June 2007

My shiny new problem

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

One of the things that I find incredibly frustrating is doctors who do not think much of themselves. There seems to a glut of chiropractors out there who aren't doing very well in practice but could be very easily. They simply need to decide.

The problem is, they're not reaching as many people as they could be. They are not reaching and saving the lives of as many children in their community as they could be saving ‑‑ and that is the real shame. And, of course, the medical‑pharmaceutical industry loves this!

Think of what could be worse than a chiropractor not living to his or her potential ("Pass the Tylenol, honey, or the Prednisone, or the Ritalin, or the whole armamentarium of choice chemicals to make the lives of all us poor slobs so much better!") Right!

Listen, we're the only ones who stand in the way of total pharmaceutical domination of the planet. So will you create a bang in your life, or a whimper? Will future chiropractors one day say, "He made a difference ‑‑ she was awesome," or will they wonder who you were? The choice is yours.

Many interns at college look to their senior mentors about to graduate with a degree of awe. And here's what the majority of these future doctors tell their runners‑up: "Life's tough." "Can't get new patients to fill my grad requirements." "Patients quit." Etc.

And of course, once they graduate, these new doctors repeat this mantra: "I can't get new ones, the bills are piling up, income's low, people quit care when their insurance runs out, don't expect much, life's tough, it's not a joy ride, you may need a part‑time job." Many college professors join this lamenting group.

Then, guess what happens? Your life does become tough, you can't get new ones, bills do pile up ...and you're looking for a part‑time job. See. You've just run the preview of your coming attractions! This prophesy becomes your reality and you join in teaching others the same things you have been taught.

And you think this is Life!

Is there some comfort derived from lamenting about how bad things are with your friends who are in the same situation? Is there some safety in being able to openly talk about your shiny new problem? Is it more comfortable and reassuring to talk with other doctors about how no one is really getting anywhere and all are stuck at that same survival level?

There is reality in these words. Some doctors get comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones not winning this game, that others are also struggling. Safety in numbers. It can be compared to a patient having an "every‑day morning headache." It almost makes it okay. Almost.

Have I missed anything?

Let me tell you something. When I was at college, I experienced the same thing. But, I decided that being in the outpatient clinic was a wonderful opportunity to make all sorts of mistakes ‑‑ to learn to practice. So, when I graduated, I had some 1,400 adjustments under my belt, and around 400 new patients. Most of them were under 10 years old ‑‑ this in 1976, a time when chiropractors simply did not see children. I had no stops in my life. I was on fire. And eventually I developed the top children's and family practice in North America ‑‑ and that is what I teach.

The thing is, you can do this also. You simply need to decide that this is something you want with your whole being, and that this is something you are going to have. Period. Never look back! And don't check with your friends. Follow your heart and follow your dream, and just do it!

I have to tell you this. There's a wonderful feeling you get in your heart when you hold a mother's face in your hands as she's thanking you for helping her child with her asthma. Or, holding a baby in your hands that you've been fortunate to have turned from a breech presentation. Or, hearing from a patient that her colitis is gone...thanks to you! Or, holding hands with a senior citizen and letting those hands speak to you of a life lived, of hard work, of fear, of victories earned, and of love.

And you let these moments pass you by because you are too consumed with fear and survival to notice. Not okay!

You need to realize that you are amazing. You do magic with your hands. You turn on Life! There's not another being on the planet that does what you do. And that is incredible! Think of this for a moment: You are unique and you have amazing power in those hands ‑‑ use it wisely!

For those who are still not convinced, please pick up a copy of "The Secret" and watch it. And watch "Rocky III." You can also read Wayne Dyer's books, "There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem" and "Inspiration." Attend a few seminars in philosophy and learn why these appendages dangling at both sides of you are simply magical!

Here's what I'm asking you to do. Decide that you've had enough. Decide that you were not meant to eke out some meager existence, that you became a chiropractor to help as many as you can ‑‑ including yourself! That you were meant for better things. That you want to be a better provider for your family and a better doctor. You just need to let go of some things that you have been telling yourself ‑‑ they may not be true. Embrace yourself and look at the wonderful being that is you!

See, you did it! And you're beginning to feel a bit better already. Good!

Talk with you next time.

(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.)