Alum Column: How to Serve your Community Sustainably
We asked NWHSU alum and successful chiropractor Juneau Robbins, DC, to write a column about how to serve your community sustainably. He shared important, practical advice:
For many healthcare providers, serving others is at the heart of our profession and often defines who we are. I consider it a privilege to share these strategies for sustainable community service and business success. They have helped me, and helped uplift the diverse communities and patient populations I have served over the past 25 years.
Anyone can be great, because anyone can serve.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
#1: Build Trust Through Community Engagement
Engagement is major key to building trust within any community. By actively participating in community events, or even hosting community events, you can establish rapport and show that you genuinely care about your patients and community. Familiarity fosters comfort and building rapport with people fosters familiarity. Collaborating with local schools, faith communities, community organizations, and other local businesses can amplify your reach and resources.
#2: Foster a Culturally Competent Environment
Taking time to learn and understand the cultural backgrounds, traditions, likes and dislikes of your patient base is crucial. This is important for staff as well as healthcare providers. By creating an inclusive environment, different demographic groups will feel more comfortable in your presence. Ultimately leading to better patient compliance, improved treatment outcomes, and more referrals.
#3: Implement Sliding Scale Fees
Everybody deserves quality healthcare. A sliding fee scale based on income or ability to pay can make healthcare more accessible for low-income patients. It’s important to know the laws where you practice to make sure this strategy is implemented ethically and legally. By treating every patient as equal and helping more patients access excellent care, this will ultimately result in increased referrals of many different kinds of patients.
#4: Be Personable and Approachable
NWHSU students visiting Dr. J at his North Minneapolis clinic
People gravitate toward doing business with people they like. This is true in most forms of business, and especially for healthcare providers. One of the greatest compliments you may receive is when a patient says, “Thank you for speaking to me, not at me.” Avoid conveying a superior attitude or being condescending in your dealings. This will foster a more collaborative and respectful patient-provider relationship beneficial to all.
#5: Instill a Higher Vision
Striving to spark and nurture visions of higher potential innately fosters feelings of self-empowerment in people. When patients are encouraged to see stronger, more empowered versions of themselves, they are more likely to take charge of their health and well-being. By embracing a healthier self-image, individuals can transform their lives and contribute more meaningfully to those around them. This shift not only benefits individuals but also positively impacts and serves communities in which they live, work, and play.
By authentically implementing one or more of these tips, healthcare providers can lead and grow with creativity and compassion, ensuring their presence in community contributes to healthier, more sustainable futures for all.
Juneau Robbins, DC ‘96 is an award-winning Chiropractor, Author, Speaker, and Teacher of Wellness & Empowerment Strategies that inspire, uplift, and create results. Dr. Robbins is originally from Toronto. He has been in private practice for 27 years in the Twin Cities, with offices in North Minneapolis and Bloomington.
