The Hermit

I was speaking with a 2nd Year D.O. student yesterday about my ND practice, and the last thing I said has really stuck with me - I have had to move very slowly into this new practice in Maine in order to stay current with my own inner ethical voice of guidance and boundaries. It has been in my nature to act and react according to what I think I should do - for ego, for others, for many reasons. It has not been my practice to sit quietly with myself, and to act according to what I know is true for me. This, I strive towards.

Coming to a new practice, a new career, and a new sense of self I have been given the opportunity to both make the same mistakes, and to have learned from them. So far, i have done a bit of both! Still,  there are some distinct situations I can see where I have followed my gut instincts and made the right decision (that I would not have made 5 years ago.) It means that I am unfolding my professional identity and practice here at a slower pace; however, I know exactly why and I have the patience, the respect, and the gratitude for the leaps that will come once these baby steps are made.

Shutes and Ladders

All the time I spent dreaming of leaving Toronto, I promised myself I would only take a lateral career step. I had visions of salaries and benefits, and I vowed I would never start to build a practice from scratch again. Having built a clinic from scratch in 2000, I knew that building a new practice is a long, hard, ruthless job paid by faith and hope - and a few other virtues - and not much else. Well, here I am, at an brand new beginning. (And although I do have a salary with benefits on the way, its not what I would call a lateral shift)

What I did not account for was the radical repositioning that literally starting again entails. Having wiped all of the previous equations from my slate, I retained the knowledge, but left behind all previous suppositions. And, I suspect this is part of the plan. Learning from past mistakes means that I have another chance here, to build the career I want. And, not from scratch, but with a new set of rules, fresh eyes, some experience, and a dash of wisdom.

I have plans. Dreams. Visions. Needs, even. Desires. Career dreams that couldn't not be met given my previous position. And, I am taking steps towards them. Upward career movement. Ladder climbing steps that, when taking one by one feel painful and small. In fact, I currently feel more like I have fallen down a shute rather than climbed any ladder.  I have been sent back to GO - without $200. And yet: with an eye on the prize.... I know in my heart of hearts that I am getting somewhere even if I've looped around to something that feels like the beginning. The past can't be erased and my knowledge and experience is just that: A life lived, wisdom gained. And lessons learned.

More Cutty / Less House

Forced to take stock of my revenue generating skills and qualifications, I have realized that I have superior organizational skills. Process design, systems review, file maintenance, inventory.... I take secret delight in making sure things run smoothly behind the scenes. After all, a good doctor is only as good as her organization.

May 20, 2011

Well, if the world is going to end tomorrow, I sure am glad I moved to Maine.

Portland has the most beautiful trees. Its a symphony of sniffs here as first, in early April, the city mulched every inch of public garden space. It created a gorgous rich contrast of the early greens to its black loam. And, at first I loved the rich cedary smell. After the first ten days of fog, I started to notice the manure component a bit more... Still, something seems to be working because the trees lining the streets are heavy with pink and white blossoms. Its like the city I always wished I lived in: magnolia, cherry, chokecherry, crabapple, apple blossoms, and more I havent identified yet. The sun hasnt shown much of her face, but my face doesnt mind. Im looking forward to the heat of summer, like a surprise birthday party I'm secretly in on the planning of.

Work at Akari has been lovely. The space is beautiful and the staff has been welcoming and supportive. In fact, I couldn't have come this far without them! Its been and continues to be a marketing adventure as I learn how to define, promote, and create myself. What really is my passion in medicine? What is it that best exemplifies my practice as a Naturopathic Doctor? How can I translate what is best about me to the public, so I can attract them to my office. This, I am still working on.

John Jantsch in Duct Tape Marketing says its best to be a big fish in one specialty rather than a little fish swimming in a big sea. Its harder than it sounds. Women's health is the obvious big fish for me - and yet I feel drawn to anxiety, IBS, digestive disorders, hepatitis..... maybe its the Naturopath in me balking at having to formally commit to one area, when its the person I am treating, not their gender or disease. This is work I will continue to do - stepping back, looking at the picture, gazing in, looking at the results. Stepping back, looking at the big picture; gazing in, feeling the results.

Tiny Blossoms

I did it!! I am officially living by the sea. When I walk our adorable blind pug in the morning, I can see the harbor down in the old port of Portland. Happy!

I am in week three of my new job. I like that I have learned something after 11 years of owning a business: networking is working for me. Friends led to work connections led to Doctor connections which are opening doors and secret chambers as fast as I can say open sesame. Fingers Crossed this will soon lead to patients, and paychecks. The work environment here has been quite supportive, and I am grateful. Several employees have come to see me to learn more about what I do, and to get help on their own roads to wellness. I have had a magnificent facial and a signature pedicure during office hours - internal networking at its finest! My alma matter for college is finally proving a valuable resource, and after meeting a fellow classmate for lunch I am going to "The Best of Portland" party tonight for the paper he works at.

Change was terribly hard. I will not lie and say any different. There have been dark moments, and many tears, and some sickness from the stress of it all. I feel blessed for all the love and support and kind words coming from so many directions. I feel like a tiny blossom on a fruit tree - still struggling against the cold winds but bravely flowering, full of promise for the seasons ahead.

Transitional Space

I had planned on letting this blog die a natural death, but it seems Im still drawn to it. Perhaps as a transitional place to account for my own path and progress - which is  a bit personal - but after all perhaps that's the point of a blog.  My website www.thewrightdoctor.com is the place for articles and such. Here, to Muse. 

The sale of my clinic and practice is confirmed. Lisa Knapper ND will be taking over my patient files and 50% of 360 Health Care. I like her. She graduated in 2009 and has been practicing since then. She also works at the Big Carrot Dispensary a few days a week. I interviewed several candidates with more experience; however she had the most passion and committment. I intuitively felt she would be the best woman to carry my patients and this business forward another decade. And, I think she and Lisa Watson ND will work well together. 

I have already had my Bermuda Triangle of intense fears and doubts, and have sailed successfully into the open waters of change. February 3rd will be Dr Knapper's first day shadowing me. She will be starting her own clinic day Mondays at 360, and will be with me Tuesdays and Thursdays. I will still be in Fridays on my own. Tuesday March 22 is my last clinic day and then..... High Seas and a Safe Harbor for the Wright Doctor.

Things are moving forward with the move. I have a new candidate for the Clinic. A lovely ambitious young woman with an eye for business and a heart for medicine. Things are still in the very early stages of negotiations, but I am grateful to have found someone who feels appropriate.

Things have been evolving at 360 Health Care as well. This fall has brought many request for psychotherapy, and for the past 2 weeks I have been interviewing potential therapists for our space. As a business woman the goal is to have the rooms at 360 in use as much as possible. As the office manager its always important to find that feeling; the click, the connection, the chemistry between practitioners. I feel more hope and inspiration for our urban medicine oasis than I have felt in a long time. The possibilities for new growth and evolution are so tangible. It is a tough time to leave! And yet, I couldn't leave her with anything less.

Potential Timeline #2:  New practitioner comes in the 2nd week of January for 4 weeks to shadow patients with me, learn the business ropes, and transition her own practice to the space. Valentines day: Goodbye party. End of Feb: Final transitions and move.
March 1st - in like a Lion! (Out like a Lamb.)