Split shifts, by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Wednesday, June 17th 2009

Warm hellos to everyone!

Christie wrote a THOT on this issue a few weeks ago - I thought that I
would expand on it a little:

There seems to be an infestation in the Chiropractic world that has a large
segment of doctors adopting the work day which is some 12 hours in
length - and is split into two!

And when it is suggested that they should curtail their day, that suggestion
is often met with fierce opposition bristling with excuses.  Where did this
attitude come from?

Did you just wake up one day and decide that it is more fun to spend time
away from your family? That your wife/husband can raise the munchkins on
 her own? That it's fun to take a 3-4 hour lunch each day and stress out your
staff all to hell because they happen to believe that there's life beyond you?
Or is it that you like the idea of having part-time staff to handle all your weird hours?

...Or do you do this because of fear?  Fear that if you're not open every hour
to the convenience of all the people in your community,  you may miss that
one patient who just may stumble into your office.
And that is the real reason isn't it? Now we're getting warm!

So, let's deal with this so that you may glean a different perspective:
I have to be emphatic and shout out that you need to practice with the idea
that people need you, you do not need them! But, that is not what I see. No.
Doctors cut corners, override their staff, and do anything they can to lure that
potential patient into their office - including having ridiculous hours - and playing
carpet for their patients.

Let me give you an example:
Some doctors start at 10:00 am, work till 12:30 and then take lunch until 3:30-4:00 pm.
Then they are back until 7-8-9:00pm. Their staff must love them.
And here's the excuse - "But Dr. Ogi, my patients can't come in unless we're open
when they are able to come." I like that one.
OR, "Dr. Ogi, you don't understand. My patients are working. They just can't take time off work."
That's a good one also!
How about this one: "Dr. Ogi, you don't understand my situation. I have to be
very careful because they may leave and go see someone else." That one is one of my favourites!

Lighten up!
You need to realize that you are where you are because you are where you are!
What?
That's right!

Your attitude is one of scarcity and low self-esteem. So you tend to be a carpet for
everyone in the hope that they will continue to see you.

Let me say this emphatically:
You can train your patients to do whatever you need them to do!
When I was in practice, my 2:00 pm was as busy as my 5:00 pm. And so was my 9:30 am.
And my 12:15 pm. My staff were trained to have patients scheduled at times
that were convenient for us. Not the other way.
Why?
My family is important to me - I'd like to see them occasionally!

Here's the other important point: When people start to see you as the best
(because you are) they will make their lives fit your available times. Period.

Why?
Because they want what you have. You become sought after!
...And that is the best practice to have.

...And I just happen to teach this on my Program. Isn't that a coincidence? Amazing!

So, if these words have struck you and you'd like to practice at a different level,
please call me.

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel