In this episode of Inside Chiropractic, Dr Marcello, Dr Oz, Dr Edwina, and Dr Liz reflect on their own experiences as associates—and what truly made those roles valuable.

From clinical growth to communication skills, systems, mentorship, and real-world exposure, this conversation highlights the key elements that shaped their careers and helped them transition into successful clinic owners.

Inside this episode:

• The importance of clear expectations and structure
• Why mentorship and consistent feedback are non-negotiable
• How different practice environments accelerate growth
• The role of autonomy vs guidance in developing confidence
• Why uncomfortable situations often create the biggest breakthroughs
• What associates should prioritise beyond just income
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) that actually matter

Whether you’re a chiropractic student, new grad, current associate, or clinic owner, this episode outlines what to look for—and what to build—when it comes to creating a high-quality associateship.

In this episode of Inside Chiropractic, the team tackles a common but rarely discussed concern—especially among students and new grads: “Why don’t I feel as excited about chiropractic as everyone else?”

Inspired by a real conversation with a chiropractic student, this episode explores:

• Whether it’s normal to not feel “rah rah” about chiropractic early on
• The difference between belief, understanding, and personality
• Why chiropractic often doesn’t fully “click” until years into practice
• How experience, results, and exposure shape your enthusiasm
• The role of philosophy, communication, and real patient outcomes
• Why comparing yourself to more experienced chiropractors is misleading

The conversation also highlights a key truth: enthusiasm isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some chiropractors are loud and expressive, while others are quiet and deeply grounded—but both can be equally effective.

If you’re a student or early in your chiropractic journey and questioning whether you “fit,” this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and direction.

In this episode of Inside Chiropractic, the team dives deep into imposter syndrome—what it is, how it shows up in practice, and why it affects so many chiropractors at every stage of their career.

You’ll hear real experiences and practical insights on:

• Why confidence drops when you enter real-world practice
• The link between communication, clinical certainty, and self-doubt
• How imposter syndrome shows up in recommendations, patient care, and leadership
• The role of philosophy and understanding chiropractic at a deeper level
• How to separate yourself from patient outcomes and reduce pressure
• Practical ways to build confidence—from seminars to real-world reps

This episode is especially valuable for new grads and early-career chiropractors, but even experienced practitioners will recognise these patterns.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “not good enough” or questioned whether you should be in practice, this conversation will help you reframe that—and give you tools to move forward with more certainty.

In this episode of Inside Chiropractic, Dr Marcello, Dr Oz, Dr Edwina, and Dr Liz introduce themselves and share their unique journeys through chiropractic—across different countries, practice styles, and stages of life.

From there, the conversation shifts into the reality of the first few years in practice—something rarely spoken about openly.

They break down the common struggles new grads face:

• Low confidence despite years of study
• Empty appointment books and uncertainty around growth
• Challenges with communication and patient retention
• Not fully understanding what chiropractic really is
• Feeling like you’re the only one struggling

The team also shares what actually helped them move forward:

• The role of mentorship and coaching
• Why communication is often the missing link
• How philosophy and clarity create confidence
• The importance of systems and guidance early on

If you’re a chiropractic student, new grad, or early in your career, this episode will help you understand that what you’re experiencing is normal—and more importantly, how to start moving forward.

From managing your energy in practice to building routines that support long-term performance, this conversation is all about what happens outside the adjustment room — and why it matters just as much as what happens inside it.

We cover:

• The impact of caffeine, nutrition, and recovery
• How to structure your day for focus and energy
• Training vs recovery (and where most people get it wrong)
• Building present time consciousness in practice
• Morning routines, journaling, and mental preparation
• Why your body is your business card
• The importance of switching off and avoiding burnout

If you got value from this episode, make sure you follow the podcast and share it with another chiropractor or student.

If you’re a chiropractor looking for a job, this gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what practice owners are really thinking during the hiring process.

And if you’re a clinic owner, this episode will help you avoid costly hiring mistakes and build a stronger, more aligned team.

We cover:

• Why your “why” for hiring matters
• The biggest red flags in interviews
• What separates average associates from great ones
• The importance of purpose, passion, and alignment
• How to identify someone who can actually show up when it counts

If you got value from this episode, make sure you follow the podcast and share it with someone in the profession.

