Dear Doctor:
It was an honor to serve as Commencement Speaker at the Palmer West graduation ceremony this past weekend. Looking into these new doctors’ eyes, I saw the gamut of emotions, from relief to hope, from fear and insecurity to optimism and passion, just what you might expect under the circumstances.
Do you remember your feelings when you first embarked on this chiropractic journey? I was ready to take on the world, to get the message out to as many people as possible. At the time, almost three decades ago, my quest was clear – teach all who came into my sphere of influence about the miraculous benefits chiropractic is famous for.
To my amazement, I found some to be enthusiastic in embracing my story, and others who couldn’t care less. Coming from the cloistered environment of chiropractic college, where everyone around spoke the language, it was a culture shock to realize the under-informedness of the public. I longed for a time of better awareness, which I knew would lead to better acceptance and utilization of our wonderful healing art.
Well, looking around, I guess there’s been some progress, but I certainly would have hoped for more. I can’t help feeling that we haven’t done enough to alert people to the scourge of nerve interference and the advantages of regular spinal health care. Since we don’t have drug companies or toothpaste manufacturers to tout our services, we’re just going to have to do it ourselves – and that means increasing our numbers.
Besides communicating to patients and prospective patients, it’s critically important that we support our schools. Many are struggling, and they need our help, not only with contributions, but with referrals. It is our responsibility to direct students toward the schools of our choice. If you are grateful for the opportunity to practice, it is part of your commitment to help our brightest and best young people select a career in chiropractic.
Surely you have family, neighbors, and patients who would make terrific chiropractors. Be generous enough and savvy enough to share your experiences, and put chiropractic on the map for these kids. If each chiropractor sent one student per year, the schools would have more than enough enrollment – and that ensures a solid future, not only for these students, but for the health consumers that will capitalize on their services.
Refer students to chiropractic college -- in doing so, you expand your impact and make a bigger difference for your community and beyond.
Dennis Perman DC, for The Masters Circle
PS The Masters Circle SuperConference features the best speakers in chiropractic – for more information or to register, call 800-451-4514, or visit themasterscircle.com.
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