Digest Number 1163: What does it take to make it in this business?

[Guest guest]

What does it take to make it in this business?

 

What are the qualities that it takes to make it as a TCM doc? By " make

it " I mean to make at least a middle class income for your area, have a

steady flow of patients, get reasonably quick results with patents and

be happy with one's chosen profession for more than 5 years.

 

How would you rate the importance of the following areas in this regard?

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In order:

1) A deep caring and ability to connect with patients.

2) Ability to communicate with patients about the medicine, being a

good educator.

3) Excellent command of the medicine, having a strong academic

understanding of OM.

4) Ability to get quick and accurate diagnosis thus achieving quick

results.

5) Being centered, grounded and full of abundant Qi and vitality.

6) Being truly passionate and driven regarding OM.

 

With this combination you do not have to be a business orientated person to

be a success! and i'm proof!! <haha>

 

It took 3 years to grow a consistent practice all by word of mouth. I never

advertised, and am still not listed in the phone book, my teacher told me that

all that mattered was doing good work; the patients would come, he was right.

I see 50 patients aweek (it could be more if I allowed it, but I will not go

against my boundaries). I must admit in those first years, I was thrilled when

i had one patient a week. It felt like a success! To be able to help ONE

person AND that they actually did what I told them to do was amazing! It made

my heart sing when the medicine worked before my eyes. The focus was always on

the patient. And if asked how my practice ws going, my answer always was

positive - because I was doing what I loved to do. When I became an

acupuncturist in the early 80's, NO ONE was going into the practice for the

money or as a

career. We struggled to learn the medicine, because we were drawn to it,

intrigued by the philosophy....it was due to a passion for the work alone.

 

I hear the complaint that there are no jobs for acupuncturists. Well if you

want to be part of the evolution of this medicine as a profession - then

create them. Really what do you expect? There was no PROFESSION at all just 30

years ago, no license, no exam...nada. This is a place for pioneers and folks

with passion. That's how it got this far this quickly! I have colleagues who

work in hospitals, not because there were job aplications..but because they

forced their way in and proved their relevance. This is your opportunity to

create the situation of your dreams, because anything is possible. Ya gotta

think outta the box and be brave. Otherwise might as well become a PT or OT- at

least there will be jobs waiting

 

The secret to a successful private practice? Care about your patients more

than the money. Educate your patients about . They need to

understand that it is a therapy, it is a way to remain in balance. Just because

a problem is " fixed " doesn't mean that the relationship is over. If you

encourage your patients to become more self aware, they will " feel " when they

begin

to start accumulating more stress or " hear " the subtle cues of their system

losing it's integrity. Many of my patients have been with me for 18 years and

longer. I help keep them healthy, over the years this has grown into treating

entire families and networks of friends with the attended gift of being a

part of many births and deaths. Some patients come once a month, some every two

m

onths some just as the seasons change (always their decision, unless there is

a problem and of course then they will be treated intensively until

homeostasis is acheived.). With this type of relationship we can see the first

signs

of disease and correct them, allowing us to serve our patients in the best

manner possible.

 

humbly offered old timers 2 cents,

robbee fian