Your first job can shape your entire career and getting it wrong can lead to stress, burnout, or even leaving the profession altogether.

We unpack what to actually look for in a clinic, the biggest red flags to avoid, and how to choose an associateship that sets you up for long-term success.

We cover:

• Why your first associateship matters more than you think
• The biggest mistakes new grads make
• What to look for beyond technique or money
• Red flags in job offers and clinic structure
• Different pay models (contractor vs wage vs hybrid)
• Why mentorship and growth matter more than salary early on

If you got value from this episode, make sure you follow the podcast and share it with another chiropractor or student.

Summary
Join Dr. Marcello Manteit, Dr. Oz, and Dr. Eddie as they share practical chiropractic life hacks covering patient flow, self-care, clinic setup, and work-life boundaries. Perfect for early-career chiropractors looking to optimize their practice and personal well-being.

Key  Topics
Clinic flow optimization
Self-care and boundary setting
Patient communication and scripting

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Chiropractic Life Hacks
00:56 Managing Food and Snacks During Practice
02:01 Clinic Snacks and Beverage Choices
03:03 Clinic Fridge and Milk Management
04:05 Eating and Breath Management on Shift
05:33 Clinic Flow and Patient Scheduling
07:20 Flow Optimization and Downtime Strategies
08:42 Post-Shift Rituals and Mental Breaks
10:07 Clinic Setup and Organization
12:21 Using Scripting and Analogies in Practice
14:25 Handling Common Objections with Analogies
15:43 Importance of Regular Adjustments
18:16 Nature-Inspired Analogies for Healing
20:26 Balancing Practice and Personal Life
21:32 Setting Boundaries to Switch Off
23:18 Managing Relationships and Practice Boundaries
24:54 Rituals and Rewards After a Big Day
26:52 Maintaining Identity as a Chiropractor
28:15 Talking About Practice Outside Work
29:16 Final Tips and Episode Wrap-Up

Summary
In this conversation, Edwina Waddell and Dr. Marcello Manteit discuss the challenges faced by new graduates in the chiropractic field, including financial pressures, emotional struggles, and the journey of professional development. They reflect on their own experiences, the importance of mentorship, and how reframing fear as excitement can lead to a more fulfilling practice. The discussion emphasizes the need for patience and self-compassion during the early years of practice, as well as the value of building a supportive community.

Takeaways

• The first few years in practice can feel overwhelming.
• Financial pressures are a significant concern for new grads.
• Comparing oneself to experienced practitioners can lead to frustration.
• Emotional turmoil is a common experience for new graduates.
• Mentorship can help navigate early career challenges.
• Expect to struggle and learn during the initial years.
• Building a patient base takes time and experience.
• Feeling safe and secure in practice improves performance.
• Reframing fear as excitement can enhance the experience.
• Enjoying the journey is crucial for long-term success.

Chapters
00:00 Navigating Early Career Challenges
11:32 The Emotional Journey of New Graduates
17:15 Reframing Fear as Excitement

Summary
In this conversation, Edwina Waddell and Dr. Marcello Manteit discuss the challenges faced by new chiropractic graduates as they transition from university to practice. They explore the misconceptions taught in academic settings, particularly the idea that being a good practitioner alone will attract patients. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding patient care beyond just alleviating pain, the need for continuous learning, and the value of building a supportive community among chiropractors. They also address the tendency to judge different chiropractic practices and the necessity of keeping an open mind to learn from diverse approaches.

Takeaways

• The transition from university to practice can be challenging.
• Being a good practitioner is not enough to attract patients.
• Real-world practice often differs significantly from academic teachings.
• Patient care should focus on overall health, not just pain relief.
• Continuous learning is essential for professional growth.
• Building a supportive community among chiropractors enhances practice satisfaction.
• Judgment of different practices can limit learning opportunities.
• Open-mindedness is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Understanding patient care requires looking beyond academic studies.
• Networking with peers can provide valuable insights and support.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Real-World Challenges in Chiropractic Practice
02:50 Misconceptions from University Education
05:34 The Reality of Patient Care and Healing
08:15 Shifting Perspectives: From Pain to Holistic Care
11:23 Learning from Peers and Expanding Horizons
13:57 Overcoming Judgment and Embracing Diversity in Practice
16:56 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Chiropractic
19:38 Building a Supportive Network for New Graduates