Last trimester, National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) hostedalumnusJeffGarofalo, DC’ 02, topresentcommon practicemistakes new graduates make and valuable tips for building a successful chiropracticmedicinecareer.
Since graduating from NUHS,Dr.Garofalohas built and sold two successful practices. He is nowthe founder and CEO ofMidwest Disc Clinic in Northwest, Ind.thatspecializesin chiropractic focused disc injuries.Additionally, he is the author of “Never Look Back:A Simple Guide to the Causes and Cares for BackPain.”
Inhis presentation, Dr. Garofalo outlined threecommonmistakes thatcanhindersuccess whenrunninga practice.In contrast,hefocused onsharingthreevaluabletips thathelped him buildhis businessfrom the ground up and achieve real success.
He describesthatthe key components of successincludetime,effortand decision making.
Becomingan Expert
Dr. Garofaloidentifiedthe firstcautionascommitting to beinga generalist chiropractic physicianonly.Heencouragedstudents tochoosea niche anddevelopexpertisein that areato broadentheirperspective and reach.
“You’re going to want to help everything because most people are taught that the more you can help, the more successful you’ll be,” Dr. Garofalo said. “Pickonespecialty and putall ofyour time,energyand resources into it.”
In 2019, Dr. Garofalo decided to specialize in disc injuries. Since then,patients havetraveledacross state lines to seekhiscare,andhis practice hasachieved30% annual growth.
Strive forClinical Excellence
Dr. Garofalo emphasized that an important aspectofsuccessis becoming clinically excellent.Hestressed thatlacking this quality inyourself,your team and your practice is a mistake that can cost yousignificanttimeand money.
“People travel from all over the United States and Canadatocome see usbecause of our clinicalexcellence,” Dr. Garofalo said. “NUHS will give you a fantastic startto achieving this goal aftergraduation.”
While there are many approaches toreach clinicalexcellence, he followsthe holisticmedicineapproachof gettinga diagnosis first and thenforminga treatment planspecific to each patient.
Know Who You Are-Business OwnerorTeamPlayer
After graduating,it’simportant torecognizethat DCshavevarious career path options. Starting a businessisn’tfor everyone, and Dr. Garofaloidentifiesthisas the thirdcommonstruggle forgraduates.
“Between now and the time you graduate, you need to understand who you are. What I mean by that isthatyou will have two options:are you builtto be abusiness owner,or would youlike tobe a part of an amazing team where you arevalued and part of a mission?” Dr. Garofalo said.
After two decades, Dr. Garofaloremainsaspassionateabout his workas ever.He shares that he was designedto beboth abusiness owner andachiropractic physician. Headvisesstudents toensure they truly feel called to runtheir own business before startingapractice, aspursuing it without that certainty could end uppulling their efforts and funds in the wrong direction.For those confident in their direction toward ownership, headvisesthey commit fullyand confidently.
Tosupporthis alma mater, Dr. Garofaloinvitedstudentstoparticipateinhispractice’sweekly grand rounds, aiming to share hisexpertisewithcurrent and future NUHS students.
Learn how NUHS can shape your future in chiropractic care by exploringourDoctor of Chiropractic Medicine program.
