make their sphincters fibrillate in excitement when you take their blood pressure. Or make their muscles quiver when you use that pinwheel over their arms. Or have their eyelashes flutter as you palpate their cervical spine. No! They refer their friends and family because you are a wonderful, caring, and amazing human being. Because you are the best!

So, think of ways of making every patient visit a memorable

experience for them. This is not about you. Ask your staff for their help.

Have a ball with the children who see you. Have them see you as a total nut ‑‑ all at the risk of being totally "unprofessional."

Dance with the older ladies, hold hands with them. When I was in practice, all the ladies over 80 were my girlfriends. I would hold hands with every one of them, and love them to bits.

Give out "Attitude Adjustments" freely (butterscotch candies at the front desk for all those who are not having a good day ‑‑ and watch their faces).

There are uncountable ways of being an amazing human being to your patients ‑‑ not a doctor, a human being. Your imagination is your limit!

For those of you who are a bit challenged in the imagination dept, and are having difficulty understanding what I am referring to, I invite you to watch the movie on Patch Adams starring Robin Williams. Unfortunately, he was an MD. Too bad. He would have made an amazing chiropractor!

The bottom line is, go out there and have fun with your patients. This is your life. Please start living it.

And forget the magic!

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x‑ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the "fastest‑growing coaching program on the planet." Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com and take the Practice Health Mini‑Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e‑mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com or by calling 800‑353‑3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS "on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?" Send him an e‑mail and asked to be added to the list.)