Look around your office at the various goods you use every day. You probably don't think about it much, but many of them were designed specifically for your practice. The chiropractic adjusting table you use today is a far cry from what was utilized in the early days of our profession.
Our profession has grown from the days when we were shunned by other health care providers. Today, we are taking our rightful place on the health care team. Part of this growth was facilitated by the equipment we use, the techniques we've developed, and the ancillary products and services we provide our patients.
In many cases, the companies that developed and manufactured our chiropractic products were founded and run by doctors of chiropractic looking for something more than the medical model had produced. They were not content with what was available, so they invested money from their practice to create a nutritional product, software program or posture device to address a specific need their patients presented. Other companies were developed by other health care providers or founded on wellness principles that fit nicely into chiropractic practice. In some cases (such as my own), the company was founded by a DC and handed down to their children.
As the chiropractic convention season begins, you likely will see various vendors at your state and national chiropractic conventions. You will recognize some as having supported this profession for many years. Together, these companies contribute literally millions of dollars each year to our chiropractic colleges and associations. They donate to research, buy booth space and support various efforts by this profession to expand and grow (including the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress advertising campaign).
Money from chiropractic vendors makes a number of things possible in our profession. And while they are working to make their businesses successful, they also are working to make the chiropractic profession successful. In many ways, chiropractic vendors are invested in your future almost as much as you are:
- They listen to your input.
- They study the needs of your patients.
- They work to develop appropriate products, services and techniques.
This all enhances the care you provide. You are a better doctor and your patients are ultimately healthier because of these companies. So, as you pass by the various exhibit booths at the next convention you attend, consider the effort and investment each of these companies has made in our profession.
You may find their products/services are just what you're looking for, or you may not be interested at all. Either way, you should still take a moment to talk with them. Let them know how much you appreciate their support. Help them feel included as more than just a chiropractic vendor, but an actual part of the chiropractic profession.
They are there to help you be more successful. They are there to support you.
DMP Jr.
Click here for more information about Donald M. Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h), Publisher.