April 2006, Vol. 16, No. 2

Table of Contents

CCE Recognition by USDE Set to Expire • CCE Response Spurs Follow-up Complaint • Differentiating Neuromuscular from Musculoligamentous Subluxation • Chiropractic Pioneer Passes Away • Early Life Infections Improve the Function of the Immune System • European Spine Journal Publishes PosturePrint® Study • ICA Defending Chiropractic from PT's • Immunization • Letters to the Editor • Life University Teaches CBP® as an Elective • The Ineffectiveness of Over Accommodating • Parker College and Seminars Begin Celebration Preparations • PosturePrint® Used to Determine Stability of Upright Posture • CBP® Hits 91 Publications • Thanks for Helping Your Local HMO Grow! • The Perfect Chiropractic Storm • Three Keys to Practice Success • Building Wealth Securely: Maintenance, Not Pain Relief •

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The Perfect Chiropractic Storm

by R. J. Hammett, DC

Dr. Hammett is a chiropractor in private practice in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After graduating from Life College in 1979, he completed several post-graduate programs in Physical Impairments, Diagnostic Imaging and Rehabilitation. He completed his Juris Doctor in 1995. He has written articles for several Journals and has lectured to numerous Chiropractic groups on the topics of Practice Management and Risk Prevention.

Dateline: December 2005 — The sound you hear is whining and crying. The sound comes from ... Chiropractors across the country.

           The sound you hear is one of disappointment and desperation. This time of year and again in April, Chiropractors look back at statistics of their practices; they look at their goals, their bills, their family and stuff they have. They try to decide if this year was better, worse or the same. They determine their self worth from an unusual place for a Chiropractor, the outside in. So, how were your 2005? What’s the one thing that comes to mind first, thinking of 2005? If you’re the average Chiropractor, I’ll bet it’s not your patients. In fact, your patients are probably called “The Practice”. The above average Chiropractor think s differently, that’s why they’re above average. Their practices are bigger, see and help more people, have more staff, have more profit, they just have more.

           The reason? These strange Chiropractors think of their patients at the end of the year, in fact everyday. They think of ways of improving the care they render to their patients, they reap daily information on ways to improve their patients’ health; they attend seminars, like CBP(r) to improve their ability to detect and correct subluxation. At the end of the year, these strange Chiropractors, a very small group of average chiropractors think about the patients they have helped and also the ones they didn’t, and what they can do to improve themselves. They think in terms of better “Doctoring”. They think of ways of attracting and helping those patients who would never consider chiropractic care, you know patients without “Backaches”. Patients with limited or no insurance, patients who need what an above average Chiropractor can provide. So what were you thinking about at the end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006?

           You see, it’s all about focus, intention and belief. When I graduated Life College in 1979, I was told quite clearly if I wasn’t serving one hundred patients a day, I was failing my community and Chiropractic. This was belief I accepted and still accept today. My intention in 1979 was to change the world’s view on health, from drugs and surgery to health comes from within. I admit I’m older and a bit beaten up, but I still believe in my intention. My focus has always been on what I can do to improve my patients’ health and educating them about preventing disease. This, as I’m sure you are well aware of, is frustrating at best. So, how you think is how you will eventually become, the truest statement ever spoken.

           In January of 2007, what will you be focused upon? Will you be average or above average? It’s really all up to you. You see Chiropractic practice and you are all an inside job. Doctor, heal thyself first... then, the world one patient at a time.