The Water Cooler: Tips for New DCs
Dr. Perkes, why does it seem like you have new faces around here every year? What ever happened to Whatshisface and Whoshername?
Robert Perkes, DC
It is exciting news that there is a new chiropractic college in Washington state. But did you know that there has been chiropractic education going on in Washington for years? It has been going on in individual clinics and offices for as long as we have been a profession.
Chiropractic needs professionals to pass on the art and science of chiropractic. Our education system lacks a formal residency program. We ask our young DCs to head into practice and a healthcare world that is ever more difficult to navigate. There is a system that allows us to help bridge the gap in their education.
The Washington state legislature allows practicing DCs to become Preceptors and host student DCs in their clinics. There are rules and an application process but the requirements are minimal and easy to meet. A small application fee with a few papers to sign and forms to fill out.
Your appointment as a Preceptor from the state lasts a year and several students can learn in your clinic during that time. The commitment to the student is usually only a few weeks or months depending on their availability and clinic experience.
There are some legalities you need to be aware of when hosting a student. They aren’t a locum tenens and can’t work independently. You can’t schedule a vacation or take long lunches on the golf course. You are required to be onsite when they have any patient interaction. Legally, they can not be paid to work in your clinic. They are protected and insured as students, not employees.
I have had the pleasure of hosting four students in my clinic. They have all been the same and different. These young DCs are
confident yet nervous, and capable but incompetent. They have all brought infectious energy to the practice.
Hosting a student has forced me to improve my skills as a practitioner. My exams improve and my patient education and explanations are much more thorough. The simple explanations no longer work when an eager young expert seeks knowledge and understanding.
The Preceptor relationship requires some sacrifice but the arrangement isn’t all one sided. My practice has never been busier than when I am hosting a student. The energy they bring to the clinic excites our staff and patients while extra hands frees me up to see more patients while they do the rough drafts of my exams and re-evaluations.
The Preceptor relationship has also allowed me to test drive potential associates. Some of them have joined our practice and I have been able to help others find good relationships and opportunities elsewhere. We still talk and I have provided an experienced ear even after they leave my office.
You aren’t limited to being preceptors for the new school. All chiropractic colleges offer the opportunity to students who have met the requirements. A quick email or call will get you on the list and students can reach out to you.
There will be a large influx of new and excited chiropractors in Washington from the new school. They will be our future colleagues and friends. We need good field docs to pass along the wisdom and training that our years have given to us. The benefits to the profession and the public will be great.
Ple x us F e b/Mar c h 2023 7
